After making yet another Twilight reference in my Facebook status update yesterday (yep, I’m turning 30, not 13, this summer) one of my brothers wrote me and said “Can you please explain to me what everyone’s fascination is with Twilight, and more specifically this Edward guy?” I thought for a minute about all the Twilight commentary I’ve heard simply in passing this week alone: the woman in Border’s telling her friend that she took the series on her honeymoon and got legitimately pissed off that her new hubby was not Edward (followed by strangers telling her they “totally understood”). Or the fact that one of my fave design bloggers showed off her “Twilight” section of her bookshelf. Or the Facebook updates I see about skipping dates, work and the gym to stay in and read these books. So what is it about Twilight that drives us women to such craziness?
Jaime’s “library”
Let me start off by sharing that I was a total doubter when Twilight first came out. My friend Zoe told me about it a long time ago and I said “Wait, it’s about vampires? I don’t read vampire books. Eww”. “Trust me”, she said, “you’ll thank me later”. Time passed and one day I saw a copy on sale at the checkout counter at TJ Maxx for $5-so I picked it up. The 50-something year old checkout lady looked at me with longing eyes and sighed “Oh my God, have you not read this yet??” Seriously, even the mature checkout lady was hip to Twilight??? 48 hours later, cut to me driving frantically to Borders at 9 a.m. to buy the rest of the series and then rush back home. I read them in a month and I couldn’t tell you anything I did or said in that time, I’m not sure I even took a break to shower. What had become of me? It’s not like the writing is even good, but there is something about this story that just renders even the most mature woman a thumping-hearted, lovesick tween. And his name is Edward Cullen.
So here’s the deal with Edward, for those not in the know like my brother. He causes such a stir because his character is the perfect man. He’s handsome, wealthy, romantic and devoted. The mysterious, brooding bad boy who writes lullabies on the piano for his girlfriend and then rips out the throats of bad guys in defense of her honor. He says things like “Your my own personal brand of heroin” and “I don’t think I have the strength to stay away from you any longer” (cue knee buckling). He is the perfectly impossible combination of poet, athlete, intellectual and bad ass- the human(ish) equivalent of a unicorn. And having Rob Pattinson to use as an image of Edward, well, that’s just icing on the cake according to yours truly. Now to give my brother credit, he made a good point of saying that if a normal guy ever said such lines to a girl, they’d be laughed at and/or slapped with a restraining order. Good point, and probably true. But this is make believe, so I’m gonna stick to my guns and swoon anyways. Every woman wants to feel coveted, craved, defended and protected and well, that’s just what we get from reading about this fictitious character who was crafted specifically to feed that desire (because let’s face it, we don’t always get that from our real life men.) So thank you, Stephanie Meyer. Thank you so very much.
Frankly, to women over the age of 18, these books are a bit like what internet porn is to guys (you all look at it. We know.) It’s an escapist fantasy that allows you forget all the bullshit going on in your life and just enjoy the pleasure of a hot, undead teenager who would kill people for you and then buy you a brand new Audi for your birthday. Maybe it’s because of the times we’re in, where watching the news is just so depressing that we cling breathlessly to a complete fantasy such as this. Laugh at me all you want, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! I sang that tune and now I not only dragged my husband to opening weekend of the film (he would have happily traded his ticket for a prostate exam and even I agree it was pretty bad) but I am literally counting the days until New Moon comes out. I’ll be the one camped out in line on the sidewalk with a flask of Pinot Noir.
Now to end on a somewhat redeeming design related note, here are some shots of the house used as the Cullen family stomping grounds from the film. A very cool space indeed, and although I don’t show it here, one of the other reasons I loved Edward is because in the movie he has a Barcelona chaise and Sapien bookshelves in his room. Of course, I was the only person in the theater who noted such design elements. But a vampire with good taste? Could a girl ask for more? ;)
I took my granddaughter [age 10 at the time] to see the movie. I wasn't quite as thrilled with it as she was. Best thing I can say about it is it really has gotten that age group reading lengthy books.
Sophie, I agree, the movie was horrible! :) But the books are another story- and I agree, I think it's great that it's got more young people reading again!
