Vampires and Werewolves

Last summer I was at the gym on the treadmill. On the treadmill, I really don't care what I watch so long as I don't have to think. I like something mindless. So I was watching the NBC morning show (that's probably the only time I watch the "news"). Anyway... I watched an interview with Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series. In this interview, she talked about her latest book and the continuing story of Bella (a typical teenager... whatever!) and her friends that happened to be vampires and werewolves. At the words vampire and werewolf, my interest had peaked and my mind went quickly to a series Missy had read about two years ago. Being a home educator, I have always tried to provide many books for the girls to read... the classics and just plain fun. In fact, we've got four bookcases filled from top to bottom (I've never been a lover of libraries... too confusing for me). Anyway, Missy has also borrowed books from friends on their recommendations. I remember one that her friend, Kelli, had given her almost six years ago. I wasn't too thrilled about it when I read the back of the book but decided to let Missy decide for herself. She didn't let me down. Missy only got part way through and gave it back. Same thing happened with the book "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." So when these books started coming home, I hardly gave it a thought. Fast-forward a couple years to this interview and I was freaking out! I really don't think I heard much of that interview after the words "vampire" and "werewolf." I know. I'm rambling. But it's my blog so I can if I want.

Anyway... upon completion of my workout at the gym, I headed home. I wanted to "discuss" these books that Missy had read. That's code for "I wanted to nail her to the wall." Just an FYI: I don't do witches so naturally that would also include vampires and werewolves. However, God was pricking my heart. I knew that if I came in "with guns blazing" I would only put her on the defense. So instead, I "mentioned" the interview to Melissa and a desire to buy the book so I could read it for myself (and make educated judgments). "Thrilled" does not equal the excitement on her face. She literally grabbed my hand and danced out the door to take me to the bookstore. I think her excitement wasn't so much coming from my desire to read this book that she loved but more about the purchase of this book. She would actually own the book... after I was done with it.

Fast-forward six months. Just this morning I completed the third book "Eclipse" in the Twilight series. Are they good books? Yes. The author has created quite a compelling story. She draws you in quickly and gives you reason to turn page after page. As a mom, I've been happy to find that the books are clean. Little to no foul language, drugs, alcohol or sex. However... as a mom... I do have some concerns. Especially since Tori started reading the series last fall.

The main character, 17 year old Bella Swan, is so clumsy, she trips or falls almost every chapter so that "beautiful" Edward, the 100+year old vampire, can save her. Yes... I'm a klutz but this is ridiculous! Bella's character is unbelievably insecure, more so than one would expect from a typical teenage girl. Most teen girls are somewhat insecure but Bella is pathetic! Which causes her to constantly worry about Edward leaving her. She plays the martyr for 75% of the second book. I hate the "poor pity me" routine! In fact, Bella even talks briefly about literally not being able to go on anymore without Edward... alluding to suicide. Let's look at Lois Lane and Superman for a moment. Though Superman is always "saving the day," Lois is one tough cookie! I like strong female characters... especially for teens to help them see past their simple problems... maybe even find a way to solve one of those problems. Another issue: Bella's swooning. Good grief! She swoon's more than Scarlet O'Hara. Whether it's from the sight of blood, Edward's kiss, or Edward's departure, this girl is constantly "hitting" the floor! I think she needs to concentrate on breathing more deeply. Then there's Bella's love and desire for Edward which seems to border on obsession. This could be because the author writes in the first person so we are privy to all her thoughts. There is more in life than just "the guy." We hear very little about Bella's goals, ambitions, hobbies, dreams, or talents. Just the guy. And finally... my last complaint. SEX! I know. I stated earlier the lack of sex in these books. Well, that changes in the third book, Eclipse. Though sex doesn't actually happen, Jacob comes off as too sexually forceful, Bella tries to bed rather than wed the adonis-like Edward, and chivalrous Edward holds Bella back. She has to marry him first. Bella's response? Eewwww!!! Why do both of these responses sound so backwards?!

I could go on more but these were my main concerns. If you want to know more, Amazon.com has lots of reviews both good and bad. I, for one, will soon be starting the next installment in this series. Why, you ask? Two reasons. #1. Preparation for discussion. With the curve ball that the third book hit me with, I'm ready for discussing the book with Tori prior to her reading it. #2. Plain curiosity. I wanna know what finally happens. I'm actually a Jacob-fan. I think he needs to be the one to win the girl's heart. I love his character: free, fun, loves life, doesn't tell Bella what to do. Unlike a certain vampire that's always telling Bella to be careful. Not to mention, as a mom, I don't want to see any marriage after just graduating high school. That's the time to go to college or work and/or explore life and what it has to offer (I know... too many "ands"). There's time for marriage later. Anyway... it's just a book!

One last reminder... don't forget that these books are written for kids 9th grade and up... especially Eclipse, the third book. Not sure about the fourth book yet.

ttfn,
Di