I've been meaning to pick up the extremely popular YA book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer for a while now to see what all the fuss is about, especially with adult women (I can sort of understand, from what I know of it so far, why teenage girls would swoon over this book, but I wanted to see what about it makes the adult female fans also want to swoon).
I finally got a chance to check it out when my coworker lent me her copy. I started it today.
I'm already on page 32, and I say already because usually by page 32 you have some idea of where the story is going and lots of things start happening and you get to know the main character's motivation, habits, personality. But, alas, not with this story. Page 32, and I feel like a big fat nothing has happened so far - just lots of painful exposition to set things up. An exposition that has gone on too long, in my opinion. I don't know anything about Bella other than she blushes a lot; I'm not even sure I want to get to know her better. And so far, Edward has failed to impress.
To make matters worse, the actual writing itself is laborious and painful. It feels like it takes a hundred pound boulder just for Meyer to construct one paragraph - let alone a whole chapter.
Maybe it's been hyped way too much for me - all the dozens of fan sites devoted to Edward and Bella; even Etsy's in on the action with this and this and this and this - but so far, I am not impressed. I may end up eating my words when I finally finish the book...and if I do, I'll be the first to admit it. But so far? It's a big fat...eh.
4 comments:
I often browse the young adult section at the bookstore and find great stuff. I'd seen this one but will reconsider its purchase now (thanks). Have you read the Libba Bray trilogy? The first is A Great and Terrible Beauty and then Rebel Angels is next... can't recall the third (though it's on my nightstand now... I'm just too lazy to get up to look ;)... excellent, though.
I read the books because Cedric Diggory is playing Edward. ;) And I loved Cedric. So I obviously have to see him in the movie coming out. And I can't stand not having read the book before the movie.
I liked them, you just have to take the books at face value: teenage love story fluff.
Diane, I haven't heard of the Libba Bray trilogy but I just looked it up on Amazon and I am intrigued! Gothic mystery in a Victorian boarding school with some otherworldy stuff mixed in - I'm definitely going to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm also eyeing "The Luxe" by Anna Godbersen. If you do read Twilight and end up liking it, please let me know!
Alissa, I forgot Cedric is playing the lead! Now I'm torn - I want to watch him because of him too, but I don't know if I'll be able to get through this book...
Post a Comment