I finally picked up the book on Saturday, to see what the hype is about. I'm hooked.
I looooove Twilight, but I despise Kristen Stewart. I just can't stand even looking at her, so it's kind of killed a little bit of my obsession just knowing that she is Bella. Sad stuff.
But yes, Edward is amazing, and I think you hit the nail on the head with your description of why women love him so much even though we all know it's slightly ridiculous.
Well, that's interesting to hear. (warning: long rant ahead)I've read 2 and a half of the books. The first one was pretty okay, nothing memorable, but the second book was so tedious I literally struggled to finish it. I completely skipped the third one after 20 pages and now I'm skipping through the final one just to fulfil my curiousity about stuff I heard. I'm jumping pages at a time and still staying on track.
I agree with you, this was some horrible writing that reads like teenage fanfiction.As a young person, I actually am not impressed that so many of my agemates/peers are so into it. And as a HP fan, it bugs me that people would compare the two.
I can't even call this an escapist fantasy. I find the whole thing tiring. I can't seem to find anything wonderful about Edward except that he's beautiful (you will see this word at least once on every page). He seems devoid of personality, melodramatic and brooding. Bella is a poor character with no other interests/aspirations apparently, apart from being mindlessly obsessed with this guy, for reasons I can't still pick up on, and the whole series is just.. contrived.
Twilight would have been a pleasant enough read as one book, but the next three were just… *sigh*
/end rant
I love your blog though. :)
Finally and explanation that makes sense. I could never quite describe why I loved the teen melodramatic story to anyone.
Thanks for the analogy – like boys and internet porn.
Erin, you just made my day. I'm thirty, and someone in my book club had us read the first Twilight book this month. I was completely skeptical, but I read it anyway. I ripped through all 4 books in about three weeks like a 15 year old girl. My husband was laughing at me the entire time. While good portions of the books were completely cheesy, it was fun in a campy, trashy way. Thanks for explaining the phenomenon better than I could!
I have not picked up this series yet for all of the fabulous addictive reasons stated…I know myself too well and I would get ZERO done if I started. Sounds completely up my ally!
I was physically upset when I finished the 4th book and realized the series was over. I never thought I would be the girl hooked on these books or anticipating the movies with bated breath – but here I am. Guilty as charged. And yes – Edward Cullen and icing make a wonderful combination. :)
Do you honestly like it when your husband/partner looks at porn on the internet? I didn't think so. Self-control…
Eva
I'm so happy that you wrote about this. And i laughed out loud when you told about the lady being mad on her honeymoon that her husband wasn't Edward! :) I got the "I'm not really into vampires" too when i told people i was reading it…hilarious!
You couldn't be any more right on! The movie was awful though. I went opening weekend as well… and I'm not sure if was that I was watching a movie with a theater full of 15-year-old girls giggling at everything or if it just wasn't everything I had pictured in my imagination. After I saw the movie I vowed not to watch another one (because they just don't compare) yet I found myself watching the trailer for New Moon this week and longing for November. So crazy. It doesn't have to be understood- it just is. Edward makes all girls swoon. That's reason enough to love the books, huh?
You couldn't be any more right on! The movie was awful though. I went opening weekend as well… and I'm not sure if was that I was watching a movie with a theater full of 15-year-old girls giggling at everything or if it just wasn't everything I had pictured in my imagination. After I saw the movie I vowed not to watch another one (because it just did't compare to the book) yet I found myself watching the trailer for New Moon this week and longing for November. So crazy. It doesn't have to be understood- it just is. Edward makes all girls swoon. That's reason enough to love the books, huh?
bahahaha. LOVE this post! you hit the nail on the head. one of my besties says that she has to remind herself that she is a successful desirable adult woman whenever she sees/reads edward cullen, because she immediately turns into a quivering 13 year old girl.
I will be next to you in line with booze as well, what even more sad is that I took off November 20th already- that’s how much I cant wait for this movie to come out. I could not have written this better, and I have never really been able to get the point to my BF why I loved Edward so much- you wrote it perfectly here and I just send him this link to read ASAP. He really is everything to swoon over.
