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No Sex Please, We're Vampires

The 'Twilight' romance novels have a surprisingly hot-and-bothered fan base: mothers and daughters.

By Susan Elgin | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jul 21, 2008 | Updated: 5:43  p.m. ET Jul 21, 2008

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  • Posted By: TwilightLover91 @ 08/08/2008 11:24:59 AM

    Comment: I have to say that the Stephenie Meyer series Twilight, Eclipse, New Moon, and Breaking Dawn captivated me! I couldn't put it down! I read it while I did the dishes and took out the garbage, because I refused to put it down!!! I love her use of language and how she doesn't try to talk like a teenager, she does it naturally and it is very fulfilling! I send KUDOS!!!! I loved the books and she is my favorite author. I would recomend THE HOST to people who liked her other books... It's not the same, but it is just as good in my opinion! I just have to say I LOVE STEPHENIE MEYER!!! If only she was my age... Lol, I'm just kidding, but it's weird being a guy that likes her books! Other guys won't read them because they are being masochistic pigheads. I can't stand being around them half the time. I say that I'm not the only teenage guy who likes Stephenie's books, so they can stop portraying it as a 'chick flick' book. I really detest the way the book is portrayed in our society! I love the books and I will not let anyone say anything bad about them. KUDOS to Stephenie!!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: csanders12 @ 08/02/2008 1:31:17 PM

    Comment: its STEPHENIE MEYER for the win!
    I honestly like the way she is so open and nice enough to interact with her tween demographic.
    Not many authors of bestselling books and writers as well are like her.
    its August 2 already and my hands are itching to grab a freshly printed Breaking Dawn book!
    For more updates, videos and stuff about Stephenie Meyer, Twilight sereis, the movies, The cast and etc...
    Vivist this awesome blog!
    http://hellolurve.blogspot.com
    It's great, I'm telling you!

  • Posted By: csanders12 @ 08/02/2008 1:27:26 PM

    Comment: Its STEPHENIE MEYER for the WIN!
    Its already August 2 and my hands are itching to get on the fresh covers of Breaking Dawn!
    For more updates on Stephenie Meyer's novels and other pop culture addictions, visit this blog:
    http://hellolurve.blogspot.com
    its an awesome site!

  • Posted By: sav123 @ 07/31/2008 5:11:14 PM

    Comment: i personally think that the way SM brings up the subject of sex in her book is brilliant. it show teens that is good to wait till after marriage. i think that if she choose to have sex in her book it is her choice.(being that i am seventeen...) i think that it shows that it should be something u wait to do till after u r married...but it also shows that it isnt the only reason to get married, people should get married because they love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together...and it shows that having sex shouldnt change the way u act around each other... u can still cuddle on the couch and watch romantic movies...sex doesnt have to be the only thing in ur relationship. i think that this book brings up a good way for a mom to diccuss this wit her daughter...because a mom and a daughter should alway be able to diccuss thing like this. a parent should be aware of the possibility of sex in this book and choose to the their child read it or not, but they shouldnt force the same judgement on other parents and the should "curse" the author for writing whatever they choose to write. if they dont want to read it dont read the book.
    -Sav

  • Posted By: dayamy112233 @ 07/31/2008 1:13:07 PM

    Comment: Omg I love this book its amaizing Everything is incredible..... its so sweet and full of action all the converstions are awsome i feel like if it was real its so awsome almost like i was part of the book..... I couldnt stop reading it i wsa up untill 4 in the morning reading it and the same ting with new moon and eclipse..... omg new moon is so sad i was so happy when they finnaly got back to gether becouse it was all so much jacob and then when edward was finally back i was like yes!!!!!!! and eclipse is awsome my second favorite almost my first. overall the book is awsome

  • Posted By: dayamy112233 @ 07/31/2008 1:07:36 PM

    Comment: twilight is my all time favorite book ever its jut so awsome also new moon and eclipse there such awsome books when your reading it it feels like your part of the story and that everything is real. when i fisrt got twilight i was reading it untill 4 or 3 in the morning couse it was so good i couldnt stop reading it and the same thing happened in new moon and eclipse omg new moon is so sad I was like dammit it edward... and eclipse is my second favorite its so good all the converstations everything is awsome

  • Posted By: 1Jules1 @ 07/31/2008 12:36:41 AM

    Comment: The books in the Twilight series are absolutely my favorite of all time! They are so action packed and intense with danger, action, relationships of all kinds, romance...etc. For me, eventhough there aren't ONLY good things happening in the books, there are ALOT of good things happening...even life lessons if you let yourself learn them. I love the conversation Bella and Edward have the night after Italy, I cry every time! Then I love the conversation in the tent, alot of character coming through there...many many more. Stephanie is a true artist!!!!!! BY THE WAY...ROBERT PATTINSON IS AN INCREADIBLE EDWARD!!!!!!!!! He has done the roll of Edward justice in every clip or picture I can get my grubby hands on. The whole cast is excellent!!! There are lots of guys who could play Edward, just not any who could do BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: 1Jules1 @ 07/30/2008 11:58:44 PM

    Comment: The Twilight series are my absolute favorite books EVER!! So intense with action and romance, but for me most of all...relationships, and at so many different levels. Many of the conversations alone, are just increadible, one example being at the end of New Moon the night after Italy, I cry every time, and another being in the tent but this is just my opinion. I have read them so many times I lost count, but there are so many layers to the books, not just what most people are deciding to write in these comments. BY THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROB PATTINSON IS ABSOLUTELY AN INCREADIBLE CHOICE FOR EDWARD!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: FullMoonJae @ 07/30/2008 10:23:51 PM

    Comment: I absolutely loved the Twilight series for what it was. I was quite impressed with the way Stephenie Meyer excluded the sex despite the characters she's working with. I don't see what everyone's problem is with the book. So there might be a little sex in the book. It's not like everything else in the world that's basically CRAWLING with sex. The whole book isn't going to be about sex, so just relax. It's SM's book. She can write it how she pleases. And if you have a problem with her eluding to a little bit of sex, STOP READING IT. Then you won't have a problem any longer.

