Those who actually read the books = Win. The series is actually called A Song of Ice and Fire, and A Game of Thrones is a pretty insignificant part of that series.
I'm not sure what's insignificant about it. What do you mean. My only guess is that you mean its insignificant because not much action occurs, its mainly the introduction of the characters? Maybe I'm wrong.
For myself, I'm currently on the 3rd book. I honestly can't remember if I began reading the 1st one before after I began watching the show(I just remember reading the book during the season).
Oh well, I love the books, and the show is really well done. For once I don't feel like a book is "better" than the show/movie.