White Oleander?

I just finished reading the book and watching the movie, I personly thought that the movie did not give the book justice. They took out one of Astrids main foster mothers and also Olivia. They did not really get into her mother killing Barry. But most of all they changed the end! Please tell me what you think of both the book and the movie.

White Oleander?
I saw the movie first and read the book second; I thought the movie was great! The movie captured the emotions the book couldn't quite convey, and the book explained a bit more about the movie. A lot of the scenes included more interaction and emotional dialogue and you can clearly see where it leads to, and the book didn't have that. I believe they cut out the foster parent and Olivia because it would've added an element of racial tension, something that could've brought the movie an R-rating and cut down it's audience. They showed the mother and all of her irrationality, and that was more than enough to enlighten the viewer on why Barry may have been killed. I didn't think the ending was changed too much; it still kept with the theme and didn't give Astrid a false ending.
Reply:that movie sucked hard. the book is always better than the movie. remember that. bki
Reply:SHHHHHHH!!! Don't say another word. I am just starting the book and I haven't seen the movie.
Reply:Never read the book, saw the movie. I thought it to be quite disturbing.
Reply:I agree. The book was so good because it was gritty! Astrid sleeping with the husband of the first foster mom (and Cole Hauser in the movie was too young for that part, by the way! I pictured the character as more Billy Bob Thornton); her drug use, her friendship with the prostitute, the dog attack and, didn't they leave out two foster moms? That or they just glossed over one. I dont' remember. Anyway, the movie was just way to watered down to do the book justice, although I felt the actresses (especially Michelle Pfiefer) were very good.
Reply:It has been a long time since I read the book or saw the movie, but I do remember being really disappointed in the movie version. But I always am. Movies never ever do the book version justice. I don't even know why I bother. I much prefer books over tv/movies.
Reply:I agree. I loved the book and was excited to see the movie. But as usual, the movie was a let down in comparison.
Reply:I loved the book very disappointed in the movie
Reply:It's been a while since I watched the movie and even longer since I've read the book. However, I remember being very disappointed about a lot of material being left out of the film. I also never pictured Renee Zellwegger while I was reading the book.
Reply:I liked the book so much I did not want to watch the movie. They usually ruin movies, they give it a Hollywood style ending. Its rare the movie is better or just as good as the book don't you think?