tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post9037076454843027671..comments2024-01-19T01:06:56.347-08:00Comments on Steph's Cup of Tea: Twilight Review - Grab a BIG Mug of Tea!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-77327618868711198362009-03-06T11:33:00.000-08:002009-03-06T11:33:00.000-08:00I liked your comment about letting a daughter read...I liked your comment about letting a daughter read the books and then discussing the issues with her...As a parent, I think this is extremely important. We cannot protect our children from every influence in modern culture, but we can equip them to DEAL with it! Open lines of communication and giving them the tools to think through situations are both vital! The more you shelter your child from something, the more you draw their attention to it...<BR/>KeriAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-49329235446564052009-03-05T06:28:00.000-08:002009-03-05T06:28:00.000-08:00You've all made such thoughtful and sincere points...You've all made such thoughtful and sincere points. Thank you, all. I so enjoy hearing from you!<BR/><BR/>You know, those Cullen girls do kick butt!Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-81696451679487698962009-03-05T05:39:00.000-08:002009-03-05T05:39:00.000-08:00Oops, I meant to say "than that they are reading t...Oops, I meant to say "than that they are reading the . . ."mephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03074153090546740903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-38337271835975467232009-03-05T05:37:00.000-08:002009-03-05T05:37:00.000-08:00I've read the first two Twilight books. I enjoyed...I've read the first two Twilight books. I enjoyed them and look forward to the rest, though I don't consider myself obsessed. I see the points about Bella being weak, etc., but I do think the Cullen female characters are rather strong. I'm going to see what unfolds in the rest of the series.<BR/><BR/>I think it's more important that young women (and young men) are READING than that the "right" stuff, whatever that is. When reading leads to conversations and contemplation, all the better. <BR/><BR/>For years I've had a little Mary Engelbreit illustration of a girl reading a book framed on my bookshelf. The quotation accompanying the picture: "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."mephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03074153090546740903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-4473099980950189902009-03-04T12:40:00.000-08:002009-03-04T12:40:00.000-08:00I agree with Teafan, you'll see how Bella grow...I agree with Teafan, you'll see how Bella grows through the next two books. But I'll say no more or it will spoil the story for you. <BR/><BR/>Reading these books at the same time as my teenage daughter has produced many conversations with her about life/reality/messages sent/relationships/vampires/feminist images/etc. These are conversations that we have all the time though, not just after reading one book. <BR/><BR/>Maybe what one sees as Bella getting pushed around by others (not just by boys) is that she's trying to come to terms with the fact that at a younger than society has said is appropriate age, she knows what she wants in her life. She's just trying to find that balance we all strive to have and Bella does like to please those around her. <BR/><BR/>It's nice when she decides to put herself first in book four...finally! <BR/><BR/>My daughter hasn't read book 4 yet, but plans to soon. I can't wait to hear her take on things when she's done. Truly this series needs to be read completely for the full picture. <BR/><BR/>As for what other things middle-school teenagers are reading, in school: To Kill a Mockingbird, Adv. of Tom Sawyer, Frankenstein, and 1984 to name a few. <BR/><BR/>High Schoolers: The Double Helix, Anna Karenina, The Odyssey, This Side of Paradise, and Animal Farm. <BR/><BR/>At home: Most of these kids grew up the writings of JK Rowling, Brian Jaques, JRR Tolkien, Lemony Snicket, Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paolini, & CS Lewis. <BR/><BR/>Certainly a fine group of older and modern authors and stories to choose from. My opinion is Stephanie Meyer in the mix for my daughter and myself is a good diversion and addition. <BR/><BR/>I like the fantasy she has created in the Twilight Series. I'm glad the stories wrapped up though. I'm ready to move to a new book and/or issue to contemplate.<BR/><BR/>BTW, Did anyone read Elizabeth Kostov's The Historian? Just curious. It's another "vampire" book. Definitely not as juicy! :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18244703178650407864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-42999858704933532092009-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:002009-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:00I have read all of the books and consider myself a...I have read all of the books and consider myself a feminist. There were major parts of the book that I had problems with; logically and as a feminist. The final book about tore me about, but then it kind of redeems itself in the end. <BR/><BR/>I don't have children, but if I did, I would let them read the books. Why not? I read a bunch of different books when I was younger and still do. As long as they read a variety of books or at least understand how very fantasy-esque these books are, I say let them enjoy them. However, I don't know how wide read most teenagers who read these books are and am curious as to how they interpret them.Stephanie O'https://www.blogger.com/profile/03824850276961867089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-215586755102215302009-03-04T11:03:00.000-08:002009-03-04T11:03:00.000-08:00I think you will see, as you get through the next ...I think you will see, as you get through the next 2 books, that Bella's character becomes increasingly stronger and more sure of herself. She holds out for what she wants and gets it.<BR/><BR/>Having said that, I agree that the message of the boyfriend being the focus of her life is a little concerning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-19824458213453653312009-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:002009-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:00@Esme - I didn't read Nancy Drew, but you prompted...@Esme - I didn't read Nancy Drew, but you prompted a thought in my head. A fair criticism of Twilight could certainly be that Bella's life becomes totally focused around THE boyfriend. When they break up, she's completely zapped. That's not cool.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-30729556363026139662009-03-04T06:57:00.000-08:002009-03-04T06:57:00.000-08:00Since I am not a feminist- I really can't argue yo...Since I am not a feminist- I really can't argue your ideals with you. I do believe that girls should be girls (and will be girls) and that they will or will not be strong just by their own characters. But as long as you enjoy the books, don't let the contradictive thoughts ruin them for you. There are all sorts of other books that do give the young girls very strong leading roles. Just enjoy!Teresa's New Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678695577893028850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-43434582272620933662009-03-04T06:40:00.000-08:002009-03-04T06:40:00.000-08:00Growing up I had lots of favorite reading. When I...Growing up I had lots of favorite reading. When I was the same age as girls who are reading Twilight, I was reading two very distinct types of literature. I read fairy tales: princes and princesses and magic. Message to me: prince charming will come and take you away and nothing bad will evet happen to you. The prince saves me (er... the princess.)<BR/><BR/>The other thing I read: Nancy Drew. Message to me: I can figure it out myself. I can get myself out of jams, solve the mystery and take care of my friends and family. I have a sweet boyfriend who comes around but why would I marry him? That would take all the fun away!<BR/><BR/>I think my main question is: What messages does Twilight send to young female readers? I have not read the books. I may...Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482718286150001843noreply@blogger.com