T is for Twilight

About the Book

The first book in the series introduces us to Bella Swan as she is moving to Forks, Washington from Arizona. She's moving in with her father who is Sheriff and close friends with local tribe, the Quileute in La Push. When Bella starts in her new school she meets Edward Cullen, who she thinks can't stand her, but there is a much more complicated reason he reacts the way that he does. Their fate is intertwined and he introduces her to his unusual family. Things get complicated when Bella is threatened and the Cullen family come to her aide.  One of my favorite characters in the series is Alice, sister to Edward; which they both have extraordinary abilities. Their abilities make them powerful allies and as you get further into the series you'll uncover that they'll also be desired by other clans. Twilight isn't my favorite book in the series, but it is the first, and the gateway into Stephenie Meyers (author) realm of vampires, shapeshifting wolves, and battling clans.

About the Movie

IMDb.com describes this movie as "A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire" (IMDb, 2014) however there is more involved than just that. First, the movie was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, along with her crew, gave it the edge of visual mystery. Also, the movie included some reputable actors, not as the main characters, but more of a supportive roles. Kristen Stewart is Bella Swan, she stepped into this role from being a princess of the indie scene, and received much criticism over the years of her performances. Her counterpart, Edward Cullen was portrayed by English model/actor Robert Pattinson. What I love about this movie is the simplicity. I also love how they captured true loves first tender moments. I know not everyone is a fan, and there is a lot of skepticism out there. But, if you've read the books, then you have the appreciation and love for the movies as well. Or at least that's my opinion.

Links

Stephenie Meyers Official Site

B is for Breaking Dawn

April A to Z Challenge - Day 2

Author Stephenie Meyer

I wasn't included in the fandom-faze when Twilight became a best seller. I was introduced into the Twilight craze when I joined my sister and her friend when they went to watch the first movie. It was shortly after my husband and I separated and were getting divorced. I didn't have much hope in love at that point in my life. But, thank you Stephenie Meyers for rejuvenating that hope in Edward. Yes, I'm team Edward. This was a fabulous series to follow and be part of the book releases and movie release fun. 

After watching the first movie I was immediately intrigued and started reading the books. My favorite, by far, was Breaking Dawn. The fourth (and sadly, last) in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers. There is speculation (Midnight Sun) and such that there might be a continuation. That would be awesome, but as of date, have not read or heard anything to contradict Meyers claim that she will no longer be continuing the Twilight series.

Meyers holding Breaking Dawn

When I first read Breaking Dawn, I didn't have a night nurse for my son (two nights in a row) and thought it was the perfect opportunity to do a straight-through read. I was going to have to be up for the next two days and nights, so - why not. Let me just say, by the time I got to go to bed on night 3 I was hallucinating. Anyway, I'm not a fast reader, even though I try to be. I wanted to devour this book and did the best I could. I've now read Breaking Dawn at least four times. Once when it first came out, another time a few months afterward, and then twice more before each release of the Breaking Dawn movies.

Mr. & Mrs. Cullen - Wedding

The hardcover version of Breaking Dawn has over 756 pages. How in the world could you convert that many pages into one movie? The answer was simple - create two movies. Both movies, while I don't own them yet, are easily movies that I could watch over-and-over. Usually I am not a 'girly-girl', but for Breaking Dawn Part 1 I was a giggly girl for Bella and Edwards wedding. It was absolutely beautiful, having never had an actual wedding myself, my heart sank deeply watching the scenes. One of the most anticipated scenes was obviously the honeymoon, and it was done tastefully. I loved how they were faithful to the book and didn't squirm away from what Bella endured through her struggles after their return and up until the time Edward had to step in and take care of her. I remember seeing the movie for the first time in the theaters and the chills that coursed through my body when Bella's eyes opened at the end. Awesome.

Eternal Love - Edward & Bella Cullen

Nothing could prepare me for Breaking Dawn Part 2, it was highly anticipated and didn't fail to deliver. The only problem is, that you don't really want it to end. My sister and I went to the midnight premiere showing and were among the people originally shocked during the fight sequence. Luckily, we were able to breath and enjoy the rest of the movie like civilized individuals. I think the second part did a great job capturing the intimacy within the new lives of the Cullen's and those around them. The movie, along with the book, gave closure for the series and left a satisfied feeling, but also a sad one for the closing curtain of it all. My favorite part of the book - and one of my favorite scenes from the movie - was during the fight against the Volturi, when Bella was going up against Jane (hehehe). 

Links

Official Stephenie Meyer Website

Breaking Dawn (Book 4) by Stephenie Meyere on Amazon