BOOKS: Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

  • Thread starter Thread starter blaiseormary
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Yeah, some of the “teens” on another board are either VERY Team Edward or VERY Team Jacob. If you are on the other “team” they all would probably say just what your daughter did.

I love Jacob to, I think he’s awesome! My friend (who read them after me) thought I was nuts and that Jacob was horrible compared to Jacob rolls eyes
Some people, even adults, can take fiction a bit to extremes. 😛
 
My sister is definitely on team Jacob and also thinks that Edward is somewhat annoying. She’s such a nerd that she went to the bookstore at midnight when the fourth book came out and waited in line with her friends wearing a homemade t-shirt that said, “Team Jacob” with paw prints down the side of it. :rolleyes:
 
hey
i was wondering - what does everyone think of this series?? Do you think that a Catholic should not read the books??
This initally stemmed from a talk that I got at my youth group which condemned the books as unreadable due to the morals of the characters. It is primarily due to
a) Edward’s relationship with Bella because it is one based on infatuation(or in this case - the fact that Bella’s blood smells so good)
b) Edward and Bella’s relationship bordering on just the physical
Also, they brought up the idea of Meyer’s being morman and the various ways that she presented the characters with a borderline (i.e. not having sex, yet coming close) attitudes which conflict with various views in her religion.

I have read the first 2 books only and same with majority of my Catholic friends. However, in my opinion I do believe that the character’s sometimes do hit the borderline but they know when to stop at certain times. (i.e. - even though i havent read eclipse - i no that edward states that he doesnt want to have pre-marital sex). But i dont think this justifies the act because they continue to stay on the borderline.
However, again - i dont believe these books would be that great in teaching a teen about chastity - yet, i have read so many soo many articles from fan websites which speak of Meyer’s appraisal in trying to teach the youth about abstaining.
So i was wondering - what your thoughts are on the matter…

regards
  • Fanny
ps - the books so far - are ok! im pretty neutral in terms of my liking of the book.
 
opps made an error…now its better
**However, again - i dont believe these books would be that great in teaching a teen about chastity - yet, i have read so many soo many articles from fan websites which praise Meyer’s efforts in trying to teach the youth about abstinence.
 
Fanny: I do not suggest giving this book to a teen and expect them to learn chastity from it. Stephenie Meyer did NOT write this book with those intentions (I’ve read a LOT of interviews with her), she didn’t even write the books for the YA crowd. She had a dream that she thought would be a good book, so she wrote it for herself. Then her sister told her to send it to the publisher, so she did. And thus we have the Twilight Saga.

I personnally love these books, but would only give it to a teen who can tell the difference and is very grounded. I do like how they don’t ever go all the way, and when they do after marriage it’s not describe in detail. It, to me, is not smutty but it’s also not perfect. No way would I let my 13 year old read it (she’s only 3 now anyway). But a 16/17+ who is very grounded, then I say let them.

Again, this book was NEVER meant to be about chastity. But as Stephenie is a Mormon some of those values (no sex before marriage, no abortions) do come about (even if it’s not on purpose)
 
AmberDale said:
Fanny: I do not suggest giving this book to a teen and expect them to learn chastity from it. Stephenie Meyer did NOT write this book with those intentions (I’ve read a LOT of interviews with her), she didn’t even write the books for the YA crowd. She had a dream that she thought would be a good book, so she wrote it for herself. Then her sister told her to send it to the publisher, so she did. And thus we have the Twilight Saga.

I personnally love these books, but would only give it to a teen who can tell the difference and is very grounded. I do like how they don’t ever go all the way, and when they do after marriage it’s not describe in detail. It, to me, is not smutty but it’s also not perfect. No way would I let my 13 year old read it (she’s only 3 now anyway). But a 16/17+ who is very grounded, then I say let them.

Again, this book was NEVER meant to be about chastity. But as Stephenie is a Mormon some of those values (no sex before marriage, no abortions) do come about (even if it’s not on purpose)
Click to expand...
yup that is soo true…
i totally agree…its not meant for a younger generation.
However, I guess my reason for posting was because I learnt that my little cousin who is 12yrs is reading the novels. When I found out - i felt slightly annoyed because I know she does not have the full moral grounding which I have. This is due to her upbringing and also peer pressure from school (that is what I am sure of). I am also 100% sure that her parents have not talked to her about chastity or abstience or her position on any of the matters of pre-marital sex(one of the situations brought up in eclipse).
Late last wk, I decided to tell her that she needs to slow down in her pursuit to finish the series because of the content. All she said was - ‘shhhhhhhhhhhh…’ In other words - her parents have no clue that the books contain any of the content. I told her mother - her mom didn’t seem to worry very much about the books - because she has not read them. Do you reckon, I need to take more precaution with my cousin because she has absolutely no idea about her own position??
 
