As avid readers we at Flask and Pen often share and discuss our latest finds with one another. These discussions are always enlightening and provide insight into the likes and dislikes of those around us. Often the conversations lead to new discoveries of interesting material and talented writers. The content of the discussions not only incorporates the substance of the book but the social impact or lack there of that accompanies the material.
We have decided to open our book discussions up to our readers for comments and input. We’re sure that many of you enjoy a robust debate of our literary world also. Most recently the debate centered on Stephenie Meyers‘ Twilight series. Questions arose as to whether her series about vampires is better than the Vampire Chronicles of Anne Rice, which was the better movie or the impact of the Twilight series on our world of literature today.
Join in on the discussion by adding your comments.
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I was walking through an airport on my way home from a business trip when I spotted the cover in the bookstore. I picked it up and after buying it, did not put it down for three days. I think it is a good story to keep someone interested in the entire series. I am not a teenager (the target audience) but I enjoyed the book very much. I am almost finished with the last book.
As for comparisions with Rice. Please. Apples and oranges. It is a guilty pleasure, the Twilight series. Not a literary masterpiece. What is says about our culture is open for debate — but taking our cues from books that really sell as a barometer of culture is not too wise. Was that your point?
i haven’t actually read the book, but i have seen the movie. i can definitely say that twilight was more enjoyable to watch than the movie of interview with a vampire. i enjoyed the first three books of ann rice’s vampire novels, perhaps that’s why i didn’t enjoy the movie.
and actually, i think books that really sell are a barometer of our culture. like the potter series, the twilight series gets a whole demographic of people reading who perhaps didn’t before. the real question is, will they keep reading when they’ve read the last book? and what of the adults who read? is this the book they have read in years and if not, what else are they reading?
My 13 year old daughter received the twilight series as a birthday present. I still read to her (and my son) every night. I read the first twilight book to her and she wasn’t interested in the rest of them. I was, to say the least. I finished the rest of them in a week and was left wanting. The last time a book had that effect on me was The Stand, by Stephen King. I’ve often thought about how Stephenie Myers(sp?) and Stephen King and J.K. Rowling are able to capture that something that makes the reader obssessed. I read their books over and over looking for it. There’s nothing original about a beautiful vampire and a human who fall for each other and can’t be together. That’s such a common theme style since forever. But some writer’s are able to work magic in the story. As an aspiring writer i’m very curious about that magic. Someday I’d love to capture it myself in a book.