TwilightersAnonymous: Chapters 7,8, and 9

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Chapters 7,8, and 9

Comments on these chapters:

14 comments:

jillikie said...: What, grumpy me who said I didn't want to get started has read this far and further- including with Paul. I am feeling a little guilty that the rest of you are so diligent at your volunteering at school and so busy. Paul and I have noticed how again how life has become so much more to them both. How much Bella's mind has changed about Forks. How quick she puts things together. How she thinks about things and then has a firm resolve in her decision. We love when they start having their "truth moments" and beginning to get a glimpse of how deep this runs for Edward- can't wait for MS- and the very best- is the last paragraph of Chapter 9!; May 29, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Esmessence said...: Oh, I agree - the end of chap. 9 - it just seems to swoop me away every time!!

It was so heart-wrenching again to hear Bella decide about Edward - "I didn't know if there was ever a choice"...and then not being able to see him those first couple of sunny days...what pure agony!! Again, bringing back the beginning of my love story with my DH - such fun feelings!

And then of course I love to read the part where she is outside reading - and we all know why she feels like she isn't alone anymore, when she wakes up - oh, how long away is MS???!!!

Now, just for the record, Port Angeles was sort of the 'crazy' breaking point for me the first time through. I remember my reactions: up until that point in the book, it sounded like a normal book about 2 people starting to like each other (not that I was familiar with those kind of books, at all, by the way). But then, here comes this 'tell all, see all, unbearably honest' chapter. I remember calling MA - "I can't believe they are actually talking about "IT" to each other" "I don't think I can finish this "vampire" book.
But, now I can honestly say, that it is one of my VERY FAVORITE chapters of the WHOLE series!! Re-reading it over and over just confirms that EVERY time!!!And I guess it runs into chap 9-Theory as well...so yes, those two "terribly honest and open" chapters are just one of a kind for me!!"; June 3, 2008 at 9:52 AM
lioness said...: Okay I am not to chapter 9 yet, but I can't wait to get there and comment about it.

Chapter 7:
So Jillike, right on about her decision making process. I loved experiencing that again. She seems to feel an entire range from fear to ecstacy of thoughts and emotions, and then knows she can live with it. I love how SM gives us the gift of Renee's review of Bella's decisions, in BD. Bella really never, ever wavered. Before she even knew how much Edward needed her, she was ready to be with him. And even though I don't think she was ready to change at the end of Twilight I love the inevitability this early decision reflects on later events.

Erin I am so glad you reminded everyone about who was watching her sleep in the sun. Ahhh (as in big sweet sigh). And I'm pretty sure SM clarifies that he was not around the first time she went into the forest. That even though it scared her there and she felt a sort of ominous feeling, it wasn't because of Edward watching her. In fact, as I will point out in Port Angeles, Bella never feels truly scared with Edward. A dangerous thrill from time to time, but not fear, not real danger, not the normal reactions she should have.
Again . . W-O-W !; June 4, 2008 at 4:37 PM
lioness said...: Chapter 8: (no proof read, so excuse any typo's)
So speaking of danger.
Well first do you realize, if you have forgotten this sentiment of mine, that I love pratically every line ever written in this book. Try this experiment. Open the book. Put your finger on a line. See if you don't love whatever it says.
So I love every word of the Port Angeles scene. The "estrogen rush", her inability to put Edward out of her head even there, her take on Angela.

But I was struck so forcefully by her comment when Edward skids to a stop:
"Get in," a furious voice commanded."
A furious voice. A Vampire's voice.
But how does Bella feel:
"It was amazing how instantaneously the choking fear vanished, amzing how suddenly the feeling of security washed over me -- even before I was off the street -- as soon as I heard his voice."

So lets see what else besides WOW can I say? How about this. She has already been fascinated by him the entire time, but I can't help thinking that because she is his soul-mate-to-be, even though he is still working on realizing that himself at this point, at least to such a deep degree, well I think that is why he emanates a safe, protective, fascinating energy to her rather than a frightening, paralyzing one.
Does that make sense?
He is dangerous, most especially to her, but he fights that so hard, it isn't the dominant feeling that takes over when they are together. I don't know, overanalyzing a bit perhaps? Noone is surprised, I am sure.

I doesn't matter, its all awesome anyway.

So Edward angry, is really kind of, knock your socks off, don't you think?

Oh and I love when Edward addresses Jessica and Angela how Bella says "I could see from their staggered expressions that he had never unleashed his talents on them before." Hee, hee, hee. That Edward.

