Twilight, and my long absence
Filed under books
Gee, it is November already! It’s been a long time since something has kept me from the Internet this long. This time the culprit is a gorgeous vampire named Edward Cullen. 
The truth is, I got caught up with work. But the rest of my time was spent reading the Twilight books and whatever else about it that I can find on the Internet–blogs, fan sites, and forums. I have become one of the shrieking loyal fans of the Twilight saga. In fact, I spent the Halloween weekend cooped up in my room, which I rarely do, because I always have to go out of the house on weekends. I didn’t even see my housemates for days!
I first heard about Twilight a long time ago, but I thought it was just another story. Now I regret not buying the books in Lexington, where the books are everywhere and are cheap. Bookstores in the Philippines are running out of stock. I had to buy my copies hardbound, which I also rarely do, because the paperback versions are sold out in a flash.
It is true that the series is overrated—-it is not fair to raise it to the level of the Harry Potter series, and to liken Stephanie Meyer with J.K. Rowling. I can find holes in the story here and there, some parts are dragging, and the voice shifts awkwardly sometimes. I also found six proofreading errors! Initially I thought I probably was just cross-eyed from lack of sleep, but now I’m sure I wasn’t. I searched Google and found that there are others who noticed, too. I hope the publishers realize it. I mean, Twilight is heaping awards; it can’t have proofreading errors!
But I am fixated anyhow. I like how Meyer created her characters. That’s where she was consistent, and I think that’s where she succeeded. I think Edward Cullen will probably go down in fandom history as the most dazzling and most romantic vampire who ever lived. And I think many will remember the Edward Cullen-Bella Swan love story for years to come. I even heard a guy say that Edward will raise the standard of impressing a girl. I think that is already happening.
I have a theory why the story works: Because girls find their ideal man in Edward Cullen. I haven’t heard of a boy gush about Twilight and most of the shirts and souvenir items sold on the web have the “Cullen” print, not “Swan.” I think Edward has more fans, too. He has his own fan site. I haven’t seen one entirely dedicated to Bella.
I can see why the Twilight saga is always compared to Harry Potter series. The two have the same formula, actually. We read in the Harry Potter series that wizard and witches can be human, too. Twilight temporarily debunked the age-old myths about vampires. Witches and vampires have always been portrayed as bad, but these books show another side to them. Even I was almost convinced. I’m not saying that we should not be scared of vampires anymore, if they exist. I just think that when a writer succeeds in debunking myths, then that writer must be really, really good.
Comments
“I have a theory why the story works: Because girls find their ideal man in Edward Cullen. ”
Oh, I see. Do you, too?
But seriously, hindi ba naging fairytale-ish yung dating ng ideal-man character ni Edward?
Just curious. A friend of mine gave me e-books, but I haven’t started reading ‘em yet.
i don’t see it as fairytale-ish. iba sya, promise. basahin mo na!
I have an ebook of “breaking dawn”
just gimme a shout if you want one. ok?
okay na. i have a copy na. thanks for offering though.
i’m curious why you have it. did you read it? do you happen to be a fan?
fan of edward? hell no. the book was emailed to me by one of atticus’ proteges (Angel Directo). I think women may find edward attractive because he is dark and foreboding. Reminds them of Lord Byron’s poetry.
anyway, the novel itself, well, it’s bearable- like the music in the 80’s.
hahaha. fan of the novel, that’s what i meant. i would have mocked you if you said you were a fan of edward cullen. i’d be sure to tell sage.
I’m a huge Twilight fan… I don’t care what other people say I <3 Twilight. It’s light, easy-reading, and it has one hot hero hehe
i know. i read about it in your blog before.
you are waiting for the november 21st movie release, i’m sure?
my friends say it’s overrated nga. pero if it will get kids to read, sige na rin. basta magbasa sila. pag nasanay, made-develop din ang taste nila.
Haven’t read fiction for a while. This makes me curious now.
@atticus
well siguro because of all the hype, those who haven’t read the books expect a lot. they expect that it is another harry potter series, and then when they find out that it is not, they are disappointed. i just take the book as it is, no comparisons. mas masaya. i think fans are aware of the flaws but are willing to overlook them. siguro nga because of the love story.
@caesar
i think you wouldn’t like it. knowing you.
OMG! I found you! I’m so freaking addicted to it as well! We have the same culprit! Twilight! I’m into reading the 3rd book. Eclipse. I don;t have the book so I made use of the internet… I got PDFs… y not? hehehhe…But sure to buy my own copy…definitely! For the next generation to read it! hahaha…
Well, I do find a number of proofreading errors! Spelling that is!
hahaha. chika ta sa saturday gurl!
I got addicted to it a few months back. Thank God since I can’t afford day dreaming about Edward Cullen these past few days since I’m freaking busy with work… Argggh! I didn’t get me a copy of the book yet, I only have the audio books and the ebooks. When the hype is through, I hope to grab a copy of myself.
same here, but i make time for it on weekends. did you finish the four books? the movie release is this wednesday. are you going to see it?