anyone ever read the book?

Yes, it's really beautiful. I read it before the movie and it continues the story even more. It is a very dramatic story. Of course in most movies they cut out alot of story-line if its made from the book and there is alot cut from the book as well. Little extras such as when in the book the mom cutsomizes her own Perfume from this perfume maker person and it's a little sub-plot that's kind of sad.
It also continues the story after the daughter leaves for College:

****SPOILERS****





It's really sad because the mom begins to go crazy on her own. Not exatcly padded walls but just lonely and she expresses it in a sad way.

Read it =)

I have also read it...I would recommend it if you like the movie. The book is a LOT more detailed and incredibly poignant...a lot more character depth in the book than in the movie. Most of the subplots expand quite a bit from the film. It's a good read if you're into "that kind" of book. :)