If you like the TV show and are into non-fiction books, you should definitely read this book.
Of course having watched the series on TV I already new most if not all of the stories in the book which bored me a little from time to time. Nevertheless, you gain a better insight into the East End of the 50s. I really enjoyed Jennifer Worth's description of the people and their living conditions.
I don't know yet whether I will continue reading the series but if I find a cheap copy I think I would probably buy it.