Had hoped the film Twilight would remove any need for reading Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling series of books. Now that I’ve sat through the film, I don’t know. What do people think?
I have read the first chapter online, which looks OK, but there are four books. Long books. Am I so well past it in age that the books are wasted on me?
The film was mainly ridiculous, and I didn’t get into a romantic mood, at all. Edward was a little like Mr Rochester, but without making me fall in love.
What do the next three books do? I’ve understood there are werewolves, but to me that neither solves nor worsens the problem of Bella and Edward ‘getting together’. And if not, what’s the point?
Read it. The relationship is developed much better in the book. Though the writing is very basic, somehow she draws you in emotionally.
I’ve read the first 3 books twice, and I saw the film for the second time yesterday. But of the 4 books in the series, I liked Eclipse (number 3) the best.
You should read it. It is really good. I am at the age of 11 and I am very interested in books becuase I read the series. Twilight is really good. It has action and romance. The movie was really bad, they didn’t out in the important parts and it wasn’t reallly good so take no notice of that. The book is way better. Stephanie has the ability to drag you into the book like you were right there seeing the whole thing. The book is written in Bella’s point of view. There are 4 book s that is written from her view. After these 4 books, the 5th book MIdnight Sun is writeen in Edward’s view. MIdnight Sun is the same as Twilight but Edward is seeing the whole story instead. I like Twilight and Eclipse the best!!!! Twilight is the 1st book and Eclipse is the 3rd book! You must read it!
I’ve read them through twice. You have to jettison your (in my case) 47 yr old critical/feminist head, and revert to teenage romantic mode. If it helps, my husband (48), who reads only thrillers, has just finished the lot and loved them. He tells me that, for him, it was somehow like reading a dark version of the sitcom ‘Friends’, but he was totally hooked and drawn in after 50 pages, and it’s the fastest he’s EVER read anything. It’s weird. Not good writing, grammar etc, but somehow compelling as a page-turner. Weird.
I’ve only read the first one, Bookwitch. When I finished it I felt a little bit underwhelmed, but then I found myself missing hanging around in Bella’s (rather repetitive) day to day life. Don’t know how that happened! I think the author does a great job of understanding teen crushes; the ‘Will he be in the canteen today?’ thing took me back to my sixth form years. Perhaps that’s why I want to keep reading them! I bought the second book but I’m not in any rush to read it. I’m reading Philip Reeves’ ‘Mortal Engines’ quartet which is much more entertaining.
As a long time bookwitch-lurker, it’s nice that i get to impart some wisdom.
I personally thought the film was an excellent adaptation, however, the books are undeniably better.
As someone said above, the writing is basic, almost raw but somehow stephanie turns that into an advantage. They have an unparalelled ability to draw you in emotionally, and haunt you for weeks after reading each book. I had to ration them, and couldn’t buy breaking dawn because i knew if i was in the same building as it, i wouldn’t be able to do anything else but read it.
It’s important to cast aside the bookwitch in you, don’t try to analyse the writing, or the story, just enjoy it. If you find yourself cringing or getting bored with a character carry on regardless. I don’t think you could regret it.
The writing gets better with each book too, but i really don’t think you’ll care after twilight. You’ll be too emotionally involved.
I’d also readily recommend Stephanie’s ‘The Host’. I think the family will love them all too.
Do read. You can thank us later.
Oh, and if you need more convincing another 18 year old male, that unlike me doesn’t do mushy and prefers lord of the rings and jeffrey deaver told me he’s re-reading them, his now favourite books.
Ah. You mean I have to squeeze even more books into my tiny schedule? But, you’re all agreed, it seems.
Btw, you were meant to read the film review, too… Go click.
I haven’t seen the filn, though I MIGHT rent the DVD. I read Twilight, to see what all the fuss was about and I was pleasantly surprised.
At least, I felt Meyer absolutely delivered what the USP promised.
But I don’t want to read any more. And I am not happy with Bella as any kind of role model for teenage girls.
I shan’t be seeing the film or reading them. Not my genre. (Though I loved Harry Potter and the first of the Philip Pullman books – not the film).
My daughters are within the target reading age I think, but neither ofthem seems interestsed – and both are avid readers. I encourage them to read anything and everything, but vampires I can do without so will not encourage them to read these.
Maxine, should you come back and read this, i hope you won’t let the vampire’s put you off…
these ones are ‘vegetarians’ afterall.
I had put off reading them for years, but relented when i heard the film would be out soon. I’m glad i did, means i didn’t have to wait in between books.
And yes Ms. Witch. The people have spoken, you aren’t -allowed- to have free time anymore.
Off to follow orders and read the review now. Though unless it’s new, i’m sure i’d clicked through before.
So the biggest fans comment early, and then the doubters come along. What shall I do?
I’m sure the werewolves are nowhere near as lovely as Lupin.
Well, Witch, no one’s as lovely as Lupin lol! They are younger and hairier and more teenage, these werewolves (though actually, I would rate them more as Animagi, myself. If they bite you, you don’t become a werewolf…go figure). Nice review btw. You got it right. Should have said so before.
sorry, i’m a doubter and i don’t mind being public about it. read it because you must but the heroine is wet and needy and the glamorous hero doesn’t make up for her..
I hated Twilight – it’s one of the few books I have been unable to finish. I just wanted him to bite her and get it all over with, and I’d have to be handcuffed to the seat to watch the film. But I have to say the books are extremely popular in the girls’ school where I teach: you can guarantee that in every lesson, at least one girl will have a Meyer on the desk – that’s akin to the Potter frenzy. When I’m feeling mischievous I tell them what I think of the books, and there is always a huge yell of outrage – great fun! Then one, or maybe two, brave souls will mutter, ‘I’m with Miss – I don’t like them either,’ thus giving themselves a little ‘rebel’ cachet. So Meyer has her uses.
Linda
Waste of reading time.
Definitely a case of fans commenting first, and then the rest of you. Have asked publisher for a book, but they don’t do publicity for “old” books, so we’ll have to see if I get anywhere.
I found an extract of the first chapter online but I’m afraid I couldn’t make it to the end. No pun intended but somehow it just lacked bite. Maybe the problem is that it captures the inner voice of the introspective, alienated teen a little too accurately. I could totally believe in her. I just didn’t find her very interesting company.
it isn’t often i return to an older post, but i think i should warn you as others have, even as a fan of the books, Bella bored me senseless at times, especially during the first book. BUT i love it all the same.
Alice usually comes in just when you feel like giving up, and i must admit… i have a soft spot for quirky pixie-like vampires with a penchant for fashion.
I really love all the books. I expected more out of the movie. But altogether it was good. Never a waste of your time reading . In the third book I hated Bella so much for what she have done . I love Alice , how she is always happy . lol .
i hate twilight i think skulduggery IS WAY BETTER AND I DO NOT SAY SORRY TO TWILIGHT FANS!!!!!!!
Agree TOTALLY with Grace (above)
but do read them, just to find out if you love them of hate them, (there is no in between, there just seems to be the extremes) because if you don’t you will forever spend your days wondering which type of person you are. And seeing the film doesn’t count as it isn’t a good adaption.
I by the way HATE, both the books and the film.