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Ready for 'Twilight' to fall

Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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Confession: I'm much older than 14, yet I still am looking forward to seeing Stephenie Meyer's young-adult vampire romance, "Twilight," come to the big screen on Friday.


Summit Entertainment
It's "Twilight" time.

The funny thing about me liking the books is that I'm not a romance reader -- or viewer. Never picked up Harlequins, never cared for most chick flicks, wasn't even more than an occasional watcher of  "Sex and the City."

What's the appeal of the book, then? Well ... I'm not really sure. The main character, high-schooler Bella Swan, is fairly believable and sometimes funny, even if she's not your average teen (so beautiful that all the boys in her new school are crazy about her, so mature she cooks dinner for her single dad every night). And although she describes vampire beau Edward in glowing terms, he doesn't click for me as much as her wolfy buddy Jacob does (in other words, if I shopped at Hot Topic I'd wear a TEAM JACOB shirt).

But the intensity of their relationship reminds me of my own high-school days, when you felt physically sick if you didn't see the object of your affection every day, and seriously believed you would die if he asked another girl to prom. Some teen couples agonize that they can't be together because one or the other is going away to college, these two agonize that they can never be together because she's a mortal teenager and he's a vampire who's more than a century old.

I'm not going to claim that Meyer's book series is great literature. But the books are creative. There are rules for the vampires, rules and a whole weird world that's not unlike the Harry Potter world. In the second book, there's even an Italian coven of vampires, the Volturi, who enforce vampire law and kind of act as the race's royal family. When they showed up, it reminded me of when Harry Potter's Hogwarts school hosted the Triwizard Tournament and brought in two other wizarding schools to compete -- that sense of "hey, there's a bigger world out there for these characters to play in."

I'm on the third book of the series now, and am kind of dreading reading the fourth and final. I've read spoilers and seen the negative reviews for it, and it does sound like everything goes completely off the rails. But that's for later. For now, I'm having fun feeling 14 again.

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Comments

I caved and read the Twilight series after a woman I work with was reading them and said she couldn't put them down. Now I have read all 4 and love this series. Its easy reading, takes me back to the heartbreaking days of being a teen (I too cooked alot as a teen...we had a large family) and just really enjoyed the whole story. I'm not sure what the appeal is...its just there. You get caught up in the characters and just need to know what happens. I hope the movie lives up to the books!!

Liza, Charleston, WV (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 9:28 AM)

I havent been 14 in over a decade, but i, too, love these books. (team Edward.  Another seires you may want to pick up is the "House of Night" series, by PC Cast and her daughter Kristin.  I dont like romances or vampires, but i love these 2 series

Tiffany, Fultonville NY (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 9:31 AM)

14 again? I'd like to be 19 again. 19 and dating the incredibly lovely Kristen Stewart. The ephebephile in me cannot ignore this exquisite young actress.

Troy, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 9:42 AM)

Yeah I'm not sure what it is about Twilight.  It's *definitely* not the type of book I normally enjoy.  But my daughter got me a copy for my birthday (she knows books are always a safe bet) and I was hooked.  It's light and fluffy and doesn't require a lot of thought.  And gosh darn is it addicting.
I'm not dancing around in anticipation for the movie, but I think it'll still be interesting...probably wait for it to hit the dollar movies because I can't justify paying 10 bucks to see much of anything these days.
Oh and Gael I hate to tell you, I really thought the fourth book was the weakest.  It felt rushed in all the wrong places and dragged in all the wrong places, and the ending was fairly sucky.

Leslie, Albuquerque (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 9:46 AM)

I hate that everyone disliked the fourth book.  In my opinion, it was the best.  I loved everything about it.  In fact, I have re-read Breaking Dawn three times and will probably do so once more before I reread the earlier books.  Of course, I love them all, and I will be at the movie Thursday rigth before midnight to be one of the first to see it.  I am hoping that it won't be too full as a large portion of the fans are not old enough to be out at that time of night, curfew and all.

Tink, Tulsa, OK (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 9:56 AM)

I just finished devouring the four "Twilight" books myself, Gael--and I'm 44! Like you, I appreciated the vivid portrayal of teen angst and awkwardness that made me think about my own high school days. While not necessarily great literature, I was really impressed with the vocabulary level of these "teen" books. I loved that Bella is a big book reader and that her own vocabulary reflected that. The subtle eroticism of this series has to be contributing to their popularity as well as the romance and vampires. I'm also a huge vampire fan and it was great to see  a whole new tradition with all new rules--lots of room for more novels set in this vampire/werewolf world! And yeah, I had a hard time deciding between Edward and Jacob...