So I should book a month off and get reading? I seriously thought teens only because the twelve year old next door ls hooked.- Just what I need another addiction. Vitania.
haha if i didn't already love you, i do now!
Too funny! I haven't read the books yet, but I'll probably cave soon. After all, it IS summer…
my husband took my 10 year old step-son to see the movie long before i read the book…..he thought it was going to be a cool vampire flick. how funny is that. i on the other hand was so sad that i had read the last book in the series i didn't know what to do with myself, i was in mourning. edward obsessed. yes. a girl definitely wants to be coveted. i love your facebook edward inspired status updates. don't ever change!
amen, sister. i agree with every word you wrote, but my favorite line was the comparison to a unicorn. you're too much. and yes, i too want a vampire boyfriend.
I borrowed these books from my students (about 50 of them were reading them) and read them, including the one on the internet, in one week. Ridiculous, I know. But they were great!
Great post and I loved that the honeymooner was angry her husband wasn't Edward. Agreed!!
I should just say for the record that I haven't read the books or seen the movie (though as more and more people I know — and respect — start to sing the series' praises, I find it harder to resist).
…That said though, shouldn't a house full of vampires have SLIGHTLY fewer windows? Or are the rules different in this book?
Erin, you officially crack me up! I LOVEed the series for all the reasons that you have described. It's definitely a written for tweens, but I have always been fascinated by that whole vampire genre. It's been years since I read any of it though. It was a nice way to escape. The fact that Edward (yes, I know this is a fictitious character)has waited a century for Bella is so romantic, insert heavy sigh. Have you read chapter one of Midnight Sun, Edward's perspective? It's on Stephanie Meyer's website. Looking forward to that book coming out, and the second movie! Thanks for a great post, you are so current, and with it.
Loved the write up Erin. You nailed it. I'm on my second book, borrowed the 1st one from my 12 yr old niece. I got several text messages last week from my 36 yr old sister who found herself watching the movie with my niece. She said the story was so intense she had dreams of Edward that night. Its a true phenomenon.
BTW, love th blog, its my daily candy.
One of my coworkers who's nearing 40 (or actually is 40 now, not sure) first told me about these books, though I have yet to pick one up. I did watch the first movie and agree that it was very bad, but I, too, am looking forward to New Moon b/c the lead is a hot piece of man candy!!:-)
Thanks for posting this! I agree with you on the appeal of the books. I held out for soooooo long but finally my friend lent me her set and I read them all in a week. It was ridiculous!
I think, for me, it's a type of escapism. Like looking up vacation spots and houses for sale online. Even though I probably won't take that vacation or buy that house, it's fun to get lost in it. No, I'm not a teenage girl anymore (and I don't WANT to be a teenage girl), but it's fun to get lost in that world.
But yes, the movie was TERRIBLE! Unfortunatly that didn't stop me from watching it multiple times. I think I'm so addicted to the books that I'll settle for a crappy movie just to be in the Twilight world for a little bit.
I'm totally on the same page, LOVE the books, HATE the movies. When I watch the movie I get all upset thinking "This is NOT how I envisioned it!!!!" But not only has this gotten kids reading again, but it helped me enjoy the gym more!! Reading the books while on the elliptical made the time pass so fast!!! It was so sad the day I finished the last book— but does everyone know that there is also about 200 pages of a 5th book posted online? Meyer started writing it, but it got leaked to the public, so she stopped writing… It's from Edward's perspective. Check it out if you need a little Twilight pick me up!
quite simply, edward is hot. hot. hot.
Did you read Edward's side of the story (Midnight Sun) online? LOVED IT!!!! My husband is a good sport about it because he's just as obsessed with Star Wars (nerd!!)!