  • Posted By: FullMoonJae @ 07/30/2008 10:19:48 PM

    Comment: Oh. My. Goodness. Every person is entitled to their opinion on sex. Some of you kids commenting (that are 12-13 and Even 15) have absolutly no idea of what you are talking about and sound rediculous. Having sex before marriage is individual decision. So SM wants to elude to a little sex in her book. It's HER book. She can do as she pleases. It's not like the whole book is SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX. I think Ms. Meyer did a wonderful job on her book. I can easily relate to Bella, despite being only 16.

  • Posted By: rmb632 @ 07/30/2008 9:40:47 PM

    Comment: I love the Twilight series. It was so intense - so loaded with sexual tension you could hardly breathe, but it was kept clean and decent. Good job, Stephanie. Looking forward to more from your creative brain.

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/30/2008 8:49:28 PM

    Comment: so, getting onto a new subject......... what do you guys want to happen in the book??

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/30/2008 8:46:03 PM

    Comment: hah but funnily enought the topic comes back to SEX!!! who gives a crap, it doesn't matter, it's a tiny little part of the book. you know it would be really nice to actually talk about the book.. and not about sex!!

  • Posted By: Babsy128 @ 07/30/2008 4:45:36 PM

    Comment: The sex is only a small portion of the book itself. This part of the book only helps you better understand the phsychy of the characters. It shouldnt effect your own oppinion about sex, it only matters what the characters view is. This is Stephenie Meyer's book, it only portrays her views and opinions, she doesnt think about what others are thinking, she only needs to know her opinions. So just enjoy this amazing book as is.

  • Posted By: Babsy128 @ 07/30/2008 4:45:20 PM

    Comment: The sex is only a small portion of the book itself. This part of the book only helps you better understand the phsychy of the characters. It shouldnt effect your own oppinion about sex, it only matters what the characters view is. This is Stephenie Meyer's book, it only portrays her views and opinions, she doesnt think about what others are thinking, she only needs to know her opinions. So just enjoy this amazing book as is.

  • Posted By: Babsy128 @ 07/30/2008 4:43:48 PM

    Comment: The sex is only a small portion of the book itself. This part of the book only helps you better understand the phsychy of the characters. It shouldnt effect your own oppinion about sex, it only matters what the characters view is. This is Stephenie Meyer's book, it only portrays her views and opinions, she doesnt think about what others are thinking, she only needs to know her opinions. So just enjoy this amazing book as is.

  • Posted By: twilightmom4ever @ 07/30/2008 4:23:13 PM

    Comment: OMG!! I have not only read these book have read them to my younger daughters and my teen daughters have read them as well! We are anticipating the release of Breaking Dawn on Saturday. There is too much emphasis on sex in the media. There are scenes that could be considered sexual, with no intercourse, but so what. It comes down to parenting. Teach your children the proper values and live them yourself, and your children will be able to read books like the Twilight Series and know that it is what it is.......FICTION!

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/30/2008 2:26:49 PM

    Comment: oh my gosh!!! will everyone please just get over their opinions of sex!! who cares.. everyone has their different opinions and not everyone is ever going to agree on one belief. stephanie meyer is the one writing the books not us! let her decide what happens, and that sex part was only a little tiny part out of the whole series so lets just talk about the book, like....... what does everyone think is going to happen in breaking dawn??? please no more sex talk!!!

  • Posted By: kookooforcocapuffs @ 07/30/2008 1:21:20 PM

    Comment: That's what makes these books so amazing. Stephenie Meyer has shown us that you don't have to have sex to be sexy. These books are the most romantic things I've ever read, and there's nothing in there you wouldn't want your mother to see you reading.

  • Posted By: just-a-thought @ 07/30/2008 1:07:35 PM

    Comment: I've enjoyed reading the 'Twilight' books, but anyone who says there's no sex in them is wrong. There's plenty of sex in them, there's just no sexual intercourse. Frankly, I'd prefer girls to be over 18 to read it.

  • Posted By: mmcdonald @ 07/30/2008 10:18:37 AM

    Comment: I think the book Twilight is awesome. My daughter has read all of SM books, she just turned 15. She has made my curioustiy grow into reading them too....I was not interested in vampires and that sort of thing. But SM approach engages you in her stories, and leaves you wondering what becomes of her characters., so I am a fan now..lol. I am thrilled to see movies coming out of her books....the previews look interesting! Daughters of the Moon was another series my daughter and shared. I love the fact that we are sharing something together.....I love the idea that SM is a Mormon and her feelings towatds sex..saving it till marriage. That is the way it should be no matter what religion you are, I support this. I was not allowed to date till I was 16. But I actually was 17 or 18 when I got my first kiss from a boy....lol. I am proud of my daughter, Gabrielle Rena....she will be a sophmore in high school this year, and I know she deals with a lot of social pressures, and keeping up with academic pressures as well. I pray, she will NEVER let her morality down, and that she will save sexual activity for marriage with the RIGHT person.....some of us thought we married the right person, but unforseen circumstances proved otherwise. I hope she will know someone a year or so before she takes wedding vows. Thank You.

  • Posted By: lilylovestwilight @ 07/30/2008 9:25:31 AM

    Comment: i am 12 years old and going in to 6th grade and my mom has never even had "a talk" with me. well, she doesnt have too because i know lots of stuff she doesnt think i do, and in my opinion that is realy sad. i dont know why parents should be shy on the subject, because everyone does it at some point in their life and, you are right it is the 21st century, so maybe parents should take into account sex adds and movies with sex in them, there are plenty of that stuff going around and we are going to learn about some how and i personally would have much rather my mom telling me.

