Boxer Book Club: Twilight | Question 1
Twilight is the first of a four part series. It was released in 2005 and instantly reached #5 on the New York Times Best Seller List. The Twilight series reportedly sold 22 million last year. Meyer has claimed that she did not intend to write the book for a particular audience, and although it is categorized as young adult fiction, it has garnered popularity across generations. What makes this book so compelling?
posted by Pacific University Alumni at 6:50 PM
4 Comments:
It is a classic love story with a twist, love that is wrong, but yet so right and as we continue the series, it was always meant to be. As a stand alone book, as she first intended it leaves the reader wanting more...what happens...etc... I have read the first part of Midnight Sun, on Stephenie's website (the Edward version of Twilight), which helps see the entire story on the flip side. By her writing both perspectives it gives you insight on the characters, but also on the differences in genders and the dynamics of young love. I think we all want to relive those moments of young love, when the world stops and you think you can't live without that person for even one second. It brings us back to those feelings and gives us those same feelings all over again. It also allows us to question the relationships we are in now and how they have changed over time.
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These books are pure sexual abstinence propaganda from a member of the Latter Day Saint Community. Not to mention sexist. Nothing against Mormons, I am pro-religious freedom in America, but the books are deceiving. The majority of young people in America will pay no attention to mine (and others) opinions, but It still has to be said. Young people should be educated and prepared for a healthy sexual life, but Twilight is an example of the line of thinking that tries to demonize sex and stifle the natural instincts we have as human beings. This does not mean I think all young people should run around naked, copulating like rabbits. It is just a shame that a high percentage of people in America think sex and the pleasures that come with it is "bad," and that women are still the subservient beings. Basically, if you are a Bush supporter, you are more than likely a Twilight supporter. 'Nuff said.
1. Anonymous' comments lead me to believe s/he hasn’t read the books. First, the main human character, Bella, is against abstaining from sex. In fact, throughout the entire third book she argues vehemently in favor of having sex.
2. The main male character is a vampire with super-human strength. Yes, a vampire. His main concern regarding sex is that he will accidentally crush her human body with his super-human strength on accident. He also holds on dearly to the ideas and values he had as a human--from in the early 1900s. I find it ludicrous to believe that Meyer rubbed her hands together and thought, “This is the most subversive piece of conservative propaganda the world will ever see,” before writing Twilight.
3. For some high school age kids, sex, drugs, alcohol, and rebellion aren’t important. In fact, they are very low on the priority list. I think young adult literature tends to focus a lot on the tough moral questions confronted in high school. Meyer, however, provides a character that is oft over-looked in young adult literature: an introverted girl, who gets along with people, does her homework, and is observant and thoughtful.
4. Finally, and this one is important, this book is purely for entertainment. Meyer has said she is a storyteller, not a writer. The Twilight Saga is a diversion--fluff to take you away from your reality for a few hours (would it were I was a Cullen and could go to college and med school and law school as many times as I wanted!). If Meyer were not Mormon, I don’t think people would be accusing her of abstinence propaganda. If you really want to rail on conservative propaganda, go pick on Ann Coulter or any of the other talking heads and community leaders that spout societal poison.
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