Amelia B. (abumsted) reviewed You want to not like it...but then it sinks its teeth into you. on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I am writing this review after having read the entire series, so I cannot be totally un-biased with regard to the individual book itself. Stephanie Meyer has the ability to capture the reader's attention and draw you in. I would liken it to the appeal of a reality tv series or a soap opera--you start reading and however silly, trite or banal the detail she is depicting, you just constantly want to know "what happens next?"
I think there is a high percentage of readership coming from adult women who enjoy the novelty of going back to the time of the "high school crush" that turns into what at the time seems like "true love," although looking at it through wiser eyes, we (speaking on behalf of the adult women readers) understand that there is so much more to love than we once thought at that age. Nonetheless, there is a power to "teen romance" that is not often grasped in its true, raw sense--flawed and co-dependant. But that is its charm!
No--Bella is not a "role model" for young girls. However, she IS a character that many girls can identify with. Her family situation--parents divorced, mom being a "flake" and more like the child than a parent; that alone creates some of the dynamics we see in Bella's personality. Meyer is crafting a REALISTIC, not IDEALISTIC characterization in that respect. (Obviously, not that vampires are real--LOL) Book 2 of the series portrays very real, identifiable emotions and conflicts. Does Bella choose the best paths? Well...we wouldn't have a story if she wasn't busy getting into trouble, now would we?
I'd give this book a chance to spin its charm. Adults not into "waxing nostalgic" might not be so tolerant.
As an aside, my 13 year old son's name is "Cullen" and he is MORTIFIED at the publicity and popularity of the name (even though it is a last name/family name in the book). I find it quite amusing to tease him with "Team Cullen" t-shirts or "I drive like a Cullen" license-plate holders! I have thought about getting a "future Mrs. Cullen" t-shirt to hold on to for my some-day daughter-in-law down the road. Its that sort of thing that is just "fun" to be part of during this whole "Twilight Sensation."
I think there is a high percentage of readership coming from adult women who enjoy the novelty of going back to the time of the "high school crush" that turns into what at the time seems like "true love," although looking at it through wiser eyes, we (speaking on behalf of the adult women readers) understand that there is so much more to love than we once thought at that age. Nonetheless, there is a power to "teen romance" that is not often grasped in its true, raw sense--flawed and co-dependant. But that is its charm!
No--Bella is not a "role model" for young girls. However, she IS a character that many girls can identify with. Her family situation--parents divorced, mom being a "flake" and more like the child than a parent; that alone creates some of the dynamics we see in Bella's personality. Meyer is crafting a REALISTIC, not IDEALISTIC characterization in that respect. (Obviously, not that vampires are real--LOL) Book 2 of the series portrays very real, identifiable emotions and conflicts. Does Bella choose the best paths? Well...we wouldn't have a story if she wasn't busy getting into trouble, now would we?
I'd give this book a chance to spin its charm. Adults not into "waxing nostalgic" might not be so tolerant.
As an aside, my 13 year old son's name is "Cullen" and he is MORTIFIED at the publicity and popularity of the name (even though it is a last name/family name in the book). I find it quite amusing to tease him with "Team Cullen" t-shirts or "I drive like a Cullen" license-plate holders! I have thought about getting a "future Mrs. Cullen" t-shirt to hold on to for my some-day daughter-in-law down the road. Its that sort of thing that is just "fun" to be part of during this whole "Twilight Sensation."
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