Teen romance melodrama, yet still quite a page turner. The literary equivalent of Degrassi Jr. High (wait--i don't mean to demean Degrassi in that way), what with it's teen lens that finds so much drama in a cafeteria setting. Still, Bella's POV narrative is somewhat engaging, and whisks along at a brisk pace, you'd almost think that Meyer was once a teenage girl.
The whole vampire genre never really interested me, but i like the suspense in figuring out what rules apply in this version. i still don't quite understand what Bella sees in a jerk like Edward (how's that for inviting the wrath of the Palefaced Lovers) but then again, i never did understand why teenage girls go for jocks (i mean, jerks--sorry, typo).
i don't need to recommend this to anyone who's ever thought to read it. Just the fact that you're thinking about it, probably means you will given the mass hysteria around it. i also would not recommend it to people who haven't read it, because it really won't satisfy anyone who's not really interested