About Books Blog 28: The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

Author: L.J. Smith

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Favorite Line

“Everything inside her was contradictory. She didn’t want company, and yet she was achingly lonely. She did want to think, but now that she was trying to, her thoughts eluded her like mice running from a white owl.”

Summary (from The Vampire Diaries Wiki)

Elena is cool, blond and slender - the girl every boy wants and every girl wants to be. Always in control, no boy has ever stirred her innermost feelings - until she meets Stefan. Drawn to him with a frightening intensity, overwhelmed by desire, Elena knows that she must make Stefan hers.

However, Stefan is hiding a terrible secret. Centuries earlier, his love for another left him with a terrible legacy, the curse of living forever as a vampire. Aching to respond to Elena, he struggles to resist. For if, he and Elena should come together, he fears that his passion would demand the ultimate gift of love…

What I Thought of This Book

I guess I was one of those wacky people that didn’t know about this book until the television show was about to begin last year. Sadly, I didn’t have time to read the books before the show began. I decided since season two has started I’d try the books now.

The Vampire Diaries has that quality that keeps you reading. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the writers writing style. I simply enjoyed the way she expressed her ideas. The novel also had an element of intrigue and mystery inter-weaved in the in the plot that I didn’t expect. In addition, this book contains possibly one of the cutest first kiss scenes I've read in a long time. I was pleased with the historical flashback scenes, explaining the tragic love triangle between the two brothers and the vampire Kathryn. Flashbacks are just awesome in my book, and I’m starting to think I’m a total sucker for love triangles.

I had a few qualms with the lead character Elena Gilbert. My first impression of her was that she was bossy and expected all the boys to fall at her feet. I really didn’t like the way she played silly games, and engaged in a competition with her frenemie Caroline for Stefan’s heart. It was as if he was a prize to be had instead of a person... I mean vampire...Whatever. I also had issues with Elena’s best bud Bonnie, who literally thought EVERYTHING is romantic. I was thinking, “Good grief, I hope these girls grow out of this.” I don’t know if they exactly grew out of it, but I they did start to grow on me. I started to understand them better. The things that I once found annoying became endearing, and a little funny. Elena’s strong personality seemed to show potential in being channeled toward good leadership skills. Her love for Stefan started to improve her for the better.

I must say I found Stefan flipping adorable. I have a soft spot for a vampire with a tortured soul. I know it’s not the most original idea, but I felt Ms. Smith gave him his own flare with it. Damon rather amusing me. He’s quite obviously dangerous and not overly concerned about murdering and maiming, yet I still found him darkly delightful. I guess in general liked the male lead characters better than the girls. Perhaps this is because when you’re over 500 years old, you are less likely to act immature.

I’m completely ready to read the rest of the series. It is a fun pleasure read. Moreover, I kind of have to read the rest of the series since the darn book ended with a cliffhanger. A fact which I find rather cool and yet a little cruel.

Interesting Facts

This book actually has a video game. I don't know why but I find that rather funny.

The Television Show

Two words: LOVE IT! I was pretty much sold on the show before I even saw the first episode. Let’s just face it I love a vampire show. Angel, Forever Knight, Moonlight, Dark Shadows, Blood Ties, you name it I’ve watched it (except True Blood because I don’t have HBO). In addition, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder are in it. I’m a fan of both Degrassi and Lost so I had to give the show a go.

The writing and production for the show is quite brilliant. The show has a very cinematic look. In fact it is kind of like watching a short film every week. The acting is wonderful as well. The performers do very well at making you tap in to the emotions of the scenes. I only feel sorry for who ever watches it with me. I tend to get very into it and offer witty commentary between the actors lines. Ha ha.

Of course, there are considerable amounts of changes from book to show. Most notably the fact the Stefan and Damon’s back-story was updated from late 15th century Italy to 19th century American Civil War times. In the show, Elena was given a teenage younger brother, as opposed to her three-year-old sister in the novel. The vampire mythology from was tweaked a bit. Which was probably a good idea, because lets just face it if you saw the live action actors turn into animals it would be difficult to take seriously. I just wonder was it that big of a deal to people that actress cast as Elena wasn’t blond. I heard it was, but I say who cares. At least Nina can act unlike someone in the vampire movie that shall remain nameless. Wink, wink.

