Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: Twilight Saga #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance (YA)
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About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him–and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
Isabella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife–between desire and danger.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.
There are spoilers in this review. But, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, I’m pretty sure these spoilers aren’t anything new.
I first read Twilight in June 2007 because a coworker recommended it to me. She told me not to read the back cover or synopsis. I followed her advice and went into the story completely blind, only knowing that it was about a girl named Bella and her love interest Edward Cullen.
“Of all the things about me that could frighten you, you worry about my driving.” Edward
Not knowing Edward was a vampire made the story very intriguing and suspenseful. I knew he was different in some way, but I discovered his secret along with Bella. Because of this, I related to her almost as if I were in the story.
My favorite thing about Twilight is the way in which Stephenie Meyer describes the relationship between Bella and Edward. I love the draw they have for one another. I love the conflict in wanting to know more about each other, but not knowing if that’s the right thing to want. I love Meyer’s description of an almost electric charge that they both feel when they’re close to one another.
I found that I couldn’t put the book down. I also found that I couldn’t stop thinking about it or the characters once I finished the book. I wanted more. I was so drawn to the world Meyer created that I almost wished it were real.
I had never read a romance before Twilight. I now compare most romances that I read to it. I don’t compare the writing or the story, I compare the feelings I feel when I read. It’s a safe bet that if a story I’m currently reading produces the same feelings Twilight did, I’ll love it.
I’ve now read Twilight four times. While it’s not the best piece of written fiction ever published, each time I reread it, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy the story, how much I’m drawn to the characters, and how much it helped me realize that reading is fun. In those instances, I think Meyer succeeded in telling a fantastic and extremely interesting story.
Personal Note
When I first read Twilight, I was extremely surprised that I picked it up because I wasn’t much of a reader at that time in my life. But, to my surprise and utter delight, I did pick it up and my life has never been the same since. Because of Twilight, I now love to read. I also met some of the most fantastic people and closest friends I have because of our once shared common interest in Twilight. For these two reasons, Twilight will always hold a special place in my heart.
About Jenni Elyse
I love this review because of how personal this series has become to you! I wish I would have gone into Twilight without knowing anything, that must have been pretty cool! I’m not a huge fan of the series but I did always like the descriptions of the Cullen’s house, their amazing cars and the settings in general. I also thought the politics of the Cullen behavior and the Volturi…I thought that was totally plausible in the context of the story!
I’m also so glad Twilight brought you into this amazing world called books and the blogosphere about them!
It is definitely very personal to me.
And, I’m glad it brought me into this amazing world called books too. I wish I would’ve realized how much fun reading was when I was younger. But, at least I know now. 
Thumbs up from me!
Thanks!
So I take it you are team Edward?
I think Stephenie Meyer is a fantastic storyteller.
Yes, I very much like Edward more than Jacob. I like Jacob as a character now that I know how the story turns out. But, I hated Jacob as a love interest.
I know what you mean. Twilight isn’t the greatest book ever, but I still have found few books that have lit up my eyes like it did. It changed my life in many ways. And if you spend a lot of time thinking about it, as I do, you can read a lot of depth into the series. The more I think about the books, the less I like Bella and Edward and the more interested I am in other Twilight characters. Especially Jasper and Carlisle.
Do you ever read Twilight fan fiction? I’ve written some. If you’re ever interested in reading it, let me know and I’ll give you my fanfiction site.
I’m not much of a fanfic reader. I’ve never had the time to get into it. I also have a hard time with some of the liberties that the fanfic writers take with the characters. But, I can understand the draw to it and I can understand the draw to the other characters.
I’d love to know more about Jasper and the other Cullens. It’s sad, but I have no interest in the werewolves. I’m more drawn to the vampires. I think it would be fun to know more about the Volturi too.
You might like mine. I am very picky about the fanfic that I read. The fanfic I write is entirely true to canon – or as true as I can make it. I will only read canon fanfic. I don’t see the point in reading about Bella and Edward as a nurse and soldier in WWII or anything like that. I try to do missing moments – like when Alice met the Cullens or some of Jasper’s past. I’m still really irritated that the Twilight Guide didn’t give us any new information about Alice’s life as a vampire.
I would probably like yours then.
If you want to send me your fanfic site, I’ll take a look at it.
Sorry, I don’t mean to force it on you. But I did think you might enjoy it. At least, I enjoy writing it. I haven’t had time to write much lately since the blog basically takes over everything. That’s okay though.
Here’s the link.
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2464126/TwilightAlison
You’re not forcing it on me at all.
I wouldn’t ask to read it if I didn’t want to. The fact that you stick to the canon as much as you can helps.