Twilight (book series)

[Betty]

My teenage daughter has been reading and obsessing over the Twilight book series for several months and I finally gave in and started reading.

I've only stopped now because I'm at work and it would be pretty obvious if I was reading and not on the computer (writing to you guys! lol).

If you have any interest/fantasy at all about vampires then OMFG - what are you doing here still? You should be at the book store buying all three books and setting aside the next few days to do nothing but read.

Okay - so I used to have a bit of thing in my younger years for vampire things. You know in that movie The Witches of Eastwick where they fantsized about who their perfect man would be. We'd done that when I was a teen and came up with Drake, the bad boy vampire who rode a motorcycle and was hot hot hot. :evil: :eek:

That hadn't come to mind in years. Here I am, 2 kids, husband, job, working, off roading and then BAM! All I can think about is Edward and these books.

Anyone heard of them? Read them? Obsessed with them?

4th book will be out in a month and half or so. Movie out in December. :snap: :snap: :snap:

[flippyshark]

Are these books straight male friendly? (Meaning, are there evil, ugly vampire hordes, or is it mostly "handsome alpha-male vampire lover" fantasy? By way of comparison, Buffy did both things at once remarkably well, so I'd enjoy something in that vein<OH, I kill me!>)

[Betty]

Definately "handsome alpha-male vampire lover" fantasy with a little of the other thrown in for some drama!

[JWBear]

My teenage daughter has been reading and obsessing over the Twilight book series for several months and I finally gave in and started reading.

I've only stopped now because I'm at work and it would be pretty obvious if I was reading and not on the computer (writing to you guys! lol).

If you have any interest/fantasy at all about vampires then OMFG - what are you doing here still? You should be at the book store buying all three books and setting aside the next few days to do nothing but read.

Okay - so I used to have a bit of thing in my younger years for vampire things. You know in that movie The Witches of Eastwick where they fantsized about who their perfect man would be. We'd done that when I was a teen and came up with Drake, the bad boy vampire who rode a motorcycle and was hot hot hot. :evil: :eek:

That hadn't come to mind in years. Here I am, 2 kids, husband, job, working, off roading and then BAM! All I can think about is Edward and these books.

Anyone heard of them? Read them? Obsessed with them?

4th book will be out in a month and half or so. Movie out in December. :snap: :snap: :snap:

Have you read Tanya Huff's Blood series?

[wendybeth]

Weird- I made a post, but it didn't show up. Anyway, here goes again: Tori loves these books- she's a total fanatic. (I read and liked them as well). They're making a movie right now in Portland, and the character of Edward is played by Robert Pattison, the kid who played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

[Gemini Cricket]

Tori loves these books- she's a total fanatic.

That's the first person I thought of when I read this thread title.
:)
I think I'll give the first book a shot.

[wendybeth]

Tori says you're gonna fall in love with Edward, GC.:D

[wendybeth]

Oh, and Tori gets to join the site as of the 22nd, so expect this thread to be the first one she hits.

[Gemini Cricket]

Tori says you're gonna fall in love with Edward, GC.:D
I'm sure she's right. :)
Tell Tori I said hi!

[Betty]

Have you read Tanya Huff's Blood series?

Have not but I will definately check them out now.

I just can't stop myself from thinking of the characters... their lives are going on while I'm stuck at work and missing everything. :rolleyes:

[Betty]

Weird- I made a post, but it didn't show up. Anyway, here goes again: Tori loves these books- she's a total fanatic. (I read and liked them as well). They're making a movie right now in Portland, and the character of Edward is played by Robert Pattison, the kid who played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I thought I recognized him but couldn't place the face. I wonder just how old he is so I know whether or not I can lust after him. I visited the movie website and can't wait for it... or the 4th book... or my lunch break to read some more. :evil:

And yes - I think that GC will totally fall for Edward just like I have.

[JWBear]

Have not but I will definately check them out now.

I just can't stop myself from thinking of the characters... their lives are going on while I'm stuck at work and missing everything. :rolleyes:

Do! They are a fun read. BTW... One of the cable channels created a series based on the books last year called Blood Ties. If you've seen it, the books are FAR better!

[libraryvixen]

For the longest time, I avoided this series. My friend talked me into it by lending me her copy of Twilight.

Now... I am addicted. After I finished Twilight, I devoured the other books. When I finished with physical books, I started to listen to the books on CD. I wanted to prolong my enjoyment of the series while combining it with the crappiness of my commute. Needless to say, I was happy commuting (until I finished Eclipse).

[Betty]

I just finished Eclipse and am both happy and sad about it. I want to reread them but my daugther has been rebitten by the Twilight bug and has the first book. I contemplated "losing it" for her ;) but thought better after I couldn't find it. I think she's hiding it from me now. ;)

Do you like the reader of the book on CD? That can make or break it for me. where did you buy it from?

I need my fix and dont' think I can wait until August to get it.

[libraryvixen]

Do you like the reader of the book on CD? That can make or break it for me. where did you buy it from?



I rent from the library. I buy very little from the bookstore. ;) Our library system has been pretty good about getting the unabridged editions. The reader for the library copy is the same as the bookstore copy (Ilyana Kadushin). She's a decent reader. You're right though... a bad reader can make or break a book on tape.

[ToriBear]

Ugh, the movie is way to far from now.... It's killing me. Oh well, at least the new book, Breaking Dawn is coming out in August 2.:) :) :)

[Betty]

I am counting down the days with a widget on my google home page. 37 days... 17 hours... etc.. Not soon enough.

Can't decide if I want to go pick it up at midnight or not.

LOVE your avatar. :) It's my desktop here at the office. and yeah - I do get some odd looks over it.

What do you think? Should he bite her or not?

I was pulling through most of all three books for it- just bite her dammit! ARGH! Now though - I'm not so sure. Will it change her so much that she's not the same? Will her scent change and he won't think of her the same way anymore? But what sort of personal power might she have if he did? She's so insightful on some things... will she be able to hear Edwards thoughts all the time? (thinking that she may have been hearing them on some level when he was gone in book 2).

[ToriBear]

I think I'm going to the midnight thing for the book. I didn't get to do that with the last Harry Potter book. Wow, 37 days, it's coming up fast!

[Strangler Lewis]

Wet blanket alert!

Skillet! Skillet! Skillet!

Paging Victoria! Quick! Please!

And, yes, I'll probably buy the third book to see (hopefully) how this all gets resolved.

The books are not straight male friendly. This is basically tepid young adult fiction with a likeable (for a while) klutz heroine who finds a bad boyfriend who's not so bad after all. The books are page turners in the sense that the basic plot draws you in while most of the actual writing is best ignored. The courtship scenes are cloying. If you've ever watched a movie or read a book and had the sense that the author was filling it with cute but not terribly compelling details from their own lives that they had no perspective on, these books will give you that feeling in spades.

