Argh

[theatokos]

My sister has in essence challenged me to read the book if I am going to be so outspoken against Twilight. She claims that the movie is worse than the book, and the book isn't as heinous as the movie in all the ways I loathe it.

Do I do it? Is it worth my time? It's some pretty awful writing. Will my brain melt? Those of you who have read the book and seen the movie, are they sufficiently different that my analysis might be tempered or in any way altered if I read the book?

Comments

[ladyartemisa.livejournal.com]

i sort of agree with her.

my brain didnt melt but i wanted to claw my eyes out. the book is that heinous.

[jesamin.livejournal.com]

The movie is AWFUL (but I own it and have watched it repeatedly). The books are horribly written...and I've read them all multiple times. So. I dunno. I'm not bothered by either, I never really gave them much thought. I don't think most of today's girls/women do either, to be honest. On a deeper level, you know? You are an extremely educated woman who thinks about things...not to say that people who like Twilight aren't educated or don't think or blah blah blah, just that the average person (me) who sits down with these books after the kids are asleep and are looking for an escape can find it and don't delve into the deeper meanings of abstinence porn or misogyny or any of that. I sure as hell don't, especially not at 1 am when I do all my reading!!!

Anyway.

[so-sporktastic.livejournal.com]

The first three books are fairly decent.

The final book? I think I'd rather inhale bleach. When you can't stop laughing through what is supposed to be SRS BZNSS, you know it's a bad sign.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

How you feel about the final book is how I felt watching the movie. Adam, about half way through, said "there's no plot!" and proceeded to do something else.

[erinya.livejournal.com]

Your brain will melt. Don't do it!

[readthisandweep.livejournal.com]

A fouteen year-old gave me the first book as a gift. She's bright & well read herself, & in any case, the book was a present.

I read it.

Your brain will melt...

[keypike.livejournal.com]

What would reading it accomplish for you? If it's marginally better than the movie, will it make you feel better about the movie and what it says about women/men/society?

Why waste your time on something that brings you nothing? Reading, to me, is about pleasure, escapsim, learning... Will Twighlight bring you pleasure, allow you a breif escape, teach you *anything*? I doubt it...

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I agree, but don't feel like I'm being intellectually rigorous or honest.

Just say no

[hrafntinna.livejournal.com]

Do something that will make you feel good rather than putting time and effort into trying to justify -- and thus extending -- an unpleasant emotional state.

Re: Just say no

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

You are wise.

But. Here is how it's going to work today. If I can find it used at the bookstore across the street, I'll read. I will not buy it new, so if it's not there used.... no go.

[(Anonymous)]

I say no. Don't read it. For all the fabulous-right on points you made in the previous two posts.

Don't "SHOULD" on yourself here. Don't fill your brain with crap that will piss you off. I think it's good to occasionally read some crap that pisses one off, otherwise things get stale and your opinions/ideas are never challenged. But this is clearly over the top. This is why Jay freaks when I read anything on the Focus on the Family website and then can't sleep for two days. He says "don't read it dummy, it's over the top and not challenging you, just pissing you off!!!". So, this I say unto you.

[(Anonymous)]

PS-it might be different if it was a short story or article...but we're talking about HUNDREDS OF PAGES!!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Yes, but 100s of pages that are largely spaced and as challenging as a middle school chapter book. Plus, she may deny it, but I think I have offended my sister.

[(Anonymous)]

I'd say it's different then if it's about the relationship.

[(Anonymous)]

OMG! Would you stop already! You did not offend me. I neither love the book nor loathe it. Really. If its cuasing you so much agony do read the book. Truly I don't care. YOU ARE offending me by persistently saying you offended me. Geesh!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Did you get my voice mail?

Also, holy Christ. I am not persistently saying I offended you.

Lastly, I wish you'd join LJ, so I could include you in my mama filter.

totally off topic

[donkeyfly.livejournal.com]

Anna and I had a chat the other day about the possibility of visiting you guys for our 20th anniversary trip. We'll have our 20th anniversary of friendship in two years and decided that we should do some sort of fabulous trip together to celebrate.

She really wants to go to an English speaking country and bike around. I was not so keen on this idea until she suggested Wales and seeing you guys. I've always been a little curious/baffled by Wales.

Do you guys know when you'll be moving?

Re: totally off topic

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

We are leaving late Aug most likely. Like in 4 months or so (holy crap). You would most most most welcome! what little I've seen of Wales is beautiful. And where we'll be is completely bilingual. I would walk into store and everyone was speaking Welsh. So it'll be completely English speaking and yet, other as well.

Wales is also just slightly off the beaten UK path. People hit Ireland or London or Scotland, but not many people go to Wales.

[pwilk.livejournal.com]

I have not seen the movie - but the books might be slightly less infuriating. For instance, the mother's young marriage fresh out of high school was portrayed not as a good thing. Also in the book ... she did not have eyes for Cullen only. But, there will still be plenty there to infuriate you. Certainly better than Disney's little mermaid ... what's the lesson that little girls get from that?

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I say let us debate Twilight and the Little Mermaid (which I *adored* when I was 14) over wine!