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Gossip Girl: The Novels vs the Series
Published Wednesday, May 21 2008, 19:38 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 21 comments
There are times in life where you need to stand up tall, swallow your pride and admit your mistakes. Today I'm doing just that.
Around this time last year I gave my first impressions of a new teen drama series, labelling its characters "wooden" and its plot "completely uninteresting". Fast forward twelve months and I'm totally obsessed with Josh Schwartz's Gossip Girl, the finest in the genre since Josh Schwartz's The O.C.
So there we have it. I was wrong. (In my defence, the version of the pilot I saw was quite crappy and was subsequently "re-worked" before the series aired - but that's not for here). So much have I become hooked on the antics of our gang from the Upper East Side that I recently decided to delve deeper and read the books that provided the inspiration for the series.
The novels - from the magnificently-named Cecily von Ziegesar - are, somewhat predictably, much less clean-cut than their small screen namesake. The behaviour is more outrageous (drugs, urination, attempted rape), the language is more colourful (young Jenny is fond of the 's' word) and the interactions are racier (Nate's "hard-on" makes a fleeting appearance on page 136).
In fact, as if by magic, here's a table to clearly and comprehensively outline the major differences!
There we have proof, were it ever needed, that I have way too much time on my hands.
Are you a Gossip Girl fan? Have you read the books? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry. If you have any questions for the column, please instead use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous entries you may have missed!
Around this time last year I gave my first impressions of a new teen drama series, labelling its characters "wooden" and its plot "completely uninteresting". Fast forward twelve months and I'm totally obsessed with Josh Schwartz's Gossip Girl, the finest in the genre since Josh Schwartz's The O.C.
So there we have it. I was wrong. (In my defence, the version of the pilot I saw was quite crappy and was subsequently "re-worked" before the series aired - but that's not for here). So much have I become hooked on the antics of our gang from the Upper East Side that I recently decided to delve deeper and read the books that provided the inspiration for the series.
The novels - from the magnificently-named Cecily von Ziegesar - are, somewhat predictably, much less clean-cut than their small screen namesake. The behaviour is more outrageous (drugs, urination, attempted rape), the language is more colourful (young Jenny is fond of the 's' word) and the interactions are racier (Nate's "hard-on" makes a fleeting appearance on page 136).
In fact, as if by magic, here's a table to clearly and comprehensively outline the major differences!
| Character | In the TV show... | In the book... | |
 | Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) | Is the girl every other girl wants to be, with a not entirely deserved 'wild' reputation | Is the girl every other girl wants to be, with a decidedly deserved 'wild' reputation |
| Returned after a year away at boarding school to see her brother | Returned after being kicked out of boarding school for choosing parties instead of studies | ||
| Has a free and single mother, plus institutionalised younger brother | Has both a mother and a father, plus older brother away at university | ||
| Rejects Chuck's advances with ease | Rejects Chuck's advances with ease, before puking on a pavement | ||
 | Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) | Is an absolute bitch - especially to "best friend" Serena | Is even more of a bitch - especially to "best friend" Serena |
| Is desperate to lose her virginity to Nate | Is desperate to lose her virginity to Nate and almost does, before he confesses to the one-night stand | ||
 | Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) | Is the handsome boyfriend of Blair, who really loves Serena | Is the handsome boyfriend of Blair, who really loves Serena |
| Had a one-night stand with Serena after a school party | Parted Serena's "Red Sea" at his house one summer's day - twice | ||
| Has a dad with a drug habit | Has a drug habit himself | ||
 | Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) | Is good-natured and slightly boring | Is a loner who reads "morbid, existentialist poetry about the bitter fate of being human" and likes to "live on the edge" |
| Wouldn't dream of putting anything untoward in his mouth | Has a terrible smoking habit | ||
| Fawns after Serena | Still fawns after Serena | ||
| Has a cool, ex-rocker father named Rufus who loves his children to bits | Has an embarrassing, balding, ex-rocker father named Rufus who lashes out at his kids | ||
| Has an ex-girlfriend called Vanessa, who stirs up his relationship with Serena | Has a friend called Vanessa - a fellow outsider, with a shaven head - who stirs up his relationship with Serena | ||
 | Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) | Is a primary character | Is a minor character |
| Is arrogant beyond belief | Is still arrogant beyond belief | ||
| Is a serial womaniser | Is a serial womaniser - but with added gay tendencies | ||
 | Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) | Is a polite young girl who struggles to get noticed | Struggles not to get noticed thanks to her "incredibly huge" boobs. At 14, she's a size 34D |
| Idolises Blair | Idolises Serena | ||
| Looks up to her older brother Dan | Finds her older brother Dan obstructive, and often swears at him |
There we have proof, were it ever needed, that I have way too much time on my hands.
