** spoiler alert ** 
 As a big fan of the TV show I was quite disappointed in the book. These first two books portray a much different Elena than we see in the show. 
 In The Awakening and The Struggle, Elena is self absorbed and vain. I don't do well with books in which I do not like the main character. Bonnie and Damon were very close to how they are represented in the show. Stefan is super annoying and his life only matters because Elena exists. I couldn't get into that. 
 I know this book is much older than Twilight and Vampire Academy and other young adult vampire books but the insta-love, love triangle thing is so played out. 
 My review of The Awakening: 
 Second read: November 17, 2016: The insta-love in this story is ridiculous. Elena falls instantly in love with Stefan who falls instantly in love with her. But Stefan has a history of insta-love as he immediately fell in love with Katherine as did Damon. 
 I still enjoy reading The Awakening because I can imagine the actors in the show as the characters. There are lots of plot points in the tv show that make the story better. Like in the show Stefan and Damon are originally from Mystic Falls, where this story takes place. In the book the brothers are originally from Italy. 
 I also really love Caroline in the tv show who barely makes an appearance in the story. And in the show Elena has a cute younger brother Jeremy who gets into all sorts of trouble. In the book she has a much younger sibling Meredith who doesn't add anything to the plot. 
 If I were to recommend to non Vampire Diary fans I would suggest that watch the tv show airing on the CW. If I had not first watched the show I don't think I would like the book at all. 
 When I first read The Awakening in 2011 I rated the book 4/5 stars. On re-reading I rate it 3/5 stars. I do plan on continuing the series though I'm even more excited to continue watching the show on Netflix! 
 First read: January 18, 2011: I love the show more than the book but still a great read. 4/5 stars