Twilight is a novel that has developed into a series, written by Stephenie Meyer. I've discovered that the Twilight series has become a controversial subject amongst Christians.
Sue over at Praise and Coffee posted some questions looking for input from fellow Christians to hear their views on this novel.
I wasn't aware of the book until the movie had come out to theatres last fall. I saw the posters and immediately decided that this movie would most likely not be something I would want my 13 year-old daughter to see.
My daughter had heard all about Twilight - most of her friends at school were reading the books. She wanted to see the movie but I wasn't sure about it.
Sue over at Praise and Coffee posted some questions looking for input from fellow Christians to hear their views on this novel.
I wasn't aware of the book until the movie had come out to theatres last fall. I saw the posters and immediately decided that this movie would most likely not be something I would want my 13 year-old daughter to see.
My daughter had heard all about Twilight - most of her friends at school were reading the books. She wanted to see the movie but I wasn't sure about it.
My older teenage son, works in the office at our movie theatre. He came home and told me that the movie wasn't anything to be worried about, that it was merely just a love story.
I conceded and allowed my daughter to see Twilight at the movie theatre. She is knowledgeable enough to know what is or isn't appropriate in a PG movie. After watching the movie, she agreed with her brother's recommendation.
I then allowed her to read the novel.
As the book was continuing to gain popularity, I had adult friends tell me that they had read Twilight - and enjoyed it very much. My adult girlfriends were devouring this new series and talking about it as much as the teenage girls were.
I don't often read a lot of fiction, but now and then I crave a good fiction book. Just as I enjoy being entertained by a good movie, my love for books will include some fiction entertainment. I'm very careful, though, with what I will allow to consume my time and thoughts.
This summer, as I was getting ready to start my holidays, I began to look for a fiction novel that might grab my interest during afternoons laying by my pool or while relaxing at the beach. It was very challenging. I bought two books and subsequently returned them.
I resorted to looking through my daughter's bookshelf. On a Friday afternoon at the beach, I brought along her Twilight novel. Two days later, on the Sunday afternoon, I finished that same novel. I couldn't put it down. It was very well written. I enjoyed Stephenie Meyer's writing style and admired her creativity.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.
9 comments:
My neighbours begged for Hannah to be able to watch it but I said no way, she is too young yet. But I saw the movie, and really quite enjoyed it. I'm sure the book wold be better, and have no quelms if Hannah was not 7.
Loved the book and couldn't put it down! I feel that it is a "Romeo and Juliet" style with a Fantasy Twist. Pure fiction.
Amy, that is crazy that they wanted Hannah to see!! WAY too young! I will not allow Tirzah to read even the book until she is 13.
ps. I actually didn't think that it was so well written. I am spoiled with amazing writers like CS Lewis, and Tolken, C. Funke, etc. But, the story captured me anyway...what can I say: I am a romantic! :) And I did think that it was written in a way that made me not want to put it down until I had read every last word...
Oops...sorry about the typo:Tolkien (author of Lord of the Rings)
Holly
I also avoided this new fad until the movie was at Blockbuster. Ry & I rented it only because "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" was all out (AMAZING film -- highly recommend it!!).
We both enjoyed the movie, so I thought I would try the book. I liked the first one, tried the second but couldn't get into it.
I think I am also a spoiled reader, and being a lit major has allowed me to appreciate different forms of fiction without letting go of any moral dilemma I have.
I do not plan to finish the series, to be honest I got bored of it.
If you want to indulge in an incredible fictional story - read "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls. A NY best seller... and a much more "mature" read.
Well, Rhonda...I loved reading all 4 of the books. Like you I'm not a big fiction reader, but I thought I would give it ago. What I liked most about the books was that even though it was a love story, I loved that it was Edward, that went against the norm and wanted to wait until they were married before their realtionship became sexual. "You know that I’ve stolen, I’ve lied, I’ve coveted… my virtue is all I have left."
Edward Cullen, Eclipse. I was left speachless, we live in a world were purity is fadeing so fast and here is a guy that is pleading for it. I hope that more young girls find guys like Edward, and want them to stay pure.
Rhonda I read all 4 in less than 2 weeks when I was off.
I too am in agreement with Jules I loved Edwards strong conviction that he wanted to wait till he was married to have sex. I thought it was well thought out on the authors part as she was geering this to the tweens/teens.We need more writings like that.
The movie it was ok for having a low budget, but since this has made lots of money I am looking forward to New Moon as the budget will be higher and the special effects will be better.As for my thoughts as a Christian Adult I enjoy any type of book as long as it is well written. The Davinci Code was fabulous and I read it in one day,with this being said as an adult I know the difference between fiction and reality so it's strictly pure enjoyment but I also do not have small children anymore so I totally agree with Amy Holly and you in researching and monitoring contents of movies and books.
One last thing the only issue I had with the books and their popularity is that the JH's always brought their twilight books but seemed to forget their bibles.
Brandy handled that issue quite eloquently.
Although I didn't think that the series was particularly well-written, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and couldn't put them down. One of the things I found refreshing was the fact that Bella and Edward do not consummate their relationship before marriage. Edward (although a vampire) is unapologetically old fashioned, and I loved that about him.
I enjoyed the series, but I also enjoyed the Harry Potter books (and movies), which I thought were exceptionally well written. I also like to take my children trick-or-treating and my kids believe in Santa Claus. Can we still be friends? :)
Xandra
Savannah was 12 and desperately wanted to read the book, so I asked around and 2 people that I really respect thought the books were excellent (my sister, a pastor's wife; Brandy, Jr. High leader). So I reserved the book at the library. I did read Twilight simply to "approve" it for my own girls and thought it was fine.
I wasn't particularily thrilled with the writing style, however my girls have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. We bought the series for them as a gift and they have read the books over and over and over again already!
Like the other ladies, I was impressed with the purity promotion.
We are looking forward to seeing the movie "New Moon" as soon as it comes out.
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