Are you a Gossip Girl fan? Have you read the books? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry. If you have any questions for the column, please instead use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous entries you may have missed!
Your Views
21 Comments
Your Responses
Lis, UK, on August 22nd, 2008
I loved the series, can't wait for next one to come :) I was looking to buy the books but can't seem to find them, can someone please give me the names of them all. :) hope series 2 is sooon
I loved the series, can't wait for next one to come :) I was looking to buy the books but can't seem to find them, can someone please give me the names of them all. :) hope series 2 is sooon
Beth, London, on June 4th, 2008
It really annoys me how different the story lines are in both the book and the television series. I read all the books years ago and i absolutely loved them all and was really excited to hear that they were being shown on TV but i was really let down.
It really annoys me how different the story lines are in both the book and the television series. I read all the books years ago and i absolutely loved them all and was really excited to hear that they were being shown on TV but i was really let down.
Ally Jay, SA TX, on June 4th, 2008
I loved the books and have been reading them since the first one came out. One of my first series and it never disappointed (well not until the BS ending at the train station... ugh) but anyway, I love the books and it took me a minute to adjust to the show because i loved the books so much but the show is this amazing thing all on its own. BUT if there was one thing I would change it would be serena and her goodie two shoes attitude, she was the character I loved to hate, but hated more than loved, when it came to the books. I want that some relationship with show serena! :]]
I loved the books and have been reading them since the first one came out. One of my first series and it never disappointed (well not until the BS ending at the train station... ugh) but anyway, I love the books and it took me a minute to adjust to the show because i loved the books so much but the show is this amazing thing all on its own. BUT if there was one thing I would change it would be serena and her goodie two shoes attitude, she was the character I loved to hate, but hated more than loved, when it came to the books. I want that some relationship with show serena! :]]
Claire, UK, on May 29th, 2008
i love the books and i love the show and to me they are totally different things. I love the tv and am totally addicted. i love Blair and Chuck who would never be together in the book but i love the fact in the book Nate is a stoner and really isn't with it. I cant stand Chuck in the books while i love Chuck on the TV show. However if i had to choose one i just watch the show over reading the book.
i love the books and i love the show and to me they are totally different things. I love the tv and am totally addicted. i love Blair and Chuck who would never be together in the book but i love the fact in the book Nate is a stoner and really isn't with it. I cant stand Chuck in the books while i love Chuck on the TV show. However if i had to choose one i just watch the show over reading the book.
Jess Madden , Cleveland, on May 23rd, 2008
I thought the books were better Blair was Bitchy but more likable and she had the hot step bro and in the later ones a Yale grad as a bf, they were darker too and there was the who is Gossip Girl mystery. Plus Vanessa was better she's a pain in this and her sister isn't in it.
I thought the books were better Blair was Bitchy but more likable and she had the hot step bro and in the later ones a Yale grad as a bf, they were darker too and there was the who is Gossip Girl mystery. Plus Vanessa was better she's a pain in this and her sister isn't in it.
Jen, Liverpool, on May 23rd, 2008
well.....how much of an idiot am I! I thought it was an original concept I love the show but I know what everyone means it's like it's on the verge and could be alot more racey but doesn't want to end up all HBO/Cruel Intentions I'm gonna go read the books...People you have done yourself proud as I have not picked up a book in years XOXO
well.....how much of an idiot am I! I thought it was an original concept I love the show but I know what everyone means it's like it's on the verge and could be alot more racey but doesn't want to end up all HBO/Cruel Intentions I'm gonna go read the books...People you have done yourself proud as I have not picked up a book in years XOXO
Adam, Manchester, on May 22nd, 2008
The TV show is so much more better.
The TV show is so much more better.
Alaina, MO, on May 22nd, 2008
I ABSOUTLY LOVE GOSSIP GIRL TO PIECES!!! THE BOOKS AND THE SHOW IS THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!
