We had a great turn out for our Twilight discussion and lots of fun. I will refrain from commenting because I could go on for hours and I am trying to enjoy life after Twilight. =]
So next month we are reading Goose Girl by Shannon Hale and we are meeting on November 15 at Jill Tolman's home. Hope to see another great turn out!
Here is a link to some info about the book...
Goose Girl
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I choose "sun" too
Okay, I know I missed book club because my parents are in town, and you probably did discuss some of these issues, but I agree with Lesley that I really wish Bella would have chosen Jacob over Edward (I also think Edward is very, VERY controlling and manipulative). I keep thinking that if she chooses the vampire way, she will be giving up her family, her chance to mature and wisen with age, and especially the chance to have children. That is just too much for her to sacrifice. Especially when her future as a vampire and with Edward is uncertain.
I suppose that she is seeing out of the VERY small vision of a teenager...that life now is permanent and how could there be more to life but what I'm feeling right now? So that kind of bothers me, that she is willing to make these radically life-altering decisions when she is only 17-18.
I also just can't figure out what it is about Bella that these two amazing guys like. We know she's pretty, but she doesn't seem exceptionally smart, she isn't good with her family, she isn't wonderfully nice to the underdog, she's a clutz, she just seems so average and ordinary. I don't know if that's because her character is not very well developed, or just because Meyers is trying to make her seem like a realistic girl that we can relate to. I also don't like how she manipulates Jacob and can't seem to stop leading him on, or tell Edward to hit the road.
I'm really hoping that in book 4, we find out that Bella is her own kind of "fantasy creature." For example, she's really an elf (Lord of the Rings style) and for that reason, she can't be turned into a vampire, and that is why Edward can't read her mind. Then she'll be able to stay human, have the vital human experiences, and maybe even get back with Jacob.
So sorry I couldn't be at book club. I bet it was such a fascinating discussion. Are we reading Goose Girl for November? Thanks for hosting, Nannette. Post some of the highlights of the discussion so we can hear if any of these questions were answered. Thanks! Juliet
I suppose that she is seeing out of the VERY small vision of a teenager...that life now is permanent and how could there be more to life but what I'm feeling right now? So that kind of bothers me, that she is willing to make these radically life-altering decisions when she is only 17-18.
I also just can't figure out what it is about Bella that these two amazing guys like. We know she's pretty, but she doesn't seem exceptionally smart, she isn't good with her family, she isn't wonderfully nice to the underdog, she's a clutz, she just seems so average and ordinary. I don't know if that's because her character is not very well developed, or just because Meyers is trying to make her seem like a realistic girl that we can relate to. I also don't like how she manipulates Jacob and can't seem to stop leading him on, or tell Edward to hit the road.
I'm really hoping that in book 4, we find out that Bella is her own kind of "fantasy creature." For example, she's really an elf (Lord of the Rings style) and for that reason, she can't be turned into a vampire, and that is why Edward can't read her mind. Then she'll be able to stay human, have the vital human experiences, and maybe even get back with Jacob.
So sorry I couldn't be at book club. I bet it was such a fascinating discussion. Are we reading Goose Girl for November? Thanks for hosting, Nannette. Post some of the highlights of the discussion so we can hear if any of these questions were answered. Thanks! Juliet
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
My take since I will also be "in absentia" on Thursday
After 498 pages of Twilight here are my observations: First, I am not a vampire, in love with a vampire, a werewolf, or werewolf lover. Second, there is not a single part of me--and I am completely aware of my unwillingness to "suspend my disbelief"--that thirsts after this series. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably impressed with Stephenie Meyer's creativity and ability to take such a simple story line and write over 1500 pages. Uncanny.
The Stake High Council is meeting Thursday night so my babysitter is going to that meeting and my sister will be here visiting as well. Knowing Nannette she will have great, thought provoking questions. I hope it will be a great discussion and I may try to sneak over for a little bit to hear insights since Nannette's house is so close. Since I won't be there,however, to hear the questions and corollary discussion I have some of my own questions for the blog that I would love to hear other people's thoughts on:
By what criteria do we determine which literature, art, music etc is "virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy"?
