Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Twilight

Twilight
Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
ISBN: 230789
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 498
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 3

5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Write a Review

34 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Twilight on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Well, if you haven't heard about the Twilight series by now, I have to say I'm surprised. I know that I, for one, was behind the wave of Twilight fanatics (I hear about it first in July). But, with the movie in theaters now, it's almost impossible to not know about it.

Twilight tells the story of Bella and Edward who fall madly in love with each other. But, Bella and Edward don't have the same challenges that normal high school students have when they fall in love. Edward is a vampire, and Bella is human.

Twilight is the first book in the series. It is a wonderful way to begin. It's difficult for me to say much more because I don't want to give away too much of the book. But, I definitely recommend you read it. (Yes, it is a "teen" story that takes place during high school. But that doesn't mean that only those of us who are still in our teens will enjoy it.)

And if any of you out there are afraid of vampires (like me), and don't read or watch or have anything to do with vampires (like me), go ahead and try to read Twilight. It's not your average / scary vampire story. (It took my sister months to convince me to read it. I finally told her I would try to. So, as a precautionary measure, I read it only in the day-light. Still, it only took me a few days as I just couldn't put it down.
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 6
I read this book in one day and had to go out that night and buy the other three. My mom and all of her friends and my friends are hooked! I'm 35 years old and thought it was a book for just teens but that is soooo not true! Anyway, I loved all of the books but I wont be posted them here as I will keep all four of them!!
creditfairy avatar reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 5
Like other reviewers, I read this book cover to cover without stopping. With a 500 page book, eye fatigue or personal responsibility usually wins out...but the suspenseful narration makes this too irresistable a page turner.
I'm a pushing 30 mother of two, and not in the target demographic for this book. I also do not care for vampire stories. I've happily made an exception with this young adult title.
It's not perfect however....Bella has the verbal skills of a 35 year old Mensa member grad student...which is lightly acknowledged in the book by her mother and by a brief mention of "advanced classes"...but still completely unbelievable. What was believable was the passionate and immature exchanges between Bella and Edward. I think my main complaint would have to be that the game playing between the two really got on my nerves after a while...and that the character of Bella was more argumentative and sullen than inquisitive and charming. Edwards bi polarish behavior is more easily forgiven, given the nature of what he is. I found myself wishing that Bella came off more clever than bratty. This may very well be that the story is told in first person...and the fact that Bella is modest is well established.
Overall, though...I'm really looking forward to tearing through the next book in the series, and very much looking forward to seeing the big screen adaption. Kudos to the author for a fast paced and original story.
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 5
In all honesty... it was THE most addictive book I've ever read. It's a little over 500 pages, pretty hefty! And I read it in 2 days. My house was a bit neglected but I couldn't help myself. Mrs Meyer has the skill (maybe even better than) of Dean Koontz to make you really know the characters, to either love them or hate them, to really feel something. I never thought I'd love characters more than I loved those in Koontz's book The Good Guy, I even loved the bad guy in that. There's just something that lifts off the paper and you are no longer where you are sitting reading this book, you are there with Bella and you are in love with Edward too, then you feel frustrated with him when she does and you feel anger at him when she does.

I really hesitated reading this book because it was titled for "young adults". But oh my gosh! I'm so glad I finally said, Ok, alright... let's see what all the fuss is about! I think if I hadn't had the next book already here at home I'd have had withdrawl symptoms!
aprildsygrl avatar reviewed Twilight on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I was wondering what all the hype was about this book and the series so I went to the local library and checked it out.I absolutly loved this book! It is suppose to be for "tweens" which scared me off a little, but i'm so glad I read it. The charectors are so deeply developed and the story so unqiue. I thought I had read some good books latly but this book and the series that I have read so far, is by far the best books I have read in a while. Now i can't wait until the movie, and I will be defiantly draggig my poor husband to.
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 3
Fabulous, can't wait to read the next one.
reviewed Twilight on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Written for teens, but adults will enjoy it too. The characters are so well developed, this love story is one that will be difficult to put down. I read it at the behest of my daughter, and am so glad she insisted!
reviewed Twilight on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I received this book for Christmas. I am a very avid reader, however I did not hear about this series until the movie came out. Well let me say that I was addicted almost immediately. I read the book after I saw the movie, but I still enjoyed it immensely. As soon as I finished this one, I went out and bought the rest of the series. It is a very easy read and I almost finished all 4 books in a month. Highly recommend it.
daedelys avatar reviewed Twilight on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I'd had this book for awhile and had been hesitating to read it because it's marketed towards teens. However, I knew the movie looked good so had to read this before I saw the movie.

