Started reading it last night and went all the way to the Epilogue in one sitting - that was 3 am, folks. So, needless to say, I really enjoyed it!
As my librarian friend told me when I picked it up... keep in mind that it is written from the perspective of a 17 year-old girl. There were times when I had to remind myself of this... when she swooned too much, fainted, or otherwise exhibited OCD over Edward. I had to recall being a teenager girl and remembering what it was like... and sometimes skimming the paragraphs when it got a bit too over-the-top, lol.
I must say that in the beginning of the book, I was quite awestruck by how Jane Austen-ish it was. I'm sure Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice was a major influence when the author was creating the character of Edward. So many similarities I was laughing, but happy, because I adore all Jane Austen books (I noticed the author did give Miss Austen a nod by having the main character reading her novels in one part of the book). Here are the similarities I noticed between Edward and Mr. Darcy:
-Old-fashioned chivalry
-Affluence
-Manner of dress (guess this also goes along w/ affluence)
-Manner of speaking
-Rudeness in the beginning (we all know how "Prideful" Darcy was)
-Complete meanness (Edward glaring at Bella & making rude remarks; Darcy refusing to dance w/ Elizabeth & making rude remarks)
I'm sure there were many other similarities that I'm overlooking now. Please post a comment if you're thinking of more! It will be fun - a competition of sorts.
So... now the second character I'm thinking influenced the author.
I was a major Anne Rice fan in my teens and 20s. I'm sure you all are thinking the same thing I am... "Louis" from Interview with the Vampire and the sequels.
-Wouldn't kill humans (well of course there was an accident or two if I recall correctly, lol)
-Obviously, he's a vampire
-Nice sort of vampire, lol
Now it's been years since I read the Anne Rice novels, so I'm sure I'm overlooking lots of similarities here as well. Remind me!
Anyway, the romance portion of the book reminded me so much of the early days with my husband. Falling in love, OCD (lol), wanting to be together 24/7. It was nice to know that I've been there, had that. Nice to be reminded of how great the early days of true love are! :-) I plan on renting the movie (I think it may be out on DVD by now, am I right??) and we can watch it together soon. I'm prepared for a letdown, the books are always better, but still I enjoy seeing movies of novels I've read.
Guess I need to request the sequel now from the library.
Happy reading!
I'm glad you liked it! I actually liked the teenage love stuff. I guess I still can feel that inside my head. We have the DVD! The movie is not as good I thought. I liked the forest part in the book way better. You'll have to let me know what you think. New Moon comes out in theaters in Nov., and I hear there is a new director. The trailer made it look like it will be really good!
ReplyDeleteMovie night at Penny's!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) You'll have to let me know when you do it. I'm personally boycotting the movie (and the book), but Esthers gonna make me watch it so I might as well watch it in good company LOL :)
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to watch the movie!!! I really didn't get into the book (I'm sorry!) but I thought the movie was cute.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, movie night!!!!
ReplyDeleteI usually agree with you that the books are better, but I think in this case I liked the movie a bit more. The movie (for obvious reasons) couldn't go on for paragraphs and paragraphs about her obsession over Edward, so the teen smarmyness was muted a bit.
When New Moon comes out, we should all go en masse!
Penny - I read the book and saw the movie. I agree with so many of your book observations (I was also an anne rice fan). Now, if you want some great vampire stuff currently, check out the sookie stackhouse, southern vampire series by harris. These are the books that the hbo series True Blood is based on. It is very quirky and more adult. I really enjoyed them. :)
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