Similarities:
* Core Storyline: Both the book and movie follow the journey of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who discovers he is a Jedi and joins the Rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire.
* Key Characters: Both versions feature the iconic characters of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and others.
* Main Events: Both versions include the key events like the destruction of the Death Star, the escape from the Mos Eisley cantina, the rescue of Princess Leia, and the final confrontation with Darth Vader.
* Themes: Both versions explore themes of good vs. evil, destiny, hope, and the importance of fighting for what is right.
Differences:
* Depth and Detail: The book, being a novel, provides a richer and more detailed narrative with expanded backstories, character motivations, and world-building.
* Character Development: Some characters, like Han Solo, are more fleshed out in the book, revealing more of their past and motivations.
* Plot Points: The book includes some plot points and events not present in the movie, such as a more extensive exploration of the Jedi Order and their history.
* Dialogue: The movie is obviously heavily reliant on visual storytelling and has less dialogue than the book.
* Ending: The book's ending differs slightly from the movie, providing more closure on certain plot threads and character arcs.
Overall, the book and movie versions of Star Wars are two different interpretations of the same story. The book offers a more in-depth and comprehensive experience, while the movie provides a fast-paced and visually stunning adventure.
It's worth noting that there are multiple book versions of Star Wars, including the original novelization of the movie and expanded universe novels. Each version offers its own unique take on the story.