(Please note, here there be spoilers)
Look, Stephanie, it isn’t you. It’s me.
It goes like this: Erin tells me that I’m a romantic at heart, and I think she’s right. I like a little bit of romance in my fiction. I like it when it spices up a fantasy novel. I like to give my characters romances. The challenge of two people falling in love is a wonderful plot complication to me. I like it when the boy and the girl live happily ever after. However, I suspect that I don’t like romance novels.
I tend to jump around in my writing and my reading. My favourite show is Doctor Who, which not only changes settings week to week, but sometimes genres. A romance novel is often, by its nature, formulaic. Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy has some sense kicked into him by the feet of fate, and is able to appreciate it when boy gets girl back. Romance is a wonderful spice, but a steady diet of cumin or tarragon would quickly get dull, in my opinion. More than that, the fiction I like doesn’t have the requirements that romance books do. If characters fall in love with each other, that’s part of the story, but if not, that’s fine too, as long as the monster gets beaten. Sometimes if the characters stare lovingly into each others’ eyes too long, you start rooting for the monster.
Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series is a vampire romance. It says so on the tin, so I only have myself to blame for picking it up if it disagrees with me. But I was intrigued. The big box bookstores across North America were setting up midnight parties at the beginning of this month to celebrate the release of the fourth book, Breaking Dawn, a tactic generally associated with the old queen of the young adult/fantasy publishing industry, J.K. Rowling. I’d also heard that Twilight fan fiction was slowly overtaking Harry Potter fan fiction at the various forums. Something was building. Was Stephanie Meyer to be the heir to Rowling’s throne? Should she be? So I bought a copy of Twilight to find out.
I may not have been the right person to find out.
The story starts with Isabella (Bella) Swan’s act of martyrdom, relocating herself from sunny Phoenix, Arizona to rainy Forks, Washington. The moody seventeen-year-old has kindly volunteered to leave her divorced mom and move in with her dad so that mom can travel with the new boyfriend.
Bella expects to hate Forks. She sees herself as an awkward, unpretty girl, who never fit in with the cliques at her Phoenix high school. Moving to a small town that she barely knows is bound to be her own definition of Hell. Fortunately, her father, the police chief of the town, is a hands-off dad. It is, however, immensely frustrating for Bella when Forks doesn’t deliver on its promised stresses. All of the boys can’t help looking at her, and the girls seem to be interested in basking in her glow. To her terror, it seems as though not one, but two boys might be interested in taking her to the dance.
At the same time as Bella unwillingly integrates herself into the school’s tame cliques, she notices a group of students which nobody has anything to do with. A “family” of five high-school students (foster children of a Dr. Carlisle in town) sits apart from the student body in lunch. They are inhumanly graceful, skip school on a whim, and frankly intimidate the rest of the students with their beauty. One in particular, Edward Cullen, seems alternately intrigued and incensed by Bella’s very presence.
So begins the mystery of Edward Cullen, who seems to want to stay away from Bella (and often tells her to stay away) but who can’t seem to bring himself to do just that. When he manages to save Bella’s life by stopping an out-of-control car with his shoulder, the truth comes out: Edward, like the rest of his family, is a vampire — one that abstains from human blood, but one with all of the biological urges, all of the inhuman strength and mental capacity that vampire lore provides. His is fascinated by Bella — by the fact that she seems to be the one person in this school whose mind he can’t read. And the two fall in love, only to have their perfect relationship (mostly just staring googly-eyed at each other) disrupted by tracker vampires who decide to hunt Bella for sport.
It is a testament to Meyer’s abilities as a writer that I got through Twilight. The woman writes well enough to keep me interested, provoking clear images of the setting in my head. The characters are well drawn, and the banter has moments of humour. The best part of the book, for me, was the first half as Bella explores the mystery of who Edward Cullen is. The sense of discovery gives that part of the book a freshness that pulls the reader along, and we do get to see the better half of Bella as she uses her wits and tenacity to finally suss out the secret from Edward.
On paper, Edward is also a fascinating character, forced to deny his bloodlust around humans, and clearly struggling when temptation (Bella) is thrust in his path. You could do a lot with Edward, and Meyer does make good use of him, although the effect is hampered by the decision (perfectly legitimate) to keep the story tightly in Bella’s point of view. As a result, the sense of Edward’s struggle was muted.
