BOOKS: Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

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AmberDale said:
I loved these books, as I’ve said in my other posts on it. I didn’t reply earlier, because I don’t want to get into arguments with people about whether they are good or not. Same thing goes with Harry Potter, I love them. I’ve read the Twilight and Potter books ALL several times, and am excited for all the movies. 🤷

I liked the books a lot. I understand that vampires are inherently evil, the fictional creatures they are. But the Cullens do what they can to NOT be AS evil. I myself am a sinner fallen from grace, who does what I can to walk away from sin.
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Let us assume for the sake of argument that vampires do exist. Consider the possibility that vampires are people seriously afflicted with a terrible problem, akin to leprosy, or demon possession. A problem so terrible that most people throughout most time have just known that anyone with such a terrible problem must be evil. For the most part, people who became vampires themselves believed this, and did not try to do anything different. Then imagine that there was someone like Carlisle, who tried desperately to rise above his situation. Remember, when he first realized what had happened to him, he tried to starve himself to death, before he realized that he could survive on animal blood. Then vampires become not the ultimate symbol of evil, but the ultimate symbol of nearly overwhelming temptation, and the Cullen family the symbol of overcoming that temptation.

That would also explain some of Bella’s attraction to the family. They were the most virtuous people she knew, in terms of overcoming the strongest temptations.
 
That is a great way to look at it RSD!

Personally I’m not going to let my daughter read them yet, seeing as she’s only 4, but when she’s 16 I will gladly let her read them.
 
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong in a little light reading now and again, and I would never slam anyone who likes the Twilight series (the books themselves are another thing). It’s the literary equivalent of a Hostess Twinkie or a bowl of Lucky Charms. I’m just concerned for people who make a steady diet of it or mistake it for something more nourishing, case in point impressionable teenagers who risk getting into relationships with stalker-ish guys ala Edward, and mistaking it for true love.
 
Ugh. Don’t like it one bit. I tried reading the book, and I gave up after a few chapters. The movie was equally unimpressive, with Robert Pattinson being the only good actor in the main cast.

Don’t get me wrong, I love vampires, but as far as this series goes, Meyer is definitely no Anne Rice. Plus, according to what a friend told me, in the last book, the “perfect man” Edward tries to convince the protagonist (Bella) to get an abortion after finding out that she’s pregnant with a dhampir. So yeah, guess he’s not all as perfect as we all thought.
 
Did anyone else find a parallel between the Volturi and the Vatican? Maybe my imagination is a little too fertile, but knowing the author’s Mormon background I thought it was interesting how the “enemy” was portrayed as a trio of senile old vampires (the Volturi), protected by a nice guard, based in Italy, who control vampires in the world and who make sure that people follow the rules because it entertains them. It struck me as a negative portrayal of the Roman Catholic Church, but then again maybe that’s just me 🤷
 
My daughter is 14 and we are homeschooling - and she loved the books, but I think it is on a more superficial level at this point - “oh Edward” (sigh, gush) We are still discussing themes and characters at this point. I had to read them to find out what the big deal was and see if they were OK - I was relieved to find them NOT having premarital sex and occasionally talking about heaven and souls to a small degree. Part of me was somewhat superficially engrossed in the basic plot and characters, but part of me was thinking that Bella was a little shallow as a character, but then again, this was written for a younger audience. I was thinking about Jane Austen’s or the Brontes books, expecting more depth? Bella was a product of her upbringing I suppose - her mother is described as immature, and Bella’s choice to live with her father is mature and thoughtful - giving her mom space and spending more time with her father. She seems to over-react to a lot of things, like when Edward wants to get married, or Alice is trying to make her look beautiful, that part seemed too immature, like a cranky child’s fit. But overall, I did enjoy the books and did not find them offensive. As for my daughter -she is now unexpectedly more interested in science - looking up hydras and blood and wondering how to help humans regenerate skin or limbs… trying to find some real science in the books. I think they are OK for older teens who understand that this is fantasy.🙂
 
I have not read the thread, so at the risk of repeating what has already been said, here is why I think this book has so many redeeming qualitites:

At our bookclub discussion I likened vampirism to our human sin nature. Carlisle became a vampire not of his own choosing. Someone bit him. We are born with original sin, not of our own choosing but because of Adam. (coincidentally biting something) Because of original sin, we must always make a conscious effort to do the right thing, rather than the wrong thing which always seems to be the easy way.

But even with our sin nature, we have free will We can choose to overcome the easy path and take a stand and do what we know is right. Just like Carlisle did. He hated the fact that his instinct made him crave blood. He hated the fact that he preyed on people. So he used his free will to find a better way. He decided to become a “vegetarian” Was it easy? No. Was he tempted? Yes Did he have to remain vigilant against his instincts? Yes. Just like us.

Enter Edward. Edward is an example of chastity and purity and selflessness far more so than what is on most of the TV programs our teenagers are watching these days. He knows that Bella is a tempation for him, so he tries to stay away from her and warn her that he would not be good for her. But they are so drawn to each other. So he does what he can to protect her.

