This was one of the very few times that I've read a book that a musical was based on and felt as though I was discovering a new story. It's not that the musical is completely different, but just different enough, especially in regards to certain character points, to make it feel very different. And to be honest, I think I prefer the novel! It's really a wonderful story, and I love the movies that Molina talks about in the book. I understand they couldn't use them all in the show, but it makes for interesting reading! One thing that made the book a bit of a challenge is that it's all written as dialogue with very little (I'm not even sure if there's *any*) narration, and at times it's a little hard to figure out who is talking. But it's really an engrossing piece of work, and I would definitely recommend it. I read it all in one sitting!