Vampire Diaries CW Youtube Channel

Music To Read By

This one was a musical shindig. My favorite albums were How to Save a Life by The Fray, I Megaphone by Imogen Heap, Lungs by Florence and The Machine, and I Am...Sasha Fierce by Beyonce. Yes, I know that last one sounds ridiculous, but it works I promise it works in a weird way. I also, enjoyed listing to Laws of Illusion by Sarah Mclachlan, and a little bit of Chris Cornell and Seal.

I can’t say I’m completely pleased with my playlist. I like it but it feels like it’s missing something. Oh well, maybe when I finish the series it will come to me. I’ll just fix it later. At least it is all music that I would have listened to while reading.

TVD: The Awakening Playlist

Drumming Song - Florence and The Machine

You Look So Fine - Garbage

Look After You - The Fray

In My Place - Coldplay

Smash Into You - Beyonce

Come Here Boy - Imogen Heap

Undisclosed Desires - Muse

Sweet Dream - Beyonce

Love Come - Sarah Mclachlan

Kiss From A Rose - Seal

Bloodstream - Stateless

Mission - Chris Cornell

Blood Brothers - Iron Maiden

Closer - Kings Of Leon

(Note: I heard actress Nina Dobrev say that Kings of Leon is one of her favorite bands. Ironically, vampire stories often make me think of this song for some reason.)

Well that is it my loves. I hope you'll forgive me if there are any mistakes in this review. I kind of made a deal with myself that I would have this review out by today no matter what. I taught 6 classes tonight. I'm choreographing a dance that I'm going to be in as well. We do a lot of lifts in it, so I am beat. I don't do my best proofreading when I'm tired. At least I ran it through spell check. I hope that this was at least readable. Man, I sure write a lot for a tired person. See you later. Keep it shiny!

About Book Blog 6: Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer
Genre: Young Adult/Supernatural Romance

Introduction

Twilight is the first in a four book saga. I will eventually do blogs on the other books, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I thought about doing one for the entire series. Then I realized it would be the longest blog I’ve ever written. This is already the longest blog I’ve ever written, which is why I’m only going to do one book at a time.

Summary

17 year old, Bella Swan, moves to the small rainy town of Forks, Washington. There she discovers that the vampire myth is… well… not so mythological. She later realizes she is falling in love with said vampire, Edward Cullen. Relationships are always fun when the one you love is tempted to drain your blood. Not!

What I Thought Of This Book

I was not at all surprised that I loved Twilight. Why, you may ask. It has vampires in it. Anybody who knows me well knows I’m a sucker for almost anything dealing with vampires. (Pun completely intended.)

For me Twilight’s appeal centers around the fact that it is an excellent escape from reality. The world in which it is set and its mythology are intriguing. The characters are engaging and beautifully flawed. Stephenie Meyer’s writing style has the witty sarcasm of comic books, a type of humor I adore.

Even though the books are marketed to young teens, it is a story that communicates to all ages. The novel’s fan base is generally female, but I think men will like it too, if they give it a chance. They would merely have to get past the book’s one minor snag. Bella has this habit of describing how beautiful Edward is a bit too much in the first book. Skim past it as I do, and you’ll be fine.

A warning before you read. Twilight can be highly addictive. This can be proven by the fact that I have read it four times within the span of two years. I’ve also been given the nickname “Twilight Pusher” since I started letting my dance students borrow my second copy of the book. Can you say obsessed?

Facts I Found Interesting

1. The idea for Twilight came from a dream Stephenie had on June 2, 2003. She wrote the events of the dream down and later it became chapter thirteen of the book.

2. Bella’s physical appearance is not described in detail. Meyer felt that by doing this, it would make it easier for the reader to step into Bella’s shoes.

3. Meyer has stated the apple on the book cover represents the forbidden fruit of Genesis. It represents the choice Bella has, of partaking of the “forbidden fruit,” Edward, or choosing not to see him.

The Movie

I apologize for this rant. I do realize that this is a book blog, not a movie review. However, I must state my opinion because the quality of this film frankly disturbed me.

I am not one of those Twilight purest people. Things are going to change when books become films. I have seen many film adaptations of books that were nothing at all like the novel, and enjoyed them immensely. When I say that I dislike the film, it is not because I had some misguided delusion that it would be exactly like the novel. It is simply not a good film in general for five reasons.

