Another Twilight post. Long, with question at the end.
So, I finished the first book of the series today. I had preconcieved notions about the book and wanted to base my opinions on the actual book. I have to say, I was sorely disappointed. Is this really sweeping the nation, the world? This Bella... a passive character who somehow finds herself tangled up in life and refuses to change things for herself? She faints at a kiss, for godssake. Throughout the book, she's called brave and strong, and it seems to me that she is anything but. She's happy to foresake her parents for her own happiness, consoling herself with the thought that her mother was selfish and made decisions based on what was best for her, so her mother would be proud that she, herself, was following in her footsteps. Edward might as well be named Brooding Mysterious Vampire #1. This Stephanie Meyer's characters are all so flat, so static... the situations are staccato and choppy, bouncing from here to there. Unanswered questions left all throughout the book, and when he saves Bella from the van careening out of control, he would have had to contort his body in something that isn't humanly or vampire-ly possible, unless one of his other special powers is becoming Stretch Armstrong. And why, why, why is he choosing to be in High School? His family (brothers and sisters), as well? Even the AUTHOR mentions quite clearly in their introduction that they appear too old to be in High School and could easily pass as college students or teachers. The dialogue, oh god... the dialogue... Honestly, who says, "Ooops" when they've let something slip they shouldn't have? When you're laying in a hospital bed with broken limbs and abrasions all over, do you say 'ouch'? No, you gasp with pain, you shudder with pain, you clench your teeth... the reactions that Ms. Meyer embues her characters are absurd. And she doesn't seem to be able to pinpoint whether she wants Edward to be stoic, flat, defensive, or open, honest, and compassionate. This book just.. doesn't make sense. I don't understand. My question is this... WHAT is it that connects to you so strongly, that strikes such a chord that you couldn't put this book down?
I really don't expect anyone to reply to this post. Mine tend to be overlooked. I just was curious as to what it was about this series that makes it so successful. I just don't get it.
I haven't read them. but my friend said she likes them bc of the "romance"...?
.imperfection is beauty.
.madness is genius && it's better to be.
.absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.
I loathe Stephanie Meyer. I did not like the books. I liked the concept of the story, but the execution was completely wrong. I don't know how in the world her manuscript made it past the editor.
I admit I like the movie; not because it was spectacular, but because of the chemistry between the real life Robert and the real life Kristen. I don't like the helpless Bella character, but she did grow a spine at least in the last book. She's not as swoon-y in the last installment. But all in all, a complete waste of poor trees.
The romance? It isn't romance... it's obsession, a co-dependent relationship between a man approximately 104 years old and a 17 year old girl. Within weeks, they declare their undying (or undead) love for one another and vow that the other is their only reason for waking (or in Edward's case) continuing to exist.
Quoting LindseyAnne7:
I haven't read them. but my friend said she likes them bc of the "romance"...?
She does grow a spine? That's good to know.There are four occassions in Twilight where she faints and several other occassions where she comes near-to. I just kept waiting for her to slap him after he kissed her.
Quoting zava_t:
I loathe Stephanie Meyer. I did not like the books. I liked the concept of the story, but the execution was completely wrong. I don't know how in the world her manuscript made it past the editor.
I admit I like the movie; not because it was spectacular, but because of the chemistry between the real life Robert and the real life Kristen. I don't like the helpless Bella character, but she did grow a spine at least in the last book. She's not as swoon-y in the last installment. But all in all, a complete waste of poor trees.
I wasn't entranced like so many others were, but I did enjoy the books, and I did finish the series.
I think a big part of it for me was the unanswered questions. I finished the first, and I wanted to know more. So, I went out and boought the second. Then, the same thing happened. So on until the last book.
Yes, the writing itself did seem very amateurish (is that a word?)....I even told my husband that while I was reading it. I can't really pinpoint what kept me interested....especially since I don't even care for vampires or anything vampire related typically.
But, I'll tell you, if you have this many problems with the first book--don't read to the end. The ending is by far the worst part of the whole story. I was extremely disappointed with that.
If you're philosophically opposed to Twilight, then avoid reading New Moon at all costs. It's like she wrote the same chapter twenty different times and shoved them all into the same book.
Quoting lyranightshade:
She does grow a spine? That's good to know.There are four occassions in Twilight where she faints and several other occassions where she comes near-to. I just kept waiting for her to slap him after he kissed her.
Quoting zava_t:
I loathe Stephanie Meyer. I did not like the books. I liked the concept of the story, but the execution was completely wrong. I don't know how in the world her manuscript made it past the editor.
I admit I like the movie; not because it was spectacular, but because of the chemistry between the real life Robert and the real life Kristen. I don't like the helpless Bella character, but she did grow a spine at least in the last book. She's not as swoon-y in the last installment. But all in all, a complete waste of poor trees.
I don't intend to. My mommy, my wonderful mother, loves them. Has read them all and thought I'd like them. I DO love to read, pretty much anything I can get my hands on. It's just.. I don't know. Maybe I got spoiled, reading Margaret Atwood and Vonnegut. lol
Quoting MikeysMom51108:
I wasn't entranced like so many others were, but I did enjoy the books, and I did finish the series.
I think a big part of it for me was the unanswered questions. I finished the first, and I wanted to know more. So, I went out and boought the second. Then, the same thing happened. So on until the last book.
Yes, the writing itself did seem very amateurish (is that a word?)....I even told my husband that while I was reading it. I can't really pinpoint what kept me interested....especially since I don't even care for vampires or anything vampire related typically.
But, I'll tell you, if you have this many problems with the first book--don't read to the end. The ending is by far the worst part of the whole story. I was extremely disappointed with that.
I personally ike the 1st and fourth books the least, third was my fav and Midnight Sun started off like i would like it but it will never be published... see if you like it more... its Twilight written from Edwards point of view, its only the first part and its just a draft... it was leaked on the internet and she quit writing after that.
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partial_draft4.pdf
I appreciate the offer, but I'm not sure I can drag myself through another one of her books. Edward, especially, bored me. The ONLY character that had any merit at all was Carlisle who showed exceptional strength of willpower and compassion, though he had a very nominal part in the book. His history reminded me very much of Anne Rice, a true master of the vampire mythos.
Quoting GrapesMommy:
I personally ike the 1st and fourth books the least, third was my fav and Midnight Sun started off like i would like it but it will never be published... see if you like more... its Twilight written from Edwards point of view, its only the first part and its just a draft... it was leaked on the internet and she quit writing after that.
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partial_draft4.pdf
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on Nov. 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM