Staff Book Review: Pretty Little Liars

Posted by Allyson G.

    The show Pretty Little Liars is one of ABC Family’s biggest hits.  When I started watching, I didn't realize it was based on a book, or rather, a book series.  For this review, I've decided to compare the first book of the series to the TV show.  Starting with the beginning of the novel, the differences between the book and the television show are obvious.  The differences are insignificant, at first.  For instance, the character Emily in the television show is an only child whereas in the book she has three sisters.  Spencer is more of a brat than as portrayed on TV.  To me, this doesn't matter - I still like the show and am intrigued by the books.

    The plot is similar for both at the beginning. The character Alison has disappeared and Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily are receiving mysterious text messages.  The disbanded friendship between the four girls slowly becomes a close friendship as they try to figure out who is setting them up and revealing their horrible secrets.  The book provides more background story and is more suspenseful than the TV show.  The reader is constantly left guessing.  If you've seen the TV show and are worried about already knowing what happens, remember, there are differences and what happens in the show may not happen in the book (and vice versa).  This is a good read for teens.  The best part is that even if you don't like the show, but you like suspense, you will likely enjoy reading these books.