I ABSOUTLY LOVE GOSSIP GIRL TO PIECES!!! THE BOOKS AND THE SHOW IS THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!
Matt, Blackpool, Lancs, on May 22nd, 2008
I'm thinking they're going to turn more into their book alter-ego's in series 2. I too, am a GG freak!
I'm thinking they're going to turn more into their book alter-ego's in series 2. I too, am a GG freak!
Mirren Uk, on May 22nd, 2008
I think your comparision isnt completely right on what happens in the books. I think that the tv show is good but is so loosely based on the books that it doesnt bother me that its different as its not trying to copy the books.
I think your comparision isnt completely right on what happens in the books. I think that the tv show is good but is so loosely based on the books that it doesnt bother me that its different as its not trying to copy the books.
Nat, Birmingham, on May 22nd, 2008
The books sound better! I tried to get into the show but it didn't hook me unfortunately, a lot of the characters are quite bland. It's alright for casual watching but not for being obsessed about
The books sound better! I tried to get into the show but it didn't hook me unfortunately, a lot of the characters are quite bland. It's alright for casual watching but not for being obsessed about
Doc, London, on May 22nd, 2008
GG is fabulously trashy - although, yes, I hadn't quite appreciated that Serena in the TV show is kind of boring given that she was supposed to be this slightly slutty character before she went away. Great stuff - bring on series 2, 3, 4...
GG is fabulously trashy - although, yes, I hadn't quite appreciated that Serena in the TV show is kind of boring given that she was supposed to be this slightly slutty character before she went away. Great stuff - bring on series 2, 3, 4...
Caitlin, Atlanta, on May 22nd, 2008
Actually, Rufus in the books is poet and poetry editor, not a rocker. They do, however, have cooking in common, only show!Rufus is a good cook and book!Rufus is a completely terrible one. And Vanessa wasn't Dan's ex-girlfriend, he just copped to having feelings for her ten seconds before she moved to Vermont. Classic Humphrey!
Actually, Rufus in the books is poet and poetry editor, not a rocker. They do, however, have cooking in common, only show!Rufus is a good cook and book!Rufus is a completely terrible one. And Vanessa wasn't Dan's ex-girlfriend, he just copped to having feelings for her ten seconds before she moved to Vermont. Classic Humphrey!
Rueben, London, on May 22nd, 2008
In the book, Nate dumps Blair for Jenny. He initially fawns over Serena when she returns, but then his attentions are directed towards Jenny, who hangs out with him, not Blair.
In the book, Nate dumps Blair for Jenny. He initially fawns over Serena when she returns, but then his attentions are directed towards Jenny, who hangs out with him, not Blair.
Mark O. Estes, on May 21st, 2008
I have all the Gossip Girl books as well as all of their spin-off series. Blair gets bitchier by each book; Serena goes through a guy a book, but not in a slutty way; Jenny leaves and gets her own spin-off, The It Girl, which is off the chain; Izzi and Kati are minor, but are also talked about to an extent in the in between chapter blurbs/Gossip Girl website. The books are in a way predictable, but the snarky dialogue is excellent. I am glad you guys are getting the books and the show. Look out for Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, the new spin-off featuring a whole new set of characters.
I have all the Gossip Girl books as well as all of their spin-off series. Blair gets bitchier by each book; Serena goes through a guy a book, but not in a slutty way; Jenny leaves and gets her own spin-off, The It Girl, which is off the chain; Izzi and Kati are minor, but are also talked about to an extent in the in between chapter blurbs/Gossip Girl website. The books are in a way predictable, but the snarky dialogue is excellent. I am glad you guys are getting the books and the show. Look out for Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, the new spin-off featuring a whole new set of characters.
Ross, England, on May 21st, 2008
I think it's a shame they've left out Chuck's gay tendencies from a mostly selfish point of view, but it would make sense on of account of he is such a highly-sexed character.
I think it's a shame they've left out Chuck's gay tendencies from a mostly selfish point of view, but it would make sense on of account of he is such a highly-sexed character.
Sophie, Essex, on May 21st, 2008
I prefer the books, but this is because I started reading them ages ago and I don't like how most of the TV show is different to the books.
I prefer the books, but this is because I started reading them ages ago and I don't like how most of the TV show is different to the books.