Carole Graham, Cortez, Colo. (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:01 AM)

I'm 26, and I fell completely in love with these books.  When I first heard of them, I was a bit skeptical. I read the first book about a month ago, and finished the other three in a matter of days. (I also read Midnight Sun) I'm not real sure if it's the love story I enjoyed the most or, like you said, the feeling it gave me while I was reading it.  Once I started reading the books I didn't have time to read any reviews, so I didn't realize that there were negative reviews for the fourth book.  I actually really enjoyed Breaking Dawn.  (I rate it 2nd out of the 4)  Things do get kinda strange, but hey, the books are fiction.  To me, Stephanie wrapped things up perfectly, and I was satisfied with the ending.  

Andi, TN (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:07 AM)

I'm much older than 14 as well, and also looking forward to the movie!  

lizzie (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:07 AM)

I am in my early 40's and I have read all four books. I read them all in two weeks. I picked the first up and that was it...I was hooked. My 14 year old son just laughs at me. I can't wait to see Twilight on Friday night! Stephanie Meyer did a great job! I will have to say. I am definately on Edward's team!

Sheila, Covington, TN (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:11 AM)

I have loved all the Twilight Books even though I am in my 30s. It was an easy great read that I could not put down. I will be lined up with the teens to see this movie.

Kat, Leesburg, VA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:17 AM)

I, too, am far past 14, but have enjoyed the Twilight series.  I'll be in the audience to see the flick on Friday night.

(Oh, and re: the fourth book, I'd recommend skipping it altogether.)

Sue, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:22 AM)

Don't let the critics ruin your fun... ignore the negative reviews and keep going!  The last book is way different but it completes the story..don't miss it!  Always form your own opinion.

K MacDonald, Tyler, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:25 AM)

Hey!  Breaking Dawn is amazing!  In it, the main characters solve their conflicts, they mature, and they make tough decisions, especially Bella.  It's much, much better than either New Moon or Eclipse; the characters are not nearly as juvenile in Breaking Dawn.

Kourtnee, Provo, Utah (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:27 AM)

I am also very excited for this movie. I have read all of the books and am hopeful the movie sticks to the books in some of the details, but it would be okay to see how the director portrays it.

Megan Hall, Franklin, Pennsylvania (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:38 AM)

I'm 28 and Team EDWARD.  Jacob irks me.  And I'm in the same spot...in the middle of book 3...dreading book 4.

Susan K, Phoenix AZ (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:44 AM)

I'm 35 and loved all four books. While Eclipse is undoubtedly my favorite, I really liked Breaking Dawn too. Its in a different vein as the first three. Thanks to Victoria, the first three have a specific arc and book four IS different. But I liked how she wrapped up the series. Book four is different enough that you either love it or hate it, all depends on what you bring to the table in expectation.

Wendilynn (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:46 AM)

My daughter has hooked everyone in the family with Twilight and the rest of the books. I am uber excited about the movie coming out on Friday. I read all four books, and I was not disappointed. Its a lot of reading, but worth it.

Alethea, Bristol, CT (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:46 AM)

I'm almost 30 and I also got sucked in by the books.  I don't get the hype over Edward though.  I'm definately on Team Jacob, even though you'll never see me in a Twilight shirt.

Holly, Louisville, Ky (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:48 AM)

I am a mother of two, age 36 and I love the Twilight series. I'm a Twilight Mom! Let's face it, she was in her 30's when she wrote the first one-In fact, I turned on several of my coworkers to the series. 11 of us pre-purchased tix on line and only 2 of us are not age 20 yet but we'll all be there Friday night!

It's just a great escape. I read all the Harry Potter books too-I don't like the comparison because they're totally different, Twilight is more Romeo & Juliet rather than a wizard with a scar whose parents are murdered and coming of age tale.

I couldn't put any of the books down HP or Twilight and yes, I agree-that love you first have in high school is something we all can remember. That's why it's so relatable. But I will say this...I'm Team Edward all the way!

Cammie Morrow, Nashport, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 10:52 AM)

I can't wait for the movie either, and I am WAY past being a teenaged girl.  I enjoyed the novels, as you did (Go Jacob!), not as great literature but escapism and nostalgia.  Although the series as a whole was enjoyable, I think the first two were better; the last two went downhill for me.

Anyhoo, I am very interested to see how it translates to film.

Oh, and I always got the impression that Bella was not that beautiful, but it was just the fact that she was new and different that attracted all the boys' attention.  

Alli (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:09 AM)

My problem with Bella is that she and Edward are both Mary Sues - too perfect and too cliche.

Alison, Evanston IL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:13 AM)

I'd like her books better if she hadn't made Bella such a doormat who lets her boyfriends bully her and apologizes to them for things that aren't her fault.  That girl needs a backbone.

