Vampires Are So Trendy
Posted on | October 26, 2009 | 2 Comments
Twilight is everywhere, in case you hadn’t noticed. Since I’m not a Young Adult, I tend to not read YA novels, but it seems that Twilight has overcome the generational gap. Because I have not read any of the books in the Twilight series, I can’t comment on how good they are. I do have a few thoughts though. I figured since it’s almost Halloween, I’d start the week with this subject and end with some fun links to awesome, creepy literature. Sort of saving the best for last.
One stand-alone comment I have to put out there is this: I find it really strange that grown women talk openly about how “hot” Edward is. Isn’t he a kid? Perhaps (again, I don’t know the story) he is, in actual years, 100 or so. The actor…not so much. His character is in high school during the first book, so he is a child.
Romance has almost always been a part of vampire stories, even in comics. I realize the romance of the two teens and the sexualization of vamp-teen Edward would make him quite the teen heart throb, but if you’re over 17, you should really work on pining over men in the more –I don’t know– legal realm.
I know there are boat loads of people out there who would argue the redeeming qualities of this series all day long. I have no grounds to disagree. There are also plenty of people who thing that the Harry Potter books are wonderful. I did read the first of those books for a class and I think they are wonderful…for kids.
I suggest to the grown ups in the Twilight-loving crowd that you pick up Anne Rice’s vampire novels, the Interview with the Vampire series. [Note: If you've seen the movie, you can honestly skip the first book. It was pretty much word-for-word exactly the same as the book. The others weren't though, so start on book two.] I began reading Interview with the Vampire when I was in middle school, after my mom read it and loved it.
The series is probably the best of all modern vampire books. I can think of no others that are as well-written, accurate to vampire history (for those of you horror buffs who are annoyed by authors who break the rules of vampire lore), and engaging. Rice’s characters are as complicated as anyone you know and whether you love or hate them, you will remain interested in them.
So if you’ve been considering sneaking into your kids’ backpack to steal their copy of Twilight, step back. Take a breath. Head for your laptop and order Interview with the Vampire or The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice and leave the Twilight to the kids.
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Deals for Book Lovers
November 4th, 2009 @ 3:34 am
I have to say that this just cracks me up. I’ve been dumbfounded by all the adult that are gaga entire series.
I’ll confess to reading them, but then again, I have teenage girls that like to share them with me. Personally, I’ll happily let all the teeny-boopers and cougars out there have Edward and keep Lestat for myself.
In case you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed your review.
Susan´s last blog ..Human Nature
November 4th, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
I think it’s wonderful that you share with your daughters. Actually, the Interview books were something my mom shared with me. Bonding through books is fantastic. Glad you liked my review. =)