  • Posted By: Bluethorn @ 07/30/2008 1:24:09 AM

    Comment: this is absolutely stupid. i have several very important points i would like u all to consider. first. EDWARD is a FICTIONAL character, made up by a MORMAN author! He is traditional and was born in 1901! Not anything like boys today! And also although Edward is traditional, the only thing stopping him, in the heat of the moment on bella's bed is the fact that he might eat her! (well technicly drink her blood) And 'sex' is almost everywhere...tv movies burger king ads posters the list goes on not just those few examples....common phrase : sex sells. And also quite often it is not just the boys who are being promiscuious but girls can act like complete sluts. ALSO. OBBSSESSTION is NOT A HOBBY!!!!!! if ur obbsessed it takes over ur whole mind body and soul (i shud no) not just something u can dip into!!! and ummm............Robert Pattinson is so freakn gorgeous who ELSE could possible play Edward???? Sorry if ur offended by my crass talk. just wanted to get my opinion out there...

  • Posted By: Bluethorn @ 07/30/2008 1:09:08 AM

    Comment: This is absolutely stupid. ummm hello EDWARD is a FICTIONAL character!!!!!!!! He was born in 1901 and very traditional - totoallyy not like boys today. and sex is almost every where, (tv movies burger king ads posters) not just those few examples........AND obbssession is NOT a hobby!!! If ur obbssessed, it takes over ur mind, body and soul, not something u can dip into when u feel like it. and its not always the guy being promiscuous...often girls can act like complete sluts. oh yea and although Edward is traditional in the heat of the moment on bellas bed, the only thing stopping him is the fact that he might eat her! (well technicly drink her blood). sorry if ur offended.

  • Posted By: i<3edwardcullen @ 07/30/2008 12:42:38 AM

    Comment: robert pattinson is the most perfectest person in the world to play edward

  • Posted By: elanor-and-evermind @ 07/30/2008 12:22:29 AM

    Comment: Ug. Virginity is *so* important, but let's be a bit shallow about an actor's appearance. *insert eyeroll* I'd rather my teenage daughter be intimate with someone she truly cares about than shallowly judging another human being. Thank you religious America with it's irritating and irrational "morality" complex. (Oh, and the most horrifying portion of the books: the whole most-of-the-world's-population-seems-to-think-that-one-must-remain-a-virgin-outside-of-marriage-or-risk-going-to-hell bit beats out the vicious Volturi feast any day.)

  • Posted By: Natasha379 @ 07/30/2008 12:15:31 AM

    Comment: What fools. Robert Pattinson is flippin perfect. They must be blind.

  • Posted By: lexington17 @ 07/30/2008 12:04:47 AM

    Comment: I really loved this series for that very reason. It's everyones personal decision, on when they will or won't have sex, but for me personally, I decided a long time ago to stay a virgin till marriage. I loved so much, that there was something so completely seductive and gorgeous about this story, without it relating to sex. Especially being seventeen myself, it made it so much more relatable.

  • Posted By: maden @ 07/29/2008 11:52:35 PM

    Comment: personally I have taken the decision to have sex before marriage, specially because I intend to marriage late. I am 15 years old. I am the opinion that it is necessary to explain the best ways to protect itself specially as a woman. Thats important. But to imply that sex before marriage makes you "·impure"· in any way is just plain wrong. Also because at the age of 15 the persdon is old and mature enough to decide which sdet of valuses one wantsd to followwhto decide for






























    itself what


    itsdelf what sdet of valuesd

  • Posted By: eralc @ 07/29/2008 11:03:22 PM

    Comment: This is a little off topic, but i just wanted to give my opinion about this: I am 15 years old and reading the Twilight books. My parents have explained what sex is to me, but they have never given me the so-called "birds and bees" talk. And I have never even considered having sex outside of marriage. My parents have brought me up with the right values, and understand without having to ask me that I would never do that. reeree1, if you were going to have that talk with your kids, why would you even think of having it "a lot younger that 13", way before the child has even started puberty?! If mom had had that talk with me, and if she had done it younger than that, I would have not understood most of what she'd said! I don't believe this talk is even necessary-it wasn't necessary for me. Maybe I am the exception and not the rule, but my parents are just good parents who have brought me up with good values. And if parents were going to have that discussion, (around age 13 would be the best time in my opinion,) I personally think using Twilight would be a great idea, and would make the talk a lot less awkward. And that would make the child more willing to listen. I know I am going against a lot of people in having these opinions, but again, I have never even considered sex outside of marriage!! Does anyone agree with me, or at least see my point?

  • Posted By: eralc @ 07/29/2008 10:45:49 PM

    Comment: .

  • Posted By: ~:.tAlKiN4ReAl.:~ @ 07/29/2008 9:33:19 PM

    Comment: She's right peoples!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: reeree1 @ 07/29/2008 9:31:46 PM

    Comment: Honestly!!! What is wrong with the parents out there, why would it take a book like Twilight to talk about sex???? And you should have had that talk with you children when they were a lot younger that 13!

  • Posted By: ~:.tAlKiN4ReAl.:~ @ 07/29/2008 9:22:58 PM

    Comment: Okey people, it is Stephenie Meyers' book....... Let her do what ever she wants to do with it........ What ever she writes, i'm sure it would come out right...... And you little ones here, COME ON........ grow up.......twlighttsss950 is right. this is the 21st century. I learned about sex when i was in 5th grade too.... and that was when i was 9......... If you little ones can't take the little bit of sexual desire Bella and Edward have....... THEN STOP READIN THE FREAKIN BOOK!!!!!