okay…this post cracked me up! I just watched the movie 2 days ago after reading the books a few weeks back. I purposely spread out my reading of the books over a 4 week period of time (it wasn't easy-maybe one of the hardest things I've ever done). I had heard so many people say they had read all 4 within a couple days b/c they couldn't put them down and I was like…shoot I don't want it to end that quick if it's that good! lol
All in all I totally agree with your post & reasons why this series is so addicting and appealing to women and teens alike. Men like Edward or Jacob are almost impossible to find. The fact that they are vampires & werewolves are besides the point completely. The DEVOTION and complexity of the personalities that never waiver is what grabs our hearts. I liked the books so much better b/c you can swap images of men in reality with the characters of the book and that's where the frustration comes in of "why can't you be Edward". HA! If only…
I keep finding that husbands are a little skeptical…however, I am obsessed with the series because it is so refreshing to be able to become consumed by the romance and infatuation Bella and Edward have for each other! When I read these books I could not put them down and I bought the movie on itunes…now I am re-reading the 2nd book before it comes out in the theaters. I cannot tell you how many conversations my boss and I have about Twilight, Edward specifically, so I thank and applaud you for this AMAZING post!
I didn't see the movie in the theatre, but watched it 3x at home just to see the interior of the Cullen home!!!!
Edward Cullen has an accent in real life…I did not know this until the VMA's. I almost lost it! What a total and complete hottie.
Oh my gosh! It's like you read my mind! I forced myself to stop thinking about the series and Edward Cullen and decided to not read anymore after the first. Maybe I should start up again, since I'm not alone in the way it makes me feel.
Hilarious! I've just started reading your blog in that past week and I love it! This post made me laugh out loud several times.
Thanks!
OMG! I have not read Twilight, but I can relate. Have you read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon….same formula…the same perfect type of man…..I highly recommend it!
"… just enjoy the pleasure of a hot, undead teenager who would kill people for you and then buy you a brand new Audi for your birthday." that had me rolling! stil haven't given in, and now I think I'm just doing it on principle, haha.
Great post! I totally agree with you. The Twilight books are a complete fantasy– an escape, but I also think a big part of it has to do with the fact that many of us believe that it can actually happen. Edward is such a real character that it's entirely possible that a woman would get mad at her husband for not being more like Edward (or him!). The movie wasn't that great… nonetheless, I'm still anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Aw, I do want my man to be more like Edward!!!
I tried desperately to avoid being "bitten" by the Twilight bug. In April I brought the first book with me to the Turks and Caicos on vacation. I ignored my husband for 14 hours (the time it took to devour the first book), requested we get take out instead of go out to dinner so I could finish the first book and then drove all over the island looking for a bookstore that had New Moon.
Yeah, they're that good!
And I love you! Couldn't have said it better!
Just when I thought I could not love your blog any more…. :)
I have to disagree…I actually thought the movie was better, because it made Bella just slightly less passive. I honestly found the books to be a four-volume treatise on why female sexuality is a bad and dangerous thing.
But maybe that's just me?
But I do agree with you on two points – that house was freaking amazing, and Robert Pattinson is H-O-T.
Wow…the universal power of that damned dreamy Edward Cullen. Sister, the Barcelona Chair too hooked me for good! (Even my husband…who begrudgingly obliged my request to see if on the last night found solace in the Cullen House.) Seriously, vegetarian vampires with great taste…what could be better?!
erin you beat me to it… i did a half post on the movie's influence on design…posted picts of my daughters' bedroom plastered with twilight posters . i disagree about the movie in that i luved it and found the cinematography stunning and found it to be a wonderful mood piece. luv the series and you are right on about edward… i justify my crush in that he is actually 97 yrs old!–deb
I could not have explained it more perfectly! Thank you for putting exactly what I thought about the books into words. I read all four books last week (and managed to fit work in there and a little time with my husband, but nothing else) and loved them. There is just something addictive about them that is so enjoyable to read at any age (I'm 27). Loved your post!
ok FINE. i thought i might be able to hold out on not reading these forever, but you got me. i could use some good escapist undead action for the beach this summer. are yours available for borrowing or are they tucked under your pillow too tight?
AMEN to everything you said. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one who loved it whilst still acknowledging that the writing is pretty crap.
I love your blog – keep writing!
All the best,
Mrs. Cullen
;)
Can we all go see the movie together? You guys rock.
And yes Ali- I cannot stand Kristen Stewart and her faux awkwardness/ tortured looks. I would have made a much better Bella. :)
I COMPLETELY agree with you! I'm 28 and I still get looks from people when I recommend the book to them. I'm so glad you wrote this post. Totally made my day, knowing that there are others out there that feel the same.