To Twilight fans:

1. 58

   Wonder_Womanposted 12 years ago

   I have just recently read the book and I am  almost done reading new moon. This book brings me a lot of questions, I know teenagers and grown women alike who treat this book as their bible, they are utterly infatuated with the novels. Now I haven’t read a ton of romantic novels, but I wonder why is the love story between the 2 main characters so addictive? I have women telling me they have a new perception of their ideal man just by reading into the character of Edward…. Can anyone help explain the “aww” behind the book? There is definitely something more then just a book, it has created a sort of colt like book readers. What impression does this book leave on you?

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      Blogging Erikaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      "Stalking is sexy.  Not creepy!  SEXY."  (No it's not.)
      
      I couldn't get past Bella being beautiful and smart and instantly beloved by all, and being the star of a trilogy of books even though she never actually DOES anything. 
      
      Ever notice that?  Instead of taking action, she is acted upon.  She has no agency; she barely has free will, from what I could gather.
      
      I just kind of wanted to shove her down a flight of stairs.

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2. 59

   Colebabieposted 12 years ago

   I think it is just the idea of a man who would do anything to protect you. A story of forbidden love of two people who are so different from one another but could not bear to live apart. It is hard in teenage books and movies to find a love that is genuine and not all mushy gushy teenage drama. I didn't read the books, and while I have seen the movie it wasn't my favorite. But I understand the appeal.

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   1. 58

      Wonder_Womanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The movie was trash, the book was surprisingly good. i also expected a teenage drama scenerio but it was much more mature then i expected, i just couldnt believe the amount of devoted fans to this...

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      1. 59

         Colebabieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, I think it is the maturity of their relationship that appeals to teenagers. Often teenage relationships are portrayed as being extremely juvenile full of lust and lacking dedication and love. The most successful things are from word of mouth, Twilight being the case. It wasn't something that was crazy advertised and until the film most people hadn't heard of the books. It was teenage girls who read the books and passed them on.

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      2. 60

         mistywildposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         it's usually that way movies stink and make the books look bad, when in fact the books are more thorough than the stinky movie. and yes, twilight, the movie was horrible.

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   2. 61

      zadrobiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I read the book
      I am always curious when it comes to pop culture and I wanted to know why EVERY SINGLE girl on planet earth loves it.
      Well, you said it Cole: because there are very few perfect guys like me out there so it's nice to be able to at least imagine
      
      Viva la romance!

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3. 0

   lynnechandlerposted 12 years ago

   I didn't get past the first book. Won't watch the movie. It is a sad commentary I think on writing and overpromotionalization by Hollywood.
   
   In the world of romance writers, it left a bitter pill to swallow by those that truly take their time with the craft and put out some awesome writing.
   
   Fluff and nonsense.

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4. 70

   Beth100posted 12 years ago

   Well, I've read the whole series (before I let my daughter read them) and find that there are a few elements that have attracted a wide audience from teens to adults.  First, there is the love story.  Second, the teen rebellion -- going against what she knows is against what her dad would approve -- thus resulting in thrills.  Third, the fantasy world of vampires.  Who hasn't been mesmerized by these night creatures?  Finally, a simple plot to follow.  It's easy reading with romance, action and suspense.  Some like it, others don't.  This statement holds true for all novels.

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5. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   I am hardly a teenager and ended up reading the first 3 books, and had to take a break. the writing is very mediocre and geared towards a young audience. like Beth said, many mothers picked up the book to read before allowing their daughters to read it.
   
   I like to read literature, stuff that is not necessarily an easy read. I saw co-workers of all ages reading the book on their lunch hour, one girl was sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk reading the books. my son's girlfriend was reading the book.
   
   so I picked up the first book and couldn't put it down. I was mesmerized by the story, the writing was terrible but it hooks you and you want to find out what happens.
   
   forbidden love, everything Beth said. sometimes the characters bothered me, especially the girl (can't think of her name) as she seemed too brave, too naive. and anyone who has read any of Anne Rice's books on real vampires... well, some of it was just comical.

