So I have decided that April's TA meeting will be Breaking Dawn theories rather than a book review. Instead, if you are able to force yourself to read something else while waiting for Breaking Dawn and our group read of the Twilight Saga, tell about it here. 
22 comments:
I think most of us started reading Twilight because we are readers. Sometimes motherhood is not that condusive to reading except in the obsessive style, but we love to read. It couldn't hurt to read something else. We certainly aren't looking for the Twilight experience to be repeated.
So I did. I've read some self-help, church style books but I finally got through a novel. And I have to add I started two in the last months and couldn't get past the first chapter. Even though I'm not looking to repeat or top my Twilight experience (impossible anyway) it does make it harder to be captured.
So a non-Twilight-reading friend recommended Uglies by Steve Westerfield. I really liked it a lot. It's another teen fiction. I really enjoy teen and it is often easier to find "clean" books in that section.
It was a fast read and kept me fairly captured throughout. I bought the sequel several days later and liked it fairly well. Then the love triangle started going all wrong and the plot development lagged enough that I found myself skipping ahead.
I got so impatient that I googled the book and its 3rd and final volume, discovered the gist of the plot and now I'm not sure if I will finish them. But I can at least read it at a more leisurely pace. I was a little surprised at my audacity but I give myself a break. I'm coming off a supernatural reading experience okay.
Anyway I would strongly recommend Uglies. It has a great story and is very thought provoking. And I would love to discuss it with anyone else who has or decides to read it. Let me know.
Ok, since I have that book with me I think I'll give it a try. Why not?
I agree, it's going to be tough, and I've tried to start other books and failed. So I use the excuse that I'm too busy (which I am, except for TW of course) to start reading something new right now.
I'll let you know when (and if) I start reading. Thanks for the review!
When I was a teen, I read... and read and read. I would stay up all night and read, then something changed, I don't know if it was because I have Cronic Fatigue Syndrome but I just couldn't concentrate enough to get into a book. It had seriously been like 22 years since I had read a book! I had heard about TW books and really wanted to read them, but didn't think I could do it. So, my wonderful daughter bought me Twilight on CD.It took me a week to listen to the whole book, by the end I was hooked and since I didn't have NM on CD, I asked my daughter to bring me her copy of the book and I would "try" and read it. So, the next day I started NM and I read and read (while bawling) and finished it the same day, the next day I read the third. I was so excited that I actually finished not only one book, but two!! I have since read all three books 3 times and I LOVE to end my day by re-reading some of my favorite parts.
I have thought about trying other books, but I just have a difficult time thinking about reading something that my Edward isn't in! LOL, I do plan on reading The Host while I am on a cruise... but what do you guys think? Should I venture into something else (while still being in love with Twilight)?
I think I will look into Uglies.
Anyway, is this long enough?? Sorry about that!
That is a great story SB. Many other readers had a similar experience with Twilight. They hadn't read or were sure they didn't like reading until TW. Can you imagine the way that must make SM feel to be so honored knowing she has brought people back to reading.
As for Uglies, it will be an easy read. I think anyone will like it. Maybe you two will get farther than I have on the 2nd. Like I said I just had to know what was going to happen so I spoiled it for myself. I liked Uglies a lot but I wouldn't put it in my top 10 or anything. But quickly captivating. Shannon Hale has some really good books. The Goose Girl and its sequels are also teen, but very, very enjoyable. Her first adult novel, "Austenland" is the next book on my list to read when not reading Twilgiht. Anyone have a copy I could borrow?
Oh and I LOVED Ella Enchanted. It is not anything like the dumb movie. Its another quick, enjoyable teen read. I'll think about some adult books and make some recommendations.
And never think your comments are too long or I will start feeling very insecure about my lengthliness.
So I was remembering one of the reasons Twilight was such a new and incredible reading experience for me. Besides the fact that I am completely in love with a community of fictional characters like never before. It was the way the book captured me at every page. I never even considered peeking ahead because I couldn't read it fast enough. It was dizzying. I think I remember my pulse racing the entire time I read.
