TRS Guest Blog: New Moon – what’s all the fuss about?
Okay, so New Moon hits theaters this Thursday at midnight. What a phenom this has turned out to be, huh? It’s been the biggest thing to hit the literary world since Harry Potter. My husband argues that Harry Potter was clearly bigger because it wasn’t just a “girl movie” like Twilight was. It had something for everyone. Point. But still screaming fans turn out in droves to conventions around the country and try to catch glimpses of the cast on filming locations. Now they’ll be swarming theaters. It’s madness.
Now, is it just because of vampires? Werewolves? That’s what made me curious. My daughters, both under ten, begged me for the books, the movie last year and I’d only seen media coverage. It looked a little old for them. What was all the hype about anyway?
Okay, I wasn’t getting out of it. I rented the movie. Now it was PG-13 so clearly that means I preview it before I even think about letting them see an edited version.
I watched. I was… surprised. (And I did let them see it – edited heavily because of some vampire violence and that whole mess at the ballet studio. LOL)
Okay, I see what all the fuss is about. It wasn’t just because of the vampires and, in the case of the three sequels, werewolves too. It was about a really great love story. One that didn’t have a kick ass heroine who had five degrees, spoke several languages, and had been secretly trained as a ninja as a teenager. No, this heroine is an awkward girl with insecurities and faults that anyone could identify with. Even walking is a challenge for her.
You have a hero who is well… Okay, I’ll be honest. After watching the movie the first time, and never reading a line from any of the books, well, I found Edward to be a little creepy. Sneaking in to watch her sleep? Stop and think about that. A vampire stalker. If you didn’t like him, well, that could be a real problem, right? LOL
So naturally, I decided to read the book after that and before I let my girls see this (much to their great frustration) and see what background information was there. Well, didn’t that change things up a bit? I connected with a super lover story that didn’t need a truckload of explicit sex or an abundance of action. It was very simple, linear. There was plenty of time for the focus to be on the romance – the reason I am a fan of this genre. The feelings, emotions, of two people. I ended up reading all four books in short order and can say I really enjoyed them.
I wouldn’t consider myself a “Twi-Mom” because while I like the books and the movies (so far) I don’t write naughty letters to Robert Pattinson. LOL And that’s no criticism of those who do. I’m just sayin’…
So what do you think? Did you read the books? Did the movie work for you? Are you a fan? Do you need the sex and the ninja action? Do you write naughty letters to Robert Pattinson? Come on. Fess up!
And – most importantly – which team are you on? There can be more than the basic two, by the way. That’s getting rather boring. Myself? I’m squarely on Team Carlisle. LOL
I’ve got books (2 print copies from Berkley) for a lucky reader. I’ll give you a choice. For authors who come out and play, I’ll be giving away 5 free one year featured memberships at TRS. But you actually have to post AND name your team. LOL
Thanks!
Tina Pavlik
The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today
I’m not a huge fan of the Twilight movies or the books. I love the idea of a developing romance slowly, especially for the tween set (my nephew is 8 and likes Legos, thank gods!) but I’ve got issues with an older vampire, who might look like a teen, but doesn’t have teen desires or issues having lived them through time and again. Yes, I also felt very strongly about the stalking issue, still do, as a matter of fact. It’s worrisome to me to think that young girls or even boys will think that’s an acceptable action when in love.
But beyond that, there’s the basic storyline- falling in love and being different. For me, that’s a classic tale that just is amazing for any age. For that and grabbing the attention of many age groups, I give the author huge kudos– it’s a difficult thing to accomplish. Though I wish there was less unpleasant behaviour, I guess you’ve got to take the parts you don’t like with those you do– just like in real life.
Will I watch the movies? Probably not. There’s something about a sparkling vampire that just….irks. LOL Will I give the books a try again– probably. But not until after I’ve gotten through the holiday season. Then I can spend some time with the books and really try to be open-minded on the books themselves.
Cyn! HUGS How are you?