Honestly, I would pray for her parents.

Breaking Dawn should NOT be read by her yet. It will scare the daylights out of her (one particular scene, but I don’t want to ruin it for you)…Let’s just say she may become terrified to ever have children. :o

This is her parents decision. If you are close to her, maybe you should hang out with her more often. Give her a good example, but NEVER step into the parental territory. That will just bring about family drama that you won’t want.
 
Reading expands your mind. The book is not anti-religious. I’ve read all the books at age 13. I did not like them much, but many people do. There is nothing wrong with them, although, be prepared for your daughter to be talking of nothing but vampires 😃
 
I have read the first book of the series along with my 13-year-old daughter and in my opinion it is a safe book. We both can’t wait till the movie comes out–we will be camped out for the premier. My daughter has read the entire series.
 
AmberDale said:
I
I also like how the Cullens try to do what’s right with the hand they have been dealt (not like any of them asked for this), instead of taking the easy road out. Life is hard no matter what hand you are given, it’s what we do with our cards that wins us the game.
Click to expand...
I’ve read all 4. I just started through again the 2nd time and of course, am getting much more out of them now…just because since I know the story, I’m not distracted with things as much (like “what happens next?”)

Anyway, I think most older teens should be ok with the book, of course grounded in their faith and morals. My oldest is only 7, so it’s quite a few years before I’ll feel comfortable with her reading them.

What struck me throughout was how the message that you don’t always get the life you want, but you have to do the best with what you get is weaved throughout. Edward and his family…all unwillingly made vampires…choose to live as good a life as they can and spare human life. Jacob, when he finds out he is a werewolf, also must try to make the best of his situation and be a good person. Free will is a major theme throughout…

The pro-life message in Breaking Dawn was so refreshing. I thought Meyer did a great job portraying what many women go through with an unexpected pregnancy (spouse/mate hostile to idea; fear for her own change in her life) and she is always thinking of saving her child more than saving her own life. She even knew which family member to get on her side to help her stand up to those who wanted to end the pregnancy.

Sure, it was graphic how the birth was depicted, etc. But, I don’t think it was horrible. It moves so fast that in the first reading of it, nothing really alarmed me…but I’ll see how it goes the 2nd time through.

Anyway, I give 👍 👍 to these books. I think they are well-written…they do suck you in as someone said, and I don’t think they disappoint at all!

ETA: I have no desire to see the movie. I feel like the books are written so well that I have already seen the movie in my head…and an actual movie couldn’t be nearly as good!
 
im nearly done with the series myself - i just finished eclipse and am now waiting to buy the last book!!!
i mean there not that great but i wanted to see the what the hype was all about and il prob see the movie.
 
3GirlsRUs said:
Anyway, I think most older teens should be ok with the book, of course grounded in their faith and morals. My oldest is only 7, so it’s quite a few years before I’ll feel comfortable with her reading them.
!
Click to expand...
:D:thumbsup: My daughter is 4, so she’ll have to wait as well. 🙂
 
AmberDale said:
Fanny: I do not suggest giving this book to a teen and expect them to learn chastity from it. Stephenie Meyer did NOT write this book with those intentions (I’ve read a LOT of interviews with her), she didn’t even write the books for the YA crowd. She had a dream that she thought would be a good book, so she wrote it for herself. Then her sister told her to send it to the publisher, so she did. And thus we have the Twilight Saga.

I personally love these books, but would only give it to a teen who can tell the difference and is very grounded. I do like how they don’t ever go all the way, and when they do after marriage it’s not describe in detail. It, to me, is not smutty but it’s also not perfect. No way would I let my 13 year old read it (she’s only 3 now anyway). But a 16/17+ who is very grounded, then I say let them.

Again, this book was NEVER meant to be about chastity. But as Stephenie is a Mormon some of those values (no sex before marriage, no abortions) do come about (even if it’s not on purpose)
Click to expand...
I agree 100% about the chastity thing, it is what happens in the books, it is kinda a given, but not the point of the books. I do love in Eclipse though, where Edward talks to Bella about waiting, and if his soul (and hers) has a chance from the choice they make then they have to make the right one, waiting until they are married. That was a great conversation, but how many pages in how many books?

