TWILIGHT

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

2005 * p. 498 * YA Supernatural

Bella Swan moves to Forks to live with her dad while her mother enjoys time with her new baseball player husband. Bella is a little awkward, and not spectacular in any certain way. But she is a novelty in the small town of Forks and quickly gains a lot of unwanted attention.

Everyone is admiring. Except for Edward Cullen--her stunningly gorgeous and pale lab partner who keeps to himself and his four siblings. On her first day, Bella is stunned by the revulsion that seems to emanate from him in her direction. She tries to ignore the tension, but eventually glances in his direction:

"I peeked up at him one more time, and regretted it. He was glaring down at me again, his black eyes full of revulsion. As I flinched away from him, shrinking against my chair, the phrase if looks could kill suddenly ran through my mind" (24).

Edward confuses Bella. One day he can barely stand to sit next to her, and the next he is peppering her with questions desperate to learn everything about her. As time goes on, Bella finds herself drawn to Edward and his enigmatic persona. Edward in return tries to maintain a distance telling her that its for the best.

But as Bella puts the pieces together and Edward warily spends time with her, she discovers that Edward is more than human. He is a vampire. And so begins the struggle. Edward wants to protect Bella from himself, but Bella is attached to his hip and refuses to leave him. Edward must control his thirst to keep his true love alive.

What can I say? I LOVE this book. Probably more than any other. And its not just because of the romance. But because of the feelings of the characters. Bella is self-conscious and normal. That is what I love about her. A lot of the book is her thoughts. She loves unconditionally and fears for others more than herself. Every day she is still in awe over Edward and constantly asks, "Why me?" She can't understand why Edward loves her, and secretly thinks that she is much more in love than he is.

Edward is soooo forgiving. (Read the sequels and you'll see why:) He thinks Bella is this perfect creature and wants to keep her that way. He refuses to make her a vampire and wants her to experience everything that is human and normal, just as she would have if he did not exist. Bella is his reason for living, but he secretly hates himself for selfishly holding onto her.

The emotions are complex and delightful. The story is suspenseful and so original. Wonderful.

I have the movie and I love it because it's Twilight. But, like any great book, only reading it can do it justice. You will not be disappointed.

-Reading level: ages 14 & up

-A few mild swear words and scenes of kissing

-Themes of love, sacrifice, good vs evil, judgment and morality

-Everyone should read this book!