I was glad to hear you say that about the sparking. Yeah, that was hard for me to get past too. LOL I could live with the rest of it but that — I don’t know. You have to give the author credit for being original…
The stalking thing. Yeah, a friend of mine who is the mom of an infant said something like “Don’t you wish that could be true? That there was a love like that?” And I’m the mom of 7 and 9 year old girls and I said, “Um, no. Because would I want that dude in either of my daughters rooms watching them sleep no matter how in love with her he was? A 110 year old vampire. No.” LOL
Still, I love focus on the romance and the dedication of the hero and heroine to each other in the face of some pretty strong odds. Good job.
So you don’t have a team? LOL
Tina
When I read about the whole phenomenon, I read the first book and didn’t like it. So, what’s one book? I read the second book-pardon me if I say that I thought that they were boring. Using your husband’s example, I own all of the “Harry Potter” books and have seen the movies! This stuff-not for me. No team!
What can I say about Twilight? Umm… Pretty much, nothing great. I tend to keep my opinion to myself, because letting it out brings out the Professor (that side of me that insists on lecturing for hours on end about subjects like this).
One of my chief areas of research and study has been in the lore of vampires – both the Living and the Revenant. I’m going to try to not go into a dissertation, here (no promises…lol), but there are a lot of fundamental problems with the whole vampire mythology as it’s been crafted in the Romance industry as a whole, and especially how it’s been parceled out to kids.
Do I believe vampires can’t make sexy Romance heroes or heroines? No, that’s not my point at all. They can. But in making a vampire “sexy,” one takes on a huge responsibility I’m not sure most authors understand. Turning a creature of nightmares, a creation of the deepest, darkest fears humanity possesses since the time of oral storytelling, into something lovable and enticing means the author has a lot of research to do (which I’m far from convinced Stephanie Meyers did).
IMHO, it’s necessary to present the vampire as what it is – something that is very dangerous and dark. Becoming a vampire was considered a curse caused by improper burial or an unnatural need for vengeance, to most peoples, up until the Victorian era. This wasn’t something people WANTED to happen – they sought ways to avoid it. There’s ample folklore suggesting that people actually requested, before they died, that once they were dead, their head be removed and stuffed with garlic (which purifies the blood and drives away evil). There are even recorded texts from some areas of the world that make note of later wills that outlined this very procedure – people were that terrified of rising from the dead as this terrible creature. A character shouldn’t be eager to become a vampire (unless, of course, the character’s either fallen for the Hollywood myth or he or she is mentally unstable or deranged), and a character that IS a vampire isn’t likely to find being so either sexy OR wonderful.
Hmm… Guess I need to put a lid on the Professor now, before I put everyone to sleep…
Ok, when all this Twi-nuttiness started, I was like, what? Huh? Even my daughter, who has a (now) 2 year-old was gushing over it and she doesn’t gush over much, I’ll tell ya.
I was adamantly against it-vampires who WHAT?!-that’s just not right. Then, under tremendous peer pressure from, my mom, daughter, sister and sister-in-law, I watched the first movie. ThenI caved and read the whole series. Didn’t read the books till after I saw the movie, though.
Did I like it? Yeah, sorta reluctantly at first, lol. But the more I read, the better the writing got and by the last book, I was firmly a Twilight fan. I ended the series and turned the last page with a feeling of “That’s it? That’s the end? Nooooo, I want more!” Even while knowing there will be no more. But at least I have the movies to look forward to.
Truthfully? I’m not really an Edward fangirl. I am (as is my daughter) rabidly a Team Jacob fan, while the rest of the women in my family are all Edward fans. Oh well, we always were a little odd, lol. But then I’ve always loved the wolves, were and otherwise.
And yes, my mother, daughter and I are going to the premiere tomorrow night. Bought the tix weeks ago.
Team Jacob!
Lil
I only read the first book–couldn’t get past it to read the others. I did watch the movie, enjoyed it (except for the sparkling vamp thing-says he’s ugly and then that), bought the DVD when it came out and will go see New Moon. Since I am a werewolf fan i am with the werewolves. Not for one guy or another. They’re suppose to be teen boys and that’s like, ewwww…
Yeah, the stalker thing is creepy. Most vamps come into your bedroom are like Dracula, out to feast on your blood, not gaze at you all night.
