True Blood: Should you watch the TV show or read the books?

We've read the first book and a little of the second, and we are surprised to find that, in this case, the book is not better than the live version. The show does not subtract elements from the books’ main plotlines, but adds plotlines and makes the characters more interesting. The writing was merely adequate.

The first book was VERY close to the TV series, even in the dialogue. The most significant changes occurred at the end. Eric, not Bill, kills Longshadow to save Sookie, and Bill does not go out in the daylight to rescue her.

Pros to the books:
-More books are out, so if you are eager to know what happens, you don’t have to wait.
-(Possible pro, depending on you) The books are cleaner, because they are all from Sookie’s point-of-view, and she doesn’t see things like Jason’s trysts.
-Sookie’s narration reflects her cute personality. It is sunny, matter-of-fact, and enjoyable. You like the main character more in the books.
-Jason is less annoying
-They are quick, easy reads.

Cons to the books:
-The TV series has more flavor and style.
-The TV series is more fun.
-The cast of characters is more diverse and fringe characters are central in the TV series.
-The TV series is funnier.
-HBO quality and creativity
-Bill is less appealing

We plan to only watch the show until it goes off the air. If we miss the storyline, we will then turn to the books to see what happens. But by then, the changes HBO makes might make the characters unrecognizable.