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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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If you enjoy Twilight, I would highly recommend Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series.  The crazy twists in Meyer's book 4 have put off many readers, and Vampire Academy is a wonderful take on a similar theme.  The main character, Rose, is the protector of her best friend, Lissa, who is a vampire.  These teenage girls attend a school set up to prepare them for the real world and the evil sect of vampires that seek to destroy them.  Meanwhile, things heat up between Rose and her hunky mentor.  Check it out!

JT, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:30 PM)

I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the movie.  I don't think I'm nearly as crazy about it as most of my friends, but I am most certainly the only guy any of my friends know who's read it.  I loved the series, and truly enjoyed "Breaking Dawn" as well.  I bought my midnight ticket to "Twilight" over 2 weeks ago and am going with a small group of friends.  No movie has ever truly met with the exacting standards of avid book readers, but I honestly feel that "Twilight" won't let us down as a great movie.  No, it won't be perfect and it won't have everything the book did, but it will be a great film adaptation.  I can't wait!

Anyone interested in my review of the entire series can find it here on my blog:
http://therealjamesdean.com/2008/09/05/the-phenomenon-that-is-twilight

James Dean, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:30 PM)

The world needs to stand up to this injustice.  The scourge of the Undead needs to be stopped, and quickly.  Please, America.  Rise up against this scum!  

Johnny, Montana (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:32 PM)

I'm with you.  I dont read or watch chick related books or movies, I'm much more a Steven King, Raiders of the lost Ark sort of girl.  Also an adult with kids.  I started reading Twilight because I like ot know what my daughter is reading and was hooked.  (a little of the supernatural got me interested and the story kept me there).  And don't believe what you read by way of critics, I'm just finishing the fourth book and want more.  You really get to know this family and feel for them even if they are the strange neighbors down the street.  Very easy reading!!  But a little mature for the younger teens in my opinion.

Connie, Columbus Ohio (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:32 PM)

I, too, am much older than 14, but the book has great readabilty. I will be in line on Friday, eagerly awaiting the film with a few other adult ladies who share a love of the Twilight series. The writing is smart and funny, and leaves you with that nostalgia of what it was to be young and in love. Another teacher and I pondered about the appeal of the book to the middle schoolers we teach. We hypothesesized that the genuinely "good boys" in the book are what young girls are looking for, and sadly cannot find. In the end, though, I am just a big nerd who can't get enought of this series.

Kimberly Phelp, Rochester, NY (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:34 PM)

How true.... I put my life on hold for 2 weeks and finished all four books and I'm certainly not 14!!! I was completely captivated by the story line, the characters and their many foibles... if being so beautiful "it hurts to look at him" is a foible!!  I must admit the 4th book was a bit of a stretch, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sorry to see it end.

Martha J. Emerson, Warwick, RI (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:42 PM)

It's great that the youth is reading again, a craze similar to the Harry Potter one..but honestly, vampire novels?

I am nineteen years old, and at the age of fourteen is when I discovered "Catcher in the Rye" and "Of Mice and Men". It's great that they're reading, but I would definitely prefer if they read something with more merit. I am almost ashamed to belong to the same age group as the mindless worshippers of this series.

Alyssa, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:43 PM)

All the books are fantastic as is the 4th. I am sad there will not be a 5th book. I'm a 42 year old mom and my 14 year old and I read the books and are going opening night.

Kelly Burke (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:44 PM)

Welcome to the wonderful world of Twilight. Don't read to heavy into the reviews for Breaking Dawn. Go into it with an open mind and you will be pleased. I too read the spoilers and the reviews and was a bit discouraged before hand, but after reading BD twice, I happen to like it very much. It is written differently than the first 3, but well worth the read, and it IMO ties everything up nicely but leaves room for more exploration later.

Bridget, East Providence, RI (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:53 PM)

I can relate! I am 38 year-old mom with 2 kids. My 14 year old read the books and I thought I'd read just to see what the attraction was (plus, I wanted to know the story before going to the midnight premiere with her). I was HOOKED, addicted as soon as Bella first saw Edward. Took me back to high school too... I keep thinking how wrong it is to refer to the saga as 'teen' fiction. Stephenie Meyers has inspired so many older-than-teens with her characters from Twilight. The backstory of how the story came to be and the references to books, music and other things that inspired her through the writing is inspiring me as a creative professional. Love the books and wish (and hope) that more will come!

Clara, Murrieta, California (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 12:57 PM)

I started the Twilight series on a whim since I read about all the buzz of the fourth title in the series.  I too am not a 14-year old male and I am also not a romance reader; however, I am captivated with the book series.  There is something about the way the series is written.  It is just one big collection of emotions that forces the reader to look back at those obsessive high school years.  I am about to finish the second book in the series and I am still interested.  So far, I tend to like Edward more than Jacob but both characters are interesting in their own way.

