Are you watching Vampire Diaries?

Is anyone else watching Vampire Diaries? I'm six episodes in and loving it! I admit it is gory, but what else do you expect when you're dealing with vampires!! I think they have done a fantastic job with casting, I couldn't have chosen three better actors to play Stefan, Elena and Damon. I think Damon is perfect! He really pulls off the whole "evil vampire" while still being charming and...likable. Stefan really gives Edward a run for the money (he is MUCH hotter than Robert Pattinson) and he does a great job of playing the nice guy, yet not being wimpy. Elena is also great, she has spunk! I like that she has a normal reaction to the whole vampire thing, she doesn't just except it. They also have great chemistry together.

I've only read the first two books in the series, so I know a few things have been changed for the TV show, like in the book Elena has a little sister and in the show its a little brother. What other things have been changed? I really need to get on the ball and finish reading the books! I think this would definitely fall under the "guilty pleasure" category. There are some things I don't care for, but overall I am a huge fan.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you been watching? What do you like, don't like? Who's your favorite character? Do you like the books or the TV show better?