Well, I have officially started NM for the 3rd time (I think). Some things have stuck out to me this time - probably because I do know what is going to happen in Chapter 3 - but, nonetheless, they have been very interesting. We all know what happens in the previous chapter - The Party - oh, I was wishing it away during the very words! I cringed when Alice handed her the presents - not wanting her to open them. And I could see in my mind what overtook Jasper as she cut her finger. Then, when they ALL had to finally leave her alone with Carlisle! I do enjoy the talk between Bella and Carlisle as he is stitching her up. This is where, remember, that she realizes that maybe her choice of becoming a vampire might not just affect her 'Soul', but Edward's as well.
But then, the happy part again, where he does stay the night...she opens up the remainder of her presents, (oh by the way, little quiz for all you fans out there...what does Edward really want to give Bella for her birthday - before she insists on him not spending ANY money?) and Edward is thrilled that she can actually respond "appropriately" to receiving gifts, he says - "Now I wish I'd spent money on your present. I didn't realize that you were capable of being reasonable." But we all know and 100% agree, that his gift that night was the absolute best!!!
Anyway, I'm sure we all remember the KISS that night for her birthday, where Edward wasn't as careful as usual. The last paragraph of the chapter is what makes my heart ALREADY hurt!
"I was halfway asleep, maybe more, when I realized what his kiss had reminded me of: last spring, when he'd had to leave me to throw James off my trail, Edward had kissed me goodbye, not knowing when - or if - we would see each other again. This kiss had the same almost painful edge for some reason I couldn't imagine. I shuddered into unconsciousness, as if I were already having a nightmare..."
Ohhhh, can I really read on?
Monday, December 31, 2007
New Moon, chp 2 - Stitches, chp 3 - The End
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9 comments:
Oh man, I remember when I re-read this the 2nd time a month or so back I felt the same. I had an uneasy feeling the whole 3 chapters, and I had forgotten what chapter 3's title was until I turned the page to "The End." It is so horrible, so heartbreaking. I may have shared this before, but I cried harder the 2nd time during that scene, than I did the first time, I was too shocked the first time I think. It will be so interesting and so sad to read Edward's perspective of that chapter. The great thing about New Moon is that the end of it, is quite possibly one of my very favorites in the whole series so far. It's definitely one of the best in my opinion. Well, happy reading Erin! Good luck with New Moon from here on out :)
I have to comment because I am almost at the same place. I stopped right when Edward asks her to go on a walk with him. I can't bear to read it even though I now everything is going to be ok! I hate that he lies to her and that she believes it.
Oh Erin, okay, first, you know I forgot about how in that converstaion with Carlisle she realizes changing her could effect Edwards soul. Actually I have never picked up on that. Changing her, killing her, basically, could damn him even more. Is that what it means?
So yes, the pain, you feel it building, I know. I too cried the second time. The first time, I literally was so stunned I couldn't react. I read like a zombie in unbelief. (reminder, I was alone. No one to call and boob too the first time through) Then the second time, like you, the dread comes, and knowing just a little of what Edward is thinking, and feeling, and going to go through. Well this probably isn't helping but, it is the saddest thing I can ever remember reading in a novel. Not that I haven't read some pretty moving stuff. But for a story about the simple, and beautiful love between a boy and a girl, well I have never read anything like those blank pages that are coming.
So the only help I have to offer:
1. You have to go through it as a true Twilight fan. Sacrifice makes us love things more. And I mean sacrificing your emotions, not Edward and Bella's sacrifice, that is another topic.
2. You have us all to help you through. Comment every other sentence if you need to.
3. Like Trish already mentioned, the sorrow of these chapters makes the end of New Moon perhaps the sweetest moment in the series. So much emotion built. I can linger on the moments she sees him in Italy, the times he holds her after the Volturi experience, the plane ride, and then the bedroom, without ever tiring of the images. I will spare you my thoughts on the kiss for now. Oh the kiss, (sigh) Reading now makes the end all worth it!
Some advice for all New Moon readers. Do not read the epilogue as part of New Moon. End with the last chapter and just savor it. When you are ready to start Eclipse, then read the New Moon epilogue. The epilogue puts a soure taste in after such a sweet reunion. Just my opinion, but in my opinion, its a good one!