Glen, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:02 PM)

I am very excited about the movie as well but I will be very angry if they butcher it like they did Eragon... I know its a different director and such but if the quality is the same I am so writing a letter to someone because the ONLY good movie that has been produced from a book was the Lord of the Rings! Why because they actually put effort into it instead of trying to make it the cookie cutter hour and a half movie. I really hope they have a clue and make a good movie out of this great set of books

Stephanie, Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:03 PM)

I've finished the first 3 and have the 4th one waiting on my zune. Its been there for a few weeks. I can't bring myself to listen to it. Once it is over, its over.

Erika El Paso, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:04 PM)

I'm an English teacher who wrote book-report tests on books 3 and 4.  In Breaking Dawn, I sat for hours in the bathtub, not getting out until the book was done.  Very exciting!

Mary Pauley (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:04 PM)

haha, you hit the nail on the head. These books really do recall what first love feels like at that age. You don't need a vampire boyfriend to get that type of level of dramarama that comes with first love. The books are fun summer reads, I read them on vacation over the summer. And I giggled and oohed and awwwed the whole time on the beach in Hawaii.

Lola, Los Angeles, Ca (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:09 PM)

Oh my stars!!!  This series of books glamorizes an abusive relationship between a girl and a boy who happens to be a vampire.  The girl comes across as emotionally stunted and desperate; the boy as an absolute cad who "sparkles like diamonds" in sunlight.  Oh please!!   That is not romance.  She needs a cold shower and better male role models.  What are we telling our teenaged girls?  This is Buffy meets Lestat all wrapped up in a dysfunctional package.  Ladies...don't ever let a guy treat you like this.  Emotional abuse is never romantic.  Aren't we past the point where we need a man to complete us yet??  Sheesh!!  What garbage!

S. Gael (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:11 PM)

My wife has just finished reading the fourth book to this series.  She started reading the series on the 9th of this month.  After finishing the first book in less than 48 hrs, she had to get the second book - then the third and fourth were purchased no more than a week ago.  

She think these books are equally entertaining to that of the Potter series, but are obviously different in their own way.  She loves the way the Twilight author descriptively writes and the twists that keep readers on their toes.  

She wanted me to take a day off on Friday, so that we could immediately go see the film, as soon as she gets off work.  

I like vampire lore, but vampire love may be a bit much for me.  I'll admit I am excited to see the movie, however, just to see my wife's face light up as the story progresses.    

J from Ganger (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:13 PM)

Well, as a mother of 2;one pushing her teen years with a vengeance, I've read all 4 and couldn't put any one of them down. I can't wait for my daughter to read them. A twisting and adventurous tale, Stephenie Meyer has delivered with this series. Don't be worried you won't be dissapointed!

Crystie, Daytona, Florida (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:13 PM)

OMG I can't wait for this movie!!!!!!! I love the books and I'm hoping that the movie does them justice. I didn't really agree with casting Kristen Stewart as Bella becasue she doesn't seem to embody anything that Bella is but I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. I'll be there front row at midnight, YAY ME!!!!!!

Ashley, Laredo, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:29 PM)

I have suggested these books to nearly every single one of my girl friends, as well as a few men whom I know have more open minds. To put it simply, they are incredible. "Breaking Dawn," I believe gets a really bad rep. Sure, it is a little more twisted and startling than the others but Stephenie even said she couldn't make everyone happy. She did her best and proved that she is the incredibly talented writer everyone keeps talking about.

Erin, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:34 PM)

One look at the volume of comments tells me what I already knew - Twilight's fans are a diverse lot, and many, many of them are definitely *not* the 'Tween market that most of the movie people think this movie will appeal to.  My DD's high school Twilight book club is mostly teachers and administrators, with enough students thrown in to make it "legit".  I think most movie "experts" (including critics) are going to be very surprised by the staying power of this movie.

Debbie, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:35 PM)

I started reading the twilight series about a month ago. twilight was the firs book that really grabbed my attention i loved every page of the book and never got bored.

i have read all 4 books and iam in love with them all

you have to read the last book because even though in parts in made me cry the ending could not of been more perfect iam glad that it ended on such a good note.

because i live in england i have to wait untill 19 december for twilight to come out :(

iam really looking forward to see my favourite characters coming to life

Leah Brown, Engalnd, Chichester (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:36 PM)

I have to laugh at all of us middle aged 'twilighters' out there.  My 26 yr old daughter insisted I read these books, and I got absolutely hooked.  It is very romantic and a great escape reality read.  We already have out tickets to see the movie on Saturday the 22nd.  I dread the giggly girls that will be there, but absolutely can not wait to see it.  And yes, I have a Twilight t-shirt, I'll be wearing. LOL

B Valdosta (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:39 PM)