Given the author's Mormonism, I'd like to think there's something interesting here about persecuted sects, marriage, eternal family, etc. It's not getting through.

[Betty]

Wet blanket is right. ;) oh well - not all books are liked by everyone.

I think what I liked a lot about the book is that it reminded me how it felt to be young and falling in love again. It brought up feelings I'd forgotten about.

I know my husband has been appreciative of the spark it's put back in our love life.

I'm torn between her becoming a vampire or not... I really wanted it to happen for a long time - now I'm afraid she'll become one and it will change everything. She'll lose both Edward and Jacob.

[Strangler Lewis]

Oh dear, that's telling me nothing's resolved after the third book.

I think Edward and Jacob should ship her off to Italy and go shoot hoop.

[Betty]

Oops - sorry about that. I'd somehow read your post and thought you'd read all the books out so far. I went back and put my post in spoiler tags. Dang it. The third book is great though. Very enjoyable. Especially some of the fun at the end.

[ToriBear]

I felt so sad when someone left in the end of the 3rd book. Though, I'm going to say who it was yet. I think that Bella was an idiot in this book.

[libraryvixen]

Bella is a dolt. She has a tendency to be lame.

I think the cover of the Entertainment Weekly is very.. umm... Fabio-esqe. I favor the picture of Edward and Bella that's inside the magazine.

I, too, am torn about Bella being bit. I think that Edward is being fair in letting Bella be human for a while. He knows a lot more than she gives him credit for. Bella's just stubborn.. and frankly... gets annoying at times. Geez Bella... grow a pair and enjoy having a sparkly vampire boyfriend. You don't need to be a vampire yet. You'll retain your looks when you're bit anyhow!

[Betty]

I havne't seen the cover large enough to really get a good look - but the small one in toribear's signature looks awkward.

I agree with you about Bella - somewhat. But remember that's she's still very young - not much in the way of life experience. Not that any of us have any with vampires - but she's never had any serious romantic relationship with boys. That's some of it. I know I was I dolt at times growing up - but sure couldn't see it then.

At one point, I coulnd't wait for her to get changed. Now I think - why not enjoy it for awhile... although she does get older all the time. But someone to spoil her, watch over here, love her, etc...

Edward can sure be overbearing at times. I'd read in af few places someone saying he was the abusive boyfriend type. meh. I think many (most?) women are torn between wanting to be totally independent vs. taken care of. The new woman mixed with the old.

[Betty]

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

Wooooo-Hoooooo! Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!! (!!!)

After work I must try and get a nap in or go to bed early or something so we can go pick up the book at midnight. Will I stay up and try to read it or wait until morning? I have no idea if I can manage to wait.

Tori - are you going to the midnight release to pick up?

[Strangler Lewis]

Alas, we must wait until Monday and pay inflated Swiss prices for, sadly, two books.

And, bet the farm, she will not end up with Edward.

[Betty]

ACK! I'm not sure if I want her to end up with Edward or not - or to change or not. I'm sooooo torn.

We have to buy 2 books - one for me and one for my daughter... because niether of us is willing to wait until the other is done reading. :)

[ToriBear]

Lol, it was like that with the last HP book. Brought four 'cause none of us wanted to wait to read it.
But I'm buying my BD book tomorrow when Dad drops me off at the bookstore.
I so can't wait 'till I read it!
Whee!!

And I hope she'll end up with Edward but I am hoping Jake will come back and something awesome happens.

[Betty]

Got book last night at midnight after waiting in a long but very quick moving line at Barnes and Noble.

Came home and slept. (finally - I am so not a night owl)

Had a great day doing little more then reading and taking a break now and then so I don't go cross eyed.

Almost half way through - don't want to read it too fast because it'll then be over - but can't hardly help myself to stop reading for any length of time either.

I've got stuff to do tomorrow - at least some stuff anyway - and then back to work next week. Will I finish it tomorrow or spend my break and lunch with my nose in the book.

Interesting telling the story from different points of view.

[Betty]

Okay - I'm done.

Yay!

[ToriBear]

I'm almost done- On Bella's part, book three.

Mom is driving me nuts, trying to get me to read faster........ Lol

[keith - SuPeR K!]

I've heard good things about this series from many people and I intend to start on the first book this week :)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Damn you people! I think I am going to have to read it.

[Strangler Lewis]

In Jacob's Book. The WWs are bickering. Tedious WWs.

The amusing aside is that we bought our copy at Shakespeare & Co. in Paris. That makes it literature. And as we were leaving, we ran into people who were looking for New Moon.

[libraryvixen]

I finished... and I have mixed feelings.

What's up with Rosemary's Baby *cough* Reneesme? (BTW... I hate the baby's name). What's up with this fairy tale ending? Bleh... I made faces at the book when I finished it.

I do admit, there are some sections where I was bowled over happy. One of them was Bella's changing, another was Jacob's imprinting with the baby, the last one was Bella's wedding. Other than that... I wasn't overly thrilled with much.

This, though... is because I didn't pour through the other 3 books again before starting this one. I'll try it one more time after reading the other books and come back to this thread.

[Betty]

Yeah - I wasn't taken by the name either. From what I hear that's a common sentiment. I loved that Bella was so at home with being a vampire. She took right to it and that thrilled me. I also wish that it wasn't targeting to the tweens so much as I would have loved to have some detail about the sex written in... then again I don't care for the bodice ripper style so maybe not now that I think about it. (it always seems rather hoaky and laughable in those books instead of with the hot tension that was created with Bella and Edward.

It seems so obvious now that of course Jacob would imprint on her daughter.

And yeah - I know it's a fairy tail ending - but why not? Why can't everything turn out nicely and have a happy ending?

I'm trying to decide if I should read them all again or just the last one.

[keith - SuPeR K!]

I just borrowed the first 3 from a friend last night :) Here goes...

[wendybeth]

We'll see you in a few days, then- don't forget to take a birthday break!:D

[libraryvixen]

Yeah - I wasn't taken by the name either. From what I hear that's a common sentiment. I loved that Bella was so at home with being a vampire. She took right to it and that thrilled me. I also wish that it wasn't targeting to the tweens so much as I would have loved to have some detail about the sex written in... then again I don't care for the bodice ripper style so maybe not now that I think about it. (it always seems rather hoaky and laughable in those books instead of with the hot tension that was created with Bella and Edward.

It seems so obvious now that of course Jacob would imprint on her daughter.

And yeah - I know it's a fairy tail ending - but why not? Why can't everything turn out nicely and have a happy ending?

I'm trying to decide if I should read them all again or just the last one.

The last showdown with the Volturi was pretty anti-climactic. "Oh... there's ANOTHER half human/vampire thing who's running around? Okay. We've made a mistake. Let's go." I expected more than just the standoff with Bella's silver shield of protection.

