Are the books a help if watching it? MOD NOTE POST 1

pookiesboo

So I've been watching it from the start (the only reason I look forward to Mondays) but I'm still confused about who some people are, the families and their allies etc. Is it just me or is there a lot to remember?! so am I better off reading the books? A lot of people on the GOT threads here know their stuff and I'm totally out of the loop on some things so am I better off reading the books or are they confusing?!

MOD NOTE: There really should be no reason to discuss specifics in this thread but if needs must use spoiler tags and for warn as to what book / tv series is involved please. OP you were 5 minutes away from a permanent ban there :mad:

Mickeroo

pookiesboo wrote: »

So I've been watching it from the start (the only reason I look forward to Mondays) but I'm still confused about who some people are, the families and their allies etc. Is it just me or is there a lot to remember?! The reason I ask is cos I saw someone mention

the Red Wedding

so googled it and found out a fair few spoilers (:eek:) so am I better off reading the books? A lot of people on the GOT threads here know their stuff and I'm totally out of the loop on some things so am I better off reading the books or are they confusing?!

You might want to spoiler

the Red wedding

there.

To answer your question, yes the books are a massive help, the show is not remotely confusing if you have read them plus you'll know a lot more about characters backgrounds and the history or everything too. The books enhance the show more than anything imo though sometimes you might be left wondering why they have changed something but that will always happen when a book is adapted.

It's a good time to start too since there's a few reading a chapter a day on here and discussing it as they go.

Liam O

I only started really watching the show this season and the books are very, very different. The overall arcs are the same but characters names change and some, such as Talisa (Jeyne Westerling in the books) and Yarra (Asha) have different names and stuff.

Reading the books makes the internet a safer place, spoilers a plenty hanging around. I mean I googled

Tywin Lannister

and on the first page of results there is a huge spoiler about him (so don't do it if you haven't read :P)

pookiesboo

Mickeroo wrote: »

You might want to spoiler

the Red wedding

there.

To answer your question, yes the books are a massive help, the show is not remotely confusing if you have read them plus you'll know a lot more about characters backgrounds and the history or everything too. The books enhance the show more than anything imo though sometimes you might be left wondering why they have changed something but that will always happen when a book is adapted.

It's a good time to start too since there's a few reading a chapter a day on here and discussing it as they go.

Couldnt put spoilers up so just deleted it . Thanks!

Jelle1880

In general I don't think you HAVE to read the books, but it's insane how many little hints and tips the show has as to future events, so if you have read the books it's easier to pick up on those.

thegreatiam

same with any adaption.

The books aren't a guide to watching the series, they are the original story, the series is an adapted version of this story.

Did you feel the need to read harry potter while watching the films? or lord of the rings? or dexter? or fight club?

Read the books if you want to, or not
watch the shows if you want to or not.

Both are different versions of the same thing.

I would choose watching and reading both versions for my own enjoyment of story telling and character. not to simply provide a crib sheet for a limited medium

stevenmu

There's a lot of characters, places and events to keep track of. I found it hard enough reading the books to remember who everyone was, what group they were in, where they were and why.

Once you have gone through it with the books though, it definitely does make it easier when watching the show.

Witcher

Some stuff from the show will go over your head if you haven't read the books. Example is Thoros mentioning the Targaryen children being killed in Robert's Rebellion. From talking to non readers myself and reading online...a lot of people hadn't a clue what he was talking about. A lot of the back story has been cut out which is understandable given the medium.

pookiesboo

thegreatiam wrote: »

same with any adaption.

The books aren't a guide to watching the series, they are the original story, the series is an adapted version of this story.

Did you feel the need to read harry potter while watching the films? or lord of the rings? or dexter? or fight club?

Read the books if you want to, or not
watch the shows if you want to or not.

Both are different versions of the same thing.

I would choose watching and reading both versions for my own enjoyment of story telling and character. not to simply provide a crib sheet for a limited medium

Sheesh I only asked should I read the books or not. Didnt realise someone would be so touchy about it

thegreatiam

pookiesboo wrote: »

[/B]

Sheesh I only asked should I read the books or not. Didnt realise someone would be so touchy about it

how do you see that as touchy.

Its 2 different adaptions,

no different to anyother movie or show book adaption.
if you want to read the books read them. they are very gripping.
But dont just read them to keep track of politics of the show.
you can use the wikis for that

pookiesboo

pookiesboo wrote: »

So I've been watching it from the start (the only reason I look forward to Mondays) but I'm still confused about who some people are, the families and their allies etc. Is it just me or is there a lot to remember?! so am I better off reading the books? A lot of people on the GOT threads here know their stuff and I'm totally out of the loop on some things so am I better off reading the books or are they confusing?!

MOD NOTE: There really should be no reason to discuss specifics in this thread but if needs must use spoiler tags and for warn as to what book / tv series is involved please. OP you were 5 minutes away from a permanent ban there :mad:

Sorry I forgot to put spoiler tags on, went back to edit it but couldnt so just deleted it (within 2 mins of original post). Nobody has complained that I'm after spoiling something for them

Princess Peach

thegreatiam wrote: »

same with any adaption.

The books aren't a guide to watching the series, they are the original story, the series is an adapted version of this story.

Did you feel the need to read harry potter while watching the films? or lord of the rings? or dexter? or fight club?

Read the books if you want to, or not
watch the shows if you want to or not.

Both are different versions of the same thing.

I would choose watching and reading both versions for my own enjoyment of story telling and character. not to simply provide a crib sheet for a limited medium

I agree here. I watched the first two seasons and in between then and the third season read the books. I don't regret it because the books are great, but I should have remembered that I hate adaptations :pac: Now I no longer enjoy the tv show as much as I used to because they don't adapt it to my liking.

I'm just like this with all book to film adaptations though!

Read the books if you want to, they are great. But they are different to the show and not sure they help you understand it anymore. If anything it confuses me more now when something different happens and I'm just thinking where are they going with this.

thegreatiam

Princess Peach wrote: »

I agree here. I watched the first two seasons and in between then and the third season read the books. I don't regret it because the books are great, but I should have remembered that I hate adaptations :pac: Now I no longer enjoy the tv show as much as I used to because they don't adapt it to my liking.

I'm just like this with all book to film adaptations though!

Read the books if you want to, they are great. But they are different to the show and not sure they help you understand it anymore. If anything it confuses me more now when something different happens and I'm just thinking where are they going with this.

like most books, there is a hell of a lot more world and family history, politics old and new, back stories for each character and familial group spanning a few centuries, plus the info you get from other nations, trade groups etc. the list of characters is longer too.

Reading the books just to get help understanding a few minor points from the show may be overkill.

wait a month, when the show is over and start the books to keep you going til next series, get the best from both adaptions.