I read the book. While I will admit that it was better... I wasn't as enamored with it as the rest of you seem to be. Like ray said, being able to read the thoughts of certain characters was a bonus... but I still think it more or less rotten.
No way would I say that it would actually make a "good" film, even if it would have been a "better" one. No where near ESB territory, in my opinion.
Not trying to argue with anyone- just offering another opinion.