Do artists who are members of the church (or if you'd rather) members of the church who are artists have any responsibility to promote the principles and values of the gospel through the medium with which they work? Why or why not?
What is the difference between say an Anne Rice vampire novel and a Stephenie Meyer novel?
What makes a classic "classic?" Will this series endure like Bram Stokers "Dracula" has endured?
I liked how Meyer chose to break with tradition to create "monsters" on her own terms. She was wildly creative in how she enhances the drama of the book by mocking traditional vampire characteristics and by highlighting the new traits she gives them (i.e. them glistening and sparkling in the sun to a dazzling degree). I was obviously affected by the "beauty" she creates in these predators and definitely felt the flight in the "fight or flight" response. I know. I know. Nothing physical happens. I know Edward and the others of his clan are "chaste." Yes and so they seem but in my world view isn't that how it starts? Aren't we all initially dazzled by Satan's ability to make evil appear harmless, even wide-eyed and innocent?
I question my own priorities when I can spend hours devouring a book while my personal scripture study, prayer and meditation fall by the way side not to mention piles of laundry, dishes and a floor strewn with toys. Now, I love and hate it all at the same time. I love living in a world that is beautifully crafted with characters that have great dialogue and mystery woven throughout. That is a vicarious life at its best and I think a way for me to "sharpen my saw," as Covey recommends. But I have to personally be careful not to be consumed by it. At another bookclub which a friend of mine attended a woman was quoted as saying, "my husband calls this my 'vampire porn.'" I know it was meant to be a joke but if you think about how men respond visually while women respond and connect emotionally maybe the husband's statement was not so farcical. Now before anyone flips out upon hearing the "p" word associated with Meyer's novels -- I am not saying that that is what she is writing or attempting to write. There is obviously literature more salacious and deplorable being printed under the glorious banner of "freedom of speech," and without the use of the misunderstood sieve of censorship. But I do question the nature of that which she writes and the seeming addiction her novels seem to spark.
The other thing that bothered me was it's lack of secondary and tertiary story lines. Perhaps those show up in the two other novels.
Lesley, in the previous post, brought up some invaluable insights. Lesley...you must be a formidable student!! Great catch on the words she uses to describe Edward vs. Jake. I must be missing Meyer's symbolism entirely and taking it too literally, if that is possible with fiction/fantasy. I was also glad to see I wasn't the only one grossed out by the age difference though the same aforementioned friend thought that perhaps Edward stayed 17 emotionally and hadn't progressed like a regular human. I question that as well though because Carlisle seems to have progressed. Do vampires then get stuck at the age and stage when they were bit?
Finally, I would just die laughing if after four novels Bella finally turns into a vampire and then Edward is unattracted and nonplussed by her. True love Transylvania style. Isn't that how the rush and thrill of romantic love goes? Maybe there is still hope for Meyers to make something more out of this novel than a creative teenage yarn.
Great choice for October!! Looking forward to November.
The Stake High Council is meeting Thursday night so my babysitter is going to that meeting and my sister will be here visiting as well. Knowing Nannette she will have great, thought provoking questions. I hope it will be a great discussion and I may try to sneak over for a little bit to hear insights since Nannette's house is so close. Since I won't be there,however, to hear the questions and corollary discussion I have some of my own questions for the blog that I would love to hear other people's thoughts on:
By what criteria do we determine which literature, art, music etc is "virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy"?
Do artists who are members of the church (or if you'd rather) members of the church who are artists have any responsibility to promote the principles and values of the gospel through the medium with which they work? Why or why not?
What is the difference between say an Anne Rice vampire novel and a Stephenie Meyer novel?
What makes a classic "classic?" Will this series endure like Bram Stokers "Dracula" has endured?
I liked how Meyer chose to break with tradition to create "monsters" on her own terms. She was wildly creative in how she enhances the drama of the book by mocking traditional vampire characteristics and by highlighting the new traits she gives them (i.e. them glistening and sparkling in the sun to a dazzling degree). I was obviously affected by the "beauty" she creates in these predators and definitely felt the flight in the "fight or flight" response. I know. I know. Nothing physical happens. I know Edward and the others of his clan are "chaste." Yes and so they seem but in my world view isn't that how it starts? Aren't we all initially dazzled by Satan's ability to make evil appear harmless, even wide-eyed and innocent?