  • Posted By: emochildlvr @ 07/29/2008 8:27:40 PM

    Comment: i love these books. i tried to get my mom to read them but she is very resistant to whatever i have to say its nice to know that so many girls have supporting moms and caring that they would actually do that my mom never told me about sex i learned on my own and that was NOT the right way. im 17 and i wish this book was out before i went through what i did i always wish my mom would have told me what a great thing virginity is. waswas.

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/29/2008 7:43:42 PM

    Comment: well, now that everyone's been able to talk about all of the things that they hate about the books, and what they can see from the movie, hah, what does everyone think is going to happen in breaking dawn... i mean i wish that stephanie was writing more books!! because it doesn't seem like she can sum everything up in just one more book... personally i want bella to be turned into a vampire but what do you guys think is going to happen??

  • Posted By: ancientone @ 07/29/2008 5:23:38 PM

    Comment: In reading these comments it is easy to see that many of you still have not experienced a true, deep, agonistic love. Thank you Stephanie Meyer bringing romance back to our children. Of course this isn't real it is just a story but thanks to Stephanie many of you unexperienced people can maybe understand what love should be like. My husband still takes my breathe away after 16 years of marriage. And when he is away on business we go to sleep on the phone listening to each other talk and breathe. Also Rob is "Perfect" from what I can see from the trailers. He even has the crooked smile down. Way to go SUMMIT Entertainment.

  • Posted By: bellaswan53 @ 07/29/2008 4:07:55 PM

    Comment: I understand why some people think that there is no big problm with having sex. But the main reason the book (Twi. NM, and Eclipse) are becasue of the athour, and I think that people should repect her for the things that she belives in. I am a 14 year old girl that lives in MN, USA and I think that people that are in love (B & E) do not have to have sex until they are married. And besided did you even read the book, Edward would kill Bella if they ever did that or even got close to that, or she would become a Vamp. Also I think that it sets a good example for anyone that is reading it that is a teenager like me or younger when you are making a trasition between times in your life and you have to make different dicitions where it be about what you are going to do when you have a really good boyfriend or what you are going to where to the Twilight Movie Premiere (lol I am going as Alice). That is my 2 cents.
    -Sarah

    • Posted By: elanor-and-evermind @ 07/30/2008 3:36:49 AM

      Comment: Respecting a person does not preclude disagreement with her ideals. A wedding is merely a contract, not some magic point after which they are deemed to love each other enough to engage in sexual activity.

  • Posted By: GoTTaLoVePeneLope @ 07/29/2008 3:50:35 PM

    Comment: I don't understand they cant have sex in the book? If you don't want your child to read it why are you letting them read a book Dead people drinking blood and killing animals and people?

  • Posted By: twlighttsss950 @ 07/29/2008 3:49:13 PM

    Comment: my gawd.talk about OVER PROTECTIVE! this is the twenty first centery here people! im not the young, but im nomt that old either an like atleast MY omm treats me as if i AM older than i realy am! like come on, they dont really do anything..i mean they ALMOST do but i highly doubt stephanie meyer would actualy describe it when theyre having sex.so like come on people, get overrrrrr ittt!!!!

  • Posted By: GoTTaLoVePeneLope @ 07/29/2008 3:49:03 PM

    Comment: Why no sex in the book? Whats wrong with it?

  • Posted By: smarties_r_cool @ 07/29/2008 3:23:02 PM

    Comment: I think some people here, you know who you are, need to stop worrying about censoring Twilight from kids 12 years old. In the school i used to go to we learned about this issue in our health class when i was in 5th grade. Yeah, 10 years old, and i went to a normal school, low teen pregnancy rate, low crime rate. I really helped and i believe may have preventeed many teen pregnancies in my school. So think about what you're censoring.

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/29/2008 12:26:25 PM

    Comment: i don't see why everyone's freaking out about robert pattinson.. i mean if you actually take the time to watch the trailers and see the interviews you'll see that he actually isn't that bad looking.. and if you have such a big problem w/ him then who do you think would do better.. i mean who's as cute.. and can act as good robert pattinson??

  • Posted By: terrifictwilightteen565 @ 07/29/2008 12:23:43 PM

    Comment: i don't understand why everyone's freaking out saying that Robert Pattinson isn't good enough to play edward, if you take the time to watch the trailers and interviews and stuff you'll see that he actually isn't that bad looking... and besides who would you suggest to play edward, that is cute and can act as good as robert pattinson??

  • Posted By: beaver_01 @ 07/29/2008 11:20:46 AM

    Comment: It doesn't really make you feel better about waiting to have sex though. It doesn't show that guys will like you even if you don't have sex with them because if you read the whole series you would know that Edward doesn't want to have have sex. I thas nothing to do with Bella's desire. Bella still wants to have sex but Edward will not allow it. So, it just shows that Edward really is an old fasioned person who thinks that he will hurt Bella and worries about his own virginity along with Bella's.

  • Posted By: cedusky1 @ 07/29/2008 11:20:45 AM

    Comment: I just want to say that poor Robert Pattinson has gotten so much hatemail for not being perfect enough for Edward. Please watch some of his interveiws online because he is sooooooooo sweet, and sooooooo cute, and it totally rang a bell in my heart that says thank you for picking him to play Edward.

  • Posted By: busy-mom @ 07/29/2008 9:52:35 AM

    Comment: I'm the mother of a 12 year old daughter, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (mormon). I read the books after having several friends recommend them. We even had a book club at church and read all three of the available books in a month...none of us could put them down. All of us who have daughters older than 11 or 12 let the girls read them. The Twilight series is a great work of fiction, but lends itself to reinforce positive behavior. We are living in a time where pornography is so rampant and many young men are expecting girls who fit that idea. I'm grateful to Stephanie Meyer for writing books which have high morals, value agency and show that morality is not a long forgotten principle.

