My first thought was how far Jennifer Lawrence has come since Winter's Bone, one of my favorite films.

Others here have said so much about this movie. I would like to take a moment to speak about the book and its author, Jason Matthews. I try to find the source material for movies, and often I find the book to be as good as the movie.

However, Matthews' writing, his word craft, far exceeds the movie. The plot of the film (adapted for the screenplay) occupies about a fifth of the book. There is so much more: Matthews spent thirty-three years in the CIA and it shows in every paragraph. His career as a "Spook" gives him an authenticity that I've rarely witnessed. This book is a very rewarding read, on a par with La Carre.

Let me put it this way: I normally read three and four books at a time, switching back and forth, enjoying the different plots. "Red Sparrow" has kept me entranced, to the point that it is my only book right now. The good news: Matthews has written a trilogy.

Number is just as good. A wonderfully compelling plot.