Odd Thomas question

I saw the movie and though it wasn't terrible it was kind of cheesy in parts. As for reading the books - I have tried 5 times to read Odd Thomas and just can't get into it. Maybe I need to force myself to get a little further into the book and it will improve but it is definitely not my favorite of Koontzs' work.

Yes. You should read it. I've already read the first book and I'm on a search in finding the second book.

The books are so much more involved than the movie could ever be. The people are richer and the plots are even more convoluted. I would definitely say that if you like a movie then read the book and see what you were really missing.

My brother who introduced me to the Odd Thomas series wouldn't let me watch the movie till I'd read the first book. The young man who played Odd Thomas in the movie was an excellent choice for the character. He had the right amount of innocence and charm.

I am reading the last Odd Thomas book now...it is a wonderful series.

I saw the movie first and I think it's one of the very rare occasions where the movie is better than the book. Not saying that the book is bad, but the movie definitely added some "oomph" to the story.

Thanks everyone
I have bought the 1st book and am about to start reading it.

I saw the movie recently, and felt it followed the book fairly well. My only complaint was in the portrayal of the bodachs, which did not appear as described in the book. I would still read the book. There is always more to the book than can be shown in the movie, no matter how well the movie follows the book. Many things are more in depth in the book, while there is not enough time to cover it in a movie.

I thought the movie was better than the book. I felt he rambled on in the book. The movie eliminated most of that. The movie followed the book quite well. A few character changes helped to cut the movie to a manageable length. However always read the book first to let your imagination form the characters and surroundings.

Sometimes movies do a good job (like The Green Mile by Stephen King, or Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane) but definitely do not judge the Odd Thomas books by the movie. I don't know if a movie could ever capture the deft manner in which Koontz writes. The books are amazing; I'm going to be very sad when that series ends.

Oh dear, shame you watched the movie first. Films rarely do books justice as we all know. I say rarely as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings we're wonderful movies but this take on the Odd Thomas book is no Peter Jackson or whomever directed Harry Potter movie. This is a fantastic series. Dean Koontz did really well expanding an Odd crazy world. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the film but if you ever consider reading a book that has been made into a movie it will do you justice to read it first and find your own imagery.

**SPOILER AHEAD**

I can't actually remember seeing Elvis in the movie so I'm pretty sure some of the book was cut when made into the movie adaptation!

Like the person above me said - the movie was great but the book was even better. Especially the first book. Please read it!

Never judge a book by its movie! The book was far better. The movie was horrible, imo.

Odd Thomas is a great character! I haven't seen the movie, but I have read four of the books, and I always suggest reading the book even if you think you may know how it ends. There is bound to be countless things the movie missed.

You should always read the books first, Hollywood can really ruin great books and never allows you to use your imagination and the author of most books would like us readers to do.

Juliet wrote: "So I've seen the Odd Thomas movie and I know what happens. I'm not sure if the movie follows the book or if it is completely different. I'm wondering if I should read the books despite knowing what..."

Should you read the books? I have read all the books. I was extremely happy with the way the movie turned out. The movie was great but the books are even better. You couldn't pick a better author than Dean Koontz. He inspired me to be a writer. This also my favorite character he writes about.

Yeah, pretty much what these other people have said so far. I thought the film was good but no way as awesome as the books. Denise, the Elvis thing totally irritated me. It was the part of the book I really enjoyed and makes me wonder how they would explain the other character later on in the series, or if they would just blow that part off as well. Also, as ok as the guy that played Odd Thomas was, I thought the guy that played him in the webisodes was better. He is what I pictured more for the character. Plus, knowing how much I enjoy Stephen Sommers work, I believe he could have put more into the film.

The movie was quite accurate with the book, and was a pretty decent adaptation. As usually happens, the book definitely surpasses the movie, though I did read the book first, so that might be the reason. I have only read the first book, so not sure how the rest of the series plays out, or if they are any good. The first kept my interest throughout and I felt it was well written.

The book is more detailed and Elvis is more amusing. I read four of the books and that was enough for me, they follow much the same formula. Good quick entertainment if you need something while waiting for an appointment or stuck on an airplane.

I thought the movie mostly sucked! But the books are amazing.

Its out on film? How the hell did I miss this? I guess it was a well kept secret.....I hope that is why, and not because I'm crap!