  • Posted By: kirbko @ 07/29/2008 6:30:32 AM

    Comment: Finally, an article about the Twilight Series where the author understands the appeal...especially for mom! Thank you:)

  • Posted By: kirbko @ 07/29/2008 6:29:06 AM

    Comment: Finally, an article about the Twilight series where the author understands the appeal...especially for moms! Thank you:)

  • Posted By: iluvsmarties @ 07/29/2008 1:36:20 AM

    Comment: So I've been reading these comments and some of them made me laugh out loud, they were so ridiculous.People the most important word is 'FICTION'. It's not real, vampires arent real. Your daughters arent going to meet a guy that shines in the sun and run away with them as soon as they graduate from high school. No girl in their right mind would use Twilight or any of the other books as a guide to live their lives. Why are we worring about imaginary things when there are much worst, real things going on in the world. I mean if you got a problem with the book then don't let your kids read it end of story. In my opinion I think its crazy. Schools are letting kids read Romeo and Juliet (Twilight is based on that), what message does that convey to young girls, 'if your love leaves you then kill yourself'? But suprise you overprotective, overzealous moms they've been making it through high school to college or whereever never giving Romeo or Juliet a thought, two fictional yet human characters. So then what makes you think they're going to act differently about a story with vampires and werewolves. HAHA come on get your panties out of that bunch and be realistic, it won't hurt!

  • Posted By: popcorn808 @ 07/29/2008 12:38:01 AM

    Comment: I agree... Robert is NOT beautiful enough to be Edward... I really don't think 'Twilight' is sexual in anyway.... But Eclipse is another story... It's still an AMAZING series that everyone deserves to read who wants to!

  • Posted By: Jaw288 @ 07/27/2008 11:07:10 AM

    Comment: i hate when moms are like this, ugh. worrying if she'd have to edit the paragraph. please its a book in the young adult section its for 12 and up. and her daughter probably knows a lot from kids at school or is learning some bad things from kids at school, a book isnt going to destroy her mind, a book can only help and twilight is one of the best to do that.. my mother never tried to censor me other than keep me in the young adult books until i was older. i still read YA books obviously, and i havent found one yet that is overly inappropriate. but to each her own i guess, i just hate it when parents try to censor the world that their chilkdren live in, its like lying, and its a brutal blow when you get out in the world and know nothing about its negatives.

    • Posted By: smarties_r_cool @ 07/29/2008 3:08:02 PM

      Comment: Amen! I totally agree. Thank you for posting your comment, everything you said was totally true!

  • Posted By: purplematter @ 07/24/2008 10:29:27 AM

    Comment: When you can live forever, money tends to accumulate. All the Cullens have numerous degrees, they're skilled in many fields and they can hold whatever jobs they want, whenever they want. Obviously, Bella can't go to college right away, but she'll be able to go once her newborn stage has passed and she's comfortable enough around human blood. In the meantime, she can learn as many languages, memorize as many books and do whatever she pleases till she's ready enough.

  • Posted By: jodunn @ 07/24/2008 6:30:09 AM

    Comment: Not touching the feminist issue further, but what I fail to understand is why prestigious newspapers like this one don't touch on the quality of the writing, which is incredibly fanfictionish. Meyer makes every amateur mistake, including purple prose, purple dialogue tags, weak plotting, Mary Sue characters, etc. These are elementary mistakes, things that are taught first in any writing class or book -yet neither her agent, her publisher, nor the reviewers picked this up? It saddens me that even esteemed newspapers and reviewers just go along with the hype without offering a critical look into these books. A generation is now growing up thinking that this is good writing. That is more than unfortunate.

    • Posted By: Jaw288 @ 07/27/2008 11:14:48 AM

      Comment: i know she isnt the greatest writer with an amateur style. However, meyer is a story teller and the lure of these books is the story not her ability to dot her i's and cross her t's. She may begin sentences with the wrong word type and make so many errors, but its not about the technical stuff, which you and I notice that matters. Teenage girls dont care about technical errors. They care about the story and the romance. Regardless of stephenie meyer's writing ability, she is a great story teller and thats what her fans care about. She is an amazinfg person who cares about her fans and her characters and thats all i can ask for in this type of novel. not everything has to be an eng 101 term paper.

  • Posted By: cbox @ 07/23/2008 8:48:50 AM

    Comment: Furthermore, finding a souldmate is not something that makes you "weak" or anti-feminist. Edward also proclaims that without Bella HIS life would be nothing. Does this make him a traiter to his gender? Bella's one of the best feminist role models I have seen: She respects herself by not lowering her standards when it comes to love vs. lust, and she saves her own (vampire) boyfriend's life. Not exactly a damsel in distress.

  • Posted By: cbox @ 07/23/2008 8:38:56 AM

    Comment: In response to memorylapse's comment : I strongly disagree with your view that the Twilight Series has anti-feminist undertones. You claim that Bella "leaps into the arms of another male" once Edward leaves, but Bella is far from using another romantic relationship to keep herself afloat. Jacob is her best friend -who just happens to be a boy. What's un-feminist about that?

  • Posted By: TheRaceCar @ 07/22/2008 4:52:03 PM

    Comment: The Twilight books promote a dangerous paradigm for teenage relationships. Edward is controlling and possessive and essentially stalks Bella. Bella, the novel's narrator, is weak character and an even weaker female role model. Bella remains content to simply graduate from high school, marry Edward and become a vampire so she can share eternal love with him. Bella is decidedly ambivalent about pursuing a future independent of her relationship with Edward. Bella repeatedly lies to her father in an attempt to protect Edward. Bella does not inform her father that Edward watches her sleep every night. I found the books profoundly disturbing and would never let my children read them, let alone recommend anyone read them.
    While it's admirable that Ms. Meyers does not allow her protagonist to indulge in anything more than passionate kissing, the underlying relationship between Bella and Edward is unnerving and inappropriate. Additionally, Ms. Meyer's writing suffers from a lack of true originality or, barring that, even inspired innovation.