But I still came out of this novel irked by what I had read, and I know that I’m not alone. I’m sure part of my frustration is professional jealousy — that Meyer has managed to succeed far better than I have. But while I was similarly jealous over J.K. Rowling’s success, I still had to admit that Harry Potter was a very good novel series. The characters were well drawn and developed remarkably over the seven books. Rowling was an excellent narrator (Meyer’s style is more stilted) and there was depth there. The Harry Potter series could be seen as an exploration of the problems of racism, or even as an evisceration of the Thatcher years in England. Meyer offers no such depth here, only romance.
And while that was what Meyer advertised from the get go, I don’t get the sense of a real romance here. Bella and Edward do not grow together over the course of the book but are rather thrust together by authorial fiat. Meyer almost makes it work, but cannot help but achieve her goals by removing a fair chunk of Bella’s free will, and even her sense of self preservation. At the end of chapter ten, Bella tells us that she is completely and totally in love with Edward. Um… but why? She hardly knows the man, even though he has saved her life (twice) and she has sussed out his secret. In terms of character traits, Edward is too confused over his conflicting physical feelings for Bella to coherently articulate what is it that draws him to her romantically. But Meyer shoves that aside for longing looks and lots of caresses.
Finally, on page 248 as Bella prepares for her “date” with Edward the next day, we encountered the following paragraph:
“I intuitively knew — and sensed he did, too — that tomorrow would be pivotal. Our relationship couldn’t continue to balance, as it did, on the point of a knife. We would fall off one edge or the other, depending entirely upon his decision, or his instincts. My decision was made, made before I’d ever consciously chosen, and I was committed to seeing it through. Because there was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating, than the thought of turning away from him. It was an impossibility.”
At which point Erin, who had been sniping at the narrative occasionally, blurted out, “but why, Bella?! Why?!”
The “upon his decision, or his instincts” line describes two ways their “date” could go. They’re heading off into the woods. Either he would choose to love her, or he would choose to eat her, and those were the only two choices Bella was allowing. Indeed, she deliberately goes about telling everyone that earlier plans with Edward are cancelled, so as not to get him in trouble should he end up choosing to see her as meat.
Um… excuse me?!
Neither Erin nor I have been sold, at this point, that Bella’s desire to forsake option three (run like hell back to Phoenix) is anything more than a mental defect. This aspect of Bella is the root problem of Twilight. Bella starts well as a character; she’s sardonic, intelligent, somewhat standoff-ish — the sort of thing that many teenagers could identify with. But that’s the deck Bella is dealt with at the start of the book when she moves to Forks. She doesn’t grow this character; she doesn’t earn it. Throughout the first thirteen chapters, Bella doesn’t really discover anything about herself. Bella doesn’t change. And, most frustratingly, the only thing drawing Bella to Edward, other than raw sexual desire, is curiosity.
Even more alarming is the revelation that Edward has been sneaking into Bella’s bedroom at night, long before the two admit their love for each other, to just watch her as she sleeps. And she’s fine with that. I guess having a creepy stalker is okay if he’s hot. Bella acts like a perfect victim of abuse. She refuses to exhibit any sense of self-preservation, and wishes nothing more than to have her choices taken away from her and given to someone else.
All this becomes problematic given the shadow that Stephanie Meyer operates under. Nope, not Anne Rice: Joss Whedon. Girl power Twilight ain’t. And while it is good that Meyer set about charting her own path in the vampire lore, Bella’s character still makes me think that Twilight is what you’d get if you took Buffy: the Vampire Slayer, kept some of the humour, ditched the world-threatening baddies, kept the sex appeal, and then drained Buffy of almost all of her self worth as a character. This is Buffy as the dutiful wife, vampirism as a metaphor for an abusive relationship, without condemning the abuser.
It’s not that I object to the relationship between Bella and Edward, it’s that, unlike Buffy and Angel, or Buffy and Spike, Bella doesn’t grow in order to enter into her relationship with Edward, and she certainly doesn’t enter into that relationship as an equal partner. Had Meyer taken the time to show us the reasons, beyond sexual, beyond curiosity, that brings Bella to the decision to throw away her sense of self-preservation and fall in love with a vampire who isn’t yet sure if he can stop himself from killing her, then Twilight would have been a lot more powerful book. Had Meyer given us a Bella who maintained some control over her relationship with Edward, then I’d be far less inclined to want to shake the young woman, or wish someone else would call the police.
