This is a well-written, entertaining book. However, my view was inevitably coloured by having seen the movie first… which I still prefer.
I give this book 3/5 stars. It’s a relatively short, entertaining read. However, I’ve seen the film adaptation twice and I think it’s more engaging (credit to David O. Russell). In the movie the characters are more sympathetic and there are a few changes to the plot which I think improve on the original story. Also, the movie dedicates less time to American football and more to some great secondary characters.
Is it worth reading? Yes, particularly if you still haven’t seen the film. Then watch the film – it’s better 🙂
Art and Soul 
I agree, I preferred the movie too, and I think that’s the only time that’s happened!
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I’m glad it’s not just me! 🙂
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I’ve been wondering about this book. I haven’t seen the movie yet, either. Was the book heavy in terms of subject matter?
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Not really. It does tackle mental illness, but approaches these issues in quite a circuitous, light-hearted way. I think you would enjoy the book more if you saw it before the movie. If you see the movie first, you will spend the whole book thinking, “Oh no! But where’s the great sub-plot involving gambling in which Robert de Niro is amazing?!” 🙂
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Ha ha, good to know. I’m awful for comparing books to movies and vice versa. I was a real buzz kill after seeing the first Lord of the Rings movie because I kept going on about all the plot and character differences. (Those books meant a lot to me as a teen.) Cool, thanks for the rec! 😀
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