Well, I’ve finished reading the book, I’ve rented the movie, and I have my opinions. But before I start, let me begin by stating it’s only my opinion. This is my disclaimer for all of the Robert Pattinson groupies out there. I don’t want mail. Don’t send the vampires to hunt me.
The book
Stephanie Meyer is a great writer. I aspire to write that well someday. She has a fabulous imagination, attention to details, and lays out fantastic settings. If you doubt her talent, just see the movie and you’ll run back to the novel faster than you can say, “I want a refund on my dvd purchase.”
However, I have a few conceptual “issues” with the book. Is it me, or does anyone else get the pervert chills when Edward, who is over 100 years old, has a romantic relationship with a 17 year old girl? I know, he looks 17, but seriously. If some miracle occurs and my plastic surgeon is able to make good on his promises to turn back my beauty clock, I wouldn’t go running after a 17 year old boy. That’s just…WRONG. I could picture Edward going for the 30-40 year old gorgeous woman, cuz that’s about how mature we get on this side anyhow. But seventeen??
Also, the relationship that Edward and Bella enjoy is very unhealthy. To say they are obsessed with each other is an understatement. It’s on the verge of worshiping each other. To make matters more dangerous Bella’s parents are left in the dark (no genre pun intended) about their relationship. (Really people, kids can have a relationship with parents even if they are divorced. Shesh!) Bella’s good judgment is tossed out the window as she thrusts herself into the arms of her vampire boyfriend, who thinks she’s hot…or tastey, I get confused. I just don’t think she’s his type. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).
Did I like the book? Well, yes. Due to excellent writing the novels (there are four of them) are more addicting than Dove chocolate dipped in peanut butter. My teen daughter, who struggles to get one chapter of “To Kill A Mockingbird” in each day, has polished off three of the books in less than a week. But in order to enjoy the content I had to suspend my belief on the issues stated above, and disengage my homeland security parental threat level, which kept hovering between orange and red. Parents I will give this warning–if your teen chooses to read Twilight, read it too. Then talk… a lot.
The Movie
It’s as though someone with limited funds decided to produce a movie. They spent their entire wad on location, cinematography, and Robert Pattinson. They skimped on the writing. Whereas it took Stephanie Meyers half the book to develop the relationship between Bella and Edward, the screenplay attempts this feat within the first 20 minutes. If you see the movie first, you’re good. Teen boys will oogle over Kristen Stewart, tween girls will collectively swoon over Robert Pattinson, and everyone will stare in awe at the lush Northwestern landscape. But after you finish the left over popcorn, you’ll want to drive over to your local bookstore and pick up the novel. If they sell the entire set packaged together, make the purchase. Then you’ll nod in understanding as you read what the “will-write-for-food-group” was attempting to accomplish.
Blessings to all my soccer mom readers. To the rest of you-stay out of the sun.
-Lynne
tral Valley. We sat at 98 degrees the other day and expect another scorcher today.
