Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Don't judge a book by the cover
Unless it is the book Series Twilight. So I was over at a friends house today and overheard yet another conversation that I seem to hear/see all too often lately. Everyone around me is obsessed with Twilight. There have been themed parties and fondant cakes made around this book for heavens sake! I see blogs that have a countdown to the movie, like it is a new baby about to arrive. I even had someone tell me that the night it comes out it is her 5 yr. anniversary and she has convinced her hubby to go see it because it is that important. The thing is, I just don't get it....it's about teenage vampires people! So I was hoping for a few people to shed some light on the subject. Tell me what the draw is. And I need specifics, not just "oh the books are just sooooo good" answers. What draws everyone and their dog to the point of obsession over this series? Any info would be greatly appreciated and I promise not to judge. (too hard) Also, if I get enough good answers, I just might pick up the book and give it a try. No promises though!
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22 comments:
I think you should read them just because they're fun. I have read all 4 of them. I would not be in the camp that thinks they're soooo good but they were not a complete waste of time. I originally read them to have something in common with the YW in my ward. I'm the kind of person that once I start a book I have to finish the series so I've read them all. I think it's kind of fun that an LDS author (and an Arizonian)has become so popular (with LDS and non-LDS people alike) and that I have the books in common with a lot of other people - I was even talking Twilight with some moms at Jake's baseball game the other night. It definitely is teen writing. I think honestly people really fall for the romance. And there's a little bit of danger too. In all, I think they're entertaining but don't think they'll win any sort of writing awards. Hope that makes sense! :)
Twilight helped my testimony grow. If Stephanie Meyer graduated from BYU then not only is the church true, but BYU is true too ;)
I think that adult women like the books because of the main male character. He is painted as the perfect man that every woman wants. (He doesn't like sports and he wouldn't leave the toilet seat up. haha) As for the writing the first 90% of the book is pretty slow and repetitive and doesn't get good until the last few chapters. The writing is not the greatest but I just kept telling myself it is for teenagers. I read them all too so I could relate to my YW. Even though it's no Harry Potter they are entertaining. If you start you might as well read them all to finish the story. I am pretty sure I have twilight if you want me to bring it to you. Let me know.
Okay so far not impressed or inspired yet to read the series. I too have been wondering, What is the big deal? I just don't get it either, Vampires?! Please More comments, something that explains the phenomena!!! Help me out too!!! Please. I don't want to be one of the only two women in middle earth who still haven't read the thing, if there IS a good reason!
I found Twilight and the others interesting, but disturbing. I wanted to keep reading them, because the story had my interest, but I thought the relationships portrayed were very unhealthy (regardless of the whole vampire aspect) and found it a little creepy that so many young girls and women are OBSESSED with this series. Also, I think that her being marketed as an teen author and her books being available in church bookstores is questionable because it puts a sanction of approval on them, and I think much of the material in the books, especially the later ones, is too adult for teens. There are some very disturbing images and questionable morality that I wouldn't think so much about except she is being marketed as an "LDS" author. The last book I had a very hard time getting through because I am pregnant right now--if you've read it, you know why I couldn't stomach some parts of it! That said, I DID keep reading them! So, if you're curious, read them with a skeptical mindset!
Natalie-
I can't believe you thought it was ok to just drop a line in my blog that you are prego. What???? Sandra's prophecy is in the works!! heehee
Everyone else - I appreciate the info however, the ladies that have responded are not the crazed fans I speak of. You know who you are...I am not going to name names. (girl kusch)
I wouldn't know, because I, as a general rule do not read books, but I saw the preview for the movie, and my husband and I agreed that it looks totally stupid. I think I'm with you on thinking people are a little ridiculous about those books. But dare I say, I felt the same way about Harry potter?
I haven't read these teenage novels and have no plan to do so, but that doesn't mean I can't have an opinion. I think Twilight is better than Harry Potter. In easier to understand terms:
Hot Vampire Girls > Dorky Wizards in Training
Never read this, and don't really have time, but I think it is weird that lds bookstores would sell vampire books. What ever happened to Jack Weyland? I am sure Christie would be happy to recommend other books if you are just looking for something to read.
hey! thanks for your comment- I totally remember you guys!!!! remember visting NY at that Mars place in the city? I think that was the last time I talked to you guys!
good to be in touch!
consider me an obsessed fan :)
I am not sure what it was exactly.. I guess the excitement of "new love", the way the characters interact with each other (there were So many time I would be laughing out loud and talking to the book, as if I was there), there is suspense in them, and the story takes on so many twists that have you on the edge of your seat, and you can't put it down until you read the next chapter, etc...
