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Michael
Just noticed this got asked, so I'll do my best to answer.
I think the reason why you're reading the book will largely determine what's the best course of action. If you're reading "Ring" because you want to see the differences between the original novel and the Japanese or US film versions, and that's the only reason you're reading it, you're probably fine to read the first book and stop there. You'll have a fine time, and none of the sequel films have anything to do with the subsequent books in the series.
But if you enjoy what you read in "Ring", and think you have it all figured out, I very much recommend reading "Spiral" and "Loop" afterwards, because Suzuki pulls some major brain-twists in the later books that force the reader to re-evaluate everything in "Ring". They're all connected, they're all separate stories, they all build on the previous works, and they all undermine your preconceived notions at every opportunity while answering some of the questions Suzuki leaves unanswered or lingering at the conclusion of "Ring".
Bottom line: if you read "Ring" and you enjoy it, you'll likely enjoy the others. If you read "Ring" and thought the movie in either its Japanese or English incarnation was much better, go ahead and stop reading. I hope that helps.
I think the reason why you're reading the book will largely determine what's the best course of action. If you're reading "Ring" because you want to see the differences between the original novel and the Japanese or US film versions, and that's the only reason you're reading it, you're probably fine to read the first book and stop there. You'll have a fine time, and none of the sequel films have anything to do with the subsequent books in the series.
But if you enjoy what you read in "Ring", and think you have it all figured out, I very much recommend reading "Spiral" and "Loop" afterwards, because Suzuki pulls some major brain-twists in the later books that force the reader to re-evaluate everything in "Ring". They're all connected, they're all separate stories, they all build on the previous works, and they all undermine your preconceived notions at every opportunity while answering some of the questions Suzuki leaves unanswered or lingering at the conclusion of "Ring".
Bottom line: if you read "Ring" and you enjoy it, you'll likely enjoy the others. If you read "Ring" and thought the movie in either its Japanese or English incarnation was much better, go ahead and stop reading. I hope that helps.
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