Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Meyer, Stephanie. (2005). Twilight.

I realize that the Twilight series is officially over (excepting for Midnight Sun), and that this particular book is beyond old news, but I just finished it and I have to have my say. I didn't like it.

Now, I can explain. There are parts and elements of this story that I LOVED, but the plot of this story felt kind of half-assed. I decided to read this book because the library I am interning at had a Breaking Dawn party and discussion, so I felt I should be up on what can only be described as a phenomenon. The characters are interesting, Bella was pretty likable and reasonable, and yes, Edward is absolutely yummy. Their scenes together are riveting, even though for 95% of the book all they do is talk and stare. Adults, like in most YA novels, are superfluous, helpless and worthless to the story, often only serving as obstacles for the heroes.

Although the romance between Edward and Bella is the focus of the story, it feels like Meyer threw in some action sequences and the final chapters in order to meet some quota of pages or plot twists. I have a problem with the current trend of children's novels that inflate stories to epic proportions in a "mine-is-bigger-than-yours" kind of competition. This story could have benefitted from a few more edits, removing monotenous details of particular unimportant days and then skipping over months at a time. I have yet to read the sequels (and I will), but I expect more of the same.

My criticism isn't all negative. Girl can write! Meyer creates such tension between Edward and Bella, that during certain scenes I found myself furtively glancing around the coffee shop I was in, because I found my heart racing, pupils dilating, and my body fidgeting over something as chaste and simple as a kiss. But nothing between Edward and Bella is simple, or even entirely chaste. I was immensely impressed by Meyer's ability to create such sensuality without suffering from too much sexuality. I have yet to read a romance so believable merely from the author's ability to create real sexual tension and mutual attraction.

Overall, this book was an interesting read. I doubt it will be a classic like the titanic Harry Potter series (the writing, plot development, and characters are just too good to beat), but I can see why millions of copies of Breaking Dawn were sold in that first night. I am looking forward to seeing what has created the whole "Team Edward"/"Team Jacob" thing, because people are adamant!! :)

Kissing Kate

Myracle, L. (2003). Kissing Kate.

Kissing Kate tells the story of best friends Lissa and Kate, who on a drunken night at a party, passionately kiss, changing everything. Lissa confused by the interaction, wants to talk about the kiss, but Kate will have nothing of it. In order to understand what is happening to her, Lissa starts to explore her feelings by a new age dream therapy which includes some heavy metaphors that may go over they heads of some readers. This story chronicles Lissa journey as she comes to terms with her own sexuality and their friendship together. Although Myracle develops a believable and sympathetic character in Lissa, the authenticity of her friendship with Kate is questionable. From the start, the author emphasizes the complete differences between the two, but never really offers a reason as to why they have been friends for four years. Overall, a nice, light coming-out story. Not recommended for those wishing to read something with more substance, but entertaining nonetheless. Suitable for high schoolers.

Flipped

Van Draanen, Wendelin. (2001). Flipped.

Flipped tells the story of two kids who meet in the second grade and have very different opinions of that meeting. Julianna falls in love with Bryce the instant she sees his pretty blues eyes. Bryce, on the other hand, find Julianna extremely pushy and annoying. Throughout the years this remains the constant, until the 8th grade when Bryce starts to notice something different about Julianna. However, once he starts to develop feelings for her, Julianna's opinion of Bryce have taken a 180 degree turn. Though the tone of this novel is quirky and fun, it is touching coming-of-age story as both kids question their perceptions and start to look at life, love, and their own feelings. An excellent read for all teens or adults who like to reminisce.