Twilight - Yes, I am Going There

I know that there is a lot of debate over the value of the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer. Some people feel that Bella Swan, the protagonist of this vampire/werewolf/mortal girl tale is a poor role model for young women. She is whiney and she complains a lot and she devotes herself rather quickly to a good looking guy.  However, I think she very well written as an actual teenager. Guess what?  Teenagers (especially girls) are whiney and they complain a lot. They tend to fall in love fast and love fiercely.

One of the things that originally drew me to the series was a response from a student I was teaching. She was 16 years old and I asked her what the appeal to the "Twilight" series was. Her reply was simple.  "Edward is a gentleman," she explained to me. "He is not all about sex like teenage boys today. He knows chivalry."

Well, I was sold and ran out that day to Borders (before they went under - man, I miss their cafe!) and purchased the book. I was hooked. Even though Meyer tries a little too hard to parallel her novel to some of the greats ("Romeo and Juliet" or "Wuthering Heights") and her writing style is pretty basic, I still fall in love with Edward every time I read the book. And not just Edward either - I love Jacob and Charlie and Carlisle and the whole rest of the gang. The characters are sweet and protective and just good, down-to-earth people. The town has a character all of itself and Forks makes me feel like I am in a little town in Maine.

As the series progresses, the teen angst grows - but the chivalry remains. Even Edward is able to hold out on his (ahem) desires until his wedding night. 

The series is a fun read that mixes the traditional love story and angst with just the right amount of supernatural. And even though Edward is practically perfect in every way - the story makes up for it with Bella bumbling around and hurting herself and feeling foolish all of the time. I highly recommend this novel for all ages - but I do recommend that parents of younger aged girls read the 4th book before allowing your children to enjoy the ... honeymoon.