Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)

Optimistically good. I hesitantly read this, mainly because of all the hype, but it was actually a good read. I'm reading the others in the hope they're just as good.

To start, I'm 24 years old so I am a little out of the "Young Reader" demographic that this book is aimed at. Also, I am not one for strictly romance novels so this is a first for me. But, just after finishing reading Lord of the Rings for the first time, I wanted a quick and easy book to read next. So I decided to read Twilight after hearing some positive reviews. Two days later I finished Twilight with mixed feelings. Other reviewers here have better articulated their feelings of this book, so I will try to be brief in my review.

As I stated previously I had just finished "Lord of the Rings" so when I started reading Twilight I have to admit I blanched a little at the simplicity of the text. I read this book with the mind of a 24 year old, so it may be a little unfair to rate it so low because of it's simplicity. It is a book for younger readers after all. The author very well could of written this specifically for the young reader and left it simple to appeal to that age range (although I find it sad if you have to dumb down books for younger people to enjoy).

- The book starts out slow. Very slow. It picks up about 300 pages in, but before you know it the story ends (well, until the next book at least).

- Bella. Where to start? I don't see the appeal. There is nothing extraordinary or unique about her personality. Actually it is hard to find a personality there (except maybe for sarcasm). I realize the goal is to show that even seemingly plain, clumsy people can find love, but there doesn't seem to be a reason WHY in this case. Just because she smells nice doesn't count.

- Yes, Edward, you are the most beautiful person on Earth and in all the heavens for good measure. No, we don't need to be reminded every 3 pages of this. Also, Bella is clumsy and can't lie too well - we didn't forget that either. Basically, the book gets a little repetitive at times.

- I admit that even I was a little taken with the romance of the two characters. They just loved each other so much and it was so sickeningly sweet. It was actually quite creepy if you think about it; within the context of the book it was nice but in real life not so much. I would hope that younger readers would have the understanding that this is not how love actually works.

As much I really didn't care for the book, I admittedly will probably read the sequels. Hopefully, there will be more suspense next time around.

I can see how a teen-age girl would think it was great. It was written for a younger crowd. However, don't bother with it unless you're a teen or are a fan of Harlequin romance - or unless you like stories where the two main characters spend all of their time scowling, glaring, bickering or being "dazzled". In fact, you may want to read this before you let your impressionable young girls read it. Edward is too controlling and jealous for a healthy relationship. That said, about half way through the book became at least entertaining enough to finish.

ugh...couldn't even get through half of it. if you want a book where the girl fawns and obsesses over someone, this is the book for you. i can see why it's for teenage girls.

That people like all of these women, mind you these are all either middle aged women or just plain old have to come over here and cut up this book. It did the job it was intended to do. Is it a literary masterpiece? No. But, it was a lovely story about young, forbidden love. I feel sorry that all of you had to come here and leave your bitterness all over this page. I can already guess what kind of women you all are. Get a life and enjoy it, then maybe you won't have to spend so much time on here leaving reviews about books that don't live up to your expectations. Love is crazy and never logical and that's all this book was saying! Get over it and yourselves!