Pam/Sapphire
I read the entire Twilight collection last year around Christmas time. I have to say I enjoyed them more than I wanted to. The writing really wasn’t that great, but for some reason I couldn’t stop myself from reading.
Out of all of them, the second one was my favorite. So, I’m really looking forward to the movie. I hope it’s better than the first one. And I really hope they’ve cut the speech problem Bella had down to a minimum. ;b
I really don’t believe Stephanie had moral issues in mind when she wrote these books. It is in fact fiction. Vampires have always been considered “bad guys”. Edward Cullen even said he was a bad guy. He’s lived as a teen his entire life, hanging out with them, never having real grown up experiences or issues. I feel sorry for him. As for stalking? If he was in a child’s room, I’d definitely have a problem with that. I’d have a book burning party and boycott anything Stephanie wrote if that were the case. But a fictional seventeen year old girl with an old soul?–I don’t see the problem.
I thought the sparkling part was quite inventive and original.
Ok I read the books before I saw the first movie and frankly, after reading the books, the movie made me cringe. I am the type of person who feels some books just should not be made into movies, just my HO here.
With that said, the whole sparkly vampires makes me cringe. All the vampire books/movies I read/watched, they are NOT sparkly for pete’s sake. *sigh* What are they…diamonds? That irked me to no end and the fact this guy watched her sleep had my skin crawling majorly. My DH and I watched it together and frankly (please don’t beat me) we were not thrilled by it. Wil I watch the second movie after it comes out in DVD…no idea.
Out of all of th em…personally the romance between two people was timeless but a bit creepy (waaayyy older guy, young girl- ok that borders in my mind as illegal). I did enjoy the Vampires Jasper and Alice. So I guess I am on TEAM ALICE/JASPER.
I couldn’t choose. LOL
Dawn
Hi Tina. As the mother of twin eleven year old boys, I have to tell you, I’m a Twilight fan and so are they.
A year ago, when anyone mentioned Twilight, I’d roll my eyes. Then I read the first book. A few things irked me, mostly repetitious phrases, but overall, I loved the story. Bella was a nice girl. Edward was a decent guy. They were cute together, and since I fell for my hubby in 5th grade, I totally got their love story.
Then I picked up New Moon, and was blown away by Jacob. His character is my favorite out of all of them, especially in the final book of the series.
All the secondary characters come to life for me too. The author did a fantastic job developing a huge cast over the span of the four books that astounds me.
As far as my kids, they gobbled up the books for the action and adventure more than the love story. Vampires, werewolves and fast cars…a combination they couldn’t refuse. We read the first book and the last book together, talked about the plot, the issues it brought up, and the choices the characters made. I found the books to be a great way to explore issues my sons are already facing in middle school in a nonthreatening-mother kind of way. *wink*
The books aren’t for everyone, but I’m a fan.
Misty
Team Jacob
I finally read the books. Had to work at it since 1st person AND vampires are a doubleheader NO in my world. Meh. I’ll admit, I like werewolves, and the idea of the wolves existence being triggered by the vamp’s living in the area- cool slant.
Otherwise there were just too many other things that made me want to roll my eyes. I hate it when people jump on planes to go elsewhere to solve issues/have fights/ battle the ebil warlords of vampire kingdom… The book was about this normal everyday girl, in a normal everyday setting, so the hopping on a plane in an instant lost me.
Team **I’m going to stay home and re-read Lord of the Rings**
I think the best part of the whole series is the titles of the chapters. How they are single words until book four from Jacobs POV and he RAMBLES. Wins my vote for kewlest part ‘eva.
Vivian, I’d love to have a book in Jacob’s point of view. He cracks me up. I loved his character and being in his POV for that 4th book. =)
I like first person okay — what gets me is third person where I have to keep up with being 20 characters’ heads. LOL I do know what you mean about jumping on a plane and facing down the the evil Volturi. I felt like it took me a little while to get back into the story.
