Twilight

So many kids are reading this series that I knew that I needed to purchase it for the library. However, given the subject matter, I thought that I need to read it before I put them on check out.

Twilight is the story of Bella, a somewhat typical teenage girl, who falls in love with Edward, a non typical teenage vampire. I like the way Edward's true identity is foreshadowed in the story and wish I had never heard of the books so that I would not have known that she was going to discover that he was a vampire. I like the different characteristics that Meyer gives to vampires, like they are unnaturally strong, can read minds, and scoff at the garlic and mirror superstitions. Also, Edward and his family are "good" vampires who are trying to live peacefully with humans and scorn "bad" vampires who kill humans wantonly.

Twilight is a love story between Bella and Edward and is quite sensual without being sexual in nature. They hold each other close and occasionally kiss, but that is about it. Actually, the kissing part kind of creeps me out, as kissing the "cold, marble lips" of Edward sounds disgusting and how it turns her on is a mystery to me. But the bottom line is, no sex, and that is what I like about a book for teenagers.

The story also has quite a bit of excitement, like trying to escape being killed by the "bad" vampires. Lots of action ensues when Bella begins being pursued by an evil vampire who is out only to suck her blood and Edward and his family try to protect her.

Overall, I did like the book. It is not a book I would choose to read if I were not a high school librarian since it definitely appeals to teenagers and I did get bored at some places. However, this series is getting kids to read, and that alone makes it worthwhile.