Well, he's done it - again. Like Jillybean said...it's so sad that this time you know he is lying...and hating every moment of it. But, man, he did a good job. Especially to think that he got all of us the first time through as well. actually, not the just the first time through. Even reading 'the end' now makes me think it is all to real! I do like, now knowing about Sam, the fear that they had when they were trying to find Bella. I wonder if they were thinking maybe he bit her? - new thought! Anyway, I'm still moving forward - such a great highlight of my days.
Erin I was looking for the quote of the week, when I stumbled across the most bitter-sweet moment. One you just experienced. It is this:
"I thought he was reaching for me, too. But his cold hands locked around my wrists and pinned them to my sides. He leaned down, and pressed his lips very lightly to my forehead for the briefest instant. My eyes closed.
"Take care of yourself," he breathed, cool against my skin." . . .
Well you all know the rest.
I was just so struck by this final moment and how his love is seeping through with his tender kiss. I can't say more, because it is all so sad to think about. Bella's feelings, what Edward must have done the very next moment, etc.
When he said he was a good liar, that was an understatment. "The darkest kind of blasphemy", well that is much more accurate.
Erin I am glad you are past this moment. While searching for the quote of the week, I remembered how much I like Jacob here in NM. I was also struck by how deep Bella's love for Edward really is and how Jacob helps but never heals. So pay attention as you go along, to Jacob's goodness, but also Bella's deepest feelings. Remember SM compares Bella's feelings to a widow, or a mother losing a child. SM meant to create such dramatic images. Why? Well, if Bella is going to give her life for Edward, he better be worth it.
I was going to say "happy" reading, but how about "happy escape" because NM just isn't very happy, not yet anyway, but reading it is.
Just need to make a quick correction: the correct statement by Edward is "the blackest kind of blasphemy", not darkest.
Carry on.
Just reading those few lines you shared with us MA, nearly made me cry all over again. I had a total rush of emotion, something I've tried to put away, that specific part hit me so hard both times that I read it. It is so painful, I actually don't look forward to reading that part again. Even though I love the book so much, it's hard to get through that first part. And can you imagine what Edward must have done once he left her, I'm sure he freaked. We know what Bella did of course, it will be painful to read SM's version of Edward's point of view for chapter 3 in NM. :{ In the end of NM, it's kind of sad when he explains to her how much it hurt him that she just believed him so quickly, even though we know why she did, he was so surprised by that. Alright, now I'm getting in a somber mood, I'm done thinking about that part for now.
Although, that was a very interesting point that you made Erin, about Sam and the worry the 3 of those first pack members (and the other Quileutes who knew, like Billy) probably felt about that. I bet you're right that they didn't know what they'd find. Good insight there, I love to find and hear about new things in the books that were never thought of before, it's very fun.
I agree. Nice insight Erin. See these books are endless enjoyment.
RWV, I said somewhere how as I was looking for the quote of the week in NM and I was stunned by how many painful descriptions Bella has of her feelings. Even after she is with Jacob. Over and over again she describes, with different images, her pain. It is such an emotional book. Groan.
So I was thinking some time this week, I wonder how it would have worked if Edward could have been a little less Edward and just explained to Bella that he was leaving and why. Just as firm in his decision and just as adamant but without the crushing lies. At this point, even though he knows Bella loves him, he doesn't realize the depth. He has no idea what his leaving is going to do to her. So he couldn't have feared she would freak if she knew the truth.
But then I was thinking he also knows she is VERY stubborn. He probably figured she would spend a very long time trying to track them down.
I guess the "clean-break" explanation he gives at the end is the best insight we will get on his insane plan. But the plan is so fueled by love and self-sacrifice that is just makes you love that silly boy even more. And hurt immensely for both of them, and be so glad you do know the end.
Very interesting to think how it would have been had Edward decided a different way to do this horrible thing. But, I'm sure you're right, Bella is so stubborn it probably wouldn't have worked.
He just overreacted as usual, and went with this insane plan. It really will be SO interesting to read his perspective on that, and see what he's thinking, I wish we could know what he's thinking from the moment she cuts herself, and each of those days after that he's so quiet, leading up to that awful walk. When I think of him being gone all those months, I think of that sad sketch someone drew of him curled in a filthy attic. So sad. Even though we know the end, it's interesting how much it still hurts to read that part! It's that writing I guess.
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