As someone who was obsessed with the books at the age of 12, I would NOT really recommend reading them. I think the show is actually way more awesome and the books would be kinda a let-down. They don't take things as far as the show. Damon is not the cold killer in the books. Elena is not as smart and awesome. The books have their strong points, i.e. certain plot details that I don't want to talk about because I think the show will probably go there eventually.