I watched this movie just after I finished reading the book. So that's the mistake you don't wanna make because the book is so precious and full of emotions and is filled with the tiniest ever possible details that it will just raise your expectations for the movie. The movie does try (emphasis on try) to cover the main parts of the novel but it still feels different (like every other movie based on a novel does). The novel is like a million times better than the movie. Being said that, this movie in itself is amazing and definitely one of my favorites. You will love it even more if you're not coming to watch it after reading the novel. It is one of those movies which leaves you in a trancelike condition, where you don't feel like doing anything for a couple of days except think how painfully beautiful it was. Take my word on this, you won't regret a single second spent watching this masterpiece. And yes, some tissue papers might come in handy.