And now, the moment you've all been waiting for: A Book Review!
I finally finished the Twilight Series. Oh, where to begin? Well, first of all, I had high expectations for this book. I first heard about it back in August at an enrichment activity. Everyone was raving about it, talking about how good it was, how I just had to read it. So I asked what it was about. "It's a vampire romance." Oh, I , uh. . . . sounds. . . interesting. But I was told not to judge the book by it's description, if you will. Since then it's come up all over the place - everyone I know has read it, it seems like. I put it on hold at the library, only to find that I was #117 on the list. So I fully expected this book to be incredible.
I was somewhat disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read, but it wasn't that good. It's just another novel. Something light to keep your brain occupied for a while. And it's a fast read. But there is nothing life-changing about it, and it's not something that I'm going to read over and over again. It was just good, not great.
Just as a warning, I'm going to delve a little deeper into some of my issues with the book, so it might be a spoiler for you if you haven't read it.
The first thing I must say is I am 26, and I do not feel old. Bella has this paranoia about aging, and it cracks me up. The thought of being 20 really bothers her. And 30? Forget it! I recognize that then she'll feel "older" than Edward, but my goodness. He was born in what, 1901? And is there really a huge difference between 17 and 20? But such is the mind of a teenage girl, I suppose. My bigger qualm is how willing and eager Bella is to give up everything to become a vampire. You see her start to realize in Eclipse what becoming a vampire really means, and yet she still wants it with all her heart. My life is obviously quite different from Bella's, but I wouldn't want to be an immortal vampire. I love my family too much. I want to have kids. I don't have a problem with the thought of growing old. And I am not afraid of dying. Part of me just feels like she hasn't fully considered the ramifications. But then again, she seems to fully believe that she can't function without Edward. Which leads me to my next issue.
I think I've become a lot more cynical over the last few years when it comes to tales of romance. Maybe cynical is the wrong word. Realistic? I just don't buy it when people fall head over heels in love within a day or so. It seemed to me like Edward and Bella met, and WHAM! They can't live without each other, so desperate is their love. What on earth is this love based on? Physical attraction? The mystery surrounding Edward? And then the way she completely falls apart when Edward leaves in New Moon. Breaking up is hard. It hurts. But you can get over it. In fact, most people do. You can love someone, say goodbye to them, and continue living. Let's not be ridiculous. Compare what she has with Edward to what she has with Jacob. One seems like an absolute fairy tale, and the other is her best friend. Maybe it's because I chose to marry my best friend, I don't know. But it seems to me that life isn't a fairy tale.
Then again, this is a book. With vampires in it. I guess I shouldn't take it so seriously.
The Miracle Club
4 days ago
4 comments:
Shannon! FINALLY someone who seems to agree with me! I've talked to so many people about this book, and EVERYONE is head over heels in love with Edward. Some still like Jacob, but most hate him. I just don't get that! I did like Edward a lot by the end, but I also didn't get the whole "suddenly we're madly in love" thing. The thing that bugged me about Twilight was that Edward & Bella were constantly fighting and keeping secrets from each other, yet it was love at first sight. I guess I was too realistic about it too, but I liked who she was a lot better when she was with Jacob.
How could anyone hate Jacob? He's so sweet, so real, and he tries so hard. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.
Well, I tried not to read this review all the way through and skipped reading the comments. I started Twilight last night. I didn't want to read it, but it's the book club book so I decided to do it after all. Anyway, I am half way through and I've only read for a few hours. Needless to say, it got me hooked. I don't know what I'll think when I get to the very end, but as cheesy as the premise of a vampire romance seems, I am really enjoying it, which I hate to admit :)
I compltely agree with you and Al! In fact..you almost wrote word for word what I thought after reading the series. :) There is another book coming, so we'll see what Bella decides, but honestly..I'd rather her choose Jacob. She is supposed to be a more "mature" teenager, but she's still just a teenager. I have to say, Stephenie Meyer is a very good emotional writer, that's probably what keeps people reading her books.
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