Instead, the relationship between Bella and Edward doesn’t really develop beyond the physical. Clichéd love-at-first-sight short circuits Bella’s development as a person. Bella constantly focuses on the inhuman beauty of her lover, his manly, muscular chest, his porcelain features, the fact that he sparkles in sunshine (gag!), and only gives passing mention to his intelligence. She is understandably flattered that Edward the Vampire would fight against his own nature to love her, but it is still a shame to see a supposedly modern female character, of above-average intelligence, to be swept up by looks and attention.
And Bella gives of herself, all the time, and very rarely acts for her own self interest. She loves Edward unconditionally when I think a more sensible character would have been at least more wary. Even her arrival in Forks is an act of self-sacrifice, putting herself in her father’s hands so that her divorced mother could follow around her new beau. This is a book about a girl who chooses to give all her choices away, and it doesn’t seem to get much better in the sequels.
The superficiality of Bella’s love for Edward makes me wonder at the message this is sending to teenage readers. Among doting fans, some express a longing for “their Edward” to come along. My advice to my daughters when someone like Edward shows up? Use pepper spray. I will be there to back you up with the baseball bat. That this book appeals to certain people isn’t a surprise: it ably captures our youthful perceptions of what first love is like. What it doesn’t capture is the reality of love, and I believe our daughters deserve better than that.
While I would not seek to keep this book out of anybody’s hands, I would be, frankly, disturbed if my daughters were to take it up.
Unless, of course, it was their intent to point at it and laugh.
Further Reading
- Author Jeff Vandermeer’s take on Why the Twilight Series Bugs Me.
- Scathing Book Review’s review of Breaking Dawn is… wait for it… scathing!
- A review of Twilight by Ruby.
- And, for the other side of the coin, Thoughts of an Aspiring Teenage Writer (who writes very well) loves the Twilight series and calls Breaking Dawn the best book of the year. (See also here)
August 15, 2008 10:53 AM
I have sons not daughters, but should they ever take up this book be careful of your reaction. It has been my observation that your opposition will only make them love it more. Kids!
August 19, 2008 9:53 AM
I liked the Twilight series. I liked the helpless romance of the characters drawn together by fate and not much else — it is very typical of how teens think their love lives will be. And yes, I am going to gobble down book 4 in one sitting here one of these days — hoping they finally get to the vampire sex!
August 21, 2008 9:54 PM
Reading your review was a nice reality check I was one of the “daughters that were swept up” I swear I saw the book everywhere in school, at first i really wasn’t interested in it but then my best friend told me I HAD to read it, saying it was the greatest thing ever, I didn’t have much complaints when I read the first book ( I read it one shot, trying to be completely one with the book) But when I was reading new moon, I truly changed my views for a moment I thought Edward was really out of her life, and that the novel would take a surprising turn of being a growing into life series with a twinge of fantasy, (I really Loved where I thought it was going but then Edward came back and Bella….!!!! Wasn’t even ANGRY at him! I would have been furious! And then the only reason I was able to finish the series was because of Jacob Black. Well the ending I guess was the best Stephanie could offer me while leaving the Edward fan girls happy.
August 25, 2008 12:01 AM
OK OK OK NO NO NO You not say anything bad about the book these books are my life!!! how could anyone not like them its CRAZY!!! The second book was sad for me too though i agree and i could only read the rest of the book because of jacob but then edward came back i wasn’t mad i was sooo happy. when you read how edward is it just makes you fall in love with him yourself and you feel your own bond with edward!:) its incredable how the author can make you feel that way!!! anyway im excited to see the movie come out and hope its as good as the book!! by the way does anyone know how i can contact Stephanie Meyer if so that would be great email me at swimchik4444@yahoo.com love ya bye!!!
September 1, 2008 12:57 AM
It is very possible for someone not to like the books.
Everyone has their preferences. Just because you’re obsessed with a piece of fiction does not mean everyone else is. Don’t get me wrong, I love the series as well and some things that were said were a little harsh, but it’s just an opinion. I shouldn’t get all worked up by someone’s opinion, it’ll only get you into trouble.
