I know you don't read Stephen King, but for the record, I hate movie adaptations of Stephen King novels the most. They usually turn out campy and missing essential bits that give it the creep factor.

I prefer to read the book first. I want my own picture in my head of what the character looks like/speaks like. It feels like a deeper connection to the author. Just as playing a musical piece as conducted by the composer, there's an additional layer of nuance and shared artistry. To me, at least. Some people, maybe they don't get that.

You need to read "The Knife of Never Letting Go." It's a series of three. I shall immediately go and see if I can lend the e-version to you if you'd like. It is an amazing little trilogy. :)

And of course, now I'm going to also check out Howl while I'm there.