Twilight: Not Just for Nightstalkers and Teenie-boppers

So I was desperate for something to read, I was leaving for the beach the next day and needed something light and airy to keep my mind off my ever-present sunburn and screaming children. My sister suggested Twilight, which was given to her by her now ex-boyfriend. I had heard of the book and seen big displays at the local book sellers, but vampire epics never really held my interest, but, again, I was in a bind. Never being one to go a day without having at least one book to read, I went for it. Now I was already put off a little by the fact that it was a vampire story, and when I found out it was a "young adult" book, that almost did me in right there, me being in my late, late, late twenties and all. The book is either just under or just over 500 pages in length, I was able to ignore my screaming children just long enough to finish it in three and a half days. It became all consuming, I read about how hot the lead vampire boy was and I was hooked. Once I started the book, the rest of my family had to fend for themselves at the beach, besides, how dangerous could the ocean be for toddlers anyway?

I'd give you a lengthy synopsis of the story but for that you can read the back of the book, I'd rather spend the time telling you why you should read it. The story of an awkward teenage girl new in town, doesn't know anyone, and barely knows the person she's moved in with, her father. It takes you through the typical nightmarish first few days at a new school until, she meets him. It then becomes a riveting story of forbidden love and unmet desire. They both know they are wrong for each other, but nothing earthy (or unearthly) can stop them from being together. She finds herself risking her life to be with the one who could so easily take her life, he finds himself risking the love of his life, to be with the only love in his life. The story tells of the constant battle they face in the name of being different, and after he risks himself and his family's secret to save her, she is left wondering if the only way to be with him forever, is to become one of them forever.

As an avid reader and book connoisseur, I would recommend this as a great read. Yes it is "young adult" It could have been a little steamier for me but I understand twelve year olds are reading it too, but overall Stephenie Meyer can write a great story. I'm not afraid to admit that I recently snuck into the "young adult" section of my local library for the sequel. When I checked it out, I said it was for my daughter just in case...she's four years old. I hope it worked.