September 5, 2008 10:47 AM
I fell for Edward in Twilight - but halfway through Eclipse I completely fell for Jacob. I liked his warmth compared to Edwards coolness & Jacobs love seems less conditional.
I agree that Bella seems willing to give up everything quicker then most - but that is the reality of most young love, which keep in mind is what the book is based on - a young teenage girl falling in love for the first time.
I read countless romance novels as a young girl with similar plot lines - hopelessly in love women falling & giving everything for a man….did it dramatically affect me…no.
It did however lead me to realize that true love is worth waiting for. What woman doesn’t hope to find a strong man who loves, protects & respects her & in turn wants to give her all to him.
Regardless, as to James’ comments on not allowing his daughters to read the series…if you as a parent are raising them with self respect & confidence they will realize the book is fiction, it’s meant to take you away somewhere mythical & magical. Anyone who takes that into reality needs to give their head a shake.
September 12, 2008 10:44 AM
I have to say that I’m just in the middle of Twilight. I’m 31 years old and this book has made my heart sing! I haven’t felt like this in years and it’s a truly amazing book so far. Thank you Stephanie for writing something that I’m not able to put down. I love it and can’t wait to read the rest.
September 16, 2008 6:15 AM
I was thirteen when I started the book. I loved it, but then soon began to hate it at a level that wasn’t healthy for me. I believe that Meyer’s writing makes it seems like a child’s work. The storyline is predictable and she makes the story sexist. Edward Cullen is a jerk and Belle is an idiot.
September 19, 2008 4:00 PM
i LOVE the twilight series and, ok maybe it sn’t realistic but that what every has in there head as true love isn’t it?? i don’t think it was important for Stephanie to add details on Bella’s “why?” because of the way she explained what Bella sees in Edward’s eyes the way she she she sees the most beautiful stars, you know?
the ONLY things i find irritating in her books is the PERFECT ending in Breaking dawn and the random question Edward answers and does not tack time to explain the nature of the answer.
September 20, 2008 12:17 AM
I’m 17 years old and I haven’t read the novel. (Most people I know are constantly ranting about this Edward person it’s ANNOYING AS HELL.) The Twilight wagon has come and gone and I’m still not on it. True, this book is everywhere, but for me (and this is just from how everybody describes it) “mushy love drama” just doesn’t work. Come on. Maybe it has something to do with my cynicism when it comes to ALL forms of fiction with “romance” as the main label. I pledge allegiance to Anne Rice when it comes to vampires. All this hype about the book makes me wonder whether it really is good so it’s popular, or it’s popular and that’s why people think it’s good. P.S. A friend sent me copy, so I’ll probably read it when there’s “nothing else to do.” Yeah, right. :)
September 24, 2008 5:36 PM
Jeez people come on! Am I the only person who read this that actually liked the series?! True it’s fiction but that’s why we teenage girls LIKE it! It gives us a chance to imagine ourselves as Bella and see ourselves in love with a truly sexy vampire…this novel is not sexist! How on earth is it sexist? I don’t understand! I don’t understand anything that you people have said…how is Edward a jerk? Is it because he is trying to avoid Bella? Newsflash! It’s so he can keep her alive! Because he has never smelled blood so…I’m going to say delicious because that’s kinda how they describe it…before! And he’s not immune to her! I think he’s not immune to her because she’s new and he’s in love with her from the start but he just doesn’t know it yet…How is Bella and idiot? Is it because she’s in love for the FIRST time? Hi! Welcome to the world of teenagers! Come on people think back to when you were a teen and get it through your heads that when you were one of us and you were dating you were willing to do anything for the person you liked/dated! Don’t you dare try to say that it never happened…This is coming straight from a 15 year old! I am turning 16 in March and I know that I am right about everything I have just written…oh and James? Yeah this book is written for teenage GIRLS to read, the reason you hated it is because you are a guy! Most guys hate these books because they know that once a girl they like starts reading them that the girl will have an image of what they think Edward looks like in their heads! PROPS to Stephenie Meyer for writing these books because they also give girls a sense of hope. Pepper spray and a baseball bat? Gimme a BREAK! I am so glad you’re not my daddy, my daddy is no where near as ridiculous as you are…Just because this is your website and your blog doesn’t mean that you are right. You better believe I’m furious about the things you have written…Jeez, I mean COME ON!! As if you have a say in what Stephenie writes…I along with almost every other teenage girl on the planet support her and always will…and you better believe I’m gonna be first in line to see Twilight on opening night…Write about that tough guy! Do not mess with Stephenie Meyer fans! Oh yeah I went there.
