Why do you think the Twilight books are so popular? - Page 3

[zinemama]

I haven't read them - from the descriptions they wouldn't appeal to me - but there is an interesting article/analysis of the books in the current issue of Bitch Magazine.

[HollyBearsMom]

A woman at the library (just got back a few minutes ago) told me that the author had been in the process of writing Twilight from Edwards POV. I thought that was fun idea but she said it was leaked so the author put everthing online and hasn't finished it. Off to google but wondered if anyone had heard/read about this??

[the_lissa]

Yep. I think it was supposed to be called Midnight Sun if you want to google. i know the official web site had a statement about it too. It made me roll my eyes. It reminds me of a kid taking his ball and going home.

[Sailor]

To be honest, I don't know why they're so popular.

The writing is not that good in terms of quality.

The female character seems incredibly dependent on the vampire, and she seems fairly weak. In terms of not being able to stand on her own, go after her own independence, her own happiness, etc. If that were my daughter, I think I'd have thought myself a failure as a parent. Independence, and being able to be happy/fulfilled with yourself and by yourself is kind of key to being able to share yourself in healthy ways with another person.

The while relationship is set on an odd note, i.e. she smells good to him the way raw steak smells to my dog.

Finally, when I read the books, it seemed like the author had taken A LOT from Anne Rice. In terms of how the vampires looked, acted, spoke, their morality, etc.

Obviously, I'm not a fan.

Oddly enough, I did like her other novel (this one for adults) - The Host. Although, it did seem like she stole the plot of Body Snatchers, she did put a unique twist onto it. Moreover, the relationships in that book were FAR healthier. And her writing was actually quite good in terms of quality.

I would have to say Twilight is popular because 1. teen girls often become obsessed/infatuated with people, and so the whole relationship speaks on their level, 2. the action is fast, so no one is bored with intellectual or philosophical discussions, 3. vampires have always been popular - from Bram Stocker to Anne Rice, 4. the reading comprehension needed for such a book is that of a grade schooler - so there's no strain in terms of reading.

[annettemarie]

I actually read the first 20 pages online. It reminded me of what one of my profs once said about lunch duty: "It's like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when you stop."

[Gendenwitha]

What did you all think of her (rather pompous IMO) assertion that each of the books she writes is allegorical of a classic story: Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet, I think the first two books were?

As a writer I think it's a cool idea to aspire to, but...

[carriebft]

I always thought Romeo and Juliet was a ridiculous story about two overly impulsive youths who mistaken infatuation for love.

I have always wondered if Meyer a) thinks the same way and is critiquing Bella and Edward's relationship by constantly bringing up Romeo and Juliet or if b) she really thinks Romeo and Juliet was about love at first sight/real love.

[Oriole]

Originally Posted by carriebft

I always thought Romeo and Juliet was a ridiculous story about two overly impulsive youths who mistaken infatuation for love.

Aw, I think Romeo and Juliet WAS a brilliant love story. Okay, I'm not a fan of "everybody dies", but it is a story, and there is a reason it has survived centuries.

I also have no problem with stories of someone becoming a shell of a person when they are separated from the one they love. If it doesn't affect you much, you probably weren't with the right person to begin with, kwim? Or so I think. True love is all consuming, it makes you do foolish things, as well as great things, if you love someone with all your being, how are you going to be "fine" when separated?

I think partially Twilight (and Romeo and Juliet for that matter) are so popular because there is that impulsive, all consuming love at the root of the plot that you don't see too often in real life. When was the last time you were loved more than life itself, kwim?

[the_lissa]

Originally Posted by carriebft

I always thought Romeo and Juliet was a ridiculous story about two overly impulsive youths who mistaken infatuation for love.

I have always wondered if Meyer a) thinks the same way and is critiquing Bella and Edward's relationship by constantly bringing up Romeo and Juliet or if b) she really thinks Romeo and Juliet was about love at first sight/real love.

I agree about R and J, but I don't think Meyer does.

[almadianna]

i have no idea.
the writing is subpar at best...

I think it is because they are so easy to read, you dont have to be a rocket scientist to understand or read them. They have common themes that people are attracted to and are familiar with. They dont have to be works of art for people to like them or for people to be entertained by them...

I have serious issues with the story so i have other reasons for not liking them... but they arent boring.

