I loved the books too! I think I finished all three in about a week's time (less than that because I was on a cruise when I read them and I didn't start them until day 3 of an 8 day cruise).
I thought they did REALLY well under the circumstances. It's hard to take a 1st person book and make it a 3rd person movie, however, I really like how they did it. I understand not putting in the mayor and Madge, but I thought they incorporated her token into the movie very well. The only thing I was really bumbed about was the lack of "tribute influence" in the mutts...and the fact that I didn't see them as pit bull mixes...more like canine monsters. Oh well. I'm already pumped about the 3rd movies (yes, movies!)