Twilight
Okay, so, I swore I’d never read these books twice. That … was before I discovered the joy of writing these commentaries. It really means I never HAVE to read a book twice. It’s nice being able to look over my notes. Then I can decide if the book is really worth a reread, and not have to worry about tricking myself into thinking a book is good.
When I read The Neverending Story again, and Her Fearful Symmetry, I tend to remember the best parts about the book. Looking over my comments, I see my real objections to those books, and I’m not likely to read either again.
Maybe Neverending Story … when I’m a lot older.
The epigram to this book is humorously received here. Gen 2:17. It says: “If you start reading this book, there’s no going back … no matter how horrible it gets.” And you know what? She’s right.
This starts the dualistic Bella off right away. She’s telling herself not to be upset that the dream is ending … yet, those of us who’ve read the whole series, know she doesn’t accept it very well when Edward goes away. Maybe Bella should have been given this preface when she gets to mourning the loss of Edward.
Anyone else would have thought that Edward was crazy, and want to stay far–far–away from them. But not our Bella. Even Edward comes to realize this … and Bella herself (to some extent).
Ms. Meyer does a nice job keeping things consistent here. I know already that Edward can’t hear Bella’s thoughts, and you can see that in the lunch scene. He does explain that he listens to her through other people in later chapters. Still, I appreciate the plan being carried out from the beginning. It’s a detail the analytic reader inside picks up on while I’m busy being entertained by the story.
Here we see the perceptive Bella again–something we don’t get often!–when she “knows” that Edward is lying about where he started out in the parking lot. Of course, she’s right, but that doesn’t matter. She questions her own judgment so often throughout the series, it’s surprising she trusts herself about this.
*EDIT* I’m in the middle of writing the commentary for “New Moon,” and I started keeping score between Edward and Jacob, because I’m team Jacob. He never gets a fair chance for Bella. So, in order to find out if he SHOULD have had the chance, I am counting merits as +1 point, and mistakes a -1 point. I needed to come back and track the score in this book because Edward starts in the negative in book two, and I wanted to be fair. He gets a point for saving Bella’s life, but I won’t take a point off for lying … it wasn’t a big lie, and Bella doesn’t know anything yet.
Edward: 1 / Jacob: 0
When in doubt, win them over with a Jane Austen device … that is exactly what Ms. Meyer did. Edward “gives up” trying to stay away from Bella, just like Darcy gave in. This is why I love this book: for the moments of sheer brilliance shining through Bella’s complaining.
For romance, I award Edward 1 point.
Edward: 2 / Jacob: 0
Of course she has a fear of blood. I picture Bella like those fainting goats in this scene, when the teacher stabs Mike’s finger.
For saving the day, I award Edward 1 point
Edward: 3 / Jacob: 0
If I remember correctly, Jacob telling Bella turns out to be not such a big deal. It helps Bella figure out what Edward is, but I don’t think there were any repercussions other than that. It has also begun. Ms. Meyer is telling us right from the beginning. Jacob isn’t good enough. “But I really did like Jacob.” *sigh* He’s perfectly good enough Ms. Meyer.
I award Jacob a point for participating in the rejection of Mike. Poor Mike … gets even less a chance than Jacob. Alas, it’s hysterical.
Edward: 3 / Jacob: 1
Bella thinks WAY too much. She takes WAY too long getting to the real questions she has–always takes the long route. However, we are rewarded with a beautiful image of the forest with a side of mush.
Also, the feeling Bella gets (of going the wrong way because it’s taking longer than she thinks it should to walk home) is a familiar one. To be so deep in thought you lose sense of time and speed, no doubt. I’ve been lost in similar ways trying to walk places I’ve only driven to before.
Then all things are ruined again by Bella’s incessant whining! Ugh, we get it. Woe as me, you don’t see him. I mean, sure, agonize away, but Ms. Meyer–do we have to hear every second of it? Have mercy on your excellent story!
Edward 2, Death 0.
Pfft! Who knew, when I wrote that, I’d be keeping score for Edward and Jacob. I guess that means Edward gets another point.
Edward: 4 / Jacob: 1
After that, I want to go to bed too. Alas, I have a job to do.
They fall so completely in love with each other very fast. It’s almost not okay. Alas, this is a vampire fantasy, there are allowances made for this kind of thing. It always annoyed me that people think quick romance is ideal. In a way I envy Bella and Edward. I just don’t think that this kind of love is forever.
I want to see Meyer write more in this series. These first four books show a Romeo and Juliet romance, and in the end they are together (as they should be). What about once she’s a vampire though? Once she’s really freakin’ cool and all the characters are well developed, then the story takes off. Tell us of the love that continues on forever, Ms. Meyer. Please. These stories feel like only the beginning.
Yeah, I have to give Edward another point for the chapter.