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6. 70

   Beth100posted 12 years ago

   @ rebeckahELLE -- I agree about Bella.  She tends to be too naive and compared to Anne Rice's books, the vampires in this series are watered down.  A little too much damsel in distress wtih a strong man saving her all the time...certainly doesn't add to the strong, confident, young lady image I like to see. However, it's entertainment, and the girls (and guys) like it.

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   1. 85

      rebekahELLEposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      how could I forget?? Bella!!
      
      the other night Interview with a Vampire was on one of the movie channels. I had forgotten how evil Lestat was... :

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      1. 70

         Beth100posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I kinda liked him....Then again, I like strange men!  lol 

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            rebekahELLEposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            (psst, I think we all kind of like a little bad boy in our men.)

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               Beth100posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                 (sshhh, especially biting ones!  lol) 

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7. 77

   Danielle Farrowposted 12 years ago

   Along with the themes mentioned, there is the fact that the author chose deliberately to use some of the finest work of other, much acclaimed, authors - stories by Shakespeare, Bronte and Austen are openly mentioned as inspirations for the books.
   
   Also, there is a great appeal in created worlds - worlds that seem rich, but whose rules are actually fairly easy to grasp (whether one follows them or not).  Far more appealing than the complexities involved in trying to get to grips with our world. I do not mean this as negative criticism - it very much appeals to me, and can be a way into dealing with some of those complexities.
   
   I enjoyed the books (though not the triangle element - never something I care for) and am looking forward to the next film.  Some element of eye candy appreciation in that, though, truth be told! ;p

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8. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   Danielle, the concept of created worlds is the appeal, I believe.
   an author can take us to these worlds in words and to me, that is the most favorable review any author would want. what may be lacking in technique can often be overlooked if there is this amazing created world as she has written.
   
   Harry Potter, look what happened. Lord of the Rings, these powerful, colorful, magical creative worlds where we can escape for a while and often realize our own power within.
   
   your profile sound so interesting. I want to read some of your work.

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   1. 77

      Danielle Farrowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes - I love created worlds.  I've read a lot of Anne Rice (while she was still being properly edited), Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kelley Armstrong, etc, also Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett, Edgar Rice-Burroughs and their ilk. (Though LoR is too much for me - except for the films!)
      
      In the younger range, I've read HP, Twilight saga, and would highly recommend Tithe by Holly Black and anything by Diana Wynne-Jones.
      
      I'm so glad you are interested in my work - I hope you have time to read it, and I hope you will then still be interested!
      
      I have noticed your replies in my recent explorations and you are now bookmarked for me as I have enjoyed reading these.  Really must get to bed now though - it's 2.15am for me!!!
      
      Best wishes!

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9. 58

   Wonder_Womanposted 12 years ago

   Ladies thank you so much for your input "

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10. 85

    rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

    any twilight fans or aspiring authors of books that go straight to the top, the author is on oprah today. ll/13

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11. 87

    cocopremeposted 12 years ago

    I think the reason that the love story between Bella and Edward is so engrossing is the prolongation of desire.  They don't instantly hop into the sack like you see in many other stories.  In fact, Bella and Edward hardly kiss.  When they do, it's such a thrill because of the rarity.  The delay of pleasure makes it more intense because it gives time for emotions to build and to climax before being satisfied. 
    
    The reader is carried along with the story because, like Bella, the reader is waiting for each move.  It's not hurried or rushed.  The thrill of the chase and the fun of playing the game of romance are savored.

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12. 60

    wsp2469posted 12 years ago

    My daughter has read all the books and my youngest son (pictured in one of my latest hubs) has started the newest one.
    He thought the first movie was boring but liked the new one . . . for whatever THAT is worth!

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       mistywildposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       hahaha

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