I cannot wait to see the movie. My three friends were into the series and after being captured by the movie trailor I decided to read the books, and I am currently reading New Moon. I am sixteen and I am in love with this book and Edward of course. My family does not understand my obsession and I really don't care, and I am not conforming, I just felt like seeing what it was all about, and fell I became addicted. I always read the book before the movie because the book is ALWAYS better [:

Danielle, Mountainhome, Pennsylvania (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:39 PM)

The 4th book is misunderstood.  I think people just don't get it.  In the first three books human Bella is in awe of Edward...He is the rock and she is the weaker one or she seems to be anyway.  In the 4th book, it all gets turned around as Edward is in awe of Bella and his weakness and human side comes into light. The book goes deeper than many realize. Don't listen to the haters...it is worth the read.

Michelle Jacksonville, FL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:39 PM)

Oh my goodness. I read all the Harry Potter books and someone told me the Stephanie Meyer series were a must. I read ALL four books in like over a month. And the fourth book by far should have probrably been the first movie. All the books were GREAT. Getting to the last book was intense. I can't wait to see the movie. Only issue I do have is casting Cedric from Harry Potter as Edward. Not a good choice but still going to see the movie. Oh and I am over 30 so yes this book appeals to all ages

Maisha Challenger, Washington DC (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:48 PM)

So I started the book after I had nothing to read and my mom had it hanging around the house. My mom didn't want to say anything. I read half of it on the plane ride home and the rest within the next week. There is definitly something about the characters that pull you in and can totally relate to being 14 again and that huge crush. I had to read it again and am anticipating the movie and starting the second book. Definitly a nice series that is easy reading and something to get lost in.

Megan, California City, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:49 PM)

Troy from Ohio....wow.....uummm give you props for admiting it but its still sick.

Megan, SLC, Ut (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 1:55 PM)

YES, there is something truly magical about being a teenager and your first love, and as a (dad) parent to a daughter i hope she finds her "Edward" someday.  "Twilight" was an easy read for me, and have noticed it is a bonding experience for the girls.   Write On Stephenie Meyer!

"G Daddy," Santa Monica, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:02 PM)

I love the Twilight series! The last one was a little fan fiction but it was everything everyone wanted to hear and that isn't a bad thing. I wish that when I was in high school that there was an Edward to sweep me off my feet! I can't wait to see the movie although I have to admit I am slightly disappointed in the casting...not everyone like I think Bella and Edward are perfect but Emmett should be bigger and Rosalie should be prettier and Alice a little bit more pixie like. I still can't wait and will be there opening night!! I heard they just signed on for the 2 and 3 movies yes!!

Kristy, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:05 PM)

I am also not 14 and I am completely in love with this book series. I thought everything about it was excellent, and I thought it was written so wonderfully, it just kept you captivated. I am a little afraid of seeing the movie for vear it won't hold a candle to my expectations of the book and the actors they have hired to represent these characters.

Carmen, Louisville, KY (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:06 PM)

My 20 yo son has been driving me insane to read the Twilight books... he finally said...no book no movie. So this past Thursday I started the first one and last night I was about 3/4 finished with the third. I am 45 and a Team Edward Twilight mom.
The writing isnt the best I have seen in my life but the story is captivating. Edward and Bella's relationship is intriguing, Alice's character is fun and appealing,the concept of vampires has always been a draw for me and I love the Cullen's/Bella.
I would consider Anne Rice a better writer than Stephanie Meyers, but her writing and the stories have improved with each new book.
The movie trailers seem to stick pretty close to the book the story tells, so I am going to be there Thanksgiving week when my son is home from college.  (of course he is going the the midnight showing Thursday)
I am looking forward to the new book. And since the rights for the other three books have been purchased I am sure we will see at least one more movie.

Michelle Dallas TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:08 PM)

I hadn't read the reviews either, and am finding it hard to believe the 4th book is taking so much abuse. I rated it second out of the 4, and have reread it several times. Don't skip it. You'll be missing out on too much.

RCB (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:09 PM)

I read all four books in record time and then it turned me on to other vampire books.  The series that I really enjoyed -but for more mature readers - is from the author Charlaine Harris- check out True Blood on HBO - her books inspired the series.  Excellent and addictive reading.  Also - check out Stephenie Myer's other book - "The Host".  Very good.

Michelle, Dunkirk, Maryland (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:16 PM)

Definitely TEAM JACOB!!  Don't worry about book four, it gets better toward the middle.  :0)

Tonya Coldwater, MS (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:20 PM)

Team Edward?!?! I'm TEAM ROBERT PATTINSON.

Jennifer, , Houston, TX (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:21 PM)

A 52 year-old Twilighter here.  Got lost in the whole series.  Will definitly see the movie.  So excited it's almost here!  Great to know there are other readers of this series as old as I am!