Lord of the Rings? I read those books at least once every five years. I love them. Well, The Hobbit is a bit of a struggle because of endless pages of description but I make it through. They are making THAT into a movie next — well two movies actually. They brought back a lot of actors from the LOTR trilogy — the ones who played Gandalf, Elrond, Gollum. Really anxious to see who gets the role of Bilbo…
Thanks!
Tina
Marcy! How are you? HUGS
So I can put you down for Team Potter — is that what you’re saying? LOL
I’ve been reading those books to my girls lately — we’re on the Prisoner of Azkaban. I’ve enjoyed the books immensely. The movies? Hmmm… I like the actor who plays Harry Potter, loved Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and I LOVE Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort. Otherwise, I’m not sure about some of the casting choices… Oh, I love Alan Rickman as Snape. He’s spot on. =)
Tina
Esther,
I know just what you mean. I don’t think vampires are anything to be taken lightly. I think a lot of authors in the romance genre do a great job with the lore and some have presented some interesting takes. Ms. Meyers presented an interesting take too — whether we like it or not. The hero thinks just as you do. He doesn’t believe he has a soul as a vampire and does everything he can to change her mind about joining their ranks. But there was so many differences from what we’ve always known about vampire mythology that maybe it’s jarring. I kind of feel that way.
I have a good friend from Romania who I knew from my time at the university. She came from a tiny village near Bucarest (probably spelled that wrong). In her grandmother’s time, if there were any reason to believe a recently deceased person could be among the ranks of the “undead” they would hold a ceremony where a young virgin — often on a white horse — would try to cross the grave of the person. If the horse balked, they dug up the body, cut out its heart and boiled it. Then all in the village would drink from this and they believed the “illness” would be cured. I laughed when she told me the story but she believes it with all her heart. =)
Anyway, thank you for this. I think to have a good discussion you need all sides — pro and con. =)
Tina
Lil,
Awesome answer. You did the same thing I did. Watched the movie, then read the books. And you’re right. I think her writing got a lot better by Breaking Dawn. I have to admit I did like them (the books) and normally, no that wouldn’t be me either.
My girls haven’t read the books but are literally dying to see the New Moon movie so I am going to take them Friday evening to the only Friday show left and we live out in CowTown. LOL I’ve got earplugs already packed into my purse, thank you very much. LOL
Edward fans? I can see it I guess but I thought Jacob’s character was funny and charming. Some folks are just going by the actors. I think the actor playing Jacob is adorable. The actor playing Edward does a great job too. No one could really live up to that character but he seems to pull it off. He’s an unusual looking young man. Maybe that’s it.
Thank you!
Tina
Pam/Sapphire,
I agree with you. I liked the werewolves in the story and I’m anxious to meet the pack in the movie. =) But again, that’s where I can’t go with the other Twi-Moms or Twi-Cougars or whatever other terms are out there. They are so young, whether you’re hooked on the actors or the characters (or both).
That’s why I’m on Team Carlisle. =) He’s 460+ as a vampire and if you go by the actor, he’s around my age, happily married, and a good dad — just like my husband. That’s sexy in my book. =)
Thanks for coming out!
Tina
Angela, good to see you!
Okay, I guess I need to clarify. I was thinking as a mom when I was talking to my friend about the stalking thing. That character would never stalk a child, the author is a mom too and I don’t think she would ever write that, and I guess I was thinking that if either of my girls were that character — at her age (17) not their current ages — I still wouldn’t be comfortable with it. But that’s me speaking as a parent. When I was 17 and I had a vampire that devoted to me — I wouldn’t have a moment’s problem. LOL I’m a different person now then I was then too. =) And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sympathize with Charlie Swan more than a little. =)
I could sympathize with Edward too. He was frozen in time before he got to experience so many things — one of the principle reasons he didn’t want Bella to miss anything. I admired him for that.
So New Moon was your favorite book? Cool. You’re one of the few people I’ve heard say that but I can totally understand why. If I were to say I had a favorite it would be New Moon or Eclipse. That’s a close one. LOL
Thank you!