[Strangler Lewis]

Just finished Jacob's Book.
First reaction: "Aw, hell no!"
Second reaction: She says that when she writes she sees things unfolding as a movie. If so, then she apparently envisioned the end of Jacob's book as a high camp gorefest.

Onward.

[Betty]

ALERT!!!

An early unfinished version of Midnight Sun was leaked online leading the author basically say F it - and put the now-on-indefinate-hold-unfinished-half-book on her website.

I'm terribly disappointed to hear her say that she may never finish it - yet feel compelled to read it none-the-less

Explanation (http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/)

Link to unfinished Midnight Sun. (http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partialdraft2.pdf)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I can't really read this thread yet - I'm just starting Eclipse - but I have a lot to say about the books so far. I'm going to wait until I'm done with all four because this thread might tempt me to be spoiled and I don't want to be.

And, by chance, I managed to find (and, actually, read) Midnight Sun the day after she posted that. I was hoping to read up to the meadow scene but it cuts off RIGHT before it! D'oh. I did really enjoy it, though. I preferred Twilight to New Moon so it was nice to get back into that storyline, and from Edward's perspective, no less.

[Strangler Lewis]

Still slogging through Breaking Dawn and the description of other vampires and their marginally useful powers.

Clank. Creak.

Sigh.

[Nephythys]

Bought all four after the 4th book was released- read them all last week.

I loved them- but have a strange empty feeling now that it's over.

Can't quite figure out why-

[Betty]

I know what you mean Neph... for me it's disappointment that the story doesn't go on. I even looked at some of the fan fiction hoping that would spark something but they just don't capture the characters like she does. And frankly, some of it is just really really bad.

Have you read the excerpt of Midnight Sun yet? I've got about 70-80 more pages of it... I want to read it because I'm loving it yet want to draw it out as well. For the first time in a month I had lovely Twilight dreams last night. I think I'm going to have to reread either the 4th one or 2-4 again. (I read the first one twice already.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Halfway through Eclipse.

I have determined that I don't think the series is very good.

Also, can someone point me to some good fan art? And/or fiction? And also kill me, please?

[Betty]

Awwww... Sorry to hear that. I'm disappointed you don't like it as well as many of the rest of us. I guess it's not for everyone - but I've sure enjoyed them. They're not going to change the world - for certain - but they're still good fun.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Aw, I think you may have misunderstood my post! Humor went awry, I guess. I'm saying... "I don't like it, except for the part where I obviously really like it and can't stop."

[Betty]

Funny - I read your last post - then went and reread the first one and though - huh - duh! ;) Cool. :cool:

[Strangler Lewis]

While there's some interesting stuff, and the books certainly take me back to my 17-year-old shirtless, marble-chested days--they were written with me in mind, right--I really don't think that--forgetting the 150 pages of eye-rolling and awkward transitions--there are four books worth of good material here. Lots of bad writing to equal the good, and each final, dramatic confrontation feels tacked on for Hollywood and could have been trashed.

My wife tells me that "The Host" is much better written.

[Betty]

I've got the host and couldn't really get into it... maybe I'll give it another try.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I quite agree that she needs an editor with a firmer hand. But then, at times I thought that of JK Rowling, too. Still, I rarely had a stretch of Potter book when I felt a bit bored. I also rarely had a stretch of Potter book when I psychoanalyzed the author. (Well, while I was reading it, at least.)

Still, I seem to not be able to stop myself from reading!

[Betty]

New show coming out on HBO called True Blood (http://www.hbo.com/trueblood/).

You can rent the first episode for free from Blockbuster rigth now - although I think it may debut tonight? Not sure. I don't have HBO so if I like it, I'll have to get it or look for a torrent of it or something.

I thought it was funny that on the HBO wiki page for it, they have a collabrative map (http://truebloodwiki.hbo.com/page/Collaborative+Map+to+Vampires+and+the+Supernatural ) that others have posted locations of "possible vampire nests". Featured is Forks, Denalli, Voltera, etc.

So, I've got the first show here and I'll let you know what I think...

[Betty]

Well - I don't like the show as much as I like the books. I can see it might have some potential, but I'm rather doubting it.

I couldn't help but compare it to the Twlight series - but more like a grown up version of it. There was some sex and boobies and nsfw scenes but - meh.

I'll try a few more episodes though and see how things progress.

[Betty]

Okay - I bought the first book based on the TV show True Blood. The book is Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris.

While I didn't like it quite as much as the Twilight series, I enjoyed it enough that I've been to 1 book store and called 4 more in search of the 2nd in the series. (which I finally found and will be driving 1/2 hour to go get on my lunch.)

I think I would have really really liked the series a lot more if I'd read it before Twilight. I find that I now compare all other vampire things to Twilight now. So while it's not as good,

I should point out that this book is not in the teen section as it does have some somewhat graphic, yet fairly brief sex scenes. (woo-hoo!) And fangs. ;) If you're into that. heh heh.

[libraryvixen]

Ahh.. Sookie Stackhouse. My friend loves those books! :D I've not read them yet, though I hear they are definitely addictive!

[keith - SuPeR K!]

I finished the series the other day! I enjoyed most of it and would definitely recommend it to others.

I was pleased with the 4th book and the ending. I hated Jacob at the end of book 3 and almost stopped reading right then and there because of how much he pissed me off. Book 3 reminded me of the Pirates 2 movie in that it seemed like it was just there to hold you over until book 4.

[Not Afraid]

I have a feeling that I may end up picking this up. It seems like a good October read.

[Betty]

New movie trailer out today!!! (!!! OMG OMG OMG !!!)

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44287812

:snap: :snap: :snap: :evil: :snap: :cheers:

[Strangler Lewis]

Maybe it's new because it's HD, and maybe there's some new stuff, but I've seen most of that before.

[Betty]

Yeah - there's certainly some footage I've already seen - but the trailer itself is new and was just released last night.

[Betty]

Having read all the Sookie Stackhouse books I searched for something new. Tried one series and meh. Got the book titled "Vampire Romance(s?)"... pile of crap-o-la.

Found a website that rates different vampire romance books ( which of course I dont' remember the URL for, dang it.) Found another series that got rave reviews and gave it a try.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. FOR ADULTS ONLY!

Let me just say that again - this is FOR ADULTS ONLY! (!!!)

and Weeeeeeee... it is a wonderful erotic bit of vampire fluff. heh. The first book was okay. Good enought to make me buy the next 2. The second book convinced me I was reading them all. Love them. I'm not into the bodice ripper romances - or maybe I am and this is just a variation of them. I've not really ready any frankly. But I imagine this is on the same level of importance in the world of fiction.

Still - I'm enthralled.


Also - still watching the True Blood tv series and enjoying those. They finally did "it". Squeeeee!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I walked past Robert Pattinson last night. The pictures of him on the red carpet look totally stoned, but in person he was actually glowing, and lovely.

