Team Edward

Yesterday I strolled into Borders and purchased a second copy of Eclipse. This was difficult for me because, as a librarian, I am normally all why buy the book when you can get it for free at the library?! And certainly you don’t go buy another book when you have a perfectly good hardback copy at home. I blame Stephenie Meyer’s team and their marketing genius. They went and released another hardback copy of Eclipse, this time with iron-on transfers that say “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob.” It also has a poster of Breaking Dawn and the first chapter of the book. All together, it was too much for even my frugal self to resist (hey, at least I got the 20% educator’s discount).

Overly Critical Blogmates!

Those of you who read this blog on a regular basis may remember the rather negative posting my blogmates posted about Stephenie Meyer's newest book, Eclipse. Therefore, when my library FINALLY got me a copy last week, I was completely prepared to be disappointed.

***Note, the following contains plot spoilers.****

Now, I'll admit that it may have been due to my lowered expectations, but I was completely surprised by Eclipse! As with the first two books, Eclipse proved to be a quick, addictive read, which left me only wanting more. I felt that Ms Meyer did a wonderful job of creating humorous situations, which helped give her characters much more depth; I was particularly impressed with how well-rounded Bella's father, Charlie, became in this book. I absolutely LOVED the part where Charlie had his sex talk with Bella...priceless!!! And as always, Ms Meyer's dramatic conclusion was as exciting as her previous two works.

My only complaint was Bella's neediness....which I had actually expected to be much worse after reading the previous blog postings. What caused bigger problem for me was Bella's refusal to get married. I mean, if Bella was soooo crazy for Edward that she couldn't part his side, would marriage really have been that opposed (even if it is kinda' white trash to do the marriage after high school like she mentioned.)

I can't wait to see what the fourth book will bring next year. After the dramatic conclusion, one must wonder what will happen in the next book! I was a little disappointed that Bella still isn't a vampire....I mean, how much longer is that going to drag out! However, with the villain dead, what's left? My guess is that there's going to be a lot of drama between the Collen family and the Volturi. I'll tell you one thing, I will be standing in line next August waiting for the fourth book!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

Finally!

Okay, Holly. I finally finished Eclipse. Let the debriefing begin!

In deference to Cody who has not yet even gotten the book, I'll refrain from most commentary in the post and save it for the comments. But without giving much away, let me say this. I was never a huge Evanovich fan, but the Stephanie Plum series was fairly enjoyable to listen to on my commute. But I gave up on it around book 10 or 11 because Stephanie became so ridiclous and unbelievable. What woman (or generally sane person) knows that dangerous homicidal people are after her and refuses to take even the most basic of safety precautions like just staying home for a day? Answer: none. And I think Bella must be related to Stephanie because she is so selfish and unconcerned with taking any safety measures whatsoever. It's unbelievable and it's annoying.

Eclipse in progress

Ok, I am 3/4 of the way through Eclipse. Trying to read while watching a toddler makes it difficult. In fact, I was sitting on the bathroom floor trying to sneak in a chapter while she bathed and I was so engrossed that I didn't notice her trying to climb out until I heard the splat! and wail! next to me. Mother of the Year right here.

But back to Eclipse. I don't want to put any spoilers on here so I won't go into too many details, but I will say that it definitely isn't as good as Twilight. Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying it, but I think mostly because I have grown to love the characters of Bella, Edward, and Jacob, and I just really want to know what happens. But sometimes the whole passionate, intense love thing gets a bit repetitive. Also, there is a scene in which Jacob and Edward are fighting over Bella and Edward is all "She is mine! She belongs to me!" Um, hello? And Bella doesn't even mind! Clearly, she is not a feminist.

Anyway, Sheryl is also reading Eclipse and I am anxiously awaiting for her to arrive at work so we can compare notes. I am sure she will write a much more thorough (and professional) review here, as well.

Countdown to Eclipse

Can I just say how excited I am about the release of Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer? 7 days, 3 hours, 33 minutes (um, Stephenie Meyer has a countdown clock on her website). Sheryl tried to talk me into doing an Eclipse Prom or an Eclipse release party for the teens at the library, but, despite my great love for the Twilight series, I did not have it in me. I put in my notice at the library last week and now I am just trying to make it through the rest of Summer Reading. I am really going to miss being a Young Adult Librarian. Seriously. The job rocks. I get to do fun things like Food Fear Factor and Traveling Pants and Harry Potter Movie Marathon. But, alas, it is time for me to move on. I have secured a position as a high school Reading teacher. I am excited about the new position because I will still be promoting literacy. In fact, I will probably interact with more teens my first day at school than I have during my two year tenure at the library. Plus, how rewarding is it going to be to help kids who can't read good and wanna learn to do other stuff good, too (Zoolander)?! But back to Eclipse...I finally got around to reading the first chapter posted on Stephenie Meyer's website and if the rest of the book is as juicy and tantalizing as the first chapter then we are in for some good reading.