Oh, stop laughing!
I mentioned on Facebook the other day that I wasn’t going to be part of the masses descending upon a movie theater to see New Moon. Who knew from an innocent status update I would be inspired to read a series of YA novels I never, ever imagined I would read? Stranger things and all that, eh?
Joy, a dear friend, fellow homeschooling mom trying to teach her kids the same truths I am, with the good sense to live within sight of Mt. Rainier, commented that she used the Twilight books as a springboard into teaching right v. wrong, not having sex before marriage, etc.
Really, Joy? That was a first. Who has escaped all the hype surrounding Twilight? First the rage of the books, now the films, so this was the first time I knew of someone reading these books to discuss Biblical principals. I do love a good debate, especially one based on a hot book (no, that’s not a Team Jacob or Team Edward reference. Sheesh, people.)
You know me, I like to talk books. I’m not shy to speak my mind regarding my opinions. And as a mother of a pre-teen, voracious reader, I need to know what she’s picked up off the shelf. You can’t judge a book by its cover.
So I’m going to read the entire series, then blog about my findings. I’m basically interested in two questions:
What does the Twilight series teach young people about sex and purity? Do the books promote godly behavior?
I’m leaning toward posting each book separately, but I’ll see how it goes. If I suddenly have deep thoughts bursting from within, I won’t wait until I’ve finished the book.
That’s it for now. I know I’ve been usually quiet here these last few months. I just really didn’t feel much like recording thoughts here; guess I had the blog blahs, if there is such a thing. It’s been awhile since I’ve really felt fired up about writing thoughts about a book. I think Twilight is just the kick in the pants I need to get back into writing here again. Thanks for sticking with me.
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I’m looking forward to your reviews of the last two books….Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, I think? I heard they were more graphic than the first two.
more graphic???
uh oh.
I hear these are fast reads (and I’m one of the FASTEST readers ever – tis true, I took a test). So you probably won’t have to wait too long.
OK, I’m interested! I won’t be reading them, but I did end up watching Twilight. I felt that watching it confirmed my suspicions, and that reading it wasn’t necessary. But I eagerly await your opinion.
Basically, I feel that these books (like most modern media) preach that “the heart wants what the heart wants” and that logic cannot win over emotion. The reason I feel they are especially “dangerous” is simply that they are geared toward a young audience. As the victim of adultery, I am cannot help but campaign against this message….and my feelings have nothing to do with vampires (although I do think vampires are icky).
Young girls (and boys) need to be taught that they have a choice whom they love, and that they should be looking for certain qualities *before* awaking their hearts to someone. It’s not just about abstaining from *sex*. Abstinence is important, but it’s not the first step!
Maybe the people having emotional affairs are the ones who put all their eggs in the abstinence basket.
Sorry for the novel; it’s a touchy subject with me.
Sarah Valente (Kingdom Mama)´s last blog ..I Might Do the Spin
those are good thoughts,Sarah. I hope you participate in our discussion. I’m starting the book tonight.
I read this series of books for the same reason–I have a 14 year old girlie that wanted to read them. She, of course, loved them. I found them a fast read, I bet you will, too. Obviously young adult fiction, not up my alley…but I saw why the YA readers like them.
There is no sex before marriage, no adultery in these books. I don’t want to spoil the read for you by clarifying, but there isn’t.
In my opinion, there is no ‘fatal attraction’…looks like teenage(Bella is 17) hormones from a teenage perspective to me…but I often tend to ignore media hyperbole and ‘reading between the lines’ conversations.
It is fiction, written to gain readers,and should be treated as such. My girlie and I have had some great conversations about relationships because of these books…but every one of those conversations began and ended with ‘this is a work of fiction, of imagination, written to draw a reader in’.
…I ramble lol…
I’m interested to see the conversations/thoughts you have!
~~