The Vampire Diaries

Ever since Twilight, I just can't get enough of the vampire books. I was searching and asking friends for any recommendations about vampire books that resembled the Twilight saga. A friend told me about the Sookie Stackhouse series. She said they were way better than Twilight so I had to get them. I ordered the 8 volume set and read them in a week. I liked the books, they weren't better than Twilight in my opinion, but they were more grown-up, and that's what I liked about them. The show, on the other hand, is just okay for me. I think they should have stuck closer to the books.
But anyways, back on topic, I read the Vampire Diaries over a year ago and the books didn't really appeal to me. I thought it was lacking in detail and plot. It didn't make me want to keep reading. Then I found out it was going to be a T.V. show. Even though I didn't like the books I was going to give the show a try because I used to watch Degrassi and Nina Dobrev played in it. Anyways, I think the Show is WAY better than the books. But I am in love with Stefan on the show. I think CW did him justice. I love the mystery and the darkness of him but he's not afraid to show that he loves Elena. And I found on Harper Teen, you can read the first 7 chapters of Stefan's Diaries for free! It's based on the books and the show combined! I'm excited to read it! I haven't read The Return series yet. (I don't know if I want to pay $10 a piece for the books when the first ones weren't that good.) What do you think?  Have you read The Vampire Diaries? Do you watch the show? How do feel about the book compared to the show? Leave me a comment telling me what you think.
                                                                                                       -Ashley