Twilight; by Stephenie Meyer

Here we are again, it's time for another book review! I read the Twilight Saga in the month of June 2009. To paint this picture clearly, I have to tell you that I had Z-E-R-O interest in this story for such a long time. I worked with a girl who would always bring these huge books to read on her lunch break. I asked her what they were about and stopped her when she said "vampire". Ugh. Not my thing. 

As many books do, it became a movie. One that I finally watched after my fiance (now husband) convinced me to give it 20 minutes. I rolled my eyes and whined, but I finally went with it. Twenty minutes later, I told him we could finish the movie. After that, I had to read the books. HAD. TO.

What's in my cup?

Starbucks bottled Dark Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino. It's hot outside and these drinks make summer just a little bit sweeter. 

Book: Twilight; by Stephenie Meyer

published in: 2005, USA

Summary without spoilers: 

Bella Swan is a high school girl who moves in with her dad. Nothing could be more predictable than Bella's life until she meets Edward Cullen.

Edward's reaction to Bella is an odd one; he doesn't seem to like her, he insists that's it'd be better if they weren't friend, yet he can't stay away from her.

Bella is nearly hit and crushed by a van in the school parking lot and in an instant she is in Edward's arms. He's pushing the vehicle away from her and miraculously saving her life. Bella goes looking for answers and when she discovers that the Cullens are vampires; things get real and life gets dangerous. Edward isn't the only vampire who wants to snack on her. 

Love. Vampires. High school. Danger. Awkwardness. Secrets. Blood. Death. Humanity. Vegetarianism. Yep, Twilight has all that.

What did I think of the main characters? 

I liked Bella. She doesn't like sports. She feels awkward. She would rather be somewhere with sunshine and palm trees. She is loyal to a fault. She knows how to creep on people via Google search. I can relate to the girl. 

Edward is a brooding vampire who has ridiculously mixed feelings (ya know, love and bloodthirst) regarding the love of his afterlife. He also has some serious stalker issues. Not to mention, he made his way into Bella's room without being invited. Polite vampires respect boundaries. Just google any real folklore. Even so, I still rooted for him and Bella. 

Were there any other especially interesting characters?

Bella's dad, Charlie. I liked his character. He's just the most normal guy. He doesn't have a clue about what's going on, He is quiet and a bit awkward like Bella, but he is all love and concern

From whose point of view is the story told? 

Bella Swan.

Was the book different from what I expected?

Since I saw the movie first, I'll have to say no.  

A quote or two from the book:

"I decided as long as I'm going to hell, I might as well do it thoroughly." 

"So what you're saying is, I'm your brand of heroin?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
He smiled swiftly, seeming to appreciate my effort. "Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin." 

"About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part might be - that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

"So, did you stab Edward Cullen with a pencil or what? I've never seen him act like that." 

Did you like the way the book ended?

It was good enough. 

Final thoughts:
I can't help but love how high school is depicted as purgatory, at least from the Cullens' point of view. It makes me laugh.

Love it or hate it, Twilight is certainly a fandom. There is no shortage of inflamed reactions to the Twilight Saga. Yes, I said inflamed. Twihards vs. Twihaters. 

I have to be honest, I feel the pressure to rip on the series and criticize everything about this book to qualify myself as an adequate book reader. I won't say that Stephenie Meyer is a literary god who invented the Edwardian period. She isn't. And yes, she broke a couple folklore rules about vampires. I will say that I enjoy Twilight for what it is: a story. At the very heart of it all, it is entertainment. I loved reading it and that is okay.

Tell me:
Have you read Twilight? If so, what did you think of it?
What are you reading now; and what's in your coffee cup?

Leave me a comment below this post and don't forget to subscribe! I'm off to refill my coffee cup and read something new!

Melody