Stand by Me : Who here has read the book? Should I read it?

I've always loved this movie but I have never read the original Stephen King book (The Body/Different Seasons). Has anybody here read it? Would you recommend it? I'm curious.

I read it way back, from what I remember they really aren't that much different other than a few scenes. I do remember the book's ending being a lot more bitter sweet though, but I preferred it that way as I think it makes the message hit a lot harder.

I read it and to be honest I like the movie better. The movie is pretty faithful to the novella but there are some important and subtle differences. I recommend you read no only The Body but all of Different Seasons as I enjoyed each of the stories.

Mr. Grady, you were the caretaker here.

It's been a while since I read the book, but if I remember right, the movie is a little "softer" and more sentimental. And the epilogue - i.e. what happened to Gordie's friends - is quite different. I liked it though, definitely worth reading.

The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it.

Yes, get that book, and read the story, The Body, because in that same book, it also has the short novel the shawshank redemption, another great read

You should definately read the book if you are a fan of this movie. You get a more in depth look at the characters and their inner struggles. Also Stephen king does an amazing job writing classic lines that stay with you forever. Truly is a masterpiece

Oh yes, definitely read the novella. It's the most faithful adaptation of a Stephen King writing that I've ever read. There are a few touches here and there that are of course different but that happens with any adapted work. I prefer the films ending compared to the books but it's still a good read.

They STILL make BOOKS???????

Yes read it. Also Shawshank redemption is in the same book

I read the book before I saw the movie, but I have to confess, I prefer the movie. The book meandered a fair bit, going in different directions a few too many times. One in particular I remember is, you know how in the movie we get the story of Lardass Hogan? Well in the book not only do we get that, but we get another story too about a family dispute. And it's a good short story, too good, to the point that as I was reading it I completely forgot about the four kids on their journey, and when I turned the page and it went back to them, I realised how pointless that excerpt was. And it was good, don't get me wrong, but it didn't serve the story in any way. It felt like King was either padding the book's length, or just wanted to say 'look, I can do this'. Congrats King, you can do it can we get back to the point of the plot?
So the book is good, but the movie is just a more streamlined version, which in turn is better. It's like trimming the fat from the overall product. The book is fine, but the movie is the superior cut.

Definitely read the book. It's a good read.

Different Seasons is a great book. This story, Shawshank and 'Apt Pupil' (also a film) are first rate. The fourth isn't as good, but hey. Easily worth anyone's time and money.

Its actually the same tone maybe a little darker. The movie is a faithful adaption. If you like the film, you will like the book.

So did you ever read it yet, OP?

Book: http://geeksteronmovies.blogspot.com/p/the-geekster-guide.html
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