This concerns TWILIGHT. That book series. I don't know too much about it, but from the snippets I've gathered, I'm undecided as to whether I should read them. I've heard some polarizing opinions. Initially, I was curious and ready to pick one up, because I love tales of vampires because they're all sexy and crazy and have cool powers but inner turmoil and I loved Buffy and Christopher Pike's The Last Vampire series.
In fact, Christopher Pike was my favorite young adult novelist, and I'd say his most famous books are the Last Vampire ones. I haven't read them in a while, but I remember the heroine, Sita (the titular last vampire), was awesome and kicked butt but had to deal with how she might not actually be the last vampire because her centuries-old lover was out to destroy her. There was a lot of myth, action, and sexiness for a young adult book. Which is why I don't know if I want to read Twilight because it's written by a Mormon who apparently makes a lot of "moral value" allegories in the books. (Nothing against Mormons, love them, I just don't like them selling me on their religion or views in the form of entertainment, like any other religion.) So, I read things with messages, but I'm well aware of them and can usually look past it in most circumstances. However, I'm not into reading preachy books - is it preachy? That's why I'm asking you.
Furthermore, my favorite site, Jezebel, offered a pretty negative post regarding Twilight, and included this -
This is actually the book's biggest problem. It's 754 pages long, its heroine's dominant personality trait is low self-esteem, and, as Amazon reviewer Eventide points out, nobody really has to give up anything. Even the tedium of immortality is glossed over — these vampires just keep busy with their hobbies. If I had an eternity to read, I still might never pick up this book again.
Their powers are glossed over? A heroine who wallows and doesn't kick ass? This is a vampire book, really?
I've also heard it doesn't have the best prose: Stephenie Meyer isn't a great writer. But again, I enjoy some books with awful writers. I think the most awfully written book I've read in recent years was The Devil Wears Prada; literally I groaned every five minutes. That was not enjoyable. But Christopher Pike was, and he's not winning any awards. So, is the writing distracting? Or is the book so captivating that I won't notice or care?
I've also heard good things! A lot of my friends are OBSESSED with it, apparently Meyer thanks Motion City Soundtrack in the latest book as "musical inspiration" (hey oh! points, points, points!), and my obvious curiosity in books that translate to film. Twilight will be hitting theaters this winter, and that cast has already done tons of press. It's a popular book, there has to be a reason, right? Also, let it be known that I did not read any of the Harry Potters, and could care less about that series and the movies.
SO, dear readers and/or lurkers, should I read it? Or skip it and just re-read my beloved Last Vampire series? Comment or email me. Literally, I'm leaving this up to you.
