Wild Things: YA Grown-Up discussion

I know its fantasy...but we have enough in that folder...obviously a big part of Twilight is romance.

What does everyone think of this series? I really enjoyed it! It was very addicting...like candy. Actually, more like crack cocaine. I knew it was bad for me but I scoffed it anyway!

Wondered how long it would take!

Crack book is definitely the description I would use. They could be illegal.LOL

Ehhh, I'm definitely in the minority with these books. I did read all of the books and will say that I enjoyed them. BUT, and this is a big one. I couldn't stand any of the characters. Bella was bearable in the last book, but I thought she was whiny and really couldn't understand what was so fabulous about her. Edward, I thought was selfish and controlling, maybe even smothering. Maybe I need to see the movie?

Makes no differene if you liked the characters or not. I don't think seeing the movie will change anyone's opinions. What I find so striking about the books is their INSISTANCE that you keep reading. They were un-put-downable for me, and I am amazed at how many people felt the same way. Like it or not!

yeah...I think its a horrible story for growing girls to read, because the relationship was pathetic and unhealthy....but I was GLUED to it anyway.

Me 3! I liked them and gobbled them up one after another despite seeing all the flaws, but I could not put them down! I can't even really tell you why I read them or why I liked them enough to keep reading. It doesn't make any logical sense to me and I was left baffled after the Twilight fog lifted.

I love the series. I've met the author. I have signed books. I went to Eclipse Prom in Phoenix. I'm a die-hard fan. I tell everyone and have converted MANY people to Twilight. (I picked it when it was my choice for book club...)

Maybe I'm not very picky when it comes to writing style, but when people say that the writing is bad... well... I didn't notice it. I actually LOVE the way she writes... (Yes, she could probably use a thesaurus, but whatever!) No, it's not going to win literary prizes, but it's a great story that all started with a dream Stephenie had. I wish I could have dreams like that!

Allison wrote: "yeah...I think its a horrible story for growing girls to read, because the relationship was pathetic and unhealthy....but I was GLUED to it anyway."

I completely agree with you. While I enjoyed the series a little bit too much (it's SO addicting), I've told my daughter that she's just not ready to read it yet (she's 11). Her friends have been reading it, so she's been curious. It's a good thing she trusts my judgment, though!

Sara TX wrote: "(Yes, she could probably use a thesaurus, but whatever!)"

: ) Her overuse of the word "russet" especially grated on my nerves!

Russet, eh? Fascinating. I've heard complaints about "angel-face" and "hole in my chest"... never russet... ;)

Agreed--not for an 11-year-old. We don't want young girls thinking there are Edwards in the world (or that even if they were, it is okay for them to stalk you!)... ;) Even Stephenie has said that--Edward doesn't exist, but if you're lucky, you will be able to find a Jacob!

********SPOILER*************

Yeah, "russet" seemed to be the only way she could describe Jacob as a werewolf. I don't know why, but it always seemed to pop out at me!

It's a bit irritating to me that my daughter's friends are allowed to read Twilight. Sure, they're probably a bit more mature than she is right now, but I still don't think it's appropriate. I'm not in a hurry for her to grow up yet, and I really don't want her to think that relationships like Edward and Bella's are okay.

Yeah--it's so individual. Different kids can handle different things at different ages... I know I wasn't ready for half the books I read in high school.... I was such a sheltered child.... ;)

I'm currently writing an essay, as in switching from MS Word to GR and back again, for my woman's studies class on the examination of Twilight through a feminist lens. It's pretty interesting. I admit, I was hooked when I read the series, I didn't do any real deep reading of it. However, I've come to rexamine them in a new light, and it fascinates me the different perspectives you can take while reading the books.

She writes like she's appealing to teenagers.. hmmmm I think it worked.. just a wee bit eh? Her books aren't supposed to be literary really. I think of them more as soap operas.. a guilty pleasure read. Hehe.

ok I have to say I loved these books. Yes, I agree the style may have not been the best but I liked how it kept me wanting to read more and more. Also, when I was reading them I really was in a different world. I love it when books do that to me. I also agree that Bella's and Edward's relationship was not healthy. However the books did help open up several conversations with my girls who are 20 and 15 years old, about what a healthy relationship looks like. I also had them read Graceling. The relationship in that book was much better. Anyways that is my take on the books...I still like them, I have the last one still to read.

