Is there a woman on the planet who hasn't been sucked in by this series yet? I read about it in BYU magazine because the author happens to be an alumnus, then saw it featured prominently at Barnes in Las Vegas and realized that it's a real book, not just something BYU grads read to support their school. Then my little sis recommended it, then half my ward, then I saw it had won awards from the ALA and other nationally respected organizations, so I gave in. And it was worth it. It took me four days to read all three books, thanks to my pregnancy-induced insomnia.
I've never read much in the way of vampire books, although I loved "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. I've never watched Buffy or any of those. Our book club agreed unanimously that when someone told them they should read this vampire book they weren't interested, and when they found out it was about teenage vampires who fall in love they were kind of insulted. But then we all gave in and read them anyway. And found out they really are awesome. They are easy reads, probably not nouveau classics like the Potter books, but original and fun anyway. The writing is good, the stories are great. I like to call them the "Vampire Romance Novels". I was surprised - they're quite sexy! What is my innocent little sister doing reading such steamy stuff? But not trashy at all. This is a BYU grad, after all, and lover boy Edward is kind of a prude.
So if you're a little lost now I guess I should give a summary - teenage Bella moves in with her dad and meets Edward, who is super hot, but a vampire who lusts for her blood. But it's also love at first sight, so they have to figure out how to be together without him sucking her blood. Which sounds really lame, I know, but seriously - if you haven't read these yet, then just go pick one up. It'll only take a few hours of your time to read, and you'll probably be hooked just like the rest of us.
I do have to make one disclaimer about loving these books, though, and I'd love to hear your opinions on this. By the end of book three Bella is kind of starting to bug me. She's a whiner. She's selfish. She's ungrateful. She's kind of a nut job. And all these guys like her why? Also, even though the super-love connection between her and Edward is necessary for the plot, this is not a good role model for all the teens that I know are reading this book. This relationship is seriously unhealthy. Edward is controlling, Bella is so dependent. I had to call my little sis and talk about this, just to be sure she hadn't just read it and thought it all was wonderful. And I just feel bad for Jacob, and kind of root for him even though I know he hasn't got a chance. So there. Oh wait, one more - there's a fourth book due out next year, and I really hope it'll be the last, because even though I really did like these books, I don't think I can hang out for an entire decade waiting for a conclusion like I did for Harry Potter.
As for the stuff I did like: I love the Cullens. Characterization is a major strong point for Meyer. Alice revels in the human world and is always trying to experience it through Bella by throwing lavish parties and things. She's so fun. I wish Bella appreciated her. Jasper is so quietly tormented. Edward is kind of snooty, but magnetic, too. And they drive awesome cars. And I love how the mystery of Edward is set up - Bella's instant attraction to him, his weird behavior, Jacob's "legends", and how in the end Bella just doesn't care. Some people say Bella doesn't seem seventeen, and that they have to imagine her as older to take it seriously, but I think the fact that she chooses to go for a vampire even though she might lose her soul is kind of indicative of her adolescent lack of judgement and tendency to follow hormones rather than brain cells. And then she loses herself completely in him. It's intense, and from an adult perspective seems so foolish, but I think a lot of teen relationships do follow that pattern. I also liked that later on she really does think things through, and even though she comes to the same conclusion it's a decision based on logic as well as passion. She acknowledges what she's giving up, rather than just brushing it off as unimportant. I love the months that just pass in "New Moon" when she is totally depressed. So cool. And I think Edward and Jacob's little showdown in the tent in "Eclipse" is hilarious, especially when Jacob is fantasizing about Bella and Edward is reading his mind. Again, you feel bad for Jacob, but so funny.
If you haven't checked out Meyer's website, it's worth a look. There's some interesting stuff in the FAQ, you can read about her works in progress, and there's some info about the movie they are making. She speculates a lot about who she'd like to play each character, even though she gets no say. I'm no good at these games, but I love her picks. Who would you cast?