    • Posted By: katiefg @ 07/22/2008 9:36:04 PM

      Comment: Wow! Lighten up! It's just a book folks. I love how critics of this book clearly have never read the book or completely misinterpret what's being written, and then take it so seriously. True, the writing isn't Shakespeare - but frrankly, I don't think even Shakespeare had this kind of following. Ms. Meyer is doing something right, as she is - not writing well -all the way to the bank.
      As a dyed-in-the-wool feminist myself, I of course would not WANT my daughter to behave this way. But if I remember being 17 correctly, I TOTALLY behaved this way - being obssessed with a boy and being willing to live your life for him. Oh, the delicious drama of it all. Is it stupid? Of course. Is is how young girls feel? Absolutely! So what? Edward is definitely fictional, but so is Bella. There's no underlying agenda or message, it's just a series started by a mom who wanted to do something fun for herself. So let's take a break from our cynical, so serious selves and take a little skinny dip into the fantasy of being completely ordinary and having someone beyond extraordinary want us just because of our smell and our mind. That's all, nothing more - ahh, just soak in the FUN!!!

      • Posted By: emochildlvr @ 07/29/2008 7:48:07 PM

        Comment: THANK YOU thats exactly what i was thinking. "SOAK IN THAAA FUNNN! live alittle. go on dream ya no take a lil vaca. from reality sweetie. there ya go".... ya know?

      • Posted By: emochildlvr @ 07/29/2008 7:43:58 PM

        Comment: your sooooo right i cant even begin to describe how right you are about this. thats what I've been thinking this whole time. your very right... lets just SOAK IN THE FUN! nice.

    • Posted By: memorylapse @ 07/22/2008 8:14:35 PM

      Comment: Finally! A comment on something Twilight-related that isn't praising the novel. I have read them all to date, and yes i can say that they easy, slightly enjoyable reads but I have a hard time getting past how horribly developed the characters are that Stephenie Meyer created, more so how much anti-feminist undertones are in the story. Bella exclaims numerous times in the novels that without Edward her life would be nothing. The the big joke is that once Edward leaves Bella slumps into a dark depression and doesn't use the comfort of other friends to get through hard times, but instead leaps into the arms of another male. Then when she is finally reunited with Edward she isn't even angry at him, and falls back into place as though he never even left. I mean do mothers' really want to be sending out that kind of message to their daughters, the kind of message that tells them it's okay to be weak, it's okay to mope, and it's okay to throw the rest of your life away because there is going to be some Mr. Perfect to come sweep you off your feet and make everything better? I'm a nineteen year old female and I certainly wouldn't want to have a future daughter of mine to feel that she needs a man in her life to be okay.

      • Posted By: StalkingSpunkRansom @ 07/29/2008 12:39:52 AM

        Comment: Adding on to my argument, she punches Jacob in the face when he kisses her. I doubt that's very misogynistic of her, because if it was, she would have allowed Jacob to continue kissing her, since she would be weaker than Jacob since she is a female and he is a male. At least, that is how it wood go down if this was supposed to be an anti-feminist type book. Yet, Bella did punch Jacob instead of being weak. That's all I have left to say.

      • Posted By: StalkingSpunkRansom @ 07/29/2008 12:36:54 AM

        Comment: You're joshing me, right? Who said anything about leaping into the arms of another male?! She merely makes a new friend, ohkay? Sure, he falls in love with her, but she didn't consider him as boyfriend material until Eclipse. Even when she does acknowledge her feelings for Jacob, she still admits she loves Edward more! As to her lack of anger at Edward for leaving her, it is because she thinks that she is undeserving of Edward, percieving herself as plain due to her life in Phoenix, where everyone may have been prettier than her. She also considers it her fault as to why he left , as It was her cutting her finger on wrapping paper that sends the Cullens into a frenzy.since she

      • Posted By: Jaw288 @ 07/27/2008 11:19:38 AM

        Comment: you;re dumb if u think that one novel will tell girls how to act. she doesnt leap into the arms of another male. she had no romantic feelings for him. and she had no reason to be mad, he did it to protect her. bella lost her first love its hard, but she eventually pulled out and started hanging out with a friend who just so happened to be a boy. she didnt have romantic feelings for him. he was just someone fun to hang out with and made her world a bit brighter. do you really want to teach your daughter that men are only good for one thing, dating and sex? why cant a girl have a guy friend?

  • Posted By: TheRaceCar @ 07/22/2008 4:51:31 PM

    Comment: kdjf

  • Posted By: cullengirl1 @ 07/22/2008 3:09:32 PM

    Comment: I am convinved, and have been since the beginning, that Robert Pattinson is more than "cute enough" to be Edward Cullen. I think he's gorgeous and he brings great emotion to the part along with his good looks. Give him a break. He's brought Edward Cullen to life for us, so don't judge, just enjoy!

  • Posted By: cullengirl1 @ 07/22/2008 3:03:37 PM

    Comment: I am convinced, and have been since the beginning. Robert Pattinson is more than "cute enough" to be Edward Cullen. I think he's just gorgeous and brings a lot more to the part than just his good looks.