I just want to point out that Stephenie Meyer wasn't writing to a specific audience. She wrote the book for herself with no intention of publishing it.

I can't wait to read Graceling!

I usually don't like stories about vampires, but this one sounds intriguing. I just might have to give it a chance.

I really hate Twilight. I understand why some girls and women would relate to Bella, but I despise it. I think the overuse of "numb" in New Moon bothered me the most.

I'd recommend Anne Rice to anyone who wants to start the vampire genre.

I never related to Bella.. I just really enjoyed the books for some reason. Anne Rice isn't really YA, but she's a fantastic writer.

(G)Emma, I am completely with you. I also hated Twilight and New Moon. I can't comment on the last two since I haven't read them (and don't plan to). There was just very little plot in those books. And the whole Edward and Bella relationship was so incredibly unhealthy. It makes me sad to realize that a lot of teenage girls seem to look at that relationship as ideal.

Exactly, Alisha. I just did not like the characters, plot, relationships or writing. The story was not bad, though.

I liked the fact that the books were fast reads, though. I did manage to read the first book in a weekend and the second the next weekend. But it came to the point were I just couldn't take anymore of Bella's whining and decided that I had enough. So, that's why I haven't read Eclipse/Breaking Dawn.

Eclipse is actually very well done. The best in the series in my opinion. Breaking Dawn is absolutely horrible.

Is there actual plot in Eclipse? Because I don't think that I could stand another 400+ page book about Bella doing whatever Edward wants.

*gracefully bows out*

Oh no, Sara, please bow back in. Sure there are a couple of us that don't like the series, but we seem to be in the minority. Feel free to keep talking about the book you love. :)

I agree Sara keep talking...I loved the books mostly because I was so taken away from real life. That is not a bad thing. LOL....Although I hear everyones complaints and understand what they are talking about I still loved the books...It may not make complete sense, but sometimes I don't make sense. LOL

I have read the first two books, 1/3 of the third and the first 400 pages of the 4th. I HATE the character Jacob and I hate Bella with Jacob and suddenly, there was too much Jacob and I had to stop reading them. I will admit, I am in love with Edward. I know, he is controlling, and obsessive, and whatever else everyone says... but... but... I would definitely go for him!!! *shame... hangs head and scampers away*

I just feel a strange loyalty to the books, and it makes my stomach churn when people talk badly about them. It's probably my Twilight addiction kicking in again. Or maybe it's that I've met (and hung out with) Stephenie Meyer and my loyalty is to her. I'm not sure which....

I enjoyed the Twilight series. I will probably read them again, but some of the characters started to get on my nerves by the last book so I will need to spread them out.

Sara TX wrote: "I just feel a strange loyalty to the books, and it makes my stomach churn when people talk badly about them. It's probably my Twilight addiction kicking in again. Or maybe it's that I've met (and..."

I get the same way with the HP series (though I haven't hung around with J.K. Rowlings)!!! Your loyalty is totally understandable!

I am with (G)Emma and Alisha... I really really hate Twilight. It's mostly because of what I see with the young girls on the website I monitor for... they absolutely love him and think Bella and Edward's relationship is so romantic and want to find a relationship like that. 10-year-old girls are reading this and they just don't realize that's not healthy in a relationship. If only older girls and women were reading this and understood what is and isn't okay, then fine, but this really bothers me. That said, I love Jacob and Charlie haha. I also agree that they are really hard to put down, you want to know what happens.

April, I'd really be interested in reading your paper when you're finished if that's okay with you.

Oooh, I also love Jacob. I find him and Alice the only tolerable characters in this whole series.

I like Alice too.

Alice has got to be my favorite character in the entire series. Sara, please, I may fight you on this one, but I will fight respectfully. Be as vocal about it as you want. I want to hear why you like it so much.

Tahleen wrote: "I am with (G)Emma and Alisha... I really really hate Twilight. It's mostly because of what I see with the young girls on the website I monitor for... they absolutely love him and think Bella and Ed..."

That would definately be okay! I'll message you when I am finished with it. But be warned I'm using theory jargon in it :-/ However, I guess it is kind of fun since I can apply gender theory to something so contemporary and pop-culturesque as Twilight!!

I like Alice too. She is really cool. And Emmett. Emmett is probably one of my other favorite characters. Oh and Esme and Carlisle... love them too!