[Betty]

I walked past Robert Pattinson last night. The pictures of him on the red carpet look totally stoned, but in person he was actually glowing, and lovely.

Oooooh.... I'm very jealous. At my age I shouldn't be lusting after him but dang it... I just can't help myself. (not that I'm *that* old - but I'm not *that* young.) ;)

[innerSpaceman]

OMG, there's Sookie Stackhouse books????


I don't have time to read anything nowadays, but True Blood has become a welcome Sunday Vampire Ritual of my intensely Halloweenicized October.


I don't suppose there's any Jason Stackhouse books??


Or Jason Stackhouse porn???



Oh wait ... that's True Blood.

[Betty]

OMG, there's Sookie Stackhouse books????


I don't have time to read anything nowadays, but True Blood has become a welcome Sunday Vampire Ritual of my intensely Halloweenicized October.


I don't suppose there's any Jason Stackhouse books??


Or Jason Stackhouse porn???



Oh wait ... that's True Blood.



Yep. They are all "dead" books... that is, they all have the word dead in the title. I think the first one is Dead Until Dark.

There's been little of Eric on the TV series so far but in the books he is so effin hawt and sexy - OMFG! Maybe you'll want to perv out on him instead. (or in addition to as the case may be.) :D I can't wait for the show to move along and get some additional Vamp characters.

I love the opening theme from that show... Bad Things. Downloaded it yesterday actually so I can get a tiny bit of my True Blood fix during the week.

Once I read the first one, I HAD to read all the rest immediately.

Although I have to say - the Black Dagger Brotherhood books are much more erotic in nature. The Sookie Stackhouse books have a good amount of sex in them - don't get me wrong - there's just a lot more of it in this new series I've got. Second one in particular was quite titilating. (Don't you just love that word: titilating. It's like a naughty word that isn't - but is! :evil: ) I'm on the third book now...

I tried watching that Forever Knight series that was mentioned and just coudn't get into it. It was just so dated - and so - well -not for me I guess.

[libraryvixen]

I walked past Robert Pattinson last night. The pictures of him on the red carpet look totally stoned, but in person he was actually glowing, and lovely.


Color me jealous!! :D Sounds like you had a good time!

[Betty]

Hey ISM - the Black Dagger Brotherhood books have some man on man stuff - nothing as graphic so far as the hetero stuff but there's definately a theme going on... I'm on book 5 and it's getting more so as I go... and is suprisingly hot. (okay - maybe not to other people surprising - but it was for me - who knew?)

[Not Afraid]

I started the first book last night. I'm not loving it so far, but I'm only on the 3rd or 4th chapter.

[Alex]

I found the series readable in the sense that it created characters interesting enough that I was willing to invest the five reading days it took to read the four books, but definitely in the category of erotica for 14-year-old girls.

The fourth book was pretty bad though. No interest in movies if they at all track to the books in age-tone (which they should, I'm just not interested).

[Not Afraid]

OK, I got hooked last night. The old "I want to sleep with a vampire" feeling hs returned.

[Betty]

OK, I got hooked last night. The old "I want to sleep with a vampire" feeling hs returned.

Muah-ha-ha... we've got you now! :evil:

And so you must read the Sookie Stackhouse and Black Dagger Brotherhood books as well! Then you just won't be able to stand it! The Twilight series a mere tease... the Sookie ones have some good sex but the BDBH ones - OMFG! E-ROT-IC!

[Not Afraid]

I finished the first book and jumped right into the second one. However, I'm beyond distraught that Edward is gone. The fact that she's still human doesn't make me happy either. These books are a TEASE!

And, I would GLADLY give myself to Edward. :blush:

[Betty]

Totally a tease... and just you wait!

[flippyshark]

So, for you fans of the book, have you seen the trailer (http://twilight-trailer.blogspot.com/), and if so, does it look like it will be in the ballpark for you?

While we're on the subject, I am famously blase about the whole vampire as nookie thing. But I'll ask anyway. In the trailer linked above, our pretty boy hearthrob is said to be cold to the touch. Are these cold, dead folks supposed to warm up during sex (or even passionate kissing)? Does any of the (voluminous) literature address this? Because, really, ick.

[Betty]

Nope... cold as granite and just as hard.

Although there's very little detail of sex in the series when it finally does happen. But it's geared to the younger crowd.

Also - vampires in other books do not share that quality.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood books for example. I can see men liking them too, by the way. There's a fair amount of danger/adventure/fighting and a good deal of detailed, hawt vampire sex that I liked tons better then other romance reads. I haven't really read many though so they may or may not be similar in quality. From what I can tell of the related message boards though, those books seem to spoil the other vampire books because everyone likes them so much better.

[Alex]

Yeah, you better learn to love the tease. Especially since once the tease ends is when the writing really goes off the rails.

[Betty]

meh... don't listen to Alex. He wouldn't know what to do if Edward bit him right on the neck! :p

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I actually kind of agree with Alex. The first book was by far my favorite, and the others - ESPECIALLY that stuff in the second without Edward - didn't do that much for me. (Didn't stop me from reading.)

Right after reading, I really wanted to do a long-form essay about the author's religious and moral background and how it deeply affects her prose. But I'm far enough away from it now that I think I've lost the steam.

[Alex]

Hey, I enjoyed the books well enough until the last one, which truly was awful in story and writing.

But you're right that it did not induce in me any fantasies of vampire sex.


ETA: Responding to LSPE, quite a few of the flaws I see in the writing I think can be attributed to it being a YA series, which is why I generally avoid YA novels regardless of how good they may be for the genre. Though she tries to hide in the melodrama the rigid adherence to traditional mores around sex particularly were tiresome. The minor linguistic and geographic flubs (Meyer is not particularly familiar with the Puget Sound region and based on various word choices I correctly detected she was not from the PNW) were offputting as well but I realize that 99% of the readership wouldn't notice and if they did wouldn't care.

[Strangler Lewis]

Hey, I enjoyed the books well enough until the last one, which truly was awful in story and writing. . .



ETA: Responding to LSPE, quite a few of the flaws I see in the writing I think can be attributed to it being a YA series . . .

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

There, I've now written a Twilight book for the kids.

[flippyshark]

I'll reiterate my question from earlier - Do the fans here (or elsewhere) find the Twilight trailers encouraging, or do they inspire dread?

[Betty]

I'm excited to see the movie. I've farily high expectations and I really hope they don't f it up. From what that link said though, they are going ahead with making the next book into a movie so they clearly think they nailed it.

[Strangler Lewis]

I envisioned Bella as dorkier looking, and I hope the actress can do more than the one ominous-weird-things-are-happening facial expression that we see in the trailers.