Tina
Dawn,
I’ve had that happen. I’m not totally sold on the Harry Potter movies, for example. I like some things, some characters. Some don’t work for me at all…
My husband watched Twilight and later told me that he hoped I didn’t expect HIM to wear lipstick now. LOL
Alice and Jasper? Love them. That’s one reason I like Eclipse because I loved his back story and hope that plays out in that movie next summer. Alice is very cool. I’d like to have a best friend like that to be honest. LOL
Thanks!
Tina
Oh and Angela, on the thing with Bella’s speech? ME TOO! LOL
Misty,
I just have to say — COOL! Your boys read them? And as a tie-in in dealing with issues they are now coming too, wow, that’s great!
I’m with you on Jacob. I’ve went back just to re-read the chapters in his POV because I enjoyed them so much. And the chapter titles were great! I was glad too that he had somewhat of a happy ending in all this. He deserved that. His character went through a lot.
You also struck on something. I’ll agree that on making a connection with each character, and there were many, the author did a good job. One of the minor characters that really stood out to me was Aro of the Volturi. I enjoyed his character a lot.
Thanks for coming out!
Tina
Tina, my boys laughed hysterically at some of Jacob’s thoughts and jokes. The chapter titles were humorous all on their own at times.
My daughter got Twilight and talked me into reading it. I read the entire series and can hardly wait for shape-shifting New Moon. Love those shape shifters!
Misty, I loved the scene when they really needed to get Rosalie out of the room because the baby was coming. Jacob says, “Allow me.” Hilarious!
Tina
I’ve read the books and loved them. There were things about the series that irritated me, but it didn’t make me want to not read it. I realize that a lot of people are freaked out about him watching her sleep and the age difference, but what everyone has to remember is that this is a work of fiction not fact. I think what people forget is that other authors out there have the same things happening in their book it’s just no one usually cares as much because the characters that falling for the vamps are usually in their mid twenties or older. Don’t get me wrong, if this was real life and any adult male was watching a young girl sleep that wasn’t family (of course sometimes that’s not good either) then I would be highly worried and would do something about it.
I liked the first movie. Even though they left out some stuff, they got most of the major points on screen (they can’t all be as long as Harry Potter. LOL). Will I go see the new movie, yes I will. My 14 year old son might go with me too even though he could care less about the whole Twilight phenomenon. He just liked seeing Jacob change into a wolf on one of the previews and wants to see more. I’m not a Twi-Mom or a Twi-hard fan either and while I like the actors that play the parts, I don’t just go screaming about Robert Pattinson every time I turn around (nor do I send him naughty letters).
As far as teams, I’m with you I’m on Team Carlisle, but since there’s only two different teams that really matter, I’ll put myself on Team Jacob. I have a thing for wolves.
Karin,
Here’s hoping it’s a good movie. =) I’m a huge fan of shape-shifters too.
Thank you!
Tina
Okay, guys, it’s been super fun here today! Thank you so much to Selena who let us hijack her blog and thank you to everyone who came out to chat with us. I’ll check back in the morning to hand out some prizes. I want to make sure I got everyone who posted by midnight.
Thank you!
Tina
You’re very welcome. *Grin*
My Niece got me into the book .I already read vampire books just had not read hers and I like them alot . the problem for me is the i like both Edward and Jacob and I did not know witch one she should of chose.I chose them Both hay can’t a girl have a tree some. or I’m I bad.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Stacey, why not? LOL A girl should be able to have it all. =)
Okay, everyone who posted yesterday? Email me at tina.pavlik(at)gmail.com. Readers get a book (in print) and the authors get a one year featured membership at TRS. But you have to email me.
Thank you!
Tina
I read the books and they were good, a bit too descriptive at points. I finished the series before the movie was released and got my neighbor hooked on them to boot. I thought the movie was OKAY. My husband took me to see it because I wanted to make sure it wasn’t too scary for my seven and five year old (at the time). It wasn’t. So when the DVD came out, we all watched it. I’m actually more excited about the second movie than I was about the first. I prefer the werewolves to the vamps (I prefer warmth to cold).