Show writers must always think on a larger scale – they must ask new questions in order to extend a single book into multiple seasons. For example, Isabella, the prince’s sister, has a much greater role in the show, and because of this, not only does her character become more fleshed out, but her conflicts with other characters bring more to the story.

There were only very small, obvious changes between the show and the book, but those changes open up possibilities to add another storyline, or to insert another conflict. I feel that the story works better in the show format because there are so many other points of views added the show adds depth where the book didn’t have any. The character building is for naught, the plot itself is rather simple, and the romance – oh, the romance! – it’s quite dull and beyond predictable. Similarly, reading the book brought to my attention the fact that Still Star-Crossed really isn’t the greatest story in the world. It’s exactly the same thing, but without those factors, it’s really hard to appreciate the romance. Unfortunately, take away that chemistry and charm, and what you get is the book version of the romance. I ignored the rather shallow hate-to-love setup and instead enjoyed the chemistry and good looks shared between Benvolio and Rosaline.

I didn’t pay any mind to the flaws in the show, and simply focused on everything I loved about it. While I was watching the show, I watched it very innocently. Having finished the novel, I did get a fix, although not in the way I was hoping for. I didn’t have the patience to wait for the next episode, and so I picked up the book, hoping for a fix. Now, we’re five episodes into the show and I am absolutely in love, despite knowing that this first season will be its last. When I heard about the tv show coming out, I again meant to pick up the book and give it a go before the pilot aired, but again, for whatever reason, I never got around to it. Still Star-Crossed has been on my TBR since the year it released, but for some reason, I never got around to reading it (which is actually really weird because you don’t even know how hyped up I was for Benvolio and Rosaline’s hate-to-love romance).

Still star crossed book