For those of you who may not know, I HAVE read the books. Yes, all of them. Even the illegally released portion of "Midnight Sun." I think I went into the books expecting more than they were. They are teen-pop-trash. They are what they should be. And yes, the books are slightly better than the movie.
Tracy, I couldn't agree more with you, I HATE Bella (that's the main character for those of you that don't know). Oh and I forgot one unattractive characteristic of Edward, he's also hard as marble. Weird.
Me & Sam
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December - December 4, 2017 We had Anson look through some recipes and made a list of ingredients that we needed for the ones he liked. He started adding to my grocer...
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waater temple - Indonesia is famous for Luwak coffee. We aren't coffee drinkers- but still visited a coffee plantation to see the process. They also grow cacao plants fo...
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Utah Winter Portraits—Shameless Photography - I’m really lucky to have a beautiful niece that loves to help me scout out new locations. Sometimes when things work out these scouting trips turn into im...
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It's Autum Time - Sometimes when it’s autumn time, you just have to go out and play with the leaves and in the leaves. Especially when you have two ginormous trees in your...
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Maelie's 2-year-old photos - Here are Maelie's beautiful 2-year-old photos--taken by my amazing cousin, Saundra Savage. Enjoy! I'm pretty sure that Maelie could...
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Home Alone - Moms with little kids shouldn't be allowed to get sick. It's as simple as that. But if they are unlucky enough to catch something, dad's shouldn't be allow...
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Our "Soon-to-be-ours" House in Brigham City - We have at last seen the home we started purchasing sight unseen - except internet pictures and a visit by our daughter in Brigham City. We both felt the ...
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Hard Work - So, this morning, I was in my bathroom, trying to get myself looking somewhat presentable before I prepared to leave my house, when Charlie walked in. He ...
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“21 Days to Happiness” Day 2 - *A Pocket full of Gratitude* Our day 2 assignment was to go for a walk at a park or canyon with our family or friends and take turns sharing things you are...
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Minivan (Revised With Corrected Information) - I'd take a picture, but I'm in my jammies and it's raining and the car isn't at the house, but in the parking lot at the office. Our ill fated minivan is u...
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I know you missed me... and I don't blame you. - So when I started this blog post I had in mind to give you a bunch of excuses and reasons why I haven't blogged in forever, ie: I have two demanding jobs, ...
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Quick Follow-up - Jacob and his roommate came over last night and moved the old TV and fully installed the new one. It is wonderful!! Thanks again to you all.
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Ben's School Christmas Program - A few pics and a video from Ben's school program. I only got a few that turned out because my zoom lens is old and slow, I need a new one (hint hint).
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Untitled. - I wanted to show a picture of Sally to a friend of mine at work. I was going through the blog, looking at all the fun pictures and memories. Then I felt sa...
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It’s Me Again Margaret - For those of you unfamiliar with Ray Stevens, the title is an allusion to one of his songs that I think is very funny. If you like silly humor, you should...
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Happy Birthday Aurora! - I can't believe that she is 4 years old! Blowing out her Airel cake. Aurora with all of her new toys she was so sad that she had to finally go to bed s...
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Karly's Wedding Cake - I ask myself every time I make one of these, why I put myself through the stress. My Mom asks me the same question, and always adds that this cake should b...
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6 comments:
Okay, I'm gonna speak from my experience as an English teacher here--even as I use slang to do so :). I’ve been meaning to hash this out for some time. Let me say first, however, that if you read the books expecting some life-changing epiphany worthy of all the attention these books are getting, then you will be sadly disappointed. They are escape reading—almost purely for pleasure. The dangerous romance and teenage angst inherent in the story make for a compelling read. When you do allow yourself to get lost in the story, it is amazing how quickly you make it through the books.
While there are some deeper themes and symbolism involving the sacrifices required to create an eternal love and the intrinsic spiritual and emotional danger in such relationships, etc., for the most part it is just a fantasy that teenagers can relate to in their own lives. Bella, a seemingly ordinary girl with problems, is able to find something truly extraordinary. It is disheartening for many teenagers to realize that they are, in reality, basically just like everyone else. They’re really not that different—they are mortal and the rules that govern everyone else really do apply to them. These books allow them to indulge in the fantasy that that is not the case a little longer.
The understanding that just because they are basically just like everyone else doesn’t mean they aren’t magnificent creations usually doesn’t come until much later in life, and only if they are able to see themselves through the eternal perspective of the gospel. I could go on, but as this missive is approaching short-story length already, I’ll forbear.
The librarians and English and reading teachers with whom I’ve discussed the books are generally in agreement with my point of view—these books are not classic pieces of literature, but teenagers are reading!!! Really long books!!! And talking about them!!! And then talking about other books!!!
Well, if you’ve made it to the end of my long-drawn-out comment, you apparently like reading, too. So, if you haven’t read the books yet, I think you should. Just appreciate them for what they are.
I finished the first book the other nights. Initially, I thought I liked it. As I reflect upon it, I realise it really wasn't that good, yet I still plan on reading the others. I guess the story line is compelling enough to keep me reading them, even if the charaters are not my favorite. Look at all the controversy you are sparking with your posts!
Interesting to read others take on the phenomenon of the Twilight series. I just read about it and don't dip my toes in the water. Our office receptionist went to see the movie last night and liked it. But I won't go. I haven't been to a movie in forever. I also am not likely to read the books. I recently finished Clarence Thomas' autobiography--My Grandfather's Son--and enjoyed it immensely. I mostly read blogs and propaganda on the internet. So, I'm glad to know what you all think so I can express your opinions in conversations since I have no direct personal experience. Aunt Lynda
Why is it that the more people talk about how bad the books are, the more I want to read them. I've got issues.
Oh ya, Mom, could you act any older?
I cannot even appreciate these books for what they are. I have only read one, and luckily I finished it just before my brain almost withered to a raisin. If this is the only type of literature that will get our teens reading, then we must pray, now, long and hard.
But, most of my good friends seem to love these books so I cannot mock their readers. Too much.
Haha. All in good spirits.
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