, on May 21st, 2008
The books are so much better than the series, partly because they are racier and while in a book and not in a show they are able to do more things that would be "less than acceptable" and still believable. The show has a tendency to want to embody Gossip Girl (when it really should be all about Gossip Girl's theme), but the writers try to incorporate a quirky vibe, sort of like a indie flick. When anyone who's read the books knows that Gossip Girl is definitely not indie in any way shape or form. I hate that they've changed some of the characters from their real personalities and although I love Chuck and Blair (superbitch, love her!) I think Serena's whiny and clingy, Dan is a pushover and way too naive for his own good (I mean come on), Nate's personality has been skewed to beyond comprehension. (What happened to the stoner, Waspoid boy we all know and love?) Vanessa serves no real purpose, and I wish she had a shaved head, like in the books. But I do love Jenny, girl's only fourteen and she can keep her own against Blair for that long? Sure they're all beautiful, but stick to the fine print guys. It's become so unbelievable that I was rooting for Serena and Dan to break up on the season finale. If Dan had taken her back, I would've lost all hope, because the only plausible thing in the whole show would've Chuck, Blair, and the mounds of designer clothes they're smothered deliciously in. And let's not even talk about Georgina; girl was tired from her first appearance. And then she just kept coming back, like Jason or Freddy. I do appreciate the show, and I am a faithful watcher, but I think Josh Schwartz could have done Cecily von Ziegesar more justice than this. Here's hoping for a better season two in the Hamptons!
The books are so much better than the series, partly because they are racier and while in a book and not in a show they are able to do more things that would be "less than acceptable" and still believable. The show has a tendency to want to embody Gossip Girl (when it really should be all about Gossip Girl's theme), but the writers try to incorporate a quirky vibe, sort of like a indie flick. When anyone who's read the books knows that Gossip Girl is definitely not indie in any way shape or form. I hate that they've changed some of the characters from their real personalities and although I love Chuck and Blair (superbitch, love her!) I think Serena's whiny and clingy, Dan is a pushover and way too naive for his own good (I mean come on), Nate's personality has been skewed to beyond comprehension. (What happened to the stoner, Waspoid boy we all know and love?) Vanessa serves no real purpose, and I wish she had a shaved head, like in the books. But I do love Jenny, girl's only fourteen and she can keep her own against Blair for that long? Sure they're all beautiful, but stick to the fine print guys. It's become so unbelievable that I was rooting for Serena and Dan to break up on the season finale. If Dan had taken her back, I would've lost all hope, because the only plausible thing in the whole show would've Chuck, Blair, and the mounds of designer clothes they're smothered deliciously in. And let's not even talk about Georgina; girl was tired from her first appearance. And then she just kept coming back, like Jason or Freddy. I do appreciate the show, and I am a faithful watcher, but I think Josh Schwartz could have done Cecily von Ziegesar more justice than this. Here's hoping for a better season two in the Hamptons!
RK, Leicester, on May 21st, 2008
After watching the pilot, I was confused by your views of the show. I was more confused after you called it 'much lauded' a couple of weeks ago despite trashing it last year so thanks for clearing this up. :D The series is interesting, I like it. It's not one of the most thought provoking or best series I've seen but it's entertaining enough. I can't wait for season 2 however I can't help but think the cliffhanger could have been better. It didn't really keep me hanging. Serena's 'big' secret was also disappointing, it felt like a real cop out on the writers' behalf. I'm in the middle of reading the book, I can't help but feel that this series would be better by following the book more closely. Serena wasn't potrayed as wild enough and Blair could be bitchier. They're making the series too mild, it would work better in a later slot with more adult themes.
After watching the pilot, I was confused by your views of the show. I was more confused after you called it 'much lauded' a couple of weeks ago despite trashing it last year so thanks for clearing this up. :D The series is interesting, I like it. It's not one of the most thought provoking or best series I've seen but it's entertaining enough. I can't wait for season 2 however I can't help but think the cliffhanger could have been better. It didn't really keep me hanging. Serena's 'big' secret was also disappointing, it felt like a real cop out on the writers' behalf. I'm in the middle of reading the book, I can't help but feel that this series would be better by following the book more closely. Serena wasn't potrayed as wild enough and Blair could be bitchier. They're making the series too mild, it would work better in a later slot with more adult themes.
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Ive read the books and seen season 1 and its actually quite different. Although I LOVE the series and the books soooo much!