And it is during this food scene, that we catch the first whif of Edward's scent. Man I already liked the smell of leather, but the smell of EDWARD's leather jacket must be surreal.; June 4, 2008 at 5:04 PM
lioness said...: Okay I have to pause in my reading of chapter 9, to report that my stomach is in olympic training here. This is so absolutely fun to have this story back. Eek! I love every tense (emotionally, not action here) moment.; June 4, 2008 at 8:54 PM
lioness said...: Okay that last comment was still in chapter 8.

I am so happy about going to the gym tomorrow. I don't have to do any cruches. My stomach has been contracting so often I have done my share tonight. Its hard to type because along with Bella I am trembling a bit at our realization. Yes ladies, the last paragraph of Chapter 9. Poetry, fire, blind-sided by feelings here. Holy Moley!!!!!

Breathe, deep breaths here (of course I do exaggerate my reactions, just a little).
So a few favorites/observations.

So first the painful jab in my heart when Edward pulls his hand back and puts it under the table at the restaraunt. Oh that poor boy. It is so heart wrenching to think about his plight with the existance he is stuck with. (Side not here. How cany any heart beating human being want anything but Edward to have Bella? Did they read the same books?)
Back on track. When he hides his face in his hand on the table. I never realize before that that is the first moment she sees his vampire reflexes. But again he is in such anguish remembering following her, and knowing she might get hurt.
Then again of course in the car when he wants so much to touch her when she is crying. Really you all compliment me on finding words, but I can't find any more to accurately describe what I interpret and feel here. I'm sure you all know what I mean. Read my thoughts okay.

Then again it jumped out at me about Bella feeling safe with Edward. It is because he loves her. It may not have been at first, but when he is explaining about thier first meeting, that her number was up, well she says:
"I felt a spasm of fear at his words, and the abrupt memory of his violent black glare that first day . . .but the overwhelming sense of safey I felt in his presence stifled it." I am sorry but Edward is so amazing to me. What he must have to do to conquer his desire. Well it doesn't surprise me that he is ready to make Bella his "life' by the weekend. You love what you sacrifice for. To quote my favorite movie:
"When you can live forever . . .
What do you live for."

Well that was lovely to write.