[ToriBear]

I envisioned Bella as dorkier looking

Nah, she's supposed to look just plain, but pretty in her own way. Besides, she's dorky when she trips or does things that only Bella would do. Lol.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Actually, I don't think she's supposed to be plain at all. I think she FEELS plain, having come from a city full of desert Barbie-type girls (Scottsdale) where she wasn't the most gorgeous nose-jobbed girl among them. But in Forks, she's actually quite the looker.

I'm looking forward to the movie, Flippy, and I really do like the casting of Edward, but I try not to make my expectations too high, ever, because down that road lies disappointment.

[Alex]

Just watched the trailer. Seems to capture things well. Looks like they filmed the fight at the end of the first book (which takes place off stage in the book), which suggests they might try to beef up the action a bit, which could be good or bad depending on how it is handled.

And I agree with LSPE again. She felt plain but whenever she said this everybody around her expressed shock, disagreement, or surprise. So I envisioned one of those not-model but still very pretty girls I knew in high school who did manage to get to that age without realizing they were very pretty.

For Edward it is actually a bit of a shock to see him actually young looking. Despite the descriptions in the book he is written so old (as is Bella, frankly) that I still pictured him as a decade or so older than 17.

[ToriBear]

Oops, I meant to say that she thinks she's plain when she is not.

And the guy who's playing Edward is going to be great. Two days ago, I saw a small part of a scene and it was awesome!

And I am so getting that soundtrack when it comes out!

[Strangler Lewis]

I agree with all of the above except that I'm not sure about the wisdom of casting someone who, from the clips, reminds me of a clearly pretty girl with low self-esteem who goes around with goth face all the time.

[Not Afraid]

Anyone going to see the film on Friday (or thereafter)? I don't want Chris to see it if he hasn't read the first book. I think he needs to create his own Edward and Bella for himself.

[Betty]

I think we're going to wait a few days. It's going to be packed. Around here, it would be hard to even find a ticket, or so I've been told.

[Strangler Lewis]

We're going this weekend, but given what I've read about the PR appearances, I expect half the movie to be drowned out with swoons and screams.

[wendybeth]

Oops, I meant to say that she thinks she's plain when she is not.

And the guy who's playing Edward is going to be great. Two days ago, I saw a small part of a scene and it was awesome!

And I am so getting that soundtrack when it comes out!


ToriBear got the soundtrack last week, and we have it memorized. It's really very good- I especially love the song by Collective Soul.

We are going to wait a few days to see it- we have too much going on and don't feel like fighting the crowds. Another great thing about homeschooling is you can go to movies while the rest of the kiddies are in school.:D

[CoasterMatt]

So, did anybody find out if Stephenie Meyer donated to the Yes On 8 campaign, being a Mormon and all?

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, cause I want to see this movie ... but I don't want to be a gay traitor while I'm doing it.


I haven't read the book, and won't unless I like the movie, and won't unless I can see the movie without gay guilt.

[Alex]

Her name (nor that of her husband Christiaan) does not appear on any of the large or small donor lists I am aware of.

[Betty]

Okay - I gave in to my inner Twilight addict under the notion that tomorow is the girl's 14th bday.

So, we'll be there at 12:01 am Friday for the first showing at our local theater! And then going to work and school late on Friday.

My manager was so funny. She's been recently reading the series. When I mentioned I was thinking of taking Amy for her birthday and coming in late on Friday she practically squealed and said OH YOU HAVE TO TAKE HER!!!

So - there you have it. I'll be trying to sleep for 2 or so hours then getting up to go stand in line in the middle of the night to see it.

And yes. I am excited!

(squeeee!)

[Alex]

I screened Bolt last night and nearly simultaneously there was a screening of Twilight in the next theater. Apparently the line had started to form at 10a.m. for an 8 p.m. screening.

[Betty]

Well then -that's just too damn early for me. I'm hoping it was because it was an early screening?

maybe I ought to give up on getting sleep? is that what you're saying?

[Alex]

It was a free promotional screening. Which means they give out more tickets than there are seats and entry is not guaranteed.

If you've bought your tickets you'll be fine (though I have no idea how early you'll have to show if you want good seats).

[Gemini Cricket]

No reviews for Twilight (the movie) have popped up on rottentomatoes.com yet. The filmmakers are asking reviewers not to release their reviews until the film's release date. That usually means that the reviews are expected to be lackluster. It will be interesting to read these reviews once they come out.

Betty - That was very cool of your boss.
:)

[innerSpaceman]

Gemini Cricket, can I get a dispensation from you to see Twilight? I need some more sexy Vampires in my life (though I undertand these are the most sexless sexy vampires ever to grace the screen).


If I can't go see Twilight, you have to spend some time with me on Sunday. Whatcha wanna do?

[Gemini Cricket]

You can do whatever you want, Mr. iSm. It ain't up to me.
:D
I'm not going to pay to see it. And I'm not mad at anyone who is going to see it.

[innerSpaceman]

I'd rather spend some time with you while that time is short.


Wanna go to the GD and CP Repo: The Opera movie thingy thing in WeHo adjacent on Sunday afternoon? Stop me or I may see Twilight! ;)

[Tom]

ism - You could pay for another movie then sneak into Twilight. Then you get to see it without contributing money toward it. Though you'll probably have to wait a couple of weeks before you can do that.

[Gemini Cricket]

I'd rather spend some time with you while that time is short.

Aww. I appreciate that. Unfortunately, time is short for me. I have a funeral to help plan this week (the funeral itself and reception is on Sat). I have to finish packing and sell my f'ed up car before the 2nd. On top of that, I'm trying to fit in one more trip to Disneyland before I leave. Ugh, stress...
But we might make something work.
:)

[innerSpaceman]

i hope so. I think it was Sallah who famously said to Indy and Marion "I am already missing you."


:(

[Snowflake]

i hope so. I think it was Sallah who famously said to Indy and Marion "I am already missing you."


:(

Amen Brother, Amen. :(

[Betty]

Awwww - now take your mushy mush off my sexy vampire thread! ;) Or at least pretend to have some vampireness while you ask him out! :D :p

[innerSpaceman]

Oh please, if I could get him addicted to having his blood (or whatever) sucked by me so that he'd stay, I'd do it. :evil:

[Not Afraid]

The movie may be un-sexy but the characters in the books are FULL of sexiness. Personally, I think it would be shooting yourself in the foot - er, penis - if you saw the movie before reading the book.

[Alex]

No reviews for Twilight (the movie) have popped up on rottentomatoes.com yet. The filmmakers are asking reviewers not to release their reviews until the film's release date. That usually means that the reviews are expected to be lackluster. It will be interesting to read these reviews once they come out.

Every press screening invite I receive comes with the request that reviews not be published until release day (or the last previous issue if not a daily publication). Though I have heard they stressed it harder than usual for Twilight.