It's definitely an addicting read. The characters are well-described and the overall story is amazing. Bella's whining about her personal image gets a little old sometimes, but the overall story makes up for it. Great read!
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 2
I could't put this book down! I couldn't eat or sleep until I was finished with it! Very Addictive!
Blakeish avatar reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 2
This book and series were a great read, even for a guy like me. Now, Twilight got me hooked on all things vampire, but vampire shouldn't 'sparkle' in daylight. Also, the vampires in this book were virtually indestructible, which is cool and everything, but not like other vamps. And, the vampires don't have fangs. That is the only thing that I don't like about the series other than the action scenes--which are usually huge let downs.
True, this is a teen's series, but older people enjoy it too. If you really want and adult vampire read, check out the Southern Vampire mystery series.
Other than that, this series is a great read and I'm eternally grateful to Meyer for getting me hooked on vampires.
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 2
This book was incredible! I swore that I would never touch the "Twilight" series because I was absolutely tired of everyone raving and obsessing over it. My sister sat me down and made me watch the movie, which was alright and then I was sold... i just HAD to read the book. Finished it in one day.
Forget any preconcieved notions about vampires. This book and series as a whole deserves way more than five stars!
cornbreaddelicious avatar reviewed Twilight on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
It's like Goosebumps meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer written by a mormon, Anne Rice fan. Great for your teenage daughter up to your 83-year old Grandmother, but not really a dude book.
reviewed Twilight on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Almost every girl my age is obsessed with the series, and I did not want anything to do with it. However, I went to the movie with my best friend and enjoyed it a lot. I even borrowed the book from her!
On the other hand, I am sorry to say that the book is not very good. The plot, for me, just dragged on and on and on. Bella bored me, and Edward seemed too perfect. Also, the whole "glittery vampire" thing is corny and weird.
I probably offended a lot of Twilight fangirls with my review, and I am sorry, but I am just stating my opinion.
reviewed Twilight on + 496 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book filled with adventure and romance.
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 1
What a great read..... I could hardly wait to read the next one.... It's a great love story...
reviewed Twilight on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love these books they are like a drug you cant put down because you want to know what happens.
crystal0313 avatar reviewed Twilight on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
this is the best book series i have ever read and i am not the age group they targeted this for i am pushing 30 a mother of two,cant wait for the movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reviewed Twilight on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It is a good book, but for me the romance was almost too much. However, the second book (New Moon) picked up a bit and was really exciting and interesting.
reviewed Twilight on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed reading this Supernatural Teen Novel. It was a page turner! I highly recommend this read for anyon; Young or Old :D
reviewed Twilight on
Helpful Score: 1
"Twilight," by Stephanie Meyer is one book that has forever changed my mind on how I perceive vampire novels and romance. I think what makes this an extraordinary book is the complexity in her characters. There image and personalities are so well thought out. As a reader, you connect with Bella's love for Edward. You want to be Bella so bad just to see how different things would pan out. The world she creates takes you away to a place where love, desire, passion, and temptations still exist and the battle between each strong. You are smittened by Edward and feel the same torment that Bella's love for him creates...Definitely an unforgettable romance...
wutaday avatar reviewed Twilight on + 2 more book reviews
This book was one of those books that catches your attention with the first page. I finished it in a day an a half and couldn't wait to read the next one. I have read all four books in the series, they are all just as good as this one. Highly recommend it!
reviewed Twilight on + 146 more book reviews
All the girls and women at church were reading this book, so I had to see for my self. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I really enjoyed the book. It was hypnotic. The dialog was so real I felt like I was back in high school. I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
mrscapo avatar reviewed Twilight on
Most of the book is sappy and boring (teenage bodice ripper describes most of it). The interesting parts (in the last few chapters) could have been condensed down to a few pages. I'm puzzled how this series ever became such a huge hit. I loaned the book to my teenage niece who told me she fell asleep trying to read it. I think that says it all.
angiepants avatar reviewed Twilight on
i was really quite adamant about not getting into this series. it took me years and years to get around to reading harry potter. mostly because i haven't read juvenile fiction since i was in junior high.