He doesn’t kiss her because he doesn’t want to put them in a position where his instinct overtakes his control. He won’t take her hunting with him because when he hunts he has to give himself over to instinct and that is too much of a risk when she is present. He teaches her not to make sudden movements around him because if he gets startled he might lose control. His life is a constant battle between instinct and control over it.

At this point I have only read the first book, so I’m sure things will happen in subsequent books that might mix it up a bit. But I have to say that with all the hype against this book, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it is about a high school girl, so she is going to have the high school mentality about going ga ga after the cute boy. And yeah, she is kind of shallow. But her character was someone who didn’t have strong parenting influences, so she is also a product of her environment. He,on the other hand was older (much older LOL), wiser, and was coming from the position of having to protect her from things that she didn’t even know she needed to be protected from. And isn’t that what love should be all about…doing what you know is best for the other person, even if its not what you want?
 
Arlene - I really liked your comparisons to our sinful nature and the vampire theme - and how the vegetarian vampires are so much like us in our struggle to fight sin and do what is right, even when it is not easy. thanks so much!
🙂
hope you enjoy the other books - I think you will. write us back again when you finish!
 
RSD said:
Actually, I this is not the discussion I was hoping to have. I don’t really want to argue whether the books are good and worth reading. It’s too late for me. I have read the whole series numerous times, loaned out my books to get other people started on the series, and started a discussion specially for Catholic homeschooling teens who have read the books and enjoyed them. I was hoping to find other intelligent thoughtful Catholics who also enjoyed the books who could discuss themes and issues with me. I imagine in just a few years I will be able to take a college course on Stephenie Meyer, but right now I am looking for more informal, but informative, (name removed by moderator)ut to help me think through the value of the books.

For instance, after the second or third time I read the series I became very conscious of the fact that Edward never got annoyed or angry with Bella, except when he thought she was not taking care of herself like she should. I started thinking about all the things I get angry with people about, people I love. Now, before I express any anger or annoyance to my family, I try to ask myself “Would Edward get angry at Bella over that?” And the answer is “no”. I suppose if I were holy enough I could similarly ask myself “Would St. Joseph get angry with our Blessed Mother over that?”, but somehow that does not have the same emotional effect on me. I have lived inside Bella’s head, and shared here experiences, for many hours. I have not had the same experience with any of the great saints, nor could I. This is an area where fiction is stronger than truth. I could never know as much about a real person (never this side of Heaven) as I can about a fictional person. That is why we can judge a fictional person in a way we are never allowed to judge a real person, and we can learn something from these judgements.

So, anybody else out there want to share what they LIKE about the books?
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Well, this is my first post on the thread here. I suppose I should start by stating my opinion on the books: IMO, it’s a relatively harmless, intellectually empty series. (BTW, I’m a teenage girl, the target audience in this case!) I find them somewhat entertaining at times, but in my opinion, the author’s writing is terrible, and the characters are annoying and under-developed through the series. Bella in particular drove me CRAZY!

However, I think there are some good things in this series. As people have mentioned already, I think, there’s a big emphasis on “no sex before marriage.” (Sure, it’s Edward, not Bella, who’s advocating it, but whatever.)

Also, I liked the message of the “good” vampires. Some people are disgusted by the fact that the series is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire, but in my opinion, you have to read the series to really get it. The vampires, by their very nature, are immediately drawn to drink the blood of the nearest humans. However, the “good” vampires (Cullens and others) have turned against their evil nature. It’s like humans and original sin- we are more inclined to sin than not, but we’re not inherently evil. Same goes for vampires in this case- I think the author shows how the Cullens go against their inclination for killing humans and learn to co-exist.

Overall, there are a few good messages in the book, but it’s not that great. (However, I’m definitely not condemning it!) I just don’t think it’s worth one’s time as entertainment.
 
Well, I go to Catholic high school and the Bishop just banned Twilight.

But, I really don’t see a problem if your daughter knows the difference between fiction and reality. Stephanie Meyer is a Mormon, and I don’t think she would write anything really against Jesus Christ. So I think it’s ok. Bella and Edward decide to have sex after they are married which is a big thumbs up.

-Jeanne
 
jeanne71350 said:
**Well, I go to Catholic high school and the Bishop just banned Twilight. **

But, I really don’t see a problem if your daughter knows the difference between fiction and reality. Stephanie Meyer is a Mormon, and I don’t think she would write anything really against Jesus Christ. So I think it’s ok. Bella and Edward decide to have sex after they are married which is a big thumbs up.

