Ok, if you read Facebook you probably already have seen all the posts I've put up expressing my frustration with Twilight. But if not, here is some more. Grrr...I'm 200 pages in and so far? I HATE it.
I never really wanted to read it in the first place. I've been pretty much anti-Twilight since the beginning. I've seen so many of my tweeny-bopper students obsessed with it, which is understandable. But it's seeing middle aged women of intelligence and maturity obsess over it that really turned me off. I was worried that I'd read it, and love it, and then be like them.
No worries now. It doesn't help that I am reading this book on the heals of reading my favorite book of all time, Gone with the Wind, which is undoubtably the best book ever written, with amazing, complex characters. I love how Scarlett is so fundamentally flawed--you love her and hate her at the same time. But that's what makes her real--every character in that book has clearly defined and explored weaknesses and strengths. It's why you cry when you watch her throw away happiness "with both hands" as Rhett puts it--because by the end of that 1,000 pages, these people and the world they live in are real to you.
And after that, I read Twilight? Why, you ask? Well my friend Jill and I made a deal that if I read Twilight, she'll read Gone with the Wind. For the record, I don't think she'll even finish it. It's just so different from Twilight. For instance, it has plot (more than one) believable characters, and substance.
Twilight, on the other hand, is drivel. Now, I understand that every book certainly can't live up to a classic like Gone with the Wind. I've read many genres of books, all in varying degrees of entertainment and good writing. I can read a silly romance and get caught up in it, despite it's flaws, and just enjoy a good story. I can overlook bad writing if the story draws me in, or maybe if there's a really, really good sex scene (ok, not really. Before I was married yes. Now, it honestly just embarasses me.)
But this? I swear, I've been reading it forever and nothing has happened. I find the "love" story to be really annoying. Yes, I get that Edward is good looking. Get over it already. Do you have to make a reference to it in EVERY paragraph? How can anyone function in a relationship when they are spending all their time catching their breath and being dazzled by someone who "looks more like a greek god than anyone has a right to be." I can't stand it. But Jill--I WILL finish it. Even though I don't think you will finish Gone with the Wind. Ah, we shall see.
Overall assessment:
Bella: She's somewhat likeable--she's "normal" and has normal problems. Her "flaws" are pretty much that she's clumsy, which Stephanie Meyer can't seem to go a page withotu mentioning in some way. She's not supposed to be beautiful but I think there are about five guys who are in love with her within minutes so go figure. And Mr. Gorgeous Edward seems to be attracted to her immediately for no apparent reason. I don't know, I haven't finished it yet. Maybe it'll explain, but I doubt it. I like her alright, but I see no reason for Edward to pick her out as his soulmate other than that author says he does.
Edward: I know he's a vampire so he has super-human strength, beauty and charm. But the guy has no flaws whatsover--oh, except that 1) he's a vampire 2) He can't help but drag Bella into danger because he just loves her so much, apparently, so even though he's dangerous and not "good for her" he's gonna risk it anyway because, what the hell? and 3) he's a pedofile. He may be 17, but since he's been 17 for hundreds of years, that makes him WAY older than her. So gross.
Other characters: There are other characters? I must have missed that. They only get mentioned in passing, since 90% of this book, so far, is either explaining how much Bella is attracted to Edward (and describing him over and over synonyms for the same word--Stephanie must have LOVED her thesaurus) or it's pages and pages of boring detailed descriptions of what Bella does every day, like homework...thinking of Edward...make dinner...think of Edward...talk on the phone...think of Edward...say hi to Charlie...wonder what Edward is doing right now...It's pretty much that for the whole first 200 pages.
Ok I'm done. Sorry Jill. I think you will be VERY mad if you read this entry. But I'm betting you won't. But it feels good to get it out. I'm gonna finish it, damnit, but I WILL NOT read the sequels! Hope you enjoy Gone with the Wind!
8 comments:
One thing that drove me nuts about the book was that it made Bella appear to be clumsy and plain and Edward perfect and they just didn't seem to fit each other. The only reason I could see him liking her is her blood type he was attracted to. I liked the movie a little better in this case because it made Edward look a little more awkward and they fit each other much better.
o.k. so I know that these books were written lousy and I have read Gone With The Wind and you are right it doesn't compare. But I read the books and enjoyed them because it was an easy read and entertaining. I didn't fall in love with Edward. But I wonder that part of the reason that you hate this book so bad is because you had made your mind up about them before you started. Really it never had a chance with you no matter what. Just saying. I don't see any reason why you can't enjoy Twilight as well as Gone With the Wind.
oh and by the way. If you come over and help me with CS4 I will totally let you have a copy of it! Apparently I have forgotten how to work it, it's been so long.
Well, Kell, I see your point. But I am not so proud that I couldn't admit it if I liked it. In fact, I'm actually surprised I hate them this much. I really thought they'd be better than this! I am sure that if I'd read it when it first came out, I might have hated it less, but no--I really am not enjoying it at all. It's just so annoying! As for CS4, I'd love to help you. But I don't think I can get a copy of it--I'm pretty sure they have measures in place to prevent that. But I will still help! It's not that different from Photoshop 7. And and if you want the copy of the paperwork I handed out in class I have that too.
I also got sick of the pining away for Edward and descriptions of his gorgeousness. However, I am an adult woman. If I were 17, I'd probably think it was fabulous because that's the age group the book was written for and teen girls just love to swoon.
I can't even stand the hollywood 'romantic' comedies so I'm not into overt romance anyway. For example, I saw "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" and was surprised we were all supposed to think it so romantic that this skanky guy finally cared enough to stay through the night instead of going home after sex. Seriously? The bar is THAT LOW now? Dang! And I'm supposed to swoon over that?
K, so I'm sure you've finished it by now, so do a new post about what you thought now that you've read the whole book! Are you still not gonna read the sequels? C'mon, Meg, you can do it! I still think you should read The Host. Its my favorite book of hers, I even like it more than the Twilight series. By the way, the gym I go to that takes babies is Clearfield Aquatic Center, I love it, but I think its kind of a drive for you! Bummer. That's so lame that Gold's doesn't take babies in their day care. That's discrimination!
Wow! That was brutal Megs. Do you think I won't finish Gone With The Wind just because I also like books that require no critical thinking? I loved Twilight! Not because the characters made my mind swirl in creative stupor, but because I could just sit and enjoy it and not think and it put a smile on my face. I actually enjoy both types and have read and loved several classics. I've just never been given the opportunity to read GWTW before and I'm quite excited to be reading it now. You're a brat!
I popped over from Cynthia's blog. Ok, I was you! I dreaded turning every page of Twilight until I got to the last page and the prelude of the first book.
I thought, I am too old for this and a much more mature reader for what I am forcing myself to read.
I even skimmed some pages because it got to be too mundane.
WITH THAT SAID :: ENDURE::
I read it because I wanted to read it before my two teens read it to see what all this vampire stuff was about.
A few tips:: Change your frame of thought.
Remember its a high school setting and the type of love and things that high school girls go through.
Tweens swoon and day dream and over exaggerate the beauty of the latest guy. I remember mine that I obsessed over and after the love potion number 9 wore off, I was baffled at what I saw in him in the first place.
MY FAVORITE BOOK WAS THE LAST BOOK, and no, not because it was the last book. LOL
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