I admit it; I’m a Twi-Mom. I’ve devoured all the books of Stephenie Meyer’s Saga multiple times, often staying up later than advisable to do so. I follow a fan site, Twilight Source, and it’s associated podcast, Imprint. I own and frequently listen to all of the movie soundtracks. (“Is that your vampire music again?” my husband groans.) And I’ve been counting down the days until the latest movie in the franchise opens- today!
I know I’m not alone. I’ve heard plenty of stories about midnight runs to Walmart for the next book in the series. Or of hungry children standing in the kitchen asking, “Mom, are you gonna cook dinner tonight?” while their mother poured over the last chapters of Eclipse. And I’ve seen the faces of many perplexed husbands who all ask something like, “You’re middle aged women- what is wrong with you?”
There’s nothing wrong with us! We’re drowning in laundry, frantic with scheduling, and overwhelmed by the minutia of motherhood. Of course we’d love to escape in the story of Bella, a socially awkward, yet bright young woman who falls for a smart, handsome guy who happens to be a vampire. The story carries us back to our youth, and, if we’re lucky, reminds us of the intoxicating feeling of first love.
But what else generates such huge appeal? For me, Edward does. It’s not the superficial stuff (good looks, fancy cars, and money) that grabs me. Rather, Edward enthralls me with his brilliant mind, his witty humor, his fierce devotion, and his moral principles. When my daughter gets older and I let her read the series, I will be torn between telling her that she should never expect to find a guy like Edward OR that she should wait until she does.
My favorite book in the series, Twilight, is filled with witty exchanges between the flustered Bella and the always cool Edward. Here’s one of my favorites, from the chapter “Invitations”. Edward, after avoiding Bella for days, has just offered her a ride to Seattle.
“My truck works just fine, thank you very much for your concern.” I started to walk again, but I was too surprised to maintain the same level of anger.
“But can your truck make it there on one tank of gas?” He matched my pace again.
“I don’t see how that is any of your business.” Stupid, shiny Volvo owner.
“The wasting of finite resources is everyone’s business.”
So what about you? Why do you love the books? Which book do you like most? Who is your favorite character? Share your thoughts and favorites by clicking on the “comment” button below. If you’re NOT a fan (gasp!!), tell us why. And if you haven’t read any of the books yet, just try one. I dare you to put it down after 15 minutes.
Twi-Mom tip: You can find excerpts from Meyer’s novels at her website, including an extended prom outtake and the first half of Midnight Sun, a draft of a novel that follows the plot of Twilight from Edward’s point of view. Check them out.
The reason Twilight is GOOD is the clever banter and realistic relationships (in a world where vampires are real, of course). But what makes them ADDICTIVE is the falling in love. Just like Bella can’t wait to see Edward again, we can’t wait to spend time with them and share that feeling. That is also why Twilight is the best book in the series. Don’t get me wrong, I loved them all! But the initial moment of falling in love, trying to maneuver through awkward social encounters, wondering how the other person feels, and what you should do about it is thrilling. And for those of us in happy comfortable marriages it is fun to relive that excitement and remember what it was like when we first fell in love (hopefully with fewer complications than Edward and Bella).