I'm not sure what's so appealing about the novel. I did finish it though, it's not a very good book. It's fine. It hits the same nostalgia spots as something like Mr. Robot and Stranger Things, both overrated shows imo. The only positive thing i can say about this is that it's built to be a movie. It offers nothing beyond visuals, but thankfully it looks like Spielberg got that part oh so right.