" Other readers have said the movie is actually better than the book. I would have to say that they are companions to one another. The fact that the original script for the movie was also written by Donn Pearce means that he probably saw opportunity to put in the movie what he hadn't in the book. In the book we learn more about Luke's past, which was something I was pretty interested in. The movie deals more with the present, letting you make up (like the bull gang does) your own story about Cool Hand Luke's history. While I probably prefer the movie (who doesn't want to look into Paul Newman's pretty blue eyes?), I still find this book to be an enjoyable and satisfying read. "
— Christie, 2/11/2014