Regardless, in this day an age it is not an embargo that can hold and there are now 16 reviews on rottentomatoes. It is at 44%. The biggest surprise I've seen is that Jeffrey Wells (who was dismissive of it before seeing) it liked it quite a bit (http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/2008/11/turnaround.php).

[Betty]

Yay! 17 hours left to go.

[blueerica]

So maybe it's best to go in with little expectation (my favorite way to view any film) and just relax.

[innerSpaceman]

Personally, I think it would be shooting yourself in the foot - er, penis - if you saw the movie before reading the book.

If it's an enjoyable book, usually quite the opposite is true.

If you've liked a book and then see the movie, which is almost ALWAYS not as good ... you usually end up not liking the movie. At least that's what usually happens with me.

Whereas if you've never read the book, you might like the movie ... and then love the book when you experience the better version second instead of first.


The downside is you tend to "picture" the characters as the movie actors ... but I think it's a small price to pay.

[Chernabog]

I bought it and read the first chapter of the book, which was boring, and then realized that I would be donating to the Mormon Church by purchasing the book, so I'm going to return it to Target and not see the movie. Yeah yeah, it's a drop in the bucket, and Robert Pattinson IS hot, but Roger Ebert's Review (http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081119/REVIEWS/811199997) kinda clinched it for me. Oh well! Maybe I'll just check the book out from the LA Public Library and not feel so bad :)

[Betty]

Well crap. In my birthday-twilight madness I apparently forgot I'm upgrading quickbooks tomorrow morning. And I can't reschedule as too many other people have changed their schedules to accomodate the downtime.

So - I'll be home at what - 2:30 or 3am then getting up at 4:30! Oh what fun!

:(

[Moonliner]

Yea! Twilight opens TOMORROW! Yip. :)

I have secured tickets via Fandango at the best theater in town.

Everything is set, I'm so damn excited because finally Headliner is off to see a movie like this with her friends and I am not invited. Life is good.

[Betty]

I bought through Fandango as well. They sent me an email to download Bella's lullaby remix through itunes which I did.

What a crock! It's a few lines from the preview over and over again over some very non-memorable muzak.

Fie!

Hope the actual version is better then that. I kept waiting for some actual lullaby music and then the song ended. WTF?

I hope it's as good as the non official version that's been making rounds online by Yiruma. Have you heard that one?

[innerSpaceman]

Interesting that Ebert's review mentions the Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In, which I recently heard RAVES about over Chinese lunch post-Nationwide Protest Rally last Saturday.

There's no Mormons in Sweden, are there? If not, and since the Swede film was officially GAY recommended ... I think I'll spend my vampire dollars on that one. Twilight, from the synopsis in Ebert's review, seems ... with apologies to Gemini Cricket ... completely gay.

[Betty]

Interesting that Ebert's review mentions the Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In, which I recently heard RAVES about over Chinese lunch post-Nationwide Protest Rally last Saturday.

There's no Mormons in Sweden, are there? If not, and since the Swede film was officially GAY recommended ... I think I'll spend my vampire dollars on that one. Twilight, from the synopsis in Ebert's review, seems ... with apologies to Gemini Cricket ... completely gay.

I'll have to check out Let the Right One In. hmmmm... you think that's in English or will I be reading subtitles?

[Gemini Cricket]

... with apologies to Gemini Cricket ... completely gay.
You can not have the goat that you're attempting to get from me.

[innerSpaceman]

Subtitles.



Downside for me, yeah. Upside? Maturity.



You can not have the goat that you're attempting to get from me.


Baaaaaaaaah. :p

[Betty]

I can work with subtitles. Just read a little review of it. I'm intrigued.

[Alex]

There is a Mormon temple in Stockholm so I assume that there are at least three mormons in the country. But it seems unlikely they're making vampire films.

[Gemini Cricket]

Though I have heard they stressed it harder than usual for Twilight.
Question:
Did they stress it more because they thought the reviews would be bad?
I also noticed that when there is not much confidence in a movie, the filmmakers/studios don't have a lot of press screenings for it or give critics very little time to get a review out. I remember the Love Guru having zero reviews on rt.com until the Friday it was released.

[Alex]

Frequently that is what it means, and that is pretty much always how it is taken. But then it is in the review industries interest to take it that way.

But I don't think it is quite that simple. Sometimes I think they just feel that, even if they have a good movie, press reaction can't really do anything to help them. The people who are going to go on opening weekend were going to go anyway even if the reviews are good and so all reviews could do it possibly convince some people to not go (even the best movies have bad reviews). By the second weekend press reviews are almost completely irrelevant since everybody is then mostly relying on word of mouth from people they know personally who have seen it.

Then you also have the fact that different individual personalities running publicity simply like different levels of control or have certain strategies in mind.

For example, my screening invite for Milk includes this line and I don't think there is anyone doubting the quality of the movie:

And lastly, we request your cooperation in not running/posting your reviews prior to Wednesday, November 26, 2008.

As for the number of screenings, I don't know if that is at all a reliable indicator of quality. I've seen great movies that only had one screening in the entire Bay Area and awful movies that have had four screenings each in five different towns. I think this is more a product of the marketing budget than the movie quality.


All of which isn't to say that Twilight doesn't suck and that the attempted embargo isn't a sign of that. It may. I just don't think it is a universal sign of that. Refusing to hold press screenings at all is probably a better indicator of real suck (though that has also increased in the last couple years into less sucky territory).

[Gemini Cricket]

Refusing to hold press screenings at all is probably a better indicator of real suck (though that has also increased in the last couple years into less sucky territory).

Like Bangkok Dangerous and Snakes on a Plane. (Those 2 I got from a quick Google search.)

[Alex]

Yeah, and I'd say that Bangkok Express is a good example of how refusing to hold any screenings is expanding beyond the more traditional truly execrable movies.

It isn't a good movie but it also isn't a completely awful movie.

[madmonkeygirl]

Well i'm for one not seeing it nor have i read the book. In my eyes Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire. The book was amazing then i finished the book right before the movie came out and we went opening weekend to see the movie at the local theater which was packed. The movie followed the book almost to a "T" with leaving out i believe 2 scenes out of the book not in the movie but those were very irrelevant. For the most part the movie fed off my imagination from reading the book. I love absolutely my favorite vampire movie next to Vampires Los Muertos only because Jon Bon Jovi is in it and he doesn't die only gets turned to a vampire.

GC let me know what when you're last visit to Disneyland is. I really want to try to get there for one last visit but if it's not meant to be then i've said my goodbyes.

[Not Afraid]

If it's an enjoyable book, usually quite the opposite is true.

If you've liked a book and then see the movie, which is almost ALWAYS not as good ... you usually end up not liking the movie. At least that's what usually happens with me.

Whereas if you've never read the book, you might like the movie ... and then love the book when you experience the better version second instead of first.