Marty Kate (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:14 AM)

The thing for me about Twilight is, I'm more interested in seeing the movie than in reading the books.  Being a 26 year-old who prefers good fantasy literature, such as "Dark Materials", I wasn't interested in Twilight at all until the marketing campaign gained full speed these past couple of weeks, and finally I was like, "Okay, enough already, what's the big deal?"  I've read all the spoilers and reviews and have skipped from scene-to-scene in the first book (translation: I cheated).  The book isn't well-written at all, but the story is captivating.  Which is enough to make me want to see the movie.  And the movie looks awesome.  Hopefully, I won't be disappointed this Friday when I go see it.  Lack of disappointment will mean me buying the DVD when it comes out in the spring, and in a year or two, waiting in line to see the next movie.  Oh yes, Twilight marketers - you might possibly have a fan in the making here.

kt (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:15 AM)

I am well over 14 too, but I have really enjoyed the Twilight series of books and I am also looking forward to seeing the movie.   Yea the books and movie are geared toward a teen audience but it does take you back to high school.   I am also a fan of True Blood which is a more adult take on a human/vampire relationship.  

Ms. Puddy, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:17 AM)

I can't wait for the release on Friday myself. I started reading the series before it went wildly popular and have reread them several times since. I really have to applaud writers such as Meyers for keeping the reading experience so enjoyable. I also think it's incredible that that there are so many young readers out there now in a time where most of the newer generation tune turn to high tech entertainment.

Linda Omaha, NE (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:17 AM)

I'm on the third book and I'm dreading reading on becuase it'll be over soon!! I'm VERY MUCH looking forward to the movie and since we're sharing, Go Team Edward! :)

Natalia, Santa Rosa, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:20 AM)

totally with you. i'm not 14 either, and the writing is not that great but the story draws the reader in.

beware. the fourth one is a little out there.

sarah, columbus, oh (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:29 AM)

I must agree - Ive had a tough time understanding why I simply adore the plot and enjoy the challenges facing the teen characters, even though Im WAY out of the assumed demographic for the series. Theres something simplistic yet delightfully complicated within the story; maybe thats the draw.  Whatever the reason, Im hooked on the books and TOTALLY excited about the movie.  

Big Al (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:29 AM)

I read the negative reviews, too.  But if I read a series, I have to read the whole thing.  I wasn't dissapointed. I couldn't put the 4th book down!  I was completely satisfied with the ending.  

Tasha, Omaha, NE (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:32 AM)

Yes.  Yes to everything you said (except Bella being insanely gorgeous; I always got the impression she was average, an everygirl).  I'm 30 in February but I get giggly when I read the books or see the promos because nostalgia--in minor doses--is a beautiful drug.  I don't go as far as the most extreme of fans but I understand even them.  As corny as it is to say so, TWILIGHT has this hope-giving thing about it.  In the midst of all that is ghastly about adolesence ther is something to look forward to, something in which to escape and for adults like us, there's a sort of vacation from the responsibility, the logic required of us in our day-to-days.

Thanks for representing the middle-ground.

Amethyst

Amethyst A. Robertsdale, AL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:35 AM)

You must read the 4th book...just because...you HAVE to.
It's not that bad. It's unique in it's own right and I don't know that I could see it wrapping up any differently.
One other must-read...you must go to www.stepheniemeyers.com and go to Midnight Sun and read that. This was the start of her project where she told Twilight through the eyes of Edward!
I'm a non-teen myself and have fallen for the same reasons as you. I love being 14 again!!!
I look forward to reading more of what you have to say!  :)

Melissa, Happy Valley, PA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:37 AM)

I have to say - I think these are good TEEN books. I will also admit that I read through them very quickly because they are teen reading.

About the reviews you read of the 4th book...for me - thats my favorite book. I've read it twice. Maybe because I'm older (mid-twenties) and what happens in that book relates to more of where I'm at in my life. Then again, I usually like that movies that the critics hate and think they just don't know what the hell they are talking about! haha. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.

Nicole Pribbernow, Whitehall, MI (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:41 AM)

I am also way over 14 years in age and I absolutely loved these books. I have read all four and am sad that the story is over but I can't wait for the movie to come out. For those that say the books are just for teenagers, well, I disagree, they are fascinating stories and for someone like me who loves vampire ones, it was refreshing to find a new twist and fall in love with the characters.

anonymous (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:42 AM)

I believe the books are absolutely intoxicating. Never before did I find a book that I couldn't put down, except the Harry Potter series. But this series grabs you in a completely different way, its hard for me to describe. I believe that Meyer is creative because she puts a whole new spin on the whole "Vampire and Werewolves" myth. Her version of the mythical creatures is very believable and not too "out" there in my opinion, but that is just me. I certainly hope that she continues to write many more books about this subject. I would absolutely love more Edward and Bella but I do realize that every story has to end.

Britt Auburn, Al (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:44 AM)

Don't be afraid of the fourth book. I am a 22 yr old Twilight fanatic and while the fourth book is definitely unexpected, it is very good to read!!

