What Teens Are Reading: Breaking Dawn
Controversy over Twilight Saga Series by Stephanie Meyer
Aug 28, 2008
Not since the arrival of Harry Potter has a book series been so hot. Midnight parties and long lines at book stores are full of teens flocking to the recent release of the fourth book in the Twilight Saga series by Stephanie Meyer.
Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse
These are the names of the first three books in the series, which were followed by the release this summer of Breaking Dawn (Little, Brown, 2008). The characters Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black the Werewolf are now universal in teen culture. Poor Bella -- torn between a vampire and a werewolf, both in love with her. Apparently this dilemma is powerful enough to attract the hordes of teenagers drawn in by the themes of undying love.
Twilight Controversy?
Regardless of the rate at which teens sunk their teeth into Breaking Dawn, it has not been without a certain amount of controversy. The cover image, the "tone’" of the book, the ending, you name it -- it’s considered a controversy, perhaps because with nearly 1.5 million copies sold in its first day of release, so many people are reading it. The main controversy in mainstream print media seems to surround the character Bella, and whether she is a poor role model for teen girls. Some feel that perhaps a girl stuck in a love triangle between two "monsters", whose only decision in life seems to be which man she needs more, may create a less-than-desirable character for teens to emulate. Also, she ends up pregnant in the final book, causing additional controversy.
In response, teens who are fans of the series insist the critics are older generation non-readers who just don't get it.
The Twilight Saga Movie
The hot news about the books, like in any traditional progression of things, is the upcoming release of the movie. Kristen Stewart (The Messengers, Zathura) will star as Bella and Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) stars as Edward in the movie with a release date of November 21, 2008. Teens will surely be as willing to sink their teeth into the movie as they were (and are) the books.
Regardless of any controversy, the teens who are undying fans of the Twilight Saga series seem to continue to devour all things Bella/Edward/Jacob, and probably will for time immortal.
Too much Bella? Read about other popular book series for teens.
Read about hosting a teen Halloween party, or teen Halloween costumes.
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