Why do you think the Twilight books are so popular?

[KaraBoo]

Esp. with adults.

(yes, I read at least one of the books and saw the movie)

[Oriole]

I thought about this... I think it's because of the following things:

* it's a new twist on a classic forbidden love story
* it's a fantasy that could happen (like Harry Potter, it is not set in a completely different world, but rather implied that is it something that is happening around us, and we are just not aware, which gives the whole story a special exciting tingle)
* there is a perfect guy for everyone: Edward and Jacob, take your pick
* Edward (oh, Edward ) he is sophisticated, he listens to classical music, he plays piano, he is gentle, yet he is strong, smart, rich , and well... we all know that he smells really good.
* The second half of the books is really fast paced, you just can't wait to find out what happens next.
* I guess for me it boils down to: He really really wants her, and can't have her.

[listipton]

I think they are popular for so many reasons. With teenagers, I think it's because Bella is a mature teen and they would like to think of themselves that way. Edward is dreamy in a way that many people want, the book has strong epic arc to it, and what girl wouldn't want a guy who would risk everything for her? The books address all kinds of teenage angst issues (does he like me? am I good enough for him? What's it like to kiss/have sex? etc.) and girls in particular really identify with this stuff. Vampire lit is also VERY popular right now (as well as all supernatural lit), and I see and order a lot of it b/c of the demand. I can honestly say that I feel comfortable recommending this series b/c it is really clean as far as sex/language (I live in a pretty small/conservative town) and the story is pretty good. With adults, I think it's a way to remember what it was like to be 17 and in love for the first time and because of the supernatural element, it is has that larger than life feel that real first love has. I read them b/c so many kids were checking them out and so many parents were asking me if they were okay for their kids to read, so I felt obligated (and I ended up really enjoying them). Also, a LOT of parents are wanting to connect with their kids, so they read what their kids like. It gives them a way to talk about circumstances/situations that happen in the book and relate those situations to their lives and have a good healthy dialog without judgement (because it's about the fictional characters in the book, not their real lives ). It also helps that the first book was made into a movie and that always gets a series lots of press.

[the_lissa]

I don't know why I like them because I think the writing is poor, and I think both Bella and Edward are so unlikable (had to laugh at the Cathy and Heathcliff references.) I thought some of the storylines were interesting, but I think the biggest draw that it was a reminder of being in love at that age.

[Arduinna]

Esp. with adults.

this is what I'm wondering too.

[HollyBearsMom]

Because they are sexy w/o overt sex, sweet and fun!!! :

[Sarah W]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom

Because they are sexy w/o overt sex, sweet and fun!!! :

I think so, too. I loved the books. No, the writing wasn't great and Bella was an annoying teen, but I loved the story. I like getting caught up in being in love for love's sake. I think it's a sweet story and a lot happens, you get introduced to tons of characters, it's totally frivolous. Most of my life isn't like that, so I enjoy it endlessly.

[Susana]

like I told the guy at Barnes and Noble the day I went in to buy the soundtrack--it's for me AND my teenage daughter because even though I am 41 now I can still remember being a young girl and that is a good thing

[KaraBoo]

I remember being a teen too. And I do not want to be stoned here but I do not think the story is sweet. I am not forbidding my girls to read it because I just don't do that.

However, I just wonder why it's popular with adult women because this is what I thought when I read the first book:

This propagates the stereotype that women are such tempting objects that men can barely resist them. Men will even say, as Edward does, "You better stay away from me." And if the woman still wants to be with the guy, he can say, "Well, you're responsible for the consequences, not me."

I also do not see why Bella is considered mature. Because she can recognize Debussy? I think Edward isn't even mature. He has been on the planet how long and he still acts like he's 17?

All this of course plays out in a vampire story but still, this is what I felt when reading the story.

And yes, it's not the only book which portrays relationships like this. I read many many books which do not portray healthy relationships. It's not a prerequisite. LOL But it's so darn popular right now and it just makes me wonder what other women see in it. (And no, I don't mean to say that every single woman has to like the same books...I'm trying to say this as diplomatic and open as possible. LOL)

[KaraBoo]

Originally Posted by the_lissa

I don't know why I like them because I think the writing is poor, and I think both Bella and Edward are so unlikable (had to laugh at the Cathy and Heathcliff references.) I thought some of the storylines were interesting, but I think the biggest draw that it was a reminder of being in love at that age.

I think you might have hit it on the head here exactly. I think this is why I finished the book even though when I began it, I felt like it wasn't worth finishing. Because I promised a friend I'd finish it and also because the teen dialogue and lovespats reminded me of high school.