[Murihiku]

Originally Posted by Sailor

Finally, when I read the books, it seemed like the author had taken A LOT from Anne Rice. In terms of how the vampires looked, acted, spoke, their morality, etc.

After I read the books (the first three) I then watched the first five seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And I kept thinking--ah, that seems familiar! Not that intertextuality is wrong . . .

[Live~Laugh~Love]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom

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

pretty much exactly what I have been told. I am borrowing some books and I cant wait to dive in to that one... soo excited, and I am an adult, lol

hope it is all it is chalked up to be.

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by Gendenwitha

What did you all think of her (rather pompous IMO) assertion that each of the books she writes is allegorical of a classic story: Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet, I think the first two books were?

As a writer I think it's a cool idea to aspire to, but...

Pride and Prejudice?

I would like to see her explanation of that.

I have never seen Darcy referred to as "hot" much less referred to as "hot" approx 5678 (yes that *is* more than the number of pages) times.

[Susana]

I appreciated these books for the pure escapism they offer. They kept my mind occupied while I sat by my mother's bedside while she slept in the hospice facility.
Pure sugar-coated fluffy not-too-intelligent escapism can be a good thing sometimes.

[becoming]

I hated the first book. I thought the writing was laughable. Edward and Bella were constantly doing something "angrily" or "furiously," so much so that I started counting how many times they were mad at each other or looking at each other angrily on each page.

[journeymom]

Originally Posted by Susana

I appreciated these books for the pure escapism they offer. They kept my mind occupied while I sat by my mother's bedside while she slept in the hospice facility.
Pure sugar-coated fluffy not-too-intelligent escapism can be a good thing sometimes.

I know what you mean. I discovered the TV show House while my mom was sick. Dh and I watched the first season on dvd when my mom's condition was quickly disintegrating. That time was so intense, the memories are particularly strong.

[Susana]

journeymom, these books will always remind me of this past year. All of the nursing staff and mom would ask what was happening in the story.

becoming, I heard that. My daughter and I do like Edward and "grimace" at each other or we'll be Jake and grab each other in a "big bear hug".
I think Edward grimaced on every page.

[holyhelianthus]

IMO the books are popular for the same reason we eat M&Ms and cotton candy by the pounds. They have no real nourishment, they are bland and uninteresting but they are fluffy and sweet and fun and they give you a sugary rush. It's junk literature used to escape in.

I think as long as you treat it as such you're safe but it's when people decide to take it seriously- as in a blueprint for what true love is- that it becomes dangerous.

[Oriole]

Originally Posted by magstphil

IMO the books are popular for the same reason we eat M&Ms and cotton candy by the pounds. They have no real nourishment, they are bland and uninteresting but they are fluffy and sweet and fun and they give you a sugary rush. It's junk literature used to escape in.

I think as long as you treat it as such you're safe but it's when people decide to take it seriously- as in a blueprint for what true love is- that it becomes dangerous.

I don't think Twilight is any more dangerous than any of the Stephen King's novels. People usually don't turn into psychopathic murderers just from reading his books, and just because someone reads steamy romance, doesn't mean they will be expecting to find true love by sleeping with strangers; nor does being fascinated by Sherlock Holmes means that you will be drug addict; nor does appreciating Romeo and Juliet lead to suicide in an average reader. I guess what I don't understand is why Twilight is viewed as having more power than any other book, kwim?

We may disagree on the point of what true love is like, and what relationships should be like, but then it's a discussion about our different views on life, and it certainly didn't start with reading either Shakespear or Meyer, kwim?

I don't think my view on life and love is dangerous as it led to me find the kind of a relationship that makes me feel happy, complete, and appreciated as a person and a partner. The said relationship has been tested by time, and difficulties of blended family, unemployment, cancer, distance, you name it, so I'm quite sure why "the danger" comment. I don't think I'm dangerous to either myself or others because I thoroughly enjoy Twilight, kwim?

And yes, I can count the word "murmured" three times the number of pages, but there is something about this book that grabs so many people despite it's simplistic language, and I give a good portion of credit to the plot and appeal of the characters.

[enkmom]

I have trouble understanding the rabid appeal the books and movie have for women my age (early 40's). Twilight is the craze at my work, and there are about 6 women who live and breathe Twilight. They take breaks together to discuss it, they have seen the movie 4+ times, they re-read the books constantly. You would think Edward was real, the way they talk about him.