September 26, 2008 2:48 AM
I really appreciate the facts that this review above skims over. I am a teenage girl who found this book to be so ridiculously teeny bopperish that i felt mildly disgusted when i finished reading Twilight. Yes, it kept me reading until i was completely done (and slightly mesmerized I’ll admit), but the book is nowhere near deserving the attention it gets. I even found the overall writing slightly disappointing - or maybe that was done on purpose to get on the teeny boppers’ level. There is no good reason for WHY someone like Edward would look at someone so ordinary as Bella (so what he can’t read her mind), and WHY Bella loves him so much is ridiculous.
This isn’t maddening love and affection - she’s simply deeply affected by his vampire characteristics - anyone could/would be if they existed. I also felt like all the girls who obsess over Edward obsess over his attractiveness and the beautifully timed moments in which he touches Bella - wow, good job teenage girls - even though he is ridiculously smart and cultured, no one bothers to care or credit this. On the other hand this is quite realistic because if “Edward” did come along to any teeny bopper she would act just like Bella (with the exception of her wittiness). So maybe it’s not necessarily Twilight that i disapprove of - I believe i honestly resent the obsessed fans and teenage girls swooning at the thought of their “Edward”.
Oh please, don’t be so hormonal and predictable, teenage girls - sometimes I’m ashamed to be one of you. The only reason you fall so hard and see little fault in these books is because you haven’t (or failed to understand) any classics or REAL literature.
September 28, 2008 6:20 PM
My roommate bought the series on a whim this summer, and I recently borrowed and read Twilight myself. I must say, the story drew me in unexpectedly. But as I told my roommate later, there was something that disturbed me about it but it was difficult to articulate just what that was.
I think like this review does a much better job of putting my feelings into words than I could… It bothered me to read about such a startling lack of judgement on Bella’s part. While I thought teenagers could definitely identify with the story, it seemed far too much like the romance, such that it was, was too intense and complicated - kind of encouraged teens in the direction opposite to the one I’d want them to take.
Maybe it’s that darned expensive university education finally kicking in, but I get the impression that if teenagers are to read this, they need to exercise with great skill some of those ‘critical thinking’ and ‘detailed analysis’ skills they keep trying to instill through education…
September 29, 2008 11:47 PM
okay this is what i think…I think Edward is an amazing character but seriuosly i want to slap Bella too. He is way too much of a gentleman and it really annoys me. I would want a Jacob Black then an Edward Cullen. I do seriously love these books and i read twilight in one day. But i do think that Edward is too “Perfect” and lots of girls want there edward to come along when most likely thats not going to happen. I would say im obessesed with these books and i love all of them…but Bella needs a reality check…majorily. =P
September 29, 2008 11:59 PM
HOLY CRAP!! THIS BOOK IS SOO AMAZING! Wow i read TWILIGHT in one day! And my oh my was i impressed…i read the HARRY POTTER books and i loved them the same!! LIKE wow these books make you imagine what it would be like to be a teenage girl falling inlove with an amazing boy that treats wonderfully. I would say though that there are things in this book that annoy me…like Edward seeming to b “perfect” and how Bella never gets mad at him when he does things…but that just shows there love 4 eachother!!!! When i read NEW MOON i was slighly disappointed…But i really liked JACOB BLACK like oh wow he seems more like the perfect guy…like a guy that might actually exist, hes charming, sarcastic, likes to joke around and he is cute. I really do love these books and i always will…me and my friends spend hours talking about them!! =P I think that what James wrote about above some of it is very true but we all don’t have to think that…its just peoples opinions!!!!!!!ROCK ON TWILIGHT ONLY 53 DAYZ TILL THE MOVIE!! EEEK!!!!!im so excited. =)
October 1, 2008 5:38 AM
go you! WhOop WhoOp! twilight rocks!!!!!!!!!
james i just don’t get you. i mean it’s for teenage GIRL’S! okay it was good of you to read it but most guy’s don’t like romance books because…they think there crap.
but can’t you remember what it was like when you met your wife?
your true love no?
well remember that and now refer it to edward and bella
then you’ll realise twilight is actually awesome and it explains how she loves him you nut case! it does in all of them.
and there amazing and i cant wait to read MIDNIGHT SUN! it’s edwards point of view!
so then we get to read what it’s liek for him.
