I really enjoyed the book, which was to be expected since I enjoyed the movie. The characterizations are great, different side characters get to Shine where the movie bearly acnoledged them. Im Not giving five Stars because I found the inclusion of Mary unnecesary, and annoying. Puting No Romantik subplot into the movie was a deliberate choice for which I was very thankfull. And the book Just goes to show why the choice was so good. There could have been some more scenes with Courtney and Scott, even though the ones that are there are very nice. Their Friendship is one of my favorite parts of this Story. But beside that my Favorite part of this book is watching Courtney Break, its so fascinating to read, you Always think he's at his lowest, and then the nexst Scene comes, its heardbreaking and I Love it