Harpgirl, I really do recommend the book. As well as being the first Aliens vs the Earth scenario, it is far, far more than science fiction. In fact I'd rate it as one of the top books written.
Recommended listening is the Jeff Wayne musical (don't be alarmed!) version. Richard Burton is the narrator, David Essex as the artilleryman, the parson (well, curate in the book) and his wife are Phil Lynott and Julie Covington. Justin Hayward performs a few of the songs, like the brilliant "Forever Autumn". Comes with the definitive WOTW artwork.