-Jeanne
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Really?? That seems a tad extreme to me… I mean, I didn’t find anything that offensive in the series. Do you know what prompted him to ban it? Or anyone have guesses or reasons why you think someone would ban it? I’m just wondering, since I didn’t think it was offensive or anything. :confused:
 
You know, with the last few posts, I have been thinking about something that transcends the actual Twilight books themselves - I think that IF the story becomes an obsession (like some fans are REALLY overboard with this whole thing) - then no matter how good, or perhaps neutral the story may be, it is a bad thing. How many hours did I ‘waste’ reading this compared to something else - say reading the Bible, or a devotional for Lent, or a Saint biography - are we getting too wrapped up in the whole thing, even if the story itself is considered “OK” ? I think that after we (parents) decide the book IS or IS NOT OK for our teens, we need to move on to other, more important things in our life, and just recognize that it is an interesting, FICTIONAL STORY. I am not saying let’s drop our discussion, because I think we have some interesting points of view, like the sin issue and self-control. But what I am saying is let’s not give TOO MUCH attention to it. This is what happens so often in the media in general. Even when something is labeled ‘bad’ or ‘immoral’ or a celebrity does something ‘bad’ - the media- and some of the public- just continue to dwell on it, make it more of an issue than it deserves. I don’t want that to happen to anyone who reads these books, or anyone who chooses not to read them - I don’t think they need to be banned necessarily, however, perhaps the Bishop thought it was getting out of control, and too much of a distraction. The books are NOT that great, I would just say they were ‘good’ and leave it at that.We don’t want the teens to get overly involved with it. Just trying to keep it in perspective. My daughter already read them, but she is not talking about them day and night - like some of the fans I have seen.
 
musicgal4jesus said:
Really?? That seems a tad extreme to me… I mean, I didn’t find anything that offensive in the series. Do you know what prompted him to ban it? Or anyone have guesses or reasons why you think someone would ban it? I’m just wondering, since I didn’t think it was offensive or anything. :confused:
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I think the very fact that SMeyers practically idealized an emotionally controlling stalker as the epitome of a perfect gentleman is enough to make it ban-worthy, if only to protect especially impressionable girls from getting it into their head that this kind of man is a good idea for a future spouse.
 
Sorry folks, haven’t read all the posts here, haven’t even read the books. A good friend at work who has much the same convictions as I do said that in reading one of the books about their honeymoon scene that it was rather racey/graphic.

Can anyone here confirm this? Sorry, but why take the chance with our teens? Precisely when do we stop saying, ‘oh it’s just a harmless novel?’ Granted, it sounds like they were married at the time this scene takes place, but if we were watching it in movie form, would we still permit our teens to watch a scene like this?

Even in marriage we’re called to practice chastity and that is both with our eyes (the doors to our hearts for young men) and our minds (this more geared towards young ladies). So, just b/c they’re married, an explicit sex scene is ok for our kids whom we’re trying to keep chaste?

These ideas just don’t jive in my mind.
 
I’m really not sure what would be racey about the honeymoon scene.
Bella and Edward go to a private island, where it is very warm. Edward shows her the house, then goes outside. Bella takes a “human moment” which turns into a shower and then she sits in the bathroom for a few minutes. Being a virgin (as they both are) she’s a little scared. She then goes into the bedroom to decide what to wear. After she figures it out she goes and finds Edward in the water. She walks up to him and they kiss. THEN…

fade to black. Honestly. There is no description at all as to what happens from then until she wakes up.
Now she does wake up to find herself covered in feathers. She ends up being covered in feathers because Edward bit the pillow so he wouldn’t bite her (which would either kill her or turn her into a vampire).
 
I would guess the racy portion would also be things that are inferred - she has bruises - so you imagine the night was rough - but no details - Edward is waiting naked in the water - but no detailed descriptions of bodies or anything like that - just that he is in the water and she notices his clothes on the beach. I would say the PG-13 rating is about right, my daughter is 14, and this is enough for her (I mean I would NOT want her to read this earlier than 14, and I am glad it is not more descriptive)- I would not recommend any younger than that - and at some parents’ UNDERSTANDABLE discretion - you could even say age 15 or 16 or 17. Compared to some VERY distasteful commercials I have seen, or magazine covers, or movie previews, I think this book is in that PG-13 range. I was surprised to see Bella in her bed with only a shirt and underwear in the movie version when she kissed Edward- because I recall her mentioning she slept in a t-shirt and sweat pants in the book. That seemed more suggestive than I expected, but still within the PG-13 realm. I have unfortunately seen several other PG-13 movies with my children and felt they were VERY CLOSE to being rated R - and I did NOT feel that way with this movie, nor with the books. Hope this helps others make an informed decision. Parents with time to spare (is that an oxymoron? ha-ha) could just read the books to get the entire preview first-hand before allowing their children to read them, but that takes some time!
 
When it comes to this sort of literature, I go with the read it myself, first theory. I did allow my dd to read all the books. She loved the fantasy aspects of it, more than the romance. I’ve also used controversial books to have discussions with DD along the lines of “what do you think about this”…“do you think that theme is reasonable in real life”, etc. DD read all 4 books in the space of 2 weeks (over Christmas break), I was barely able to keep ahead of her.

Like Harry Potter, this series can present parents with teachable moments. Regardless of the reasons given in the Meyer books, they did wait to have sex until they were married, proving that it can be done. Regarding Bella being willing to lose her soul for a life with him…melodrama. Hasn’t anyone here been young and in love? I can remember the “I’d do anything for you” feelings I had for my husband when we first met some 24 years ago. 😉

Honestly, I don’t think we can shield our children from everything that comes at them in life. Some things have no redeeming qualities for sure, but then some things can be turned into positive lessons.

IMHO
 
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