Twilight
by Stephenie Meyer


Overview
From the Publisher
Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife -- between desire and danger.

Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

My thoughts
I was strongly opposed to reading this book because of all the publicity it received. People loved it or hated it; identified with it or completely rejected it. My middle school aged niece loved it; my teenager daughters didn't; my niece, now a mother with a kindergartner, loved it, as did her husband. I didn't know WHAT to believe, so finally I broke down and bought the book. I heard that I'd love part of my soul with every page. I heard that I'd be so engrossed I wouldn't be able to put it down. I heard that my IQ would shrink with every short sentence. I heard that I'd fall in love with Edward.

All I know is that I read it in 3 evenings, and stayed up until 2:30am this morning finishing the book. Oddly enough Edward reminds me of someone I know (who shall remain nameless) and Bella reminds me of someone else (who shall also remain nameless.) The love story is the stuff of fairy tales. The scary parts (well, I thought they were a bit frightening) are scary! I'm surprised that young kids can read this without having nightmares. Or without dressing like vampires.

I don't completely understand this fantasy genre, but I am enjoying the books. I went right out this morning to buy the second book in the series, and I plan to start reading it as soon as I'm done here!

Favorite Passage
I didn't hesitate this time, climbing in the passenger side quickly, the sooner to see his face. He grinned his crooked smile at me, stopping my breath and my heart. I couldn't imagine how an angel could be any more glorious. There was nothing about him that could be improved upon.

Date Read
June 2009

Reading Level
A very easy readk

Rating
On a scale of one to three: Three