Can i read Game of Thrones Book 2?

I have just finished watching the first season of Game of Thrones and absolutely loved it! I am just wondering if i wanted to start reading the books, should I still read the first one, or could i just start with the second book?Can i read Game of Thrones Book 2?
I realize that many fans already have read the book, I myself have and of course I would recommend it, but if you are new to the series, books or tv show then my advice would be to read each book after you have watched a series.

While I think the people behind the tv series have done an excellent job in adapting the book to television, as any fan knows to really get a feel for the characters and story line, you have to read the books. Get them before season two is released and even if you only read A song of ice and fire book one, A Game of Thrones you will have a much clearer image of the characters and a better background of the plot and it will help to fill in the time until season two!Can i read Game of Thrones Book 2?
I'd still read the first book before jumping into A Clash of Kings, because although the adaptation was good, it still had to leave plenty out. (Also, Game of Thrones is the name of the first book. The series is called "A Song of Ice and Fire.")