Edward: 5 / Jacob: 1
Edward’s questions didn’t bother me. In fact, I thought they were more romantic than anything else in the book to this point. The ordinary things he wants to know. The things you need to know in order to REALLY know a person. Now this is why I love these books. Sometimes, Ms. Meyer, your truth is uncanny.
Edward: 6 / Jacob: 1
You know, I just realized, Bella’s earlier dream with werewolf and Edward was rather prophetic. I wonder if it was this dream that inspired Jacob’s fate. Of course, we’ve been given hints about his impending wolfishness before this point, but the dream is so vivid … it feels like an inspired scene … which always lead to amazing plot revelations when writing first drafts. She could have added earlier hints later in the process.
For the most part, I liked this chapter. I just have one problem in general. Ms. Meyer, we get it–Bella thinks Edward is perfect. I’ve started gnawing … I pray that you spare us from further reminders!
We learn a lot about the Meyer-vampire in this chapter. Their speed, strength, allure, as well as their temptations and dispositions. Ms. Meyer is still using the word “perfect” way too much. There is something to be said for being concise … you don’t have to describe Edward in such detail anymore Ms. Meyer. We get the picture.
Chapter Fourteen: Mind Over Matter
If only to explain the mysterious origins of Alice, Ms. Meyer, you need to write another book in this series. It is never explained. It would be an interesting story to hear. Her journey to finding her former self. It might be hard to write, but it’ll make it all that more rewarding.
Also, I long to feel what Edward and Bella are feeling in this chapter. It’s … kind of sad. Where oh where could MY Edward Cullen be?
Edward: 7 / Jacob: 1
My favorite chapter–by far–up to this point. Probably because Ms. Meyer makes a lot of promises here. We see “vegetarian” vampire life, in anticipation of Bella’s joining. We see the potential relationships Bella will have with them. Also, there’s the warning of the coming conflict between the “good” vampires and the “bad.” This is the first hint as to what the preface was all about … part of the reason I don’t LIKE the preface. It took WAY too long to reveal itself. We’re almost led to believe one of the Cullens is responsible for Bella’s impending “death.”
I’d like to hear what Ms. Meyer imagines Bella’s song to sound like … and I still want to know more about Alice.
Edward: 8 / Jacob: 1
Alright, so, I’ve been thinking. It’s not the preface that’s the problem. It’s the lack of reference to it again up until this point. Of course, I know that the coming baseball game is part of the “bad” vampire conflict now that I’ve read the book once already, but it should have been referenced at least once before chapter fifteen. Just to remind the reader where the story was going.
The whole point of a preface is to give the reader the target. Ms. Meyer then launches us into 300 plus pages of mush and teen angst before we get back to thinking about the target. “A pregnant pause,” as Ms. Rhodes (my high school dance teacher) would say.
There were a couple more promises made here. We learn some of Carlisle’s past, but Ms. Meyer drops hints that there may be more than what Edward is telling Bella. And, just for sayin’s sake, Jasper seems a million times less pained in this book than he does in the movie. Jackson Rathbone looks like he’s wearing a cilice after a good scourging.
Fun, and a nice setting for the action to being in. From this point on, I’m in love with the book. It just takes off–even the rest of the series takes off a bit from here. Getting Bella and Edward together took way to long. At one point last night, I was thinking that the book needed more action before this, then I remembered: Edward saves Bella’s life twice. Both not bad action sequences. However, Bella’s rants and woes slow down the story SO much, I nearly forgot they happened all together!
Thank goodness Victoria, James and Laurant show up. Otherwise, I may not have read the next book … and I most certainly wouldn’t be reading them again. Ms. Meyer had a brilliant idea when this series was conceived. You can tell she learned how to tell a story throughout the series. Although, I have more complaints and praises for the later books as well. The praises out weigh the complaints though.
For being a baseball-playing-vampire, I award Edward 1 point.
Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1
We are rollicking along now, for certain. Ms. Meyer is at her best when she’s got a challenge in front of her characters. I’m so excited for what is to come, I can’t stop reading!
Finally we see smart Bella again. Maybe a little over the top, but what can you do when you’re under so much pressure to save lives. Charlie isn’t ever given the opportunity to fully understand what is happening to Bella–in the entire series. I feel for the guy. This is yet another reason Ms. Meyer needs to write another book! He deserves an explanation.
And we wait. I enjoyed this chapter, because Ms. Meyer put in many things I can identify with. Bella finding the shapes in the abstract paintings … I do that with popcorn ceilings and wallpaper. What Bella worries about … I’d be in the same place in my mind. Also, in this chapter, Ms. Meyer promises us Bella will become a vampire …
Chapter Twenty-One: Phone Call
Another great chapter; the suspense is building. We’re getting closer to the end promised us in the beginning.
Chapter Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
So we DO find out about Alice’s origins. I guess I forgot, or wasn’t paying attention the first time. We don’t get all the details, but enough to satisfy me. It would be cool to see Alice find out more, but unnecessary with this.