The downside is you tend to "picture" the characters as the movie actors ... but I think it's a small price to pay.

There is no actor on earth who could be as hot as Edward is in my imagination. If I saw the film first, I would have deprived myself of total, unbelievable, inhuman sexy - and I wouldn't have wanted to miss that.

I've always had a preference for reading a good story over watching one. My own imagination is usually much better at creating visuals from the text than any cast and crew ever could. If I see a film based on a book first, it takes away from the wonderful imaginary experience when I do read the book and makes the readling a lot less enjoyable.

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, but even a book I've read, let's see, fifty times ... i.e, (and geek alert) LotR ... well, I slowly but surely had the movie actors intrude on my previously conceived imaginational imagery of the characters.



But ok, I'm certainly not going to be seeing "Twilight" in theaters, so I'll ... heheh ... BITE. Someone lend me the book, and I'll read it well before I Netflix the movie next month. ;)

[madmonkeygirl]

INSM i have the book from Target paperback. Bought it but not gonna read it. I might take it back otherwise sell it at a yard sale.

[innerSpaceman]

Lemme know when that yard sale is, eh?

[Not Afraid]

You can borrow mine as soon as Chris reads it. I have the whole series. I really enjoyed it. And, it stays pretty strong throughout unlike Anne Rice's vamp series that got increasingly awful after book 2 (except the whole Lestat Rock Star thing in book 2 was AWFUL!)

[Alex]

You liked that fourth book? I was ok with it up to then.

[innerSpaceman]

Lestat is a great example of movie/book character dillemma. I hated the choice of Tom Cruise. Nothing I pictured when I read the books. But I actually thought his performance was, hate to admit it, fantastic ... and if I were to read the books again, I just might picture him as Lestat (heheh, perhaps one of the reasons I haven't read those books again).

[Not Afraid]

You liked that fourth book? I was ok with it up to then.

It was a lot more unbelievable than the others, but I was OK with it after I rolled my eyes for a bit. It was getting closer to Rice stupidity than any of the others.

[madmonkeygirl]

Well Rice's first book was the best i admit it. But i like her series period. I think her choice for Tom Cruise as Lestat was great since i pictured him in the role before i knew he was cast and filmed the movie. So there....if i were to be turned into a vampire i'd want him to turn me into one compared to the ones in Twilight but then again i'm a huge Tom Cruise fan. And Brad Pitt too i might add so for me as far as casting someone like them was a thumbs up as far as me wanting to see the movie after reading the book.

[Betty]

Saw it! :)

I'd give it a 7 out of 10. It was about as good as I thought it would be - and they didn't screw it up so yay! Of course, there were differences from the book but overall, I liked it.

The VERY brief scene from the dream she had with her laying there with her neck exposed and Edward biting her and the glimpse of him with a little blood on his lip. OMFG! Very hot.

And Edward coming back to the school with his sun glasses on and that huge sh!t eating grin - love the smile.

He's old enough for me to perv on? Right? RIGHT?

I'm going on about 1 1/2 hours of sleep today so while I'm fine now, I'm expecting this afternoon to be a chore.

[CoasterMatt]

Screw it all, I'm just gonna watch Martin.

[CoasterMatt]

Here's a fun quote about the movie-

Dark Shadows at Degrassi Jr. High, but with half the budget of either of those two shows.

[Gemini Cricket]

Screw it all, I'm just gonna watch Martin.
I like the Shenehneh Jenkins episodes. She rocks.
:)

[Strangler Lewis]

This is a sh*t town to see a movie in. Half full theatre on a Saturday night. Mostly middle aged folks. One swoon during the credits-for Jacob.

It was watchable. But 3 more movies of anguished jaw jutting is more than I can contemplate sitting through. Some observations:

* Kristin Stewart is too pretty to play Bella.
* They should have showed the origin stories and emphasized the importance of their lifestyle choice.
* They really downplayed the "take it slow, kids" aspect of the book.
* "He's a tracker. He lives for the hunt." struck me as even more ridiculous and arbitrary in the movie than it did in the book.
* The diamond skin effect disappointed me. I doubt that it would be noticed in a crowded Italian plaza.

[Betty]

I was dissappointed they didn't focus more on the development of their relationship. No scene in science with the movie projector. No blood testing scene. The meadow scene wasn't right. The lullaby was more like an afterthought.

Yeah. The movie was okay - but met my expectations in that they didn't really screw it up. But I didn't like it nearly as much as the book.

But you know, the book is always better isn't it. Nothing compares to the movie theater of ones own mind.

Having said that, I'll see it again on DVD.

[innerSpaceman]

^ Exhibit "A" for why I should see the movie before I read the book.


But I think I'll do neither. True Blood has ruined me for sappy teen vampire romance.

[Betty]

True Blood books better then the series. But like I've already told you - read the ding dang darn Black Dagger Brotherhood series if you like the hot vampires.

[innerSpaceman]

I'll do both!

[BarTopDancer]

I just finished the book. Loved it, can't wait to read the rest. Waiting for the movie to come out on DVD.

[Tom]

Catherine Hardwicke has been fired as director of the movie sequels.

Summit Entertainment Co-Chairman/Chief Executive Rob Friedman tells Nikki Finke of DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com: "Catherine and Summit have agreed to part ways on the sequel because our visions are different."

Finke reports a source says the studio is taking Hardwicke off the sequel because she "was 'difficult' and 'irrational' during the making of "Twilight."

Article here (http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2008/12/twilight-news.html).

[wendybeth]

Being female, she's irrational. If the director was male, no doubt he'd be considered eccentrically brilliant. I call bull**** on them- they're just pissed because she outed them on their cheapness of budget and spoke of the frustration of trying to achieve decent special effects with minimal money. They had already stated that they didn't intend to pump a whole lot of cash into the next film, despite the fact that most feel her attention to the details 'Twilight's readership found important was the movie's saving grace. It sure as **** wasn't the special fairy dust Pattison wore.:rolleyes:

[mistyisjafo]

I read the first book and found it to be sort of dull and uneventful. I also thought that it reminded me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Without slay. Personally I liked the Buffy/Angel cant be in love cant be together drama over the Twilighters.

[Alex]

While I would tend to side on her side over the production company's, I have heard that she was absolutely awful to work with on The Nativity so there may be some merit.

But I'm sure not wanting to give a raise plus needing someone willing to push out the next one quickly without getting all artiste-ish about it played a big role.

[blueerica]

Bleh - the second book will require more artistic ability than the first, as I think it will be less compelling to the non-fan... slow, plodding until the last quarter of the book... more difficult to hold audiences, though thankfully, there's a built-in audience... but... I can see that waiting will only make it more difficult to get through allfour books.