April, that's fine! I am just about to graduate with a BA in English so I'm used to theory jargon. :) Definitely message me when you're done!

I'm loving the posts here because it so mirrors how I feel about these books. I hated the characters and the relationship, I told my soon-to-be-step-daughter (13) that she needed to wait a couple years before reading them and yet, I COULD NOT PUT THEM DOWN!

I spent the time wanting to know what happen in the relationships of all the characters involved while thinking, "how incredibly disfunctional, no one should desire a relationship like that."

Definately of two minds on this series and am glad there are people saying, it wasn't all that and I was drawn to it anyway without the personal "you just don't know love" attacks that were so prevelant in other discussion forums I've read.

April-I'm interested in your paper as well. Any chance you'd be able to post or send it?

Lauren, I won't post it since it might ruffle feathers, but I would be more than happy to email it to you!! I'll message you when I am finished.

I also would love to read it April...if you are willing to share.

I also love the series... I have not read Breaking Dawn, but I am looking forward to it...

There is more then a few who don't care for this novel. LOL there is actually a group here for people who don't like Twilight.

I only read the first. I could not get through the second. My issues are with Edward. His behavoir is so like that of an abusive husband. His watching her while she sleep and his seperataing her from her family are just some of the triats.

It reminds me of the way some people find the Heathcliff/Catherine romance of Wethering Hights either so romantic or so bizzare.

I think this is a series you pretty much love or hate. It doesnt really seem to have gray areas

Allison wrote: "I know its fantasy...but we have enough in that folder...obviously a big part of Twilight is romance.

What does everyone think of this series? I really enjoyed it! It was very addicting...like c..."

At first, I must admit, I found the first half of Twilight rather boring. However, I persevered, and fell in love with the series.

Angela wrote: "I also love the series... I have not read Breaking Dawn, but I am looking forward to it..."

Breaking Dawn is very adrenaline-rushing, I found :D In more ways, then one.

Renee, I agree.

But isn't that what authors want? To create deep vehemence about their books? If anything, I wouldn't want someone to say "Meh." In their review of my book. Extreme hate or love is good, because then people are going to talk about it a lot.

(G)Emma wrote: "Alice has got to be my favorite character in the entire series. Sara, please, I may fight you on this one, but I will fight respectfully. Be as vocal about it as you want. I want to hear why you like it so much. "

They just resonate with me. It's exciting and other-worldly... I think it's interesting when people describe the beginning of Twilight as slow, because I didn't feel that way at all. The beginning isn't ACTION-packed, but it's more about how Bella discovers the truth about what's going on... and I think that's exciting--just in a different way than the end of the book is.

Also, it confuses me when people get on forums and trash books. (I don't mean this to be rude or confrontational or anything--it seriously confuses me!) I've read books I really hated, but I prefer to move on to another book (preferably one that I DO like), leave the crappy book behind me, and promptly forget about it. Why dwell on something that doesn't make you happy? (Maybe this is why I never watch the news... It's so depressing...)

Hm, you do have a point with the beginning of Twilight. Depends on the person, really. We all see the world differently and that's why we see characters and books differently then the next person. It's the exact reason for why I love words. We each see things differently and we each have our own slightly different definition for each word. Everything is up for interpretation and there are no answers.


Sara, I can only tell you why I personally got on the Twilight hate wagon.

I read some reviews on Goodreads, made a thread and had discussions with multiple people. I really did not like this book, and I wanted to share my views on why. I did go on to other books, but I wanted to see what others thought.

For me it came down to wanting to know what others thought. It's the exact same thing as why I talk about books I love.

Sara, when I began these books, my boyfriend could not pry them from my hands. I had gone into them blind, I didn't know about how popular they were until Breaking Dawn came out, since college is a bubble.
Only recently since taking a gender studies class have I been really interested in the debate on the books and rethinking my stance on them. I am one of those people who loves a good debate, so for me it is interesting to go on forums and see if people have the same opinion as me, or what people of differing opinions think. I feel if you do feel really strongly about a book, you want to get your feelings out as said, just to see if other people feel that way. It's sort of like with how some people are obsessed with politics and have to get on forums and express their opinions, the thrill of the debate and looking for online support.

I hope my rambling made some sense...

I agree with April. I enjoy a lively debate (and don't shy away from it) and I see no problem in discussing a book you don't like very much with someone who does like it a lot as long as both sides remain respectful. Which I think everyone here has been doing.