I have made a commitment not to let a reading session pass without commenting. I forget so many good things.
Off to chapter 10. YES!; June 4, 2008 at 9:50 PM
alicewannabe said...: I am finding that it is hard to stop to comment, and I am not good enough to carry a notebook with me as I read to make notes...so I will try to go back and remember the things I thought on these chapters. And I have to agree with TM, there are not any bad lines written in any of these books. I am constantly saying ' I love that line', or 'Bella cracks me up'.; June 5, 2008 at 1:19 PM
lioness said...: I don't keep a notebook silly. I'm not that crazy. I just put sticky notes on pages I want to highlight something from. It is a really different way to experience the book. Forcing it down slowly. On the second day of my commitment though, I have not let myself read too far ahead. So its a lesson in discipline.; June 5, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Trish said...: Here I am, all by myself, still plugging along. So have I ever told you guys that I love Twilight?
Anyway, I thought I'd get a few comments out of the way before I forget them. I'll just say a few thoughts about chapter 7 right now.
First I have a question though, now, we do find out later that it was Carlisle who added the comment about Stregoni benefici right? And how did we find that out? I forget.
Ok, so the night that Bella blasts her CD in her headphones all night long so she won't think about him anymore, do we know if Edward watches her that night? I know he's gone hunting with Emmett, but this is Saturday night, maybe he's back. If so, what must he have thought of her all dressed with loud music blasting in her ears while she dozes on her bed. That is such a funny, Bella part.
Now I know that we've decided that she was alone in the forest on that Sunday when she went out on her frustrated walk to think and decide. But what about when Edward gave her that warning to never go alone in the woods again, it's a few chapters ahead of where I am, but I remember him saying it. How did he know she went? Or was that just a general guideline he gave her. Just wondering if anyone knows these things for certain.
So it struck me when she was thinking about the 2 things she could do about this new info about Edward, her first thought, of staying away from him, had her gripped in sudden agony of despair, so much so that her mind skipped to the next option. I am so amazed still at how connected the 2 of them are from the beginning. Wow, strong words there. Also, how she just isn't afraid of him, even after realizing what he is, she just can't find the right kind of fear, even though she knew she should. She always knew he would never hurt her.
Ok, so another part that I remembered was on that really sunny day, when she gets to school early and starts daydreaming (while drawing five pairs of dark eyes on her notebook!), then everyone starts to show up to school. Mike comes to talk to her, mentions something about her hair, then tucks a lock of it behind her ear, making her a bit uncomfortable. Then of course asks her to dinner that night. So it reminded me of another part of MS we have been told about, where Edward is watching her from a distance, also listening to Mike and Mike's thoughts, and uproots a tree or something right? Sorry to have so many questions, but I just can't pinpoint all these little thoughts. I do love that visual though :)
One funny, ironic thought Bella had, was when she went into the cafeteria that day (after finding out the goods on the Cullens) expecting to see them at their table, and got nervous all of the sudden because she wondered if they would be able to know what she was thinking!! Ha! Yeah right! Kind of funny foreshadowing in a way.
And to end my thoughts, I too, of course love that Edward just watches her and I wonder and want to know what he's thinking. Like being up in a tree watching her sleep in the sun, and also curious as to what book she's reading.
I think I'll say it again, won't Midnight Sun be so great?!; June 9, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Trish said...: So I've never commented on chapter 8, but really MA, most of the things that I marked that I was going to write about, have all been mentioned (mostly by you)! I'm not surprised of course. But I'll briefly just touch on those parts anyway.
I marked the same line about how his furious voice told her to "get in" - and she talked about how safe she instantly felt. So awesome. I like how she just comes right out and says that about his moods and the color of his eyes being connected, and him being crabbier when they're dark. I love that they keep unconsciously lean toward each other over the table! Ahh...
When he tells her he followed her to Port Angeles, I felt the same as her, instead of being weirded out about it, she was pleased, and so was I. Yay, I thought when I read it. And how he's so determined to keep her alive, from so early on, he can't handle the thought over her ceasing to exist. He mentions how when he was searching for her, he had no reason to worry, yet he was "strangely anxious.." He has that connection with her all along to know when something isn't right I think.
I agree Erin, Port Angeles is one of my favorites as well! And I did like it the first time I read it, but I just liked it. The second time through was even better for me and now I love it!; June 13, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Trish said...: Chapter 9 was of course wonderful as well! All of her frankness about finding out what he is. He tries to stay so calm and really he's probably about to break the steering wheel right off! Even though he's basically appalled that she tells him that she decided "it doesn't matter," he must feel some surge of shocking happiness. Guess we'll find out in MS. So I do see that he didn't get back until Sunday, so he wouldn't have seen her sleeping with headphones on. But still, I wonder about her walk in the forest, especially where he warns her at the end of this chapter about not going in it alone. I love that he irritated Emmett with his worrying over Bella. I want to know what he was saying about her! And yes MA, SO sad that he is so tormented. Especially with wanting to comfort her when she's crying in car. When he tells her he's sorry, and she can see that it goes deeper than just the words spoken...so sad. I love how he finally decides to just trust her with all of this. But still so much conlict within him! So back and forth, even in the car ride home. At some points saying how wrong it is, how she feels like he's trying to say goodbye, then the next moment he's talking about sitting at lunch together again. Poor guy, and poor Bella for the roller coaster she is constantly on in the beginning! I love the end, when she's getting out of the car and he leans in just inches from her and says and breathes to her, "Sleep well," and he thoroughly dazed her with that one. She blinks and gets out of the car.
And I will agree too, that last chapter is one that gets me every time!!! Perfectly written, wow!; June 14, 2008 at 12:05 AM
lioness said...: SM answers the Streganoni in a Personal Correspondance. So great.

I do think Edward watches her that night. As you so fantastically pointed out, he is watching her Monday, and we know the uprooted tree part from a forum discussion SM took part in on the Lexicon in the days before she was a Rock Star. I wouldn't have been surprised if he was watching her that night, but it does make sense. SM confirms he did not see her in the forest the day she makes the decision. I think that was a forum discussion on the Lex as well.
But he must have peeked sometime at her CD player because he is so obvious with that little CD comment on his question day with her. How he has the same CD in his car. Of course at that point Bella couldn't understand the significance of the coincidence.

I swear SM clarifies that "walk in the forest" comment at the same time saying he didn't see her, he just wants her to be careful of other vampires.

Anyway thanks for helping me relive this stuff again. You know I have loved commenting on the chapters but I don't like all the long pauses I take between reading. I truly meant to read a chapter or two a day, take a few minutes to comment, and then repeat. Instead its like read several chapters. Stop. Wait forever, finally comment, don't read for another few days, etc.
I'm going to try and do better. I want the flow back.; June 19, 2008 at 9:56 PM
lioness said...: ooh I loved all of your 8 and 9 comments. So poignant and so fresh. Man why do I chose to go days without little Twilight fixes. I am so glad I chose to read these comments tonight RWV.

We need a code for "need midnight sun."
NMS from now on, so we don't feel tedious saying it. Sound good?; June 19, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Trish said...: Yes, that sounds perfect! I think you might see the initials:
NMS
a lot from me though!
Thank you for enjoying my comments, I've been a little self conscious about the novels I've been writing, but I can't help it! I always love yours, but of course you know that!; June 20, 2008 at 12:29 AM