1.The screenplay was mediocre at best. I suppose it followed a very basic summary of the source material, but it was filled with plot holes, cheesy dialogue, and half-formed sub-plots.

2. I was not fond of the directors vision for the film. It seemed unorganized to me. At points it reminded me of a very bad production of Romeo and Juliet I saw in 9th grade.

3.There are an excessive amount of technical problems with the cinematography and editing. Examples: The over use of slow motion, lopsided camera shots, the lack of audio/visual synchronization, and lighting which revealed the ring around the actors contact lenses.

4. I did think that some of the actors are rather talented. However, because of the things listed above they occasionally looked like they were floundering. The poor things. It’s not their fault. I blame it all on the director and poor editing choices. The actors actually did fairly well considering the terrible dialogue they had to say.

5. There are hardly any vampires in it. As a vampire film enthusiast, I was annoyed. The whole movie seemed to focus on Bella’s relationship with her father and her human friends. That (while mildly amusing) is not the core story of Twilight. I wanted vampires dang it!

On a whole I can only describe the film as a few moments of brilliance, surrounded by several ridiculous, and down right terrible moments. I’m disappointed because I love the book so much. On the bright side it’s not boring. If you are a Twilight fan already, I suggest you see it at least once. If you are not a fan yet, please, I beg of you, read the book first.

Sigh…I feel better now. Keep in mind that this was all just my personal opinion. Here’s the trailer. I think the trailer is really good. If only the film had been as fabulous as the trailer.

Twilight Teaser Trailer

Music To Read By

Favorite Albums

My hands down favorite album for Twilight is Version 2.0 by Garbage. Many songs are about the dark obsessive side of love, a theme that is explored in the novel. The song Temptation Waits might as well be Edward’s theme song.

I often find myself listening to Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna when reading Twilight. It doesn’t seem like it would work but trust me it does.

Any album by Linkin’ Park is wonderful as well. Stephenie Meyer claims that the unnamed band Bella listens to in chapter 7 is Linkin’ Park. Of course, as with all works written by this author, you are always safe if you listen to Muse.

Twilight Playlists

Here are the links to Stephenie Meyer’s playlist for Twilight, as well as a fan site that features songs that fit the novel.

Stephenie Meyer's Playlist

His Golden Eyes Playlist

My Twilight Playlist

My goodness this is a long play list. I didn’t mean for this to happen.

Embryonic Journey - Jefferson Airplane
Why does it Always Rain On Me - Travis
Strange and Beautiful - Aqualung
The Walk - Imogen Heap
Crashed - Daughtry
Dumb - Garbage
(Note: I wasn’t going to put this on the playlist. Then I heard this lyric: “A masochistic lamb to slaughter.” I couldn’t resist. You’ll see why when you read the book.)
Clair De Lune - Debussy
(Note: Edward and Bella listen to this song in chapter 5.)
Rainy Days and Mondays - Emmy Rossum originally performed by The Carpenters
The First Taste - Fiona Apple
Flutter Girl - Chris Cornell
Session - Linkin’ Park
Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls
Temptation Waits - Garbage
Fast As You Can - Fiona Apple
Insomniatic - Aly & AJ
(Note: Obviously insomniatic is not a real word. Aly & AJ have defined it as: A state of mind where one becomes addicted to the deprivation of sleep caused by an epic revelation of joy.)
You Look So Fine - Garbage
Friday I’m In Love - The Cure
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Endlessly - Muse
Blush - Plumb
Forbidden Love - Madonna
Lay Down Beside Me - Allison Krauss ft. John Waite
Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) - Billy Joel
Sleep - Imogen Heap
My Big Secret - Michael Nyman
Yellow - Coldplay
Hunter - 30 Seconds To Mars Originally performed by Bjork
Run - Snow Patrol
Closing In - Imogen Heap
Forever May Not Be Long Enough - Live
Time Is Running Out - Muse
Time Of Dying - Three Days Grace
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Lullaby - The Spill Canvas
Dreams - The Cranberries
Love Song - The Cure

Thanks for reading this incredibly long blog. Keep it shiny!

Next About Books Blog: Stardust by Neil Gaiman