Once I was bitten (and for me it was when Edward said "hello" in biology), the venom of that book just consumed me. I'm sure most of you understand.
So to be so captivated by a book, unlike any I can remember reading, really does impact reading other books. They can't all have such a hold on your mind and heart. But it's probably still worth reading something else.
Sorry, very commenty this morning.
I want to recommend two more teen fiction books. These are on my top 10, I think. I don't really have a top 10, its probably more like top 20.
Both of these are fairly mature and quite riveting. They are thought provoking and romantic, and both are award winners.
1st - The Witch of Blackbird Pond -by Elizabeth George Speare
This is a historical fiction during the time of the Quakers. The heroine is incredible. I can't recommend this book enough!
2nd - The Perilous Gard -
by Elizabeth Marie Pope
This one I am more timid in recommending because it is fantasy and historical fiction combined. Emphasis on the fantasy. It involves a hand-maiden of Queen Elizabeth's and she is unjustly sentenced to confinement in a castle or "gard" for misbehavior. This story involves the legends of fairies people believed in at the time, and I though was simply amazing. If you don't like LOTR style fantasy, it might not be your thing. I can't get enough of this book. Romantic, chilling, sound familiar?
Once again I recommend this books outside of the Twilight World of reading. Twilight has its own special pedestal on my favorites list.
I only once asked my sister to read the Perilous Gard but she never got around to it. I would love to discuss it with someone if anyone is willing to try it.
Both of these books are great on C.D. If you don't have small children, books in the car is the only way to go. If you do have small children, books on CD after the kids are in bed are about the only way I can get myself to do dishes and laundry. I have even been seen with a portable CD player while cleaning the house. Try it, you'll love it.
So those are just my teen recommends and only a few.
Would love some recommendations back.
So, I have never loved any book like the Twilight books but I did have one that came close. It was by Anita Stansfield (back in the day when I was really into her.) After a few books, I realized that all her stuff is really formulatic. Basically the same story over and over. But the ones I really loved are historical fiction/romance and they are great stories. They are called something about the gables. There are just 2 that go together. I think maybe "The Gable Faces East". Don't be fooled by her modern day Gable books. It's not those ones! I loved those so much I wanted to read them again and again. I will try to find out the exact names and post them if anyone is needing more romance. Also, she is really clean, kind of like Stephenie because you can totally feel the heat without it becoming dirty.
I would like the exact titles on those. I've never been interested in her books, but I usually like historical fiction.
Thanks Jill
So I did an experiment today. I have observed that I love every line written in the book Twilight. So I wondered how long it would take me to find a new "memorable quote" for the blog. The first page my book fell open too was when James and co. first came to the meadow. But I wasn't in the mood to quote that stuff. Probably could have though. So on my second try, I found an entire quotable page. It's hard to decide what to put on the top of the blog. But it is nice to have so many choices. Any time you have one to submit, adding to this post:
http://twilightersanonymous.blogspot.com/2008/03/quotes-for-blog.html
Ok, MA. The titles are "The Gable Faces East" and "Gables Against the Sky." I found out on her website that they are both out of print. But I got them at the library and I'm sure they still have them there. It looks like there is a prequel also that I haven't read. It's called "Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton Saga". Like I said, I was never interested in her books until I started reading them. Then I was addicted. But after like 10 of them I got really bored. These 2 books are the exception though. I loved, loved, loved them!
Well, I did recently re-read one of the Spiderwick Chronicles books. They are about 3rd grade level perhaps, but they have fun quick stories. I can read one in about half an hour. So if you want a quick fun read and haven't read these, they are fun. We first read them outloud to our daughter.
