The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer *1st book*

[* amanda]

19 days 'til Breaking Dawn! Have you preordered it or are you planning on getting it at the store that day? There is 1 midnight release in Montreal on the Friday night, but I'm not sure I'll go (My boyfriend -erm, fiance- may think that's a teeny bit odd - I never did tell him about the DH midnight release I went to! But we'll see! Otherwise I'll buy it 1st thing the next morning.)

The author is posting a quote from the book every day leading up to its release on her website. Click here to see the quotes: www.stepheniemeyer.com/bd_quotes.html
They aren't terribly revealing but they are intriguing - today's involved Mike - a bit odd!

[* amanda]

My post just now went on to the next page - don't miss the post I posted the other day on the previous page.

[gayle in texas]

Amanda, I haven't ordered it yet but plan to as soon as I get back home. I would like to be there at midnight, but not sure I still have the stamina for such things.
I have been reading those quotes of the day, and some of them have me really worried. I don't think I could stand it if Bella left Edward. Of course, today's was quite funny about the strip club.
Stephenie's website is very cool, and I am so hooked on the music from her playlists that it makes me nuts not to be listening to it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[* amanda]

haha I think she's trying to tease and confuse us with the quotes. I think many are being taken WAY out of context. Here's my hypothesis of how it will REALLY go down in the book:

Chez Cullen, a couple nights before the wedding.
Bella: "Jasper? What do vampires do for bachelor parties? You're not taking him to a strip club, are you?"
Jasper: "Yeah, no. We can't go to a human stripclub, too risky, ya know, and quite frankly rather boring for us adrenaline-junkie Cullens. Instead, we have a great party here at home and one of us strips."
Bella:

Meanwhile, Bella is stuck at the Outfitters 'cuz she ironically locked her keys in her bomb-proof Mercedes before the party.
Bella: "Oh, Mike! How will I go on?"
Mike: *shrugs, and says jokingly* How about hitching a ride with that giant wolf in the woods?
Bella: "OOh! Great idea, thanks." *runs off*
Mike:

Just before the bachelor party, which mysteriously includes women. When you're a vampire, I guess it just doesn't matter. Everyone's there except Bella, en route. Alice and Edward decide to take matters into their own hands and figure out who doesn't have to strip.
Alice: "I'll play you for it. Rock, paper, scissors."
Edward: "Why don't you just tell me who wins?"
Alice: "I do. Excellent."
Twilight fangirls: "Squeeeeal"
Edward: *Teasingly pulls off his outer-layer of shirts*
Emmett: "Oooo, scary."
Tanya: *swooningly* "Ah, Edward. I've missed you."
Bella: *arriving just before Edward takes off 2nd shirt* "HOLD UP, folks. I can't see this til the wedding night."
Twilight fangirls: "Booooo!"


......or something like that.

[* amanda]

By the way, be sure to pick up or read the EW with Twilight on the cover at some point, there's nothing terribly enlightening on the movie but it has a fantastic article on Stephenie! I really enjoyed it. Part of the joy of a great book is knowing that the author is really a great, normal, down-to-earth, intelligent person, too.

[* amanda]

Back to a bit of the literary discussion, I was thinking how interesting it would be to compare/contrast some of Meyer's Twilight characters with JKR's characters. My first thought was it would be interesting to compare the approaches to the antagonists of the book/the villains.

Desire to do serious physical harm to or kill another human or vampire
James, Victoria, the creepy Volturi to an extent: this is an instinct that they can't rise above. They instinctively want to hunt, and James as a natural hunter was drawn to Bella thanks to Edward's move to protect her. The Volturi harm humans for instinctive reasons, but that's not what makes them the enemy - their innate belief that they are obligated to protect the Vampires leads them to use cruel and unusual means of punishment. That's why I lump them in with the enemy, although in their defense, their antagonistic actions are more of a result of a desire for self-preservation. Although, to a certain extent, I think they also want to hold onto power and are threatened by the Cullens. Overall, Vampires don't choose what they become (with the possible future exception of Bella;) and their animal instincts are difficult, potentially impossible, to completely suppress or overcome.