so, when my best friend came to stay for thanksgiving, she brought the first book. so, then i didn't feel so corny about being twenty five and reading a book for teen agers. needless to say, twilight sucked me in--my husband says i'm a crack head now, only my drug comes in the form of a book. i finished it in two days, and it would have been less if we hadn't gone out for black friday. i'm waiting for the third book from the library... eagerly!!

i'm fairly impressed with stephanie meyer. it may be juvenile fiction, but it's well enough written to engross an adult without it being overly simple. i'm excited to read her adult fiction--i can't remember the title, but once i've finished breaking dawn, i'm moving on to her other book.
froot avatar reviewed Twilight on + 178 more book reviews
I am torn about how I feel about this book. I am very disturbed that it has been suggested to me that 10 year olds are reading this. This is not a Harry Potter Book people. Please read what your children are reading, or at least take a minute and read the cover.

My over all. It's ok. I enjoyed reading it. It's not really geared for adults. It is definately a teen read, junk food for the adolenscent mind.

With ideas of the mysterious vampire guy from school laying in bed next to me at night, and intimate moments of deep intense foreplay I really can't say a 10 year old would understand.

The two main characters are well developed and the relationship is believable the further you read. The rest of the story fades. As the first of 4 I hope they get better. There is only so much of the bruting vampire one can handle.

This whole story has been told before. It's called "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" the Series. Only difference is this vamp prefers grizzlies (the vegan version apparently). For the withdrawn Buffy Fan this may ressurect those great memories.

Go see the movie after reading this. It makes you feel much better that you read the book. The emotions translated to film are worth it. I just wish the film company went a tad deeper with the relationship of the rest of the characters. It's gonna make it a bitch to explain things in the sequal.
loveagoodromance avatar reviewed Twilight on + 20 more book reviews
I was hesitant to read because of the "young adult" genre. But man am I glad I did! This is the best series I have ever read. The sexual tension between bella and edward is so searing you could cut through it. Make sure you clear your calender when you decide to read this book. You will not want to put it down.
niki26 avatar reviewed Twilight on + 21 more book reviews
This my favorite book ever!!! Edward may just be the perfect man. I read this book over and over again. the story is just so good. Stephanie Meyer makes every woman wishes sher were Bella
SuzanneB avatar reviewed Twilight on
beautifully written, could not put it down, can't wait to read the next one!
reviewed Twilight on + 124 more book reviews
One of the best books I have EVER read! Truly an amazing story that keeps you wanting more.
Skiburb1 avatar reviewed Twilight on + 2 more book reviews
Wasn't expecting to like this, as I'm NOT a teenage girl, and not into vampires! BUT, all my friends kept telling me how they loved reading this series. SO, although I'm 58, and like reading totally different books, I do like a good story. Decided to give it a try and not cannot put these books down. I think they appeal to anyone who enjoys reading, and I found myself looking forward to a few quiet moments so I could read!!!
In the middle of book #2 now, (4 book series) and have seen the first movie. Love the story, the movie, the way Stephenie Meyer writes in the first person, and have enjoyed reading about the Northwest. Have visited many of these places she writes about so that makes it more interesting also.
Try this, you'll like it!
reviewed Twilight on + 8 more book reviews
one of my favorite books ever
farfella68 avatar reviewed Twilight on + 84 more book reviews
There was a lot of hoopla about this book when the movie came out. A lot of people that I knew were reading it, and telling me that I needed to read it too. I thought that it was okay, but I think that my biggest problem was that I went to the theatre and watched it first. I would definitely recommend reading the books first. The book seemed to be geared toward the teenage population, but it was still good.
reviewed Twilight on
I was very under-impressed by this book and the series as a whole. I didn't care for the liberties taken with the Vampire legend (sparkling in the sun..come on!)...didn't understand how one minute they didn't know each other and the next they can't live without each other. Too Sappy for me. Give me a Laurell K Hamilton Vamp or Charlain Harris one...than ANY vampire in this entire series...with exception of the Volturi..