I'm with agony on this one. The Twilight books don't do anything for me but judging by the number of quizzes on them that are submitted to Literature, they are very popular. Actually, anything with vampires is popular at the moment. Vampires are currently 'flavour of the month' (no pun intended ). If it's not a Stephenie Meyer quiz, then it's Anita Blake or Buffy!

I do happen to be a teenage girl, and did enjoy the books, but they simply aren't good enough to justify the attention they're receiving. And I have to say, the behaviour of some is just stupid. It's not an epidemic; for some it's a cult! In my opinion they could've been written slightly better, and Bella was utterly pathetic at some points in the book. It got annoying.

I completely agree with you Sims that the books are enjoyable, but I too got annoyed sometimes at Bella.

I wasn't interested in the beginning. Thought it was for teens/preteens. I know I thought that about Harry Potter, too...anyway, a co-worker told me they were "epic" so I read the first book. It's unfortunate--this could have been a great book. The characters could be so much more and so could the story. A great premise, but very mediocre writing and editing. I'm sure my opinion matters to Ms. Meyer, who is laughing all the way to the bank!

I liked the books but I agree the writing could have been better. I struggled through the monotony of Bella's life in book one, but the story did improve. I admit I am no fan of Jacob, and getting through New Moon was hard, but not as bad as I thought. My sister wanted to skip it but I wouldn't let her. As for Breaking Dawn, I was pleasantly surprised. It was definitely better than what everyone told me!

Hello everyone,

just thought I'd join the discussion on Twilight.

Hate the books personally (though the film was all-right, mainly due to the oh-so-pretty face of Robert Pattinson.)

Noticed there was some element of discussion about the deeper meaning of the books- anyone noticed how anti-feminisism the author is. To give examples would be spoilers of course, but if you interpret Bella's actions as belonging to a 17 year old girl whose boyfriend is not a vampire, then the book almost becomes a textbook abusive relationship... Thoughts?

I read all of these books in a few days. I did like them, at least to a degree. I wouldn't say that reading them was a waste of time, especially since the writing is so simple that it took no time. I, too, found the characters shallow, and eventually even annoying. I said nearly this very thing in an earlier post on this subject but I'll say it again. I was very disappointed with the vampires in particular. Anyone who has lived 100+ years in a young, healthy,(and even beautiful) body should have some amazing stories to tell. They should have some great views on a great variety of subjects, having lived through so much, yes? Meyer's "vampires" were, to put it bluntly, lame. Edward is a 108 years old, but has never had a romantic relationship in his life before now, how sweet...? Alice is pretty and she likes fancy dresses. Whoop-di-do. And yes, Edward and Bella's relationship is somewhat abusive. I can relate to Bella being so infatuated with her first 'love' that she thinks she's just plain going to die without him. A lot of seventeen year old girls are that way, or at least I know that I was. Very dramatic. Edward should have known better, but it seems as if, at times in the story, the writer forgets that he is 108 years old, in a 17 year old body. He isn't 17! He should have been much more grown up, but since he looks like he's a teenager, he goes to high school for like, 80 years? It just doesn't quite work, so he comes off badly.
Oh well. I still think Anne Rice writes the best vampires.

I'd say Chelsea Quinn Yarbro writes the best vampires...

These books are good for what they are - frothy romances for teens.

Oh come on people, give the poor author a break! I mean, if people didn't like the books, they wouldn't be making it a movie, and no one would be reading them! I must agree on some points regarding the fact that Bella is selfish and unfair. Very true. But that's just her character! I personally believe that there are many people in the world who are very similar to her. As for Edward, he is a bit unrealistic. I mean, come on! He is too overprotective, and even though Bella owes her life to Jacob, he doesn't ease up one bit! Talk about selfish! I can't say that I don't like Jacob though. Somehow, I sort of sympathize with him. I definitely like him better than Edward. But all in all, it is all of the points that makes this saga what it is, and it is quite enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to whoever I met!

We aren't criticising the author personally. Twilight has 3 seperate factions - those who are die-hard fans, those who really hate it, and those who either don't really care or don't like it as fanatically as the die-hards. I think it would be reasonable to say that the die-hards love the storyline and the characters and the romance, and don't care so much for the writing. The 'on the fence' people can look objectively at the story and the writing, and see both the faults and the good points in each. They see it as not a bad book, just something that could be better. Those who really hate it legitimately dislike it for its story, characters, and writing; but there are also those who just wish to put themselves as far away as possible from the die-hard 'OMG Edward is like sooooooo hot!!!!1!1!' screaming fangirl stereotype.

I believe that the reason there is a movie is because of that die-hard faction. The movie producers know they can count on a profit from the movies because the umpteen billion fangirls will go see it, and probably will see the rest of the quartet.

Personally, I like the series, and I will go see the movies. I will admit that the writing isn't the best, but the3 characters and the tension between Edward and Bella are what make the story for me. They keep me interested.

Lioness, I saw the film with my daughter and preferred it to the books. Bella doesn't come across as quite so wimpy and they've dropped most of the interaction with Bella and her "normal" friends, so she also comes across as less self centred.

I know that you are not criticizing the author, but you must agree with me when I say that all of the good points and the bad points of the plot make the books very interesting to read. I mean, no author, and definitely no human is perfect, but they can do their best, right? Look at Harry Potter for example. When I read the series for the first time, I thought that it took a lot of imagination to come up with. And with every story, there are always three factions. But I am sure that the story must have been quite popular and must have had a lot of readers before it actually became a movie, right? I also agree that the story could have been more well written, but that can't be changed now, can it? As far as I'm concerned, it is definitely all the tension that makes this story worth reading. I will definitely watch the film, if I actually manage to get it from the library, since 62 people have already reserved it before me!

Well, I finished the book last night and I have to say that I found the writing a lot better from the middle of the book onwards ... or maybe it was just that the story was compelling enough that I tended not to notice. Either way, I think I'll continue with the series, though via the library. I don't think I like it enough to make it part of my personal collection. I really kind of wanted to smack both of the main characters from time to time for being so silly.

It does warm up, LadyCaitriona. Not only does the writing get better but the storyline gets more in depth.

I'm really curious about Alice's background now. One of the girls in my residence (her name was Michelle) made us all start calling her Alice last year because of this character.

Being an older member, I thought I would read these books, to see what was so compelling to younger readers. Totaly enthralled by the first, am now on the third book. I personally would like to do away with Jacob, and my interest is waning. I will persevere and complete the series but am losing interest.

I simply adored the books. I think the writing was origonal and flavorful. I understand if you have a different opionion then me though.

I am a 28 year old woman, and I have absolutely fell in love with all of the twilight books. From Twilight to Breaking Dawn. I am not afraid to admit that I have read and reread the entire series at least 4 times. I believe that they are wonderfully written, even from a young adult point of view. Some of the intense feelings and love go far beyond just a childish crush. i respect the people who did not enjoy the books, but please do not ruin then for the people who have yet to be swept away by Stephenie Meyer's wonderful writings.
Much thanks.