I question my own priorities when I can spend hours devouring a book while my personal scripture study, prayer and meditation fall by the way side not to mention piles of laundry, dishes and a floor strewn with toys. Now, I love and hate it all at the same time. I love living in a world that is beautifully crafted with characters that have great dialogue and mystery woven throughout. That is a vicarious life at its best and I think a way for me to "sharpen my saw," as Covey recommends. But I have to personally be careful not to be consumed by it. At another bookclub which a friend of mine attended a woman was quoted as saying, "my husband calls this my 'vampire porn.'" I know it was meant to be a joke but if you think about how men respond visually while women respond and connect emotionally maybe the husband's statement was not so farcical. Now before anyone flips out upon hearing the "p" word associated with Meyer's novels -- I am not saying that that is what she is writing or attempting to write. There is obviously literature more salacious and deplorable being printed under the glorious banner of "freedom of speech," and without the use of the misunderstood sieve of censorship. But I do question the nature of that which she writes and the seeming addiction her novels seem to spark.
The other thing that bothered me was it's lack of secondary and tertiary story lines. Perhaps those show up in the two other novels.
Lesley, in the previous post, brought up some invaluable insights. Lesley...you must be a formidable student!! Great catch on the words she uses to describe Edward vs. Jake. I must be missing Meyer's symbolism entirely and taking it too literally, if that is possible with fiction/fantasy. I was also glad to see I wasn't the only one grossed out by the age difference though the same aforementioned friend thought that perhaps Edward stayed 17 emotionally and hadn't progressed like a regular human. I question that as well though because Carlisle seems to have progressed. Do vampires then get stuck at the age and stage when they were bit?
Finally, I would just die laughing if after four novels Bella finally turns into a vampire and then Edward is unattracted and nonplussed by her. True love Transylvania style. Isn't that how the rush and thrill of romantic love goes? Maybe there is still hope for Meyers to make something more out of this novel than a creative teenage yarn.
Great choice for October!! Looking forward to November.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Book Two- New Moon
This post deals with the second book in the series, New Moon, so if you have only read Twilight so far, DO NOT read this post!
I won't be at the book club next week (Scott's birthday) but I HAVE to talk about the Bella/Edward/Jacob love triangle.
Yes, I know that Edward is gorgeous and untouchable and has "smouldering" eyes, and hot cars, and blah, blah, blah, blah. But does anyone think that Bella really ought to choose life, and her own personal "sun", Jake, over a life of uncertainty and danger with Edward? Not to mention Edwards controlling, manipulative nature. Actually, I WILL mention it.
I have been harbouring these feelings all through books two and three, but couldn't really put it to words until I read this. Although I have no idea who this blog author is, she is SO RIGHT about this whole scenerio. Edward is aptly described by Meyer as a drug, while Jake is the life-sustaining, healthy "sun" of her universe.
Yes, every typical teenage girl would refuse to see this. And I can accept that anyone with any sense of romanticism would choose Edward. But if we can step back and juxtipose these relationships, Jake is the true love, the right choice.
What? A younger man you say? Well, Edward is too old to be Bella's grandfather. Yuck.
Okay, I am now accepting hate mail.
-Lesley Larson
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Twilight Website
If you would like to read more about the series and how it came to be, etc you can visit Stephenie Meyer's website...
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html
This website also answers a lot of questions as well.
I am surprised that Sylvia did not become completely obsessed with this book like the rest of us have, but she did finish it in less than a week...so that at least says something right? =] I guess there had to be someone who didn't absolutely love it. It will be interesting to discuss.
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html
This website also answers a lot of questions as well.
I am surprised that Sylvia did not become completely obsessed with this book like the rest of us have, but she did finish it in less than a week...so that at least says something right? =] I guess there had to be someone who didn't absolutely love it. It will be interesting to discuss.
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