One of my many obsessions

My most recent obsession is the "Twilight" series of books. I had never heard of, or paid attention to them until about early August. Every time I went to Borders Books (which is probably too much) the Twilight display caught my attention but I never ventured over to look at them. Finally, my curiosity got the better of me so I went over and looked them over. The description of a love story between a teenage girl and a vampire caught my eye, so I bought "Twilight," the first of the books.

Well, I took the book home, started reading and I could NOT put that book down! I fell completely in love with the male lead character, Edward. It sucked me in, and I soon devoured the remaining books in the series, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I read Twilight a second time and also have listened to Twilight and New Moon on CD. Overkill, anyone?

When I was done I could not wait for the movie to be released, and was excited when they announce the release of "Twilight" the movie was moved up to take the place of the next Harry Potter movie that had its release date postponed.

I even went on the author's website and downloaded a draft of her upcoming book that was leaked. I fervently hope she continues to write this book because just like Christopher Walken needs more cowbell, I need more Edward.

I like the movie, and of course as I watched it I kept a running tally of "that's not what it's like in the book" until I gave up. A lot of people who loved the book hate the movie, I'm not sure why. They say Bella's character was kind of morose in the movie, but I think the movie redeemed her because she was quite the whiny teenager in the book. I also think Edward was so built up in everyone's mind, anyone who played him would be subject to criticism; but I think Robert Pattinson was a good choice.

I tentatively suggested "Twilight" to my book club to read and was pleasantly surprised when they agreed. From what I have heard from those that have finished the book they have loved it, and I am looking forward to the discussion this coming Saturday.

Many people look down on juvenile literature, and I do admit that it is embarassing being 36 and loving a book geared toward teenagers. However, I think there is a tendency to discount popular fiction, and dismiss popular juvenile fiction. Just because an author is popular does that mean they are any less talented? Just because your story has astong following does make the story and worse or invalid? Does success invalidate artristry? Do you have to be dead for over 100 years before your work is deemed "acceptable?" I don't think so.

Some of the "classic" authors read today lived to see their books reach success, many did not (Edgar Allan Poe comes to mind). These authors are even more popular today, probably due to movies. If critics existed back then I am they would say there work is formulaic, trite and one-dimensional.

My point is just because a book is popular and/or geared toward a juvenile audience does not make it less of a literary work. Reading "Twilight" for instance there several archetypes/literary themes in the book: good vs. evil, redemption vs. damnation, true love, immortality, making hard choices. . .I would go on but. . .I think I made my point.