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?
3 comments:
Jen, ok this is Nanci(Allen), so I totally agree with your view point of the Twilight series. I really do love the novels, but I agree with the fact that Edward is overbaring, and Bella is a bawl baby! I think though, that Bella being so is attributed to the fact that she is only a teenager. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jacob Black, and I can't help but root for him too! He is however kind of a jerk! I also agree with the fact that I hope this next book is the last because as well as you I don't think I could wait as long as I did for Harry, especially after the totally lame-o ending! I still love Harry don't get me wrong, I just thought the ending could have been better. Anyway, all in all I have to admit that I have been totally sucked in and obsessed with the lives of a bunch for hormonal teenagers! I am with you in the fact that I don't think if I ever have a daughter that she will be reading these books until she is 30, but who am I to talk I'm only 23! All in all a great review! I hope all is well with your family and your new baby, for me sleeping on the couch kind of on my side with the old movie Pride and Predjudice on always helped with the insomnia!
OH...MY....GOSH. I can't believe how obsessed I was once I finally broke down and read these. Of course it only took three days (like I said, obsessive) and I kept thinking to myself...this is young adult fiction?? Honestly this author has the unique ability to build the suspense so well that throughout the first book I was actually holding my breath.
And I agree...Edward, controlling....Bella...annoying and stupid at times and really pushy in a teenaged way. Dude, she just hasn't really thought this through, even though she thinks she has thought it through. And now, although I'm totally annoyed...I've been obsessively checking her website to see when the next book comes out.
Will someone please recommend me a book that will take longer than a day to read?
Okay, I've been lurking on blogs for the last hour reading up on this book. I visited my Mum's house, and found it in my little sister's shelf. I'm a big one for suspension of belief during a novel, and I can read anything, but the feelings this book gave me within the first 2 chapters was amazing.
I'm 24. I've read McCaffrey, Eddings, Rowling, Andrews, Anthony, honestly, I'm having trouble making a list because what HAVEN'T I read. This book gave me a unique feeling that I have never experienced before in a novel. I personally equate it to the feelings I had when I was in grade 7, slavishly obsessed with Sailor Moon the TV show. This.. want to curl up into a happy little ball with watery eyes and squeel silently feeling that you only get when you haven't grown up and experienced true sex or mature responsible relationships ;) Yeah, Bella isn't like me. She's a bit winy, but Sailor moon is MUCH whinier, trust me. Bella doesn't have to be the same as you or me to be something worth reading. I want to read about her life dealing with Edward and Jacob because it makes me feel 11 again. I remember the blossoming romantic in me unfurl and stretch out beneath the sun. Sometimes, I wish they'd just hop into bed, that Edward'd bite her and be done with it, but overall I'm glad that it's staying as pure as it is.
I also would like to slap the faces of those who ridicule the author, Stephenie Meyer, for avoiding rated-R movies. Ever think that avoiding things that are rated older than her target audience she's better able to keep her books in that innocent but growing mode? Those who talk badly of her personal decision to rid her brain of a lot of pointless nudity and adult humor should be ashamed of themselves. Cheap shot.
In conclusion, we should remember that all women are born knowing that dangerous men are sexy, even if a relationship with them would be an unhealthy one, they're still sexy. Accept Meyer and her Twilight series for it's place in this world.
Also, for those of you who really enjoyed it, and like fantasy, check out Tamora Pierce's Lioness series, and her other works. They were the first things I read that were for young adults but talked about periods, and breasts, and the possibility of sleeping with men.
Remember people, keep an open mind.
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