I am not normally someone who jumps on the so-called 'band wagon' when it comes to popular fiction. However, having said that, there are a very few 'exceptions to my rule'. One Sunday afternoon, I strolled into our media room where my son and his girlfriend were just starting to watch the dvd, 'Twilight'. I'd heard all the hype and to say the least, I'm not into vampires in any way, shape or form.
I had seen interviews given by Stephenie Meyer and I was interested in her for a lot of reasons. I knew she was a new author, she was a mormon and she had made a huge 'break through' in the world of publishing, with a concept that was very 'far fetched'.
Who the woman, the writer that Stephenie Meyers is, is what intrigued me. I have studied creative writing and I write daily, I'm very interested in writing from many different perspectives, so I am always interested in reading and finding out about how new authors breakthrough the barriers. Reading about others who overcome obstacles or have the same passions as I do, I find very inspiring.
I sat down and watched the dvd with my family to see what all the hype was about. I enjoyed the movie and decided that the storyline was actually interesting (and I might add here, very fictional) and it added to my curiosity about Ms Meyers, so I decided that I would read her books...all four of the series.
I found Twilight, (the book) enjoyable, but noticed the tell-tale signs of a beginning author...we all must start somewhere. I found her characters very two-dimensional and shallow. I did not grow to like them and felt the only reason I could identify them was because the actors cast in the movie were very suited. I enjoyed the characters from the movie, but not so from the book.
I did not enjoy the repetition and tired old dialogue throughout. I kept saying to myself - 'I get it!' I wonder where the editor was in this first book? A good editor would have called a halt to these sins right from the start. I found the character of Bella actually quite annoying more times than I care to admit and that's a shame really. The author might argue that she portrayed her as a flawed character, and if that was the case, then it worked, along with the rest of her clumsiness.
By the end of this novel, I was so 'over' the countless mundane meals Bella cooked for her dad. Every time I read this, it reminded me of my own life and the endless meals I have to prepare...aren't novels designed so we can escape our reality? That's probably a little harsh, however, it was another case of...'I get it! - Bella is the sweet, devoted to her father, little girl.' I got 'it' after the first couple of times.
I agree, with other reviews too, that suggest Bella has an unhealthy attitude to life goals...only wishing to be around Edward and whoever she regards as cool. But I must remember who Ms Meyer's target audience is and maybe that has something to do with it.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the book and took it at face value. After I finished Twilight, I was more than ready to read on with New Moon.
I think with all the hype that surrounds books like the ones Ms Meyer writes, along with JK Rowling, we must remember...they are writing FICTION to entertain...and not read anymore into it than that.
happy reading (
)
I had seen interviews given by Stephenie Meyer and I was interested in her for a lot of reasons. I knew she was a new author, she was a mormon and she had made a huge 'break through' in the world of publishing, with a concept that was very 'far fetched'.
Who the woman, the writer that Stephenie Meyers is, is what intrigued me. I have studied creative writing and I write daily, I'm very interested in writing from many different perspectives, so I am always interested in reading and finding out about how new authors breakthrough the barriers. Reading about others who overcome obstacles or have the same passions as I do, I find very inspiring.
I sat down and watched the dvd with my family to see what all the hype was about. I enjoyed the movie and decided that the storyline was actually interesting (and I might add here, very fictional) and it added to my curiosity about Ms Meyers, so I decided that I would read her books...all four of the series.
I found Twilight, (the book) enjoyable, but noticed the tell-tale signs of a beginning author...we all must start somewhere. I found her characters very two-dimensional and shallow. I did not grow to like them and felt the only reason I could identify them was because the actors cast in the movie were very suited. I enjoyed the characters from the movie, but not so from the book.
I did not enjoy the repetition and tired old dialogue throughout. I kept saying to myself - 'I get it!' I wonder where the editor was in this first book? A good editor would have called a halt to these sins right from the start. I found the character of Bella actually quite annoying more times than I care to admit and that's a shame really. The author might argue that she portrayed her as a flawed character, and if that was the case, then it worked, along with the rest of her clumsiness.
By the end of this novel, I was so 'over' the countless mundane meals Bella cooked for her dad. Every time I read this, it reminded me of my own life and the endless meals I have to prepare...aren't novels designed so we can escape our reality? That's probably a little harsh, however, it was another case of...'I get it! - Bella is the sweet, devoted to her father, little girl.' I got 'it' after the first couple of times.
I agree, with other reviews too, that suggest Bella has an unhealthy attitude to life goals...only wishing to be around Edward and whoever she regards as cool. But I must remember who Ms Meyer's target audience is and maybe that has something to do with it.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the book and took it at face value. After I finished Twilight, I was more than ready to read on with New Moon.
I think with all the hype that surrounds books like the ones Ms Meyer writes, along with JK Rowling, we must remember...they are writing FICTION to entertain...and not read anymore into it than that.
happy reading (
)
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