Also, what you said about Stephenie Meyers not writing them for YA… She has said that on some many interviews. She wrote them for herself.

I DID read the books out loud to my 13 year old. I don’t regret it. But, she is an exceptional child and we are very close, not all 13 year olds should read them. I talked to her about everything. I hadn’t read Breaking Dawn before reading it out loud to her, I might have waited on that one other wise. But, she handled it really well, better than me. She is wise beyond years, in a good way… Makes a point of praying for her family, friends and enemies she told me recently. She is a good girl (and no I am not biased 😃 )
 
Amy: I did say Stephenie wrote it for herself 😃 and her sister convinced her to send it in.
👍 on your daughter. I guess my POV is coming from what I see of SOME 13 year olds now a days. Many Catholics are raising their kids to be different than the norm 👍, I’ll pray my daughter also be different 😉 But if not, she’ll have to wait until she’s older. 🙂
 
AmberDale said:
Amy: I did say Stephenie wrote it for herself 😃 and her sister convinced her to send it in.
👍 on your daughter. I guess my POV is coming from what I see of SOME 13 year olds now a days. Many Catholics are raising their kids to be different than the norm 👍, I’ll pray my daughter also be different 😉 But if not, she’ll have to wait until she’s older. 🙂
Click to expand...
It is funny because my daughter and I had this conversation tonight. She said that she watches the kids her age who think they are so old and doing adult things (I am sure you can imagine) and that she realizes how young they are. She told one kid “Being mature isn’t the same as being an adult, being mature is realizing your age, acting like it responsively, thinking about your actions, and not trying to grow up too fast and do things you aren’t ready for.” I just keep nurtureing who she is naturally, she is so fun to be around. I know your daughter will be great. The great thing is you have such a good foundation. Even with these books my daughter and I already discussed purity, and self respect. I am blessed that she gets it. I just have raised her to know she is worth it. I sound to proud, I should be more humble, I just love her. I remember when she was 4. 4 year olds are some of my favorite people on earth!
 
I just read this whole thread, and found it very helpful.
However, I disagree with the general consensus. Look at what
is really being said: That if you have a child who is really
grounded in their faith, who you have a good relationship with,
then you should give this book to them as long as they are 13
or older. Does anyone think this is what really happens?
I think the ones reading it are largely not grounded in their faith,
under 13, not a good relationship with their parents, and they
just want to be cool, doing what everyone else is doing. Then,
along come some good Christian people, grounded in their faith,
good relationship with their parents, who are reading the vampire
books and thus convincing the others that they are indeed doing
the right thing.

While I am relieved to hear that there is a certain moral value in
the books, it is not enough to make me think the books are o.k.
to read. While there may be no such thing as vampires, if there
ever was one, I wouldn’t want my daughter to date one, having
learned from these books that vampires are a pillar of virtue.
I know enough to stay away from the things of evil, and these
books are desensitizing and misleading people about the world
of evil. The devil comes only to kill and to steal, not so that you
may have life and have it to the full. I am not fooled.
“my sheep know my voice and they follow me”, says Jesus. Yet
some are being trained to follow the voice of a vampire.
just my
:twocents:
 
I would NOT let any teenaged girls that I know go near those awful books. I’ve tried reading them and the writing is so trite, it makes a cheap paperback romance novel look like Jane Austen. That and Edward Cullen, the hero of the piece, behaves like an obsessive stalker, plus he’s an emotional control freak towards Bella, the heroine. I was in a similarly emotionally abusive relationship, and I don’t doubt there’s going to be teen girls who get into similar messes and think “Kewl! He’s so pwotective of me, just like Edwawd”.

And please, vampires do NOT have sparkly skin when the light hits them. What part of “children of the night” goes with that?!
 
cheeto1 said:
??? have you seen the skin of a vampire ???
Click to expand...
It just doesn’t stand to reason. Most of the lore and literature dealing with vampires has described them as either having pale, pasty skin, unless they’ve fed recently, or that they burn up in sunlight. I’m all for tinkering with the lore and adding something new, but only if the author has thought it out first and has figured out if it will jive with what has gone before. Stephanie Meyer herself has admitted she hasn’t made herself too familiar with anything beyond the barest basics of vampire lore, which to me, only makes her credibility as a fantasy writer that much more flimsy.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top