Well I started reading this book series called Twilight. This is my review of the first book.
The main character of the first book is Bella. She is simple and plain. As we read we hear her thoughts on everyday life and a mysterious family known as the Cullens. As the story progresses we discover that our beloved Bella is rather clumsy and often very unlucky. Bella soon learns that one of the Cullens is quite fond of her. Edward Cullen is in every sense a "dream boat" with his disheveled hair and striking good looks. This mysterious individual, we find out, is more than just a good looking boy but also is a mystical creature known to many as a vampire! *Cue dramatic music* We are then taken on a journey of emotions. In these emotions we are encouraged to root for Bella and her struggle with loving a vampire. After being saved countless times Bella is becoming part of the Cullen family or isn't she?
My thoughts:
First I find that this book is very well written. The story is intriguing as Stephanie Meyer freely speaks that she was influenced by Pride and Prejudice (great movie by the way!). I think there are many positive things to take away from this story. First I find it encouraging as this young man Edward is fighting to resist temptation and he does a good job at it too (even if he is continuing to put himself in that tempting situation). I also find that Edward is a character I can relate too. Here's a guy who is willing to fight for the girl he loves. I think this is an awesome message, especially in the world we live in today.
Negative concepts:
Bella is one of my least favorite characters. Why? I feel the writer does a good job of making her sound plain and nothing too much out of the extraordinary by her friends standards. But deep inside we begin to find out Bella's true nature. First off she wants to be with this vampire known as Edward. Now Edward knows following his true nature (that is to "drink" her blood thus killing her) will surely kill her. He resists the temptations he has but she keeps putting him into situations that are dangerous. Bella pushes Edward's self control to the limits. Now what is Edward needing self control for? Well, he has this thirst for Bella's blood (because he's a vampire) but he resists because he doesn't want to kill her. Bella is aware of this struggle that Edward has, but she doesn't hold back. She becomes accustomed to him being in her room, talking till the late hours (being a vampire Edward does not sleep).
How is this negative? For a vampire it's the thirst that he struggles with but this is also dangerous for those of us that aren't vamps. For guys that is a physical situation that they should not be putting themselves into, ESPECIALLY at the high school level. Yeah I know Edward is like 300 years old or whatever, but still the message is still clear. It's OK if you are "mature enough" and I would have to say most teens at the age of 17 or 18 have a hard time with this so why put yourself through that? Edward jokingly says "Just because I can't taste the wine, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the bouquet" (referring to drinking her blood). There's a reason we are told to flee from temptation...things happen, then the "fun" is over. God desires so much more for us even if it takes a little work to get there, we need to remember to keep ourselves pure.
Closing Thoughts...
Again I have to say I enjoy Edward's character not because he is a vampire but he desires what's best for the girl he loves (Bella). Edward continues to show resilience as he resists temptation (but also puts himself into it). Throughout the book there are discussions of redemption and whether these so called "eternally damned" might be receivers of redemption. I look forward to see how this plays out. God is talked about but not sought after. The positive thing is that the characters generally accept that there is a Creator of some kind. Almost there! They might be able to put the pieces together to find out who the real God is and maybe look to him for answers other than themselves! Guess I'll see how this turns out in the end of this Twilight Saga. These thoughts are purely my own. This is a general review of the book and other aspects that come with it.
Pastor Ben