Voldy: Hmm, this brings up the issue of whether evil is an innate trait you're born with, or not. I choose to believe it is not and I believe JKR agrees. So, his being evil was a choice he made when he was younger (i.e. to take advantage of others, not "play nice", interest in dark arts, etc.) He may have been so consumed by this choice he made that by later in life evil was sort of second nature to him. Still, as Harry proved, you can choose what you become despite adversity.

So they seem like completely different villains - one is evil by instinct, another is evil by choice - except for one exception. Carlisle has chosen a different lifestyle despite his instincts. He has proven you can overcome your primal instincts, even if you're a vampire and have pretty potent desires. Now, I won't call killing a human for food evil - I recognize they need that to survive - so if done in a relatively humane fashion I won't categorize that under evil, at least for the vampires (not Voldy). However, I will say that inhumane treatment when killing food (James), the inability to make a decision or choice that is appropriate under the circumstances to avoid killing an innocent person (arguably all vamps who eat all people (James, Victoria, maybe all careless vamps) *** Remember, Edward mentioned he only tried to eat lowlife criminal humans back in the day who deserved it-; but especially James and Victoria for not thinking what they were doing was a little ridiculous and put too many other individuals in harm's way unnecessarily as well); and cruel and unusual punishment and somewhat unjust methods for rule (Volturi) are all bits of evildoing, because those particularly evil aspects are all choices. They are the behaviours that the Cullens managed to overcome. So the vamps are evil enough that I think Voldy could at least mingle with that crowd at a party.

Of course, now the question is: who would beat who in battle, Voldy or a combo of the Volturi, Victoria, and James?

Well, I think I've sufficiently used up my semicolon, comma, dash and parenthesis quota for the night,;()- better call it quits.

[gayle in texas]

Hilarious, Amanda! I agree that they are messing with us with the quotes, those @%#^$&*s. Just a couple of weeks and all will be revealed, thank heavens.
Have you read any of the outtakes etc. that Stephenie was kind enough to share? I got a lot out of Midnight Sun, seeing just how strong Edward's reaction to Bella was. Bit scary, that young man.
I am so hoping your vision of the strip party is accurate. Not sure a squeal would suffice there. ;D
I guess there has been some dissatisfaction with the cover of EW, which I have searched diligently for both in Albuquerque and in DFW airport, to no avail. I guess it will be out tomorrow.
It looked to me like they went a bit overboard with the makeup, but Edward was lookin GOOD! Can't wait to see Rob in action. That poor young man has taken quite an ego beating with this project. In the MTV thing yesterday, they even told him he has enormous feet, for pete's sake. I was stunned that anyone would even bring up such an asinine comment in an interview.

[* amanda]

&^%%^#@@!!@!@$&&())*&%%$$#@!@!!

New...teaser trailer! Breathtaking!

I adore Edward. Robert was a fantastic choice. I briefly doubted it only because I only knew him as Cedric. But the trailers prove he is perfect for the part! What a great actor! And Bella... is Bella!

It astounds me re: the negativity surrounding this movie. I know some fans are passionate and will be disappointed, but honestly I wish they could keep their negative feelings to themselves. It doesn't make the movie look bad... it makes them look bad! Ridiculous people!

[* amanda]

The look he gives James when he says "you brought a snack"....oooh. I love Robert's expressions. They truly capture Edward. Ok, it's time for it, *squeal!*
(Not as big of a squeal, of course, as I would give our Dannypoo, but still a squeal!)

[* amanda]

BTW, any luck with EW? If not, maybe we can find a scan somewhere online.

[gayle in texas]

OMG I am just now catching my breath after that trailer! I will save my squeals for our Dan, and give Rob a great big Texas WHOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Just like grandma gives those boooooooogers. My favorite shot is the close up where he asks, "Are you scared?" Holy vampire, that was gorgeous.
I need another to let out another Texas yell for the Brad Pitt look-alike who plays James. Honey, you can bite me ANYTIME! WHOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEE. Bring on the movie. I need to get back to Albuquerque where the heat isn't accompanied by quite so much sweat. It seems to be affecting my brain.