SO HUSH!
October 1, 2008 8:36 AM
Well, for reference, this is how I fell in love with my wife. We were friends, first, and it took about a year and a half before we realized we were in love with each other.
October 2, 2008 7:40 PM
haha lol!! im excited for MIDNIGHT SUN too!!! =) But i sorta agree with some things that James wrote here…he makes some good points! lol this review made me laugh so hard! BUT OMG I LOVE TWILIGHT!!
October 3, 2008 6:35 PM
OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i’m a slow reader….and i read 100 pages in one day…i know that doesn’t sound like that much…but i was sooo proud of myself…it’s soooo GOOD!!!!! i love edward….but i agree with Marissa and Christina…i think that he is still a little too perfect….but i don’t care…THIS BOOK IS FREAKIN AMAZING I LOVE IT SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!! =P
bye bye lol
October 5, 2008 11:58 AM
this is the best book ever the movie is getting me really excited i am a really slow reader i am on only on nighmare but i really love this book my friends love it too ! edward in the move looks pretty good bella looks amazing! I ABSOLOTLY LOVE THIS BOOK!
October 7, 2008 12:07 PM
I’ve always been a fan of the mysterious nature that is the vampire, and I have to say that Stephanie Meyer has added a whole new outlook on the world of the vampire. With unique three-dimensional characters, any reader will get sucked in within the first page and never be able to put it down. Hypnotic and dark, Meyer uses the art of obsession, adventure, mystery, and romance to shape a story beyond the realms of imagination.
This book is written for teenage GIRLS to read. Most guys hate these books because they know that once a girl they like starts reading them that the girl will have an image of what they think Edward looks like in their heads! PROPS to Stephenie Meyer for writing these books because they also give girls a sense of hope. I along with almost every other teenage girl on the planet support her and always will. I do think that Edward is too “Perfect” and lots of girls want there Edward to come along when most likely thats not going to happen. Like I said girls picture Edward in there head and then want a boy to be like that. Not all boys are like Edward but oneday we wil find our Edward. No one sparkles like Edward and no one is perfect but us teenage girls have BIG Imaginations.
Stephanie Meyer is a really good wrighter and I do recomend these books for any one to read. Teenage boys, teenage girls, and adults. Twilight is going to be a really good movie.
October 10, 2008 9:37 PM
“I along with almost every other teenage girl on the planet support her and always will”
Hm.. or not?
I WOULD say you were just trying to exaggerate.. but no. I don’t believe that because half the things you wrote were written in the same manner.
So. Just so you know. About three-quarters, if not more, of my VERY TEEN AGED, VERY FEMALE friends want nothing to do with Twilight. Why?
Because they, in their own opinions, think it sucks.
I know. I know. Hard concept of an opinion different from yours, right?
I think I’ll let you swallow that one for a minute.
Wait.. wait.. okay.
Yeah. They think that Twilight sucks. And so do I.
And, for the record, I am also a very teen aged, very female person. And I am not illiterate, believe it or not. I just have a different opinion.
Wow.
It’s sexist because of the way that Edward, the MALE character, is totally dominant over Bella. Because all Bella ever wants to do is “please her man”. Because Bella is portrayed as what SMeyer thinks is “immoral”— that Bella wants sex before marriage. Because Bella has absolutely no backbone when it comes to Edward. Because, in New Moon, we see how RIDICULOUSLY WEAK AND PATHETIC Bella is when Edward leaves. Because of the way that NONE of the female characters are strong at ALL.
Also, Edward is a jerk. Your precious New Moon has him leaving Bella to “protect her”. Being in a relationship is NOT about doing things alone, you know. It’s actually kind of about HAVING SOMEONE TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THE HARD TIMES. Besides, he “protected” her physically (kind of. I mean, she DID try to do dangerous things so that she could hear him.. mental instability, anyone?), but what about mentally and emotionally?
Bella’s an idiot because she’s quite literally throwing her life away for someone she’d known.. what? Two weeks at most? Why? Because he’s pretty~~? Because he’s ~~sparkly~~? Never mind her mortality, never mind her friends (if you can call them that at all.. since she doesn’t even know their NAMES for the most part), never mind her father. Never mind EVERYTHING except for EDWARD with his nice, sparkly body.
