Game Of Thrones - Should I Read The Books First?

[sp1814]

I have completely ignored Game of Thrones for the past few years, but now I'm thinking of watching the box set on Sky.

Is it something where I would need to read the books first, or would I be okay just diving into the television series?

I ask, because it seems everyone I know who enjoys the show, has read the books first.

[CrapAtCryptics]

The books are very heavy going and a bit out of sync with the books so i`d be inclined to say TV first and then books to avoid spoiling things for you. See my recent post in Media

[CrapAtCryptics]

Sorry books are a bit out of sync with the TV

[jim360]

The Books and the TV series are gradually diverging, although there's plenty still in common. I think you should find the TV series is essentially self-contained, though, so there's no need to read the books. On the other hand, they're also rather good (although the last two have perhaps dragged on a bit), so you might want to read them anyway.

[sp1814]

Thanks all...I really hoped you'd confirm that I could watch the tv series without reading the books first, because I'm an extremely slow reader, and the books are extremely long.

[Togo]

Read the books sp. There is much more detail, and the first 5 at least encapsulate what George Martin was weaving much more than the TV series does. I have mentioned before that my friends and family, who have only watched the TV version, all have difficulty threading the storyline. If you could manage 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy it is peasy. Bloody good read, I have re-read the last two so as to stay up to speed with the forthcoming sequence 'The Winds of Winter'. My mental version of the characters is so much more imaginative than the easy on the eye versions done for the viewer.

[bednobs]

do not under any circimstances read the books - they are utterly boring as hell!

[jim360]

Two very different perspectives on the books there. For my part, I found the most difficult thing about the books not the "boredom" but because many of the POV characters are, one way or another, irritating. Either they are incredibly naive (Sansa, Ned), or manipulative and evil (Theon), or both at the same time (Cersei).

[Mrsspagnoli57]

I've done both but although the books are good they are overflowing with characters and you really need to be on your toes with them to follow them. The series is fantastic

[sp1814]

Right...I think I know how to play this now. I'm going to read as much of the first book as I can get through between now and the end of the month - then start on the tv series and see how I get on.

Thank you to everyone who has inputted here.

It really has been valuable.

[bednobs]

good luck! I tried to read the first book on several occasions, and never got past more than 4% on the kindle. I like all that other world stuff too.

[Arksided]

I've never read any of the books, but judging by the complexity of the tv show with so many characters... I'd be totally lost. However I am a simpleton.

[sp1814]

bednobs

Yep...thats' my worry.

For years I assumed that I'd read The Lord Of The Rings, but the 'The Fellowship of the Ring' came out, I didn't recognise any of the plot.

It was only then, that I realised that what I HAD read, was The Hobbit.

[Togo]

Then watch the tv sp. The books will be beyond you. :-)

[B00]

And hold your breath for the TV extravaganza that is GoT, you'll be blown away and it will rapidly become your most favourite programme EVERRRRR!

[B00]

Oh and I know you dont have any, but under no circumstances watch it with small children around!

[ToraToraTora]

I have not read the books SP, I've seen all the GOT episodes and I'd say it's not a requirement to have read the books.

[steg]

I wouldn't bother about the books either, just watch the series from start, it's pretty good stuff

[bibblebub]

I've never bothered with the books but the tv series is great stuff. Don't be put off should you find the first episodes a bit slower than you might be expecting because it is gripping once one gets into it.

[Eve]

I'm an avid reader and will often read books before watching films but I've not been tempted by the Game of Thrones books, they seem like a big ongoing investment in who is who, doing what, where, why etc... as it's so spread out and I have been quite happy to watch the TV version, which is fantastic.

At least with LOTR it is more compact with one main theme, more than I imagine the GOT books are and there is more of a finality to it in one big book and the option to read The Hobbit separately, as a story in its own right (if that makes sense?).