s/o Twilight (maybe spoilers)

eclaires

So I've read a few people say there are some things they don't like about the books, specifically the paternalistic way Edward treats Bella.

Anyway, I've also read (on another forum) parents discussing whether they'd let their teens/preteens read these books.

I thought it was weird because I would let my kids read whatever - but I read Danielle Steel books as a preteen.  And a lot of historical romances.  I could be biased.  Historical romances are WAY worse in a lot of ways then Twilight.  More graphic for one, and if you think that Edward is paternalistic, historical romances are even worse in that regard.

So I just wondered - would you worry about your kids reading these books?

BubblyToes

I think they're MUCH better than the VC Andrews books I hid from my mom when I was in middle school.  Hello?  Incestuous twins??

I think Twilight is very mild.  Sadly.  I wish there was more sex.

jessicaclare

Not really. I read pretty much whatever I wanted to read from 13 or so on. My mom actually would read a lot of things alongside me, if she thought they were questionable.

 IMO, there are a lot of worse things my kid could be doing than reading a book, KWIM?

eclaires

Yeah, I agree.  Plus a friend of mine and I have this theory about romance novels and virginity - both of us were pretty late in those things and we think it's because we had totally romanticized everything about sex - in romance novels, it's like there are fireworks when you touch someone.  Best birth control EVER. 

Anyway, I think Twilight is pretty mild too and I think you can't protect kids from everything anyway.  I think reading a book is one of the last things I'll be worrying about unless it is "how to build a bomb, teenage style."

DevonPow

I read VC Andrews and Clan of the Cave Bear (hello graphic sex) in 5th grade or so...Twilight is pretty mild by comparison. Plus the whole "no sex before marriage", "sex=death" thing kind of preaches abstinence

zacook

yes I would let my girls read them..they are books.. its make believe... i think its funny that people get so huffy over books.. There is way worse stuff on TV sex, violence...

 

EliseB0323

It depends on the kid. My main problem w/ Twilight is that Bella and Edward are both suicidal because they can't be together, and the author does not give alternatives -- either they are together, or they die. Suicide is seen as romantic. That is a dangerous message to send to young teenagers, IMO. What happens if your family moves and you have to leave your boyfriend and you feel like you just can't live without him?  That happens a lot and it's a common emotion w/ teenagers, yet most teenagers learn to work through it. Bella and Edward just decide it's better to die.

 

eclaires

I think that's probably a valid concern, especially if you have a child prone to depression.

The only thing is - in book 2 - Edward goes to get killed because he thinks she's dead, which is really not all that different from Romeo&Juliet.  I guess the difference is Edward and Bella are more relatable than Romeo&Juliet (although he is a vampire), they appear to be "normal" American teenagers.

And then Bella being willing to give up her mortal life to be a vampire is different to me than suicide - she's choosing to live forever with him as a vampire - not really suicidal.  Although in book 2, she does have some issues with surviving without him, she does go on.  She does reckless, stupid things, but I don't think she really intends to die. And after her cliff diving, she seems willing to move on with Jacob until Alice shows up.

ghjunkie

My daughter (12) read the whole collection, and I ordered her the other two popular books by the same author from Barnes & Noble (The Host & Prom Nights From Hell).  The Author writes really well, and the reviews are everywhere stating it's ok for kids her age.  Going by what was on the shelves when I was growing up, these books are nothing!

I'm posting a coupon shortly I just received from Barnes & Noble!!

EliseB0323

The difference b/t R&J and Twilight, IMO is that R&J is usually taught and seen as a tragedy. "Young lovers end up dead."  It's not usually perceived as a "good" ending. There are no lasting consequences for Bella and Edward's reckless actions tough.

In New Moon Bella is nuts. She hears voices and does dangerous things, without regard for her safety, or the feelings of others. And she defends this and no one challenges her or points out how wrong and dangerous her actions are. No teacher asks how she is. Her parents don't intervene or get her help. I perceive the cliff diving just as suicidal and Edward going off to Italy. The wanting to be a vampire thing didn't bother me as much as the wanting to end her mortal life w/o being a vampire. Teenagers don't have the option of solving their romantic problems by becoming immortal - they have to learn to work through them. Yet what is presented in Twilight is a romanticized version of suicide, with no consequences.

 

ghjunkie

So, from the sounds of it I really have missed it - time to grab DH's books and read the pile of them ~ question is, will I be able to finish one a week like her..??..