Never mind that Edward has all the personality of a dead fish. All that matters is that he’s PRETTY~~.
And yes. I realize that I’m being rude and sarcastic. But I guess I’m just a bitch. Deal. : )
October 13, 2008 6:24 PM
haha okay then thats ur opinion. i still think twilight is a very good book. :)
October 20, 2008 6:12 PM
I love these books. just for the fact that i myself fell in love with edward. and you’ve got to have talent if you get your reader to actauly FALL IN LOVE with one of your charecters
But there are many flaws with the books. I found one flaw in Breaking dawn. I want to ask Meyer about it, but i can not get in contact.
So i want to see if anyone agrees.
!!SPOILERS ALERT!!
When They find out Bella has the shielding power, it means she can expand her sheild “bubble” to cover other people. Well, you know that the people within the shield can do things to eachother. (You know this because, when talking to the volturi, Bella sets out the “Bubble” without edward knowing, meaning that he could still read minds of others, since he did not notice.)
So if people with the shield can do things to eachother, then how come when Bella exxpands her sheild can edward not hear her thoughts? he is in the shield not aswell, its not only protecting her, so why not?
I am not sure if i misunderstood something, or if there is actually something wrong.
If anyone can clarify my thoughts, i would be very thank full.
You can contact me at, Julie_Butler@live.com
THANKS
October 30, 2008 9:15 PM
Amanda, I’m a 36yr old female and I’m with you all the way. It’s a great story and it allows girls to dream. Even grown responsible women like to daydream. There isn’t a person who knows me who wouldn’t agree that I am an independent and strong person. I raised my daughter to be the same and my husband is no shrinking violet either. Sometimes though it’s nice to imagine being a little bit more “female”. Though I doubt I’d make a very good Bella I sure like to read about her. I’m on the third book and I started less than a week ago. If all I wanted was a taste of reality I’d turn on the news or pick up a book on human behavior. It would probably be more true to life but certainly less entertaining. I hope Stephenie Meyer doesn’t run out of ideas any time soon. You can guarantee I’ll be there for Twilights opening night as well.
November 6, 2008 9:05 PM
I just have to say I was very impressed by your review of Twilight. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I found myself becoming increasingly bothered by the character of Bella from about midway through the story to the end, and felt that she “lost” her voice along the way. You were really able to capture the problems I was having with the development. Now I’m intrigued - I’m going to have to check out YOUR books! :o) Kristy from Kitchener
November 17, 2008 4:23 AM
Having a top seller in anything doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best or most creative. S. Meyers targeted a demography and hit the mark. Many females can relate with Bella’s feelings: she was an outcast in Phoenix, was terrible at sports, she didn’t think she was pretty and felt alone in this world. Many of us also dream about finding true love or love at first sight. If you’re not able to connect with Bella in any way, or are a realist when it comes to love, then you probably won’t like this book.
Twilight doesn’t quite have what it takes to be a superior book, but strikes the right chord in it’s target market, creating a superior story.
One more thing, to all those who think it was silly for Bella to fall in love within the first week or so…the first time I met my guy, I knew right then and there that I wanted to be with him. I fell in love with him instantly. Foolish? Maybe. But it’s been 7 years and counting.
November 18, 2008 10:11 PM
I stumbeled upon this site quiet by accident and I read James’s review which is good I agree with some things about the Twilight books. SMeyer is not a superb write, but she targeted a specific audience which of course would be the teen audience and that made the books gold.The best audience to write for is the teen audience because when they find a book that they like they embrace it with all their heart and pretty much go crazy for it. Don’t believe me let me give you some examples 1. Harry Potter 2. Lord of the Rings 3. Pirates of the C. and now Twilight so there you have it. Thank goodness there are some teenagers out there that like educational books more than this garbage about vampires and romance. I am not saying not to read the books, please do read them educate yourself and your mind as long as the reader knows it’s only fantasy it’s all good. However one last advice that I would love to leave here is, you know the part where Edward sneeks into Bella’s room at night to watch her sleep(and that is before she knows of it) yeah if you encounter something like that let me tell you it is not romantic call 911 and run as fast as you can,because in my opinion that is creepy. That is all for now:)))