Gripping. I love this chapter. Got to keep going though. Edward is about to save the day!
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Angel
In ways, I love and hate this chapter. Hurray, Edward saved Bella. Boo, Bella isn’t yet a vampire. Even if I don’t agree with Rhiannon at every point of this book, I do 
on this: Bella is a MUCH better character as a vampire. We need a full book of Bella-vampire!
For saving Bella’s life, I award Edward 1 point. For preventing Bella from turning into a vampire, I take that point back.
Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1
Chapter Twenty-Four: An Impasse
I’m betting on Alice too. Of course it always was (even when we didn’t know) dumb to bet against Alice. Edward has made his promise now. I hate that he’s going to break it. Jerk.
For betting against Alice, I take one point from Edward.
Edward: 8 / Jacob: 1
A nice ending, but I think it might have been better if she just left it at the last chapter. I guess that’s why it’s an epilogue. It’s just a “bonus feature.”
And, yeah … Edward does get a point for this.
Edward: 9 / Jacob: 1
Tags: Books, Genre: Teen, Genre: Vampire
Thoughts on Books | Joey | 
7 January 2010 2:24 PM
7 Comments
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By Liz, 7 January 2010 @ 9:48 PM
Okay, so here’s my dirty little secret: I really (really, really) wanted to like Twilight. It’s been years since I’ve been obsessed with a series (book, TV, or otherwise), and since I ‘just say no’ to illegal drugs, finding an obsession that’s just as addictive but far less harmful than crack is hard to come by. Alas, I was immune to the phenomenon that is/was Bella and Edward. Logistically, I can see the appeal of it, though. They’re no Usagi and Mamoru, but if I were 10 years younger, no doubt I would’ve changed my name to Reneesme by now.
By Joey, 7 January 2010 @ 11:49 PM
Haha! I fought in the opposite direction. I tried to loathe the book teenie-boppers across the U.S. couldn’t resist. Eventually I was backed into a corner by my sisters and Rhiannon, and I read them. Now I’m reading them again. I’m trying to focus on the parts I like. Lord knows I probably won’t be reading them a third time. Especially since I have notes now. Maybe the fourth book, but definitely not the first ever again.
By Joey, 8 January 2010 @ 12:00 AM
P.S. Rhiannon is supposed to add HER opinion to this post too. It got posted by “accident.” Haha. I forgot I only scheduled it to post a week after I finished writing it, and also forgot to extend it.
However, you (and everyone else) has read it now. Check back in a couple of days. It’s going to be a bit more interesting. Why don’t I take it down? I’m lazy.
By Liz, 8 January 2010 @ 12:22 AM
I like the He Said/She Said approach, whether it’s in one post or two. Bring it on!
To tell the truth, I’m kind of surprised at how many people have read the Twilight series. I’ve seen motivations range from “I was curious” to “I FREAKING LOVE IT OH MY GOD” to “It was like watching a trainwreck–I couldn’t pull myself away” to “I had to read it to make sense of what my loved ones were talking about.” It’s a series that, like it or love it, has become as ubiquitous as Harry Potter. Will it share the same longevity? Who knows? But the little old lady at my mother’s church knows who Bella Swan is, and that’s gotta mean something.
Plus, Stephenie Meyer? That lady is classy.
PS. I finished that guest post from months ago. Do y’all still want it? (It’s OK if you don’t – it does make mention of Tyra’s weave.)
By Joey, 8 January 2010 @ 1:21 AM
Sure, we’ll take it! email is rjspindle(at)Gmail.com … and I pray Meyer’s fans will become ours! Plus a whole lot more. Our book keeps getting better and better. Pretty soon we’ll be done, and people will be reading it … and I can’t help but think they’ll love it. Arrogant? Maybe; it still feels like it’s destiny … us writing these books. The whole process has been an adventure.
By Liz, 8 January 2010 @ 10:03 PM
Hoping people (even lots of people) like your book isn’t arrogant. Expecting all those people adore you and worship you for writing it might be, but hoping they like it, thinking they’ll like it, taking pride in your work? No way. That’s just natural. It sure beats the attitude of, “Well, it ain’t good, but it’ll do. My readers know to expect crap from me, anyway, so why bother putting forth effort?” Now THAT is arrogant!
By Rhiannimated, 13 January 2010 @ 8:13 PM
Yeeaaah, I started reading the book to add my notes and got swept away by the story again. I’m really bad at this whole commentary thing! I can’t even admit how many times I’ve read these books (though, not so much the first two, and definitely Midnight Sun more than Twilight). I can’t help it. First, I’m ridiculously like Bella, bad behavior in the second book and all, although I had friends enough to kick me out of my zombie-ness within a few months, rather than an entire book. Second, who doesn’t want someone who will change their entire being for you? Third, I’m really a tween in my twenties. Fourth…I’m trying very hard to figure out why I like these books so much, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever spent an entire year reading the same series before. Maybe the first six Janet Evanovich books…