Thinking about Twilight

I first read Twilight for the same reason as many other adults, to see what all the fuss was about. (The exact same reason I picked up Harry Potter in 2000.) The story line was compelling, but I thought the writing wasn't great, Myer seemed to overdo every description and her flowery prose was a bit much. I kept reading though, making it into the final book, but not completing it. Well, then the movie came out-- and like every living female in America I was 16 again and besotted with Edward Cullen.

The attraction--good looks, unflinching love and devotion. And he expects nothing in return. Before the hysteria took over, when the book first came out, an adult patron at the public library where I worked was a huge fan. "They are clean" she said "and really wonderful love stories." They are clean. Mormon Myer made sure of that. So Bella was the one pressing for the kiss and wanting sex, while gorgeous Edward was content to watch her sleep. Un-real-is-tic. Pure fantasy.

Much is being written about the portrayal of the American Indians in the form of Jacob, and about the lack of a female role model somber-gloomy Bella portrays.

But to really put it in perspective, be sure to watch the Buffy vs. Edward video. It highlights how a real woman would deal with a vamp. :>)

The whole phenomena--books--movies--conversations has been a blast. Added bonus: bonding with the teenage daughter.