R Schell, Bakersfield, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:46 AM)

Love the book, will love the movie. I'm a senior in high school, and I identify with those feelings. I admit it haha

Sarah, Alexandria, Louisiana (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:51 AM)

Love the book, will love the movie. I'm a senior in high school, and I identify with those feelings. I admit it haha

Sarah, Alexandria, Louisiana (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:52 AM)

i hope you enjoy the 4th book, i think it's a great  series. It did leave me wanting more, though i felt the same way with harry potter. Probably just because i was sad it was the end of the series.

Rpbyn, San antonio, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:56 AM)

I too am much older than 14, however, I loved all the books,(I am however team Edward), I have already purchased my ticket to the 12:01 am showing on the premier day.. The books are fun and an easy read, but yes not great literature, but they get you involved in the story where you actually find yourself rooting for one or the other as if they were real.

jersey girl (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:57 AM)

Read this book.  Looking forward to the movie.  I'd describe it as a very easy read, and a little after half way of the book you won't be able to put it down.  

Ron (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 11:58 AM)

Funny your first two paragraphs sound like you are describing me!  I am much older than 14 and I can't wait to see this movie.  I know movies generally aren't as good as books, so my expectations aren't that high.  I still want to see it.  I am going to wait a bit though because I can't imagine the theaters this weekend.  Lots of youg, giggling girls dressed up like Bella!

Me (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:00 PM)

38 yrs. old and already have my movie ticket for this Friday. I loved the 4th book.

Mel Hofmann, Charleston, SC (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:03 PM)

I am a 42 y.o. Twilighter. I loved the books and am excited to see the movie, and I don't think I am the only one. It becomes HUGE pop culture when the movie comes out this weekend and it is mentioned in the Wall St Journal

Dawn in Phoenix AZ (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:04 PM)

You have a very good point. I mean I am only 17 and I just started reading the second book, which I have to say you're right on the TEAM JACOB thing. I can relate to Bella pretty well, since I am a senior in High School. If I am away from the "object of my affection" for longer then 5 minutes Im dying. =] But I think that Twilight is very appealing and well written.

Ivelisse Nunez, Killeen, Texas (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:05 PM)

I'm 54 and I plan to use my "once a year or so" movie going trip to go see Twilight. I love vampires and was devastated when "Moonlight" was canceled. [I think someone at CBS should be fired for that] I mean HBO has a hit with their vampire movie and now Twilight.

I have watched the trailers and read the premise of the series, haven't read the books but plan to. I am drawn by the handsome guy who protects the helpless girl. It's an ageless story but I don't get tired of it. The actors in this movie are beautiful and it doesn't matter that they are younger than my own offspring, I'm really going to enjoy their love story and the action and scary adventure with the bad vampires and werewolves etc.

With this economy and all of the things to worry about in daily life, I really need a break from reality and I chose this show to disapear into. I hope it's as good as predicted, I can't afford to waste money attending a bad show. I predict that lots of other people my age will be attending too, we all need escapism.

C. Jensen Nashville, TN (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:22 PM)

Gael

you will probably enjoy Breaking Dawn because there is alot of Jacob in it. Its not a great book and sometimes way off..but passable. There are some really great parts,and some really bad ones too.

Im glad you wrote this because Im a huge fan and much much older than 14. I hate how the media is stating that this is just a teen craze! My mother who is 60 wants to don vamp makeup for the midnight showing we are going to!! All my friends ages 25+ are just as enthralled. Have fun reading!!

Daylilie, Ct (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:23 PM)

Oh, thank God I can finally fess up! I'm a middle age reader of these books (also in Book 3) who kinda hides them. I'm sleepy at work today because I stayed up too late reading.

Don't know I'll go see the movie because I don't know if I can take being the only person over 20 in the audience.

I also think Jacob is the one she should pick!

Sharon Wyly (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:26 PM)

I have to admit, I an MUCH older that the teens and twentysomethings and I couldn't stop reading the Stephanie Meyers Twilight series.  I am REALLY excited to see the movie this week.  
I can't put my finger on why this series entrigued me ut the story line was put together very nicely.  
I am looking for another book series that compares to this and as of todays date can't find one that compares.  ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Pat Siminski, Olean, New York (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:26 PM)

I am WAY beyond 14, and LOVED these books. They are beautifully written, and the characters are wonderfully developed.  It has been difficult for me to find any book that has engaged me so well since I read the 4th and final installment of the Twilight series. Hooray for Ms.Meyer's vampires and werewolves!

Betty (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:27 PM)

I was a huge Anne Rice fan in high school & am now obsessed w/ Twilight thanks to my teenage sister. I don't get why, either. It's kinda embarrassing but I will be going to see the movie for girl's night out next week.

kdb, bay area (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:28 PM)



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