[Strangler Lewis]

If they have any sense, they'll end it as three movies with the wedding or, perhaps, the honeymoon with her going "I think I'm pregnant." Anything beyond that would have to veer from an NC17 high camp gorefest to the snoozefest final non-climax with Bella throwing her shield around the vampires of marginally interesting capabilities.

[Betty]

If they have any sense, they'll end it as three movies with the wedding or, perhaps, the honeymoon with her going "I think I'm pregnant." Anything beyond that would have to veer from an NC17 high camp gorefest to the snoozefest final non-climax with Bella throwing her shield around the vampires of marginally interesting capabilities.

The book wasn't an nc17 thing - why would the movie have to be?

[Not Afraid]

The last book as a movie would probably be a giant failure.

[Betty]

The last book as a movie would probably be a giant failure.

It could be fun if they spent the money on the special effects and did it right. BUt what are the odds of that happening? :(

[Alex]

There's not really anything to spend special effects on.

The last book is:

Sex
A quick violent pregnancy
A half-book dossier on special vampire powers in the form of Bob has X, Greg does Y, Cindy tells Marsha about how Thomas can do Z.
A battle that doesn't actually happen to any great degree
Everybody walks away


Half of the book is the equivalent of the background "power demonstrations" covered in 2 minutes of an X-Men movie.

I'm sure it can be translated, but I'll have zero interest in it (doesn significantly from my 10% interest in Twilight as a movie).

[swanie]

I need some advice...

Ms. T really wants at least the first book of the series for Christmas. She's 11 and it has become the big thing in her 5th grade class.

My concern is how appropriate the series will be for her. I understand the first book is fairly innocuous, but what should I know about the later series (Alex's previous post worries me a bit)? Ms. T DEVOURS books. She finished the entire Potter series when she was 10, has read and re-read the Warriors (and now the Seekers) series among countless others. Even though she may only get #1 for Christmas, she'll have it read in a day and will want to move on.

Any help will be appreciated!

swanie

[Strangler Lewis]

In discussing the absurdities of the last book, one must not forget the Slurpee cup.

As to age appropriateness of the first book, they do talk in the first book about whether vampires can do it. There's also a lot of heated yearning. And eye-rolling.

[Alex]

There really isn't any great detail about sex in the last book (and none in the previous) beyond the fact that it is vigorous and much enjoyed.

If you don't consider sex a completely verboten topic then I don't imagine there'd be an issue with it.

But then when I was 10 or so my mom let me watch the Great American Strip-Off on the Playboy Channel. And I certainly don't have any children.

[Betty]

Check out common sense media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

talking points: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/twilight-talking-your-kids-about-book-and-movie

Link to more Twilight book info: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/twilight

Link to book 1: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/twilight-twilight-saga-book-1

Parents need to know that, while very mild by the standards of its genre, this is a vampire romance, so there is talk about blood and romantic kissing, as well as one battle with bloody injuries.

Families can talk about the view of vampirism here. It sounds like a one-way ticket to superhero powers -- what's the downside? Why is Edward reluctant to let Bella become one? Why, aside from her love for Edward, ... Read more

[ToriBear]

I need some advice...

Ms. T really wants at least the first book of the series for Christmas. She's 11 and it has become the big thing in her 5th grade class.

My concern is how appropriate the series will be for her. I understand the first book is fairly innocuous, but what should I know about the later series (Alex's previous post worries me a bit)? Ms. T DEVOURS books. She finished the entire Potter series when she was 10, has read and re-read the Warriors (and now the Seekers) series among countless others. Even though she may only get #1 for Christmas, she'll have it read in a day and will want to move on.

Any help will be appreciated!

swanie

Hmm, well, some parts might be a little bit older for a 11 year old. It's more of a teen book, then it is a kids book. It's great that she loves to read, but I would hold off of it.

[swanie]

Thanks for the links. :)

I'm sure she'll be fine with at least the first 2 books, and I'm leaning towards reading ahead of her to be a bit of a sounding board for the last two. I'm not interested in being one of those Mom's that censors what she's reading. I would just prefer to be aware of what she's reading so we can have an open discussion on the topics at hand if need be.

To be honest, I'm pretty sure she knows a fair share about the subject matter anyways. I'm leading a lit study group in her class and I had to re-direct our discussion countless times last week from all things Twilight back to The Tale of Despereaux. Funnier yet, it was the boys who were really obsessing about it!

[BarTopDancer]

Just finished the last book.

Throughout the series Jacob was grating on my nerves, and I'm not sure how I feel about him now. I know he would have done what is right if he needed to, but would he have done it because it's right or done it for his own selfish motivations.

[BarTopDancer]

http://roflrazzi.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/celebrity-pictures-boreanaz-vampires.jpg

[BarTopDancer]

So I'm way late to the Twilight movie party.. but I'm watching it and the make-up jobs are terrible. Make-up lines everywhere.

[Betty]

I thought the parties were Friday night as the movie came out at midnight... picked up our copy yesterday and watched last night. My husband got his first taste of the story line and at the end of the movie he said

That's it? What happens now? I told him he'd have to read the books or wait for the next movie. After he rolled his eyes at me... hee hee. I'm reminded again that the movie wasn't as good as the book - but then it never is.

[Moonliner]

Got my first tast of the story also.

I took headliner to the midnight release party, she went dressed as the prissy Cullen girl. They had a costume contest she should have won but the idiots at the site picked a Dracula type vampire over her. Ignorant fools.

Still she did manage to nab the "grand prize" in the trivia contest. A goodie bag full of Twilight swag.

We were the first out of the store with the flick 13 Min (exactly) before midnight. The guy at the register decided to sell me one a bit early after he noticed me noticing him selling one on the sly to his friend....

I'm glad we did not have to wait, the store was a badly organized mess. They had two registers, 200 people and did not let people pre-pay. So they had to check them all out starting at midnight. I'll bet we were half way through the movie before the last of the people made it out...


As for the movie, meh. Let's just say it ain't my thing. For example I really think if you take a tracker who it super sensitive to scents and hit them full on with pepper spray it ought to have an effect.

[BarTopDancer]

Other than the make-up I liked the movie. I really liked the baseball scene, and the intro of Victoria and crew.

Much like most book-to-movie adaptations, the not exactly following the storyline bugged me. The field scene shouldn't have happened while they were at school and he didn't shine nearly enough.

[blueerica]

The makeup and the fact that I had *just* read the first book really screwed with me. I'd just finished reading, and was looking into the minutiae as I was watching the movie. Halfway through, I chilled out enough to not worry about them combining scenes to make up time.

[BarTopDancer]

I watched the movie again this morning. The make-up lines seriously grate on my nerves. In the hospital Dr. Cullen has an almost gray face and the actors normal skin tone on the side and back of his neck.

I'll probably end up buying it at some point. I'm a sucker* for all things vampire. And I love the soundtrack.

*no pun intended