Twilight and baby vomit November 21, 2008
I first heard about the YA vampire literary sensation, “Twilight,” when my friend K. blogged about reading it. Since then, of course, it’s been all over the place, because the movie comes out this week. And then my 13-year-old daughter brought the book home from her father’s, and was raving about how much she loved it. Personally, I am not much into vampire lit. I never could get all the way through an Anne Rice book, for example. But Twilight was lying on the coffee table last night after J. went to bed, so I picked it up and read a page or two. And then another page or two. And within a few hours - past my bedtime - I’d read half the book. Shakespeare it ain’t, but any girl who has ever decided to take a risk on a guy who is really, really, very dangerously bad for her will identify with the tale. And I love the Olympic Peninsula setting (I lived there for several years as a child, and still have incredibly strong memories of that location as a dark, broody, and slightly menacing place). I hope to finish it tonight, and I promised to take J. and a friend to go see the movie late Saturday afternoon (anybody wanna go with?)
Once I did finally go to bed, I had a hard time falling asleep. I finally drifted off, dreaming of - what else - fabulously hot vampires - when C. awoke in her crib next to her bed and asked to come into bed with us. That’s normal - she does that every night at some point - but she sounded a bit pitiful as I snuggled her in beside me. Within an hour, I realized why. She has a stomach bug, likely the same one the cousins had all last week. She vomited copiously three times before morning - in our bed. We went through many towels and blankets before the sun came up. I felt so bad for her 
I an hoping she has a mild case. Her daddy stayed home with her today.
Oh, and I’ve also got a new blog post over at Babble.
The first book isn’t bad, although Edward is seriously creepy. And no,I don’t mean the fact that he’s a vampire. I mean his controlling, quasi-stalking behavior. However, don’t get your hopes up for the whole series. I really had to plod through the 2nd book, mainly because Bella is far, far, far more of a drip than she was in the first book. And Edward is revealed to be not only creepy, but apparently a complete moron. Jacob is the only bright spot in this book. Still, it was kind of like being unable to tear your eyes away from a fatal car wreck. Incidentally, this is not just my perspective. My 12-year-old daughter agreed. The library just notified me that I’m next in line for Book 3, so I’ll give it a shot. I fear it’s going to involve a lot of Bella whining, “But I want to be a vampire, tooooo!”
Yeah - the stalking stuff (him hanging out in her bedroom) is creepy fo’ sho
That’s exactly what I meant. Once she found out, and welcomed him in, that was different. But before? That’s not my idea of romantic.
emily sucked me into the Twilight universe as well. I ended up reading half the night the first night. I read the three first books so fast (because she had them all by the time I started reading) that I didn’t have time to think about how poorly written, illogical, and morally questionable a lot of the series is. But then came “Breaking Dawn” (known by many as “Epic Fail”) and what a let down that was. I could (and Emily and I have done this) talk about the problems with it for hours. The best thing I can say about the series in the end is that it has provided hours of conversation for me, Emily, and Jake (age 14, who read it as well) about what consitutes a good story, romance, morals, and more. If you read them all we will have to have a chat.
ok, i am sold i am off to get the book…
as for baby c..i hope she feels better soon,
how do you “do barf” when yr pg katie?
My 14 year old daughter has read all the books. She is very excited about seeing the movie. I have considered reading the books but haven’t had the time. It’s probably best that I don’t right now, once I get started on a book I can never put it down. I have too many other things to do.
P.S. Sorry to hear your baby isn’t feeling well.
Leslie,
It is a good conversation piece. Just yesterday, I was talking to a friend (our daughters are friends, also). The 2 girls were there, and we were dissecting Book 2. (I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum here).
Remember why Edward went to Italy? I said, “What - he couldn’t pick up the phone and call Forks, Washington, to get the real story? He’s an idiot!” Both girls burst out laughing. Vampire stories are fine. Suspension of disbelief is fine. Romance is fine. But when it devolves into stupidity, I draw the line.
Hope C is feeling better.
Sorry little C. is sick. I wish I’d known J wanted to see it; my girls went there after school today and then out to eat later. J. could have hung out with some old horse friends.I haven’t read it, but M has read every book and even has the t-shirt (which is ugly).
Oh my goodness, Katie. You wouldn’t believe the impact “Twilight” has had on Forks. As the Branch Manager of the library here in Forks, I have met neat fans from all over the world who’ve made our town their vacation destination of choice. My 9th grade daughter and her friends just shake their heads. They can’t understand why hundreds of people want to take pictures of their school. The fans really are a great sort of tourist though; people who enjoy books and are excited to be here. And as you recall, it really is a special little corner of the world- the rainforest, pristine beaches ….it may even beat a trip to Hogwarts
Theresa Napiontek
My girls are back and their movie review is: the movie is good, but not amazing. If you saw the movie without reading the book, you may be confused at some parts. Anyone else seen it yet?
Clisby,
You are so right–the series does not stand up to a careful read! But we have had a lot of fun with it.
Movie review: I really enjoyed it; watching it, I remembered why I got sucked in to begin with and “felt the magic” again (blocking out what I know is coming!). The high school kids were full of personality. I loved Jacob and Billy. Really, the worst spot acting-wise was Bella. She mostly sulks and talks in monosyllables, making you wonder what on earth Edward sees in her!
Maybe it’s just me, but I think this is a hoot.
http://pimpchimp.deviantart.com/art/A-Twilight-Series-Summary-104026230