The Godfather: the novel
 

Just finished re-reading this. Most excellent book.

I'd forgotten the differences in Michael between the book and movie. He retains his humanity in the book, while still pulling off the coup against the other Families.

The movies took the story in a different direction by making Michael into a cold, inhuman killer. That theme is interesting, and allowed II to be a story in itself; while setting up III to be the story of Michael's attempts to redeem himself.

But it was refreshing to see how Mario Puzo dealt with his character.

Re: The Godfather: the novel
 

Whatever you do don't read "Omerta"

This was the book Puzo was working on when he died.

It is obvious where the scrub who tried to finish this book started writing.