But I don't think I'll read the rest of the series. There are plenty of spoilers online LOL

[Stayseeliz]

Originally Posted by Oriole

I thought about this... I think it's because of the following things:

* it's a new twist on a classic forbidden love story
* it's a fantasy that could happen (like Harry Potter, it is not set in a completely different world, but rather implied that is it something that is happening around us, and we are just not aware, which gives the whole story a special exciting tingle)
* there is a perfect guy for everyone: Edward and Jacob, take your pick
* Edward (oh, Edward ) he is sophisticated, he listens to classical music, he plays piano, he is gentle, yet he is strong, smart, rich , and well... we all know that he smells really good.
* The second half of the books is really fast paced, you just can't wait to find out what happens next.
* I guess for me it boils down to: He really really wants her, and can't have her.

And really what defines good literature? The first book isn't extremely well written and there are cringe worthy moments. But the story is compelling and you come to love and care about the characters. I've thoroughly enjoyed the series. And I generally shy away from "light" literature.

[KaraBoo]

I don't think there really is a definition of "good literature." I mean, people like different things for different reasons. And I just want to make it clear, I am not slamming anyone who likes these books. I'm just curious about the popularity with adult women. My friends in RL and I talk about this a lot since the books came out. LOL

[Murihiku]

Edward is a Byronic hero. The Byronic hero is a very popular literary figure with many compelling variations--Severus Snape is another one.

[Aleo]

Originally Posted by KaraBoo

Esp. with adults.

im still trying to figure that out too.

lol
i just read the first book, didnt like it.
but i'm a little bit of a weirdo, that's not surprising

edit:
there's no way in heck this can be compared with the HP series NO WAY!!

[Stayseeliz]

Originally Posted by KaraBoo

I don't think there really is a definition of "good literature." I mean, people like different things for different reasons. And I just want to make it clear, I am not slamming anyone who likes these books. I'm just curious about the popularity with adult women. My friends in RL and I talk about this a lot since the books came out. LOL

No worries! I just hear people saying it's not "good literature". And while it's certainly not Shakespeare or Tolstoy or even Tolkien or CS Lewis but it is compelling.

For the record I think the first book was written more poorly than the others. I think Stephenie Meyer really matured as an author through the whole process.

[Stayseeliz]

Originally Posted by Aleo

im still trying to figure that out too.

lol
i just read the first book, didnt like it.
but i'm a little bit of a weirdo, that's not surprising

edit:
there's no way in heck this can be compared with the HP series NO WAY!!

But I do see lots of comparisons between the Twilight series and the HP series. I think someone would need to read the entire Twilight series before they made that call. Twilight honestly isn't as good as HP but there are A LOT of similarities. Especially in the last book.

[the_lissa]

Originally Posted by KaraBoo

I remember being a teen too. And I do not want to be stoned here but I do not think the story is sweet. I am not forbidding my girls to read it because I just don't do that.

However, I just wonder why it's popular with adult women because this is what I thought when I read the first book:

This propagates the stereotype that women are such tempting objects that men can barely resist them. Men will even say, as Edward does, "You better stay away from me." And if the woman still wants to be with the guy, he can say, "Well, you're responsible for the consequences, not me."

I also do not see why Bella is considered mature. Because she can recognize Debussy? I think Edward isn't even mature. He has been on the planet how long and he still acts like he's 17?

All this of course plays out in a vampire story but still, this is what I felt when reading the story.

And yes, it's not the only book which portrays relationships like this. I read many many books which do not portray healthy relationships. It's not a prerequisite. LOL But it's so darn popular right now and it just makes me wonder what other women see in it. (And no, I don't mean to say that every single woman has to like the same books...I'm trying to say this as diplomatic and open as possible. LOL)

I agree with your assessment.

[Labbemama]

Because the moms of the girls of teenagers buy them and want to see what all they hype is about and get hooked. I'm still waiting for my dd's copy to make its way back to me.

What my dd says we are a bunch of dirty old *cougars * with no lives reading romance novels because we have no lives and they make us tingle.

[yogal]

Twi what?:

[journeymom]

Originally Posted by KaraBoo

This propagates the stereotype that women are such tempting objects that men can barely resist them. Men will even say, as Edward does, "You better stay away from me." And if the woman still wants to be with the guy, he can say, "Well, you're responsible for the consequences, not me."

This is what the vampires are like in Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels. Apparently vampires are horny as all get out and Sookie's vamp boyfriend just can't stop himself at one point.

Originally Posted by Murihiku

Edward is a Byronic hero. The Byronic hero is a very popular literary figure with many compelling variations--Severus Snape is another one.

Love that moody, broody anti-hero. Though Edward can't hold a candle to Snape.

It's disturbing what fan fiction authors put poor Hermione Granger through.

I'll admit that I like when the heroine is the only one who captures the heart of the heretofore never been in love, flawed hero. How special would that make a woman feel, to be the only one who can 'save' the tragic, windswept man?

Fiction is a safe place to experience the darker side of romance, including domination and force.

Edited to explain that I only read Twilight, none of the others. So perhaps my comments about domination and force don't apply to Edward and Bella at the end of the series.