Kramer vs. Kramer, by Avery Corman

Many people who have thoroughly enjoyed a movie based on a book eventually want to read the book; the same can be said when one has enjoyed a book that has been turned into a movie: it becomes a must see. Some adaptations outshine the books that they are based on, while others don't do the book justice. Some, like the adaptation of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, leave portions of the book off film while still capturing the essence, the spirit and plot of the book, thus leaving the viewer/reader satisfied.

Shortly after viewing the movie adaptation of Kramer vs. Kramer, by Avery Corman, I vowed to read the book. While the movie came out in 1979, it has taken me until recently to read it.

The book and movie follows what happens when Joanna Kramer walks out on her marriage, leaving her soon-to-be ex-husband, Ted, to raise their son Billy. Ted, a workaholic, suddenly has to adjust to caring for his son while still pulling in a paycheck, something many women have had to do. The book (and movie) follow father and son's growing bond over the next two years...until Joanna decides she wants her son back. The custody hearing is emotionally trying for both parents, and results in Joanna gaining custody of Billy. Yet, as Ted and Billy wait for Joanna to pick Billy up, we learn - along with father and son - that Joanna has decided to let Ted remain the custodial parent.

The movie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep as Ted and Joanna Krammer, tugged heavily at the heart-strings, showing two flawed but likable people coming to terms with their new - and newer - realities.

In this case, the movie surpassed the book. The book began with Ted and Joanna meeting, dating, and finally marrying. While it gave good background on the couple, this section could have been shortened considerably. It slowed the book down, especially since the title lets the reader know that there is a divorce on the horizon.

The book also seemed to deal a lot on some of Ted's dating after the divorce. This, too, slowed the book and could have been condensed.

For the most part, though, the book is worth reading. However, it would be more satisfying to read the book first, and then watch the movie, rather than movie-then-book, as the book doesn't quite hold up to the movie.