[* amanda]

Indeed, WOOOOHEEEEE!

Yeah they pretty much can all bite me. yummy cast!

[sapphire]

Just rereading your character contrast. The more I read the books (won't tell you how many times it has been now ) the more I love Carlisle. I suppose the closest character to compare him to would be Dumbledore, but it's a very imperfect comparison. Of the two, I admire Carlisle much more. He seems to have a stronger character.
As I said earlier, reading Midnight Sun gave me a whole different perspective on not only Edward, but the struggle of all his family as well, in trying to keep that bit of "humanity" intact. Interesting, as they are not human, and most of their kind see humans as food, that they strive to maintain the connection.

Anyway, back to Carlisle. On the one hand, he seems to despise what he has become. On the other, he created several more vampires himself. I suppose the fact that they would have all been dead without him could count to the good...or not. Rosalie certainly seems most unhappy to be where she is. And it doesn't appear that any of them got a choice.
I am intrigued by Bella wondering if she will get to hear any more stories behind the rest of the pictures that hang on the wall in Carlisle's study. Certainly hope we do. Maybe Stephenie could write more about Carlisle.
This is a rambling post of odds and ends, so I might as well throw in another: what did Edward mean when Bella asks him what his family thinks about him wanting her (in Twilight) and he says Esme just wants him to do what he needs to do to stay? Does that mean, chow down on Bella if you must?

[sapphire]

Hiya Amanda. In response to our conversation last night, I am going to attempt to make a list of Muse songs on the playlists and put them in some type of order, from easiest on the ears and nerves to the ones most over the edge of sanity.
I notice that the more I listen, the more I like them. The lyrics don't seem very important to the songs, really. This band seems to be all about intense emotion, theatricality (is that a word?) and some really great musicianship. I particularly like the drums and keyboard, but I am a bit prejudiced towards the percussions, anyway. Here goes:
1. Unintended. First time, thought it was too slushy, but now it's absolutely my favorite. Gorgeous, rich, lush and classic in melody with a beautiful guitar part.
2. Blackout. A bit slow and not crazy about the reverb-y parts, but could be a great make out song, if one were so inclined. It's got a romantic quality like Bolero, I think.
3. Falling Away With You. Simple (for Muse ) and sweet.
4. Time Is Running Out. OK, this song just gives me the giggles. It's so dramatic and head bangy. I picture Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey every time. Favorite line: "You..will..SUCK...the life outta me." ROFL! Awesome drums here. OOH OOOH OOH YA YA YA!
5. Sing For Absolution. It fits Edward's return in my head.
6. Hysteria. Ironically, I don't find this to be one of the most out of control, given the name. It was actually the first song of theirs I really liked. It's high energy, would work well in Eclipse, especially around the war. Check out the instrumentals. Truly awesome.
7. Small Print. Yikes, it's wild. Totally over the top. Fun! Guy needs to breathe already.
8. Newborn. I already mentioned this last night. The keyboard part just enchants me. At first, I was peeved when it segued into hard rock, but it's all good now. Did they use that keyboard part in a commercial? I dunno.
9. Hyper Music. My ears! I can't feel my ears!
10. Yes Please. We are well into the deep end now. Only listen to this during the very most intense part of the battle, or you might go insane. Have to admire the musicianship, again.
11. Apocalypse Please. It just sounds like the end of everything, leaving me with feelings of dread, which is always nice. Actually, the instrumental part is just so appropriate to the name of the song. It kind of has a Star Trek (the original old tv series) feel to it. Yes, I am just that old. I LOVE the piano banging away in the background.
I think I got them all. Happy listening.

[sapphire]

A bit talky tonight. The reason I love having the playlists is that it totally changed the way I read the books. I am not, by nature, a high energy person, and I read everyone gently. HA! The songs woke me up, big time. The wild parts are wilder, the sad parts sadder (don't get me started on "Empty Room" by Marjorie Fair--it makes me sooooo sad I physically ache for Bella. "Fix You", by Coldplay does the same for Jacob.)
Also, I had only heard a handful of these songs before, and I was absolutely floored that I LOVE them! Who woulda thought Linkin Park would have anything to say to me??? Now I am a big fan of Coldplay, Keane, Dido and Travis. Blue October, My Chemical Romance and Killer are definitely growing on me. I already loved Evanesence, and was thrilled to find them here.
So, what I am saying is that anything that adds something significant to my life makes me happy. This music makes me HAPPY!