Let me tell you where I'm coming from though.
Before I read twilight:
~ I never have read any books that I didn't HAVE to read for a reason, or that were not on my kids bookshelf.
~I HATED and FEARED anything vampire related
~my desire for romance in my own relationship was probably rated a B-.
~ I can't stand Harry Potter..I don't get the excitement and can't understand the storyline 1/2 the time.
so, that has all changed, with the exception of the Harry Potter bit, but that has nothing to do with Twilight anyway! haha, and I agree with Natalie that it shouldn't be marketed as an "LDS" read... it has ALOT of things in it that I wouldn't think that young women should be reading about so young, especially the last book. But married... no biggie.
so here is my challenge to you.. I TRIPLE-DOG-DARE you to read the first book, and only the first book... I bet you can't read just one ;)
It's like one of those goofy romantic movies or sappy romance novels that is totally unrealistic but sucks you in anyway. SO entertaining!
I'm right there with you Jamie--NOT going to read them--Period.
I don't like the LDS author "approval" garbage based on what those who have read them say is in the book. And I did see the author on the Ellen show and wasn't all that impressed with her. And I have looked into it--Deseret Book catalog does NOT sell her books, only Seagull and some others that aren't Church owned/operated. That should tell you something.
And really, should teens be reading about suicidal love angst?! Mine won't! There is way too much out there to read that isn't questionable so why read that which is?! But hey, that is my totally unbiased :) opinion.
Jamie...you rock! Finally an objective outlook on this craze!Jen and her sisters and a majority of the women I interact with on a regular basis have been so obsessed with this lately, I can't wait for the movie just to get it over with.
Just read the book. You are probably the only girl who hasn't read it yet.
I actually don't agree that she is being marketed as an LDS author, like everyone is saying in these comments. I just think it's cool that she is an LDS person. And of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion about content. As far as I know she has never marketed herself as an LDS author.
Just saying...
Way to throw me under the buss Jamie! I agree with Lindsay.. my testimony has grown because of the books... hee hee. For the record, I'm not as crazed over these books as you think I am. It did not take much convincing to have Aaron agree to go to the movie, because as much as he despies the books, he's trying to butter me up to buy a new 42 inch plasma screen TV. He thinks this will help his case.
Although, i will say I get sucked into everything, whether it is reality TV or whatever book I'm reading. I can not start and stop a book- no matter how crappy. Twilight isn't crappy though. It just fun, easy read, and who wouldn't want a model-type vampire stalking you. It's hard to pin-point what exactly is so addicting about them. You will either love it or hate it. You have to at least commit to reading the first one all the way through. And like someone said above... it starts out a bit slow but get to the end and you may too, Jamie Parrish, be hooked. Let me know how it goes. I've got all the books you can borrow them!!!!
I've been waiting to comment on this until I had something to base my opinion on. Thank you Erin for giving me that opportunity.
Samsung has a 46" LCD 1080P 120 Hz (instead of the 60 Hz) and is very reasonably priced right now. It might be more worthwhile than the 42" plasma (although Plasmas have made great strides recently, unless you're going with the Pioneer I'd stick with LCD).
Also be sure to go with the one with a high contrast ratio.
Hope that helps!
I know Jamie, I'm such a nerd.
Okay, Okay, I read all four, but I grew up reading the Farm Journal, and all things in print are fair game. I wanted to know what my girls at church were so into, and then my son began reading, and borrowing them from the girls at school, so he could talk to them about them. (Does that sound like his brother?) So..the books were around and available, and I did read. I found the first one interesting, but I dod not see all the hoopla..including a special showing this Friday night with all attending wearing t-shirts with "I love Jacob" or "I love Edward". I expect to see an increase of babies named Edward for the next 10 years. I could reccommend better books. But more power to a mother of three who could crank it out at naptime without her family knowing.I was not thrilled with the morals, who wants their teenager reading about boys and girls hanging out past 11 p.m. no matter how innocent...Edward, go home.
Ain't no half stepping. You're either for hot vampire chicks or against them.
I vote hot vampire chicks. Seriously... if you really want to skip this silly book series that just gives you a taste of what a real series is like...
Watch TrueBlood. Rogue is almost a hot almost vampire chick.
I was asked to go see this movie. My response was predictable...
Um, No!
after some pushing....
Hell No!
I'd prefer to watch CareBears with the kids for the same two hour block she will be gone.
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