  • Posted By: Owl5 @ 07/22/2008 1:38:59 PM

    Comment: This article says that Meyer felt that Bella and Edward shouldn't have sex before marriage, yet it neglects to metion the fact that they're engaged to be married at, like, 19, Bella doesn't have any plains for a higher education, Edward doesn't have any either, and only Bella has a job (retail.) Wow, that's a good message for kids: don't have sex before marriage, but get married young so you can, and Jesus will love ya for it!


    • Posted By: zoe15 @ 07/22/2008 9:34:33 PM

      Comment: You're wrong. In Ec lipse, we find out that they've both been accepted to Dartmouth and are supposed to start college there after the wedding. Also, if you read "Midnight Sun", ie Twilight as written from Edward's perspective (available on Stephenie Meyer's web site), you'll find out that Edward already has several medical degrees. Besides, Edward is far from being poor, so I don't think the lack of money or high-paying jobs is an issue.

      • Posted By: purplematter @ 07/24/2008 10:28:39 AM

        Comment: When you can live forever, money tends to accumulate. All the Cullens have numerous degrees, they're skilled in many fields and they can hold whatever jobs they want, whenever they want. Obviously, Bella can't go to college right away, but she'll be able to go once her newborn stage has passed and she's comfortable enough around human blood. In the meantime, she can learn as many languages, memorize as many books, and do whatever she likes till she's ready.

        • Posted By: cedusky1 @ 07/29/2008 11:30:11 AM

          Comment: Edward already has several medical degrees, and has gone to several colleges already, and he is supporting ella 100% with her well-informed, well-thought out plans like going to college as soon as she is able too, and has paid for her to get into Dartmouth, and will pay for her education. He has plenty of money, and something else the book shows, and Stephanie Meyer has explained, is that Bella goes through the experiences that she does in the books because Stephanie feels that it makes her decisions REAL. She is making decisions with all the options laid in front of her, and not only tat... with what she has been through... she isn't a normal 19 yr. old anymore... she can't go back to the ignorance she was in, and her life has become something else.... she been having to grow up a lot faster than other teens. I agree that most other 17 to 19 yr olds would not be ready for the types of decisions that she is making... in this case it is different... but certainly you have got everything else wrong.

  • Posted By: ndrock @ 07/22/2008 9:25:53 AM

    Comment: Would everybody be as "Thrilled" if it were a Catholic girl? I think not! The back lash that would have come from the liberals would have been unrelenting.

    Anyone remember the song "come out, come out Virginia, you Catholic girls start much to late"? Ya like that wasn't a slam again the Catholic religion and what morals they teach and go ahead for having relationship.

    Where are all the Newsweek annalists? I surprised that they have not somehow put a slant on this that, their God, "Obama" is not somehow responsible for the popularity of this book.

  • Posted By: onlinesubscriber @ 07/21/2008 11:19:01 PM

    Comment: As an avid twilight fan (who is not a teen) I find this to be one of the more disappointing articles about the series and movie. It's interesting that in an article about the lack of sex in the books the author brings up the fact that Stephenie is Mormon. As a person that is not super religious I believe that Stephenie has done an amazing job not placing whatever her social and religious views may be on to her readers, even in the sequels where her impact is much stronger. Sex is not a religuous decision, let alone a Mormon one and to be honest some of the scenes in the books are hotter than sex scenes ive read in other novels.

    I've actuially wondered how the Mormon church has reacted to her books as they bring up issues of mysticism, magic, vampires, divorce, and the fact that the young female heroine is the one that tries to pressure her partner into having sex before getting married. That might have been a better topic for you to disect in Newsweek instead of something that shouldve been written for Seventeen magazine.

    • Posted By: Lorimarie @ 07/22/2008 2:29:33 AM

      Comment: I know I can only speak for myself when I say this but it seems to me that this book is one of the best thing to travel threw the "Mormon Mom" comunity since the scrapbooking interest groups. I myself being a mormon have greatly appreciated Stephenie Meyer's books. I do understand were you might be confused or wonder how the church may respond to her books as we "mormons" are known for trying to live with strict standards and high morals, but know that one of the most important principles in the church is not to judge others. I reserve the right to say that we are not a "perfect people" in this as we all are "human." That being said yes there are vampires, magic, divorce, and even some violance, but I think the fact that Edward and Bella practice abstanance in todays world is so much more important then the fact that there are fictional characters such as a vampires, and even a family that has been separtated by devorce. It seems like not having sex before marriage in many movies now and day is such a rareity that it is truely refreshing to be able to enjoy a book and soon to be movie that doesn't promote it. I hope that helps your curiousity.

      By the way I think Robbert Pattinson is the perfect Edward. He is not a cookie cutter poster boy (which i love) he is originally just gorgeous; just the way i think Edward should be. I also think he is emensly talented from what I have seen. He depicts Edwards thoughts and emotions prefectly with just his facial expressions alone. He defenatly has the ablility to play someone who is complex such as Edward tends to be.

  • Posted By: skarlet7 @ 07/21/2008 10:04:57 PM

    Comment: My 18 year old daughter and her 19 year old best friend are reading the series together and are going to be at the midnight release party.I like the books because besides the fact they are wonderful! they dont have to be graphic in your face for you to have alot of love and romance.they are still breath taking in the way the stories are told! And the last comment about Robert Pattinson the woman in the artical made was truly uncalled for! It was rude and ugly to have printed that! Im from the old school in if you cant say something nice keep it to yourself! I think Rob P will rise up and be a very bright and shinging star!
    Im wishing him all success and happieness!
    skarlet7



    He is a very talented and handsome and kind actor! and In MYHOP has become Edward!

