The Big Sparkly

The other day at Target I was in line behind some Twilight Moms. You know, those 30+ (I think these were 40+ but who's counting) women/mothers/teenagers trapped in adult bodies that read/obsess/break-down/buy-books-about/saw-the-movie-in-the-theater types. These particular Twilight Moms had the 'behind the scenes' book in their hands for purchase. And they were excited about it.

I couldn't help but smile at them in sisterhood.

I read on a blog the other day "I still don't understand why I should like Bella". Let me break it down for you.

First, Bella is a young woman. Dare I say an immature teenager. As much as Stephanie talks about Bella as an old soul, she's still a 17, 18, 19 year old young woman. People keep reading the books looking for depth. There is no depth! It's a love story, a book written from the perspective of a young woman in love. At 17, 18, 19 your thoughts were not deep and philosophical - especially if you were 'in love'. They were giggly and swoony and goodness knows what else. Teenage girls are basically your average bowl of goo. My question is: if you are looking for a deep thinking, many faceted character then why (oh why) are you expecting to find it in YOUNG ADULT FICTION. You know, the book makers did the work for you. They classified Twilight as YOUNG ADULT FICTION and marketed it to teenage girls for a reason.

Second, Bella is driven by all the same emotions that drive women of every age. The urge to protect and nurture, to be loved and adored, to live the epic romance. Most women I know want these things, young or old. What people can't seem to grasp is that story book emotions are filtered. Because non-story book type emotions? Well those are pretty boring. Why else would we read books.

Third, Bella believes in Prince Charming. Furthermore, Bella doesn't believe Prince Charming will come for HER, because she is too ordinary. But then he does. And she becomes convinced that it is normal to love Prince Charming and mold your life around him. It's fantasy, what is hard to grasp here? Bella is not a deep character, she's a regular everyday one that has amazing things happen to her. THAT is exactly what makes her appealing.

Did you happen to read what Stephen King said about Stephanie Meyer? He said she 'can't write worth a darn'. I'm sorry, Stephen King, but you're so very wrong. A book devoid of sexual situations, graphic violence and gutter language that STILL captured a huge audience of all ages? I'm pretty sure she CAN write.

I have come to the conclusion that you either like Twilight, or you don't. (I do.) I've also decided that it really irritates me when people try to break it down into something meaningful rather than just accepting the 'Twilight Saga' for what it is - good entertainment.

Comments

Heather said…
I can actually believe Stephen King said that. Because I've said it too. I think she is a FABULOUS storyteller, but her "writing style" just is kinda yuck to me. That being said the story is very entertaining, but definitly a "read once" type deal. Sorry, rambling.
Lacey said…
I agree, read it for entertainment and escape. Through the series I could see how she grew as a writer, but there is nothing deep and meaningful in the books.

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