Dawn, Evansville, IN (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:29 PM)

I read all four books after my 13 year old daughter joking told me "she wanted to be a vampires girlfriend". Thank you to Stephanie Meyers for a series of books that all ages can read and enjoy. We finished all the books and have been anxiously awaiting the release of the movie.We have the tickets reserved and not only are my daughters and their friends going but my friends and I are all going too.  Go TEAM EDWARD!!!

Sherry (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:30 PM)

I am over 40 and read all four books and loved them!  I haven't been able to enjoy a good book since graduating nursing school and The Twilight series had me unable to put the reading down!  I can't wait for the movie and believe there is a little bit of Bella in all of us! Go Twilightors!

Rose, La Quinta, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:32 PM)

I'm really irritated that I wasted so much time on these books and glad I only bought "Twilight".  There's something a little creepy about a 100+ year old man and a 17 year old girl getting intimate.  Eeeew!

Caroline, Salt Lake City UT (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:33 PM)

I am a 45 year old fan, and can't wait to see the movie!  I'm going to have ladies night out with several friends who are also Twilight fans.  The Twilight saga is great fun, full of forbidden love, a love triangle, action, danger, humour, super human powers...so much going on!  You know it's gotten out of control when on an overcast day you think it's Vampire weather!  (I'm Team Switzerland...love Edward & Jacob) Twilight & Eclipse are my favorites of the series.  

Leslie, Westminster CO (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:37 PM)

The only reason I picked up the first book was because I got interested in the movie...and typically if a movie is based off a book I try to read the book first. So I bought the first one for fairly cheap and wasn't expecting much...then i quickly purchased and devoured the other three as well as the partial draft of 'Midnight Sun' on Stephenie Meyers website...I can't tell you what it is but the books are addictive.

Christy Allentown, PA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:37 PM)

I'm 45 and I enjoyed all the books.  It's not just for the young,but for the young at heart!  I can't wait to see the movie.  

Mindy, Christiansburg VA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:45 PM)

I am 28 and a huge Twilight fan! I picked it up last Thursday because everyone was talking about it and finished it on Sunday! I couldn't put it down! I'm into the 2nd one now. I want to read slower because I don't want it to end! The love story is great and it is the best escape from the real world I've had in a very long time. I can't wait to see the movie this weekend! I hope it's as good as the book. I'm definitely an Edward fan.

Sherie, Prairie Village, KS (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:46 PM)

A guilty "me, too", I'm afraid. I am over 50, fairly sophisticated, educated and well read. That being said...I ADORED these books. I picked up 'Twilight' at Borders one day, along with a couple other books and found myself running back 2 days later for the next one. I actually had withdrawal at the end of 'Breaking Dawn'. I think we fall victim to literary snobbery too often. Sometimes you don't want to think too much - just FEEL!

Gail, Alexandria, VA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:51 PM)

Loved all 4 books. I'm 63 and male and that sure doesn't fit the normal audience for these books. Everyone at work (a local 911 center) is reading them. I too loved book 4, in fact I've read the series twice and will read them again when my wife is done.

Chet Swanson, Everett, WA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:53 PM)

I am 52 and loved every book.  There is just something about their story that I really enjoyed.  I don't know why so many didn't enjoy the 4th book.  I thought it was great.  My daughter and I can hardly wait for the movie.  

R B. (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:57 PM)

I'm 32 and love the books I started reading them in January and read the first three within 2 days and waited forever for the 4th and love them since.  I have to say I'm kind of Team Sam , I just have to be different. I can't wait for the movie!! I have gotten my babysitter,and many others to read and get hooked so we all are going to the movies Friday morning :O)

Vici , Bernalillo, NM (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 2:58 PM)

I bought Twilight for my teenager and since it was written in the first person she didn't think she'd like it so I picked it up.  I gave it back to her and encouraged her to read it.  We both love the Twilight Saga and hope the first movie does well so there will be more.  We both felt that New Moon was a bit slower than the other books but sometimes things like that need to happen.  I'll be standing in line on Thursday night with NINE of my friends (that includes 3 of my daughter's teenage friends) knowing that the movie will be great.  THANK YOU Stephenie Meyer!

Mary, Mason, MI (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 3:01 PM)

I'm 44 - and also loved all the Twilight books although I typcially do not read romance novels.  I think it is the ability to relive that young love mixed with teenage angst that we enjoy.  I had forgotten . . .    Plus, as an older reader listening to my grown-up voice, I was also a Team Jacob person, that is until the last book.  Although I was furious while reading a large part of the last book, I eventually loved the strength Bella FINALLY finds within herself.  I was also converted to Team Edward 100%.   Don't skip the last book. It is a fitting ending.  I'm hoping to convince my teenager that she should go to the movies with me this weekend!

Janet I, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 3:04 PM)



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