  • Posted By: wendyandicanfly @ 07/21/2008 8:40:01 PM

    Comment: Rob Pattinson is the hottest actor working today. Some old ladies need new glasses they really do. I'm looking forward to the film's release and Rob's career going through the roof. Mark my words he is going to be a huge star. He's very talented and extremely versatile. Check out this person's you tube channel on him http://www.youtube.com/user/skelletonkey

  • Posted By: jenmen @ 07/21/2008 8:34:43 PM

    Comment: As someone suggested on another site the writer probably added that cheap shot last line to get more people to read her article. Sad,

  • Posted By: bwallace @ 07/21/2008 7:48:40 PM

    Comment: I've recommended the Twilight series to several people from teens to moms and so far there hasn't been anyone who didn't feel compelled to pick up the second book of the series immediately upon finishing the first and then on to the third. Stephenie Meyer's story telling is pure emotion wrapped in fantasy. The fact that she has written these "lusty novels" while the characters remain chaste adds a certain tension that pushes the reader to keep turning the pages. I'm anxiously awaiting Breaking Dawn and the upcoming movie.

  • Posted By: blearyeyedmesgirl @ 07/21/2008 7:44:47 PM

    Comment: Comment: I'm glad people are seeing this book and the series as more than just a teen romance novel, or just a new fiction about vampires...because it is so much more. It deals with very real issues, in a way that everyone can enjoy and talk about. And Robert Pattinson is not only becoming one of the greatest actors of his generation, but he, like Edward, is just breathtakingly beautiful...there was never a doubt in my mind that he would be the perfect Edward. I cannot wait to see him bring the role and film to life.

  • Posted By: blearyeyedmesgirl @ 07/21/2008 7:42:51 PM

    Comment: I'm glad people are seeing this book and the series as more than just a teen romance novel, or just a new fiction about vampires...because it is so much more. It deals with very real issues, in a way that everyone can enjoy and talk about. And Robert Pattinson is not only becoming one of the greatest actors of his generation, but he, like Edward, is just breathtakingly beautiful...there was never a doubt in my mind that he would be the perfect Edward. I cannot wait to see him bring the role and film to life.

    A

  • Posted By: zoe15 @ 07/21/2008 7:35:38 PM

    Comment: I do believe that mothers need to talk to their daughters and warn them that most 17-year-olds are NOT like Edward! What I mean by that is that most 17-year-old boys don't have the self-control and discipline Edward has, particularly when the girl they are attracted to throws herself at him! I love these books and I love the characters. I also think Rob Pattinson is an extremely good-looking guy and that he'll make a great Edward.

    • Posted By: purplematter @ 07/24/2008 10:35:11 AM

      Comment: As a teen girl, I'd like to say - we're not stupid. Of course we know boys aren't like Edward. We may yearn for it, but we know the sort of romance between Edward and Bella is not something we can have. Their love for each other is not something we'll ever get.

      But that's why we're reading about it, isn't it?

  • Posted By: pwrgirl @ 07/21/2008 7:30:53 PM

    Comment: Thank goodness Robert Pattinson isn't "cute". His face something poets write about. He's unusually beautiful looking! And THAT is what the character of Edward is supposed to be. Pattinson is also a very talented actor, and he has that "IT" quality that is so rare,. One can't NOT look at him when he's onscreen. And he's tall as all get out. Just watch. Robert Pattinson is going to be the male breakout star of the year.

  • Posted By: pwrgirl @ 07/21/2008 7:29:21 PM

    Comment: Thank goodness Robert Pattinson isn't "cute". His face something poets write about. He's unusually beautiful looking! And THAT is what the character of Edward is supposed to be. Pattinson is also a very talented actor, and he has that "IT" quality that is so rare,. One can't NOT look at him when he's onscreen. And he's tall as all get out. Just watch. Robert Pattinson is going to be the male breakout star of the year.

  • Posted By: juliethi1 @ 07/21/2008 7:07:36 PM

    Comment: Twilight is a great series for teens and adults. I???m not the original target audience. I???m a thirty plus year old mom. The Twilight Saga reminded me of the purity and beauty of true love. It made my stop taking my marriage for granted and appreciate what I had. Stephenie Meyer is an incredible storyteller and fantastically talented. I am truly thankful for her books. They have a beautiful message and I am proud to recommend them to people of all ages to read.

    On a side note, I think Robert Pattinson is more than ???cute enough??? to play Edward. He's extremely attractive. Not to mention talented, charismatic and humble. I???m saddened that this article put him down, especially since he already has been criticized enough while always remaining kind and gracious to Twilight fans. There is no one that can measure up to the Edward Stephenie Meyer created, but let me tell you, Robert Pattinson is pretty darn close! I look forward to watching him and the movie in December.

  • Posted By: jenmen @ 07/21/2008 7:01:33 PM

    Comment: Do not incur the wrath of us Rob lovers. That one liner at the end of the article was a cheap shot. Check out how gorgeous Rob is here
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2AyiZOsOk

  • Posted By: janeyjaney @ 07/21/2008 6:56:28 PM

    Comment: if Rob isnt cute then I dont know who is. He's a beautiful looking man. They should make him Bond in future. I love the accent he uses as Edward in the trailers. Its very seductive. The producers are very lucky to get him.

  • Posted By: Ruthieb @ 07/21/2008 6:46:27 PM

    Comment: Rob is HOT, infact I cant think of anyone hotter. I cant wait to see the film and mainly because Rob is in it. I guess I'm the lucky one. More importantly he's a wonderful and versatile actor.

  • Posted By: Alisonbl @ 07/21/2008 6:39:20 PM

    Comment: Robert Pattinson is an extremely handsome and charismatic actor with tremendous screen presence. Already from the various trailers and behind the scenes footage you can see he has nailed the role and has done a marvelous job of capturing the essence of Edward. I look forward to seeing Robert's fanbase become huge when the film is released.

  • Posted By: Alisonbl @ 07/21/2008 6:35:59 PM

    Comment: z

 
 
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