What Do You Think?
I am currently reading the third book, Eclipse, in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers and I gotta say, I can hardly put them down! I started the first book to see what all the fuss was about, thinking I would critique her writing, plotting, characterization, etc.
Umm, I kinda forgot to do all that.
I became so wrapped up in the story that I didn't really care how good or bad or whatever she was as a writer. This is a sign that something special is going on! The fact that so many other people have become as obsessed (too strong a word?:) leads me to believe that I am not the only one. So then, the question becomes - what's so great about these books? What has Ms. Meyers done so thoroughly to draw us in? I've given this some serious thought, but before I take a stab at it, what do you think her "magic" is?
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9 comments:
Ok first let me say I LOVE the Twilight series...but not as much as your books!:-) As for why they're such popular books I think it's because the heroine, Bella, is so much like every girl. Stephenie did such a good job making Bella easy to relate to. She's from a split family, she has to deal with a new school and new life and also the akwardness that comes with being a teenager but somehow ends up with the "perfect" guy.
Don't get me started on Edward I'm 23 and I have such a crush on him and that was before the movie came out and Robert Pattinson put a face to the character...and wow what a face LOL :-P But Edward is just so much what every girl wants I think, chivalrous, considerate but also has the knowledge of what the world is like after 100 years of "life". Not to mention the fact that he's the night in shinig armor, coming to rescue Bella from attackers both human and vampire! These are just a few of the reasons why I love Twilight. Just wait until you get to Breaking Dawn...whew it was awesome!!!! Even though it's around 700 pages I think I finished it in one day, so be prepared! BTW I can't wait for Love's First Light, I love your books, they're great! Keep it up!
I agree with Renee. Bella is easy to relate to, and the emotions come across very well.
My sis asked me if I'd read the books (last Dec) and when I said no, she said it wasn't just your typical vampire story; it was more about the RELATIONSHIP, and it was similar to the way I write.
I bought the book for my daughter, but decided to read it first, and now we are all hooked on the series. I've yet to see the movie though...
Yay on news of your 4th book! I still need to get Wind Dancer. Maybe your next signing???
Been wondering the same thing myself. Guess it's time to pick up a book and see. Looks like a nice, long read for summer. I love it that the books are already out.
I ditto Renee - like your books so much more!
I read Twilight - but haven't read the others, yet. I read it for Book Club (yes a bunch of 20 and 30 something women read for book club! can u believe it!?). One girl made the comment that it was "like 400 pages of foreplay". It was OK, but I'm just not big on my kids reading about Vampires. It's fiction I know, I just never did like vampires and werewolves. As far as my 12 or 13 year old reading it - No Way! Personally, I just think it becomes too obsessive and intimate. Not a healthy thing for a pre-teen/teen.
At my teen book blog - it is by FAR the most controversial review we have done! (http://teenlitreview.blogspot.com/2008/02/twilight.html)
Great comment Renee. You made several wonderful points (especially the relatability of Bella). Ditto on the crush!
Molly, I will be signing copies of Wind Dancer at the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous May 23-24 and would love to see you there if you have the chance! Congrats on your success!!
ARRRGGGHHHH! I'll be at the Indy 500! Guess I'll have to send my daughter over; only K and I are going. Hubby prefers drag-racing, and W is too young to attend (he's 5). S likes to stay home with daddy and watch it on TV.
Head slap...I won't be leaving until late Sat, so could still come see you:)
"obsessed" doesn't begin to describe it...i DO NOT see what the big deal is with these books...no offence to anyone out there...
but i am going to be honest with you guys...you are NEVER going to meet and fall in love with a vampire! it just ain't gonna happen!
nearly all the girls at my church have or are reading this book...i saw the movie at a sleep over a while ago, and i kept on CRACKING UP because i could just see edward take a bite out of bella!! (my mind is weird when it comes to that and movies [=) i can't go anywhere without seeing this stuff...
a friend of mine read these books and stayed locked in her room for 20 hours reading these...it was scary when i heard about it! she use to read Christian romance (like i read) but then she got into these...she even told me that she didn't like what she's "turned into" from last year...
the third and fourth have sex seens in them...this is not what girls need to be reading this day and age...
i am not saying this because i'm not allowed to read them...i'm nerly 16 and my mom told me i could read these books if i wanted too...but here's the thing...i don't want too! i stumbled across a book a year or two ago that i thought was a Christian romance...i soon found out that it wasn't...what i read is still burned into my mind and i can't get it out, no matter how bad i want to...i tear up just thinking about it...
PLEASE, mrs. carie, don't help the girls of the world get this stuff in their mind...this is not what we need...these books are full of darkness...we need to spread the light of God out there, not "twilight"...
with much love,
ann whitney
Okay, finally commenting - sorry it took so long!
I think the Twilight books have supernatural elements that are attractive in their truth. Like the Lord of the Rings books/movies or some of the superhero movies it says that"
1) We were created to be eternal(to live with God forever).
2) Super human strength and beauty. We desire these things because we were created for eternal purposes (jobs in heaven) with our God given gifts being used for His purposes. The ultimate fulfillment.
3) Unconditional/sacrificial love Edward has toward Bella. We desire this as it is a picture of Christ's love for us. Jesus is the ultimate bridegroom and we crave His love and recognize that in characters who mimic that kind of love.
4) Bella is like all of us - flawed, average and feels it. But we can't wait until she "perfect" because we are all waiting for the day when we are perfect through Christ's blood and able to finally be all God created us to be.
I remember when I first saw Star Wars (the first three movies). I was so inspired by the good vs. evil plot and the super abilities and yet weakness of the good side. And how they could overcome. I think Twilight gives people this same feeling - which is a glimpse of our real story to come.
Just me two cents worth! :-)
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