[sapphire]

What the heck--one more post can't hurt. I am a music fanatic, as you might realize. Two of my very favorite songs on the playlist are "Creep" by Radiohead and "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" by My Chemical Romance. Are they weird songs? Yes! What's not to love about a guy ADMITTING he is a creep in a great song? It's strangely sweet. I want him. And, even though it might be grammatically incorrect for him to say he's not O-F'ing-K, you can tell that singer from My Chemical Romance (very cute--saw him on Com Con) is sincere. Imagine if we were warned so honestly in real life. ;D

[* amanda]

Oh my goodness sapphi, thanks so much for the guide to the playlists! I really like the Muse songs! I had tried listening to one - don't remember which one it was - a while ago and gave up because I didn't like it. But so far I've listened to your top few and am loving them. You're right - they add a different dimensions to the books. You sort of feel like you could be sitting next to stephenie, as she listens to the music and reading over her shoulder as she types along. I love it.

Sorry for not responding sooner. I really have no excuse. I even composed a response to you in my head and never typed it out, LOL. Re: Carlisle. I think of him as almost a prophet. He brings some sort of peace and solace to his family (followers). He strives to be good even though he never can be entirely good. (Some parallels to Christianity there.) Being a doctor seems to be his method for atoning for his "condition." And it really does make the best of who he is - he said that his heightened senses can medically help humans. He's a fatherly figure, and mentor, although he is really a "father" to "adults" in a way so he isn't as patronizing as he could be, more like supportive. He's truly an interesting character.

[Fins]

Trailer for the Twilight movie

blogs.trb.com/entertainment/technology/watchthis/2008/07/official_twilight_trailer.html

[* amanda]

^%$##@!!!!!!

Less than 24 hours and we'll have the fourth book! I debated going at midnight tonight (still am, actually). I think my fiance thinks I'm slightly crazy for wanting to do that, although he already thinks I'm crazy for a number of reasons, like cleaning the bathroom on a weekly basis or using throw pillows on the sofa or actually washing the dishes after eating - imagine that! - and therefore would find it yet another adorable crazy quirk if I went tonight. (Besides, he'd be fast asleep and most likely never know I went.) However, he's also the responsible one and said I shouldn't go because of the fact that my car would have to be driven illegally downtown to the party. (Seems like a very Bella thing to do, doesn't it? Drive a car illegally somewhere in the middle of the night to the chagrin of Edward...) --- by the way, it's illegal because my insurance and registration is no longer valid, although it's not my fault - it's jointly the U.S. and Canada's fault thanks to their stupid car exporting and importing rules, but I won't get into that...

So will I go to the midnight party? Hmm, not sure. I have 10-11 hours to decide.

If not, I am not sure if I will be able to get the book tomorrow since it's my fiance's birthday and I promised him he can choose the activities for the day. (I'm pretty sure he'll be willing to get the book first thing in the morning with me, but I'll have to wait for him to nap before I can read it!)

It's HP all over again!

Though, I am still a true Potter fan because quite frankly, HP was more exciting than this. (For HP, driving an illegal car downtown would be NO QUESTION - I'd definitely do it for Harry!)

[sapphire]

Amanda, you must do it tonight! What's a little jail time, anyway? I also have been debating whether or not to hit the line at Barnes and Noble at midnight--something that would never have occured to me when the latest HP book was coming out. My greatest debate would be whether to get a scar tattoo on my forehead or not. The only reason I am debating, though, is because these darned books keep me up late at night as I read and read and read until the book falls in my face, and I am just exhausted. My plan was to come home and take a little nap, but that just sounds so...old lady. Hopefully, I will have my copy in my hot little hand shortly after midnight.
I watched the interview Stephenie did on GMA, and was quite upset when she referred to Edward as a "fictional character"!!!