And, I am currently reading Vanity Fair. It takes just a little bit to get into the language, but it isn't too bad (still fairly modern). I have liked the narrator's voice quite a bit - sometimes sympathetic to the characters and other times bitingly sarcastic about their selfish tendencies. I think he does a good job of showing humanity - both its good and bad sides. It interests me quickly each time I pick it up, but I have been able to read it fairly leisurely. I'll let you know how it ends. Although it probably won't have a SM ending, I don't think that would bother me with this book.
My kids just started the Spiderwick Chronicles last night. They went to the book store with Grandma and Grandpa and so that's what they got. I've thought about reading them when they're done so we can watch the movie together or something.
Still haven't started anything new yet though. I'm just itching to start Twilight again more than anything. When is that again?
I once posted about my recent reading of Jane Eyre- there is a quote that has not left me since. Her Edward is asking her to stay and this is her thoughts, "This was true: and while he spoke my very Conscience and Reason turned traitors against me, and charged me with crime in resisteing him. They spoke almost as loud as Feeling: "Oh comply!" "Think of his misery.....soothe him, save him; tell him you love him and will be his..."
Still indomitable was the reply- "I care for myself......I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the priciples received by me...LAWS AND PRINCIPLES ARE NOT FOR THE TIMES WHEN THERE IS NO TEMPTATION; THEY ARE FOR SUCH MOMENTS AS THIS, WHEN BODY AND SOUL RISE IN MUTINY AGAINST THEIR RIGOUR-...If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth?
Jillikie, it has been a very long time since I read Jane Eyre. After reading your quote, I think I will pick it up next. Thanks for sharing!
Jane Eyre is on my top 10, official top ten list. I love it so much. Jill do you remember which one of us discovered it first.
And the musical at Hale Center Theater is so amazing. When they show it again you must see it BFB.
Jane Eyre is one of the examples I use to calm myself when I think about how movies can leave out so many good parts of books and change them in significant ways but they still turn out okay. I have seen many versions of Jane Eyre and none of them are right but I like them all. At least I will only have to go through that once with Twilight.
Do you a see a pattern with books I love. Unlikely heroines, love that does seem possible but it is. Ahhh.
You can read Jane again certainly BFB but you are supposed to try something new too.
Vanity Fair is new to me (I think I mentioned above that I am reading it right now). I am nearly finished, so I will let you know how it ends.
Apparently the quote of the week quiz didn't do as much good for working my brain as I could use. I completely forgot you were reading that. I would be interested to know if it was good. It sounds interesting but the movie made me wonder.
Sorry.
All this Jane Eyre talk makes me want to read it again too but it hasn't been long enough yet. I think I read it last year. Its not like it's Twilight or something.
I haven't seen the movie & I really don't know if I will. A big part of what I enjoy in the book is the narrator's voice - he is sympathetic & bitingly sarcastic moments later - which is fitting considering all the horrible things Becky does. Without his voice, it would just be a whole lot of terrible things happening to good people and a whole lot of selfish people taking advantage of everyone else. Can't imagine it would be too much fun to watch that.
Jill I forgot to comment on your quote. Jane is so inspiring. That quote is absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing it.
So I just got your last comment in my email TM, and about had a heart attack. Think of it, this comment is coming from the Twilight blog and says "Jane is so inspiring."
The thoughts in my head went something like this: "What the....?!" Jane?! No way!..... Oh, wait. We have a book post on the blog. She means Jane Eyre. Phew. That's okay."
You had me worried for a second, there.
Man that really made me laugh. Thank you so much for the funnies!
Glad you are feeling better. Sorry you weren't.
I'm very picky about my romance novels. I used read to the Harlequin romances (back in my silly, stay-at-home mother and watch the kiddies play day) and they are so gooey and sometimes too suggestive, so I'm back to romance within the novel - like you suggest. Has anyone ever read anything by Archer Mayer? I'm thinking of reading "The Second Mouse". I've recently watch Pride and Prejudice - and love the ending love scene. I may just have to read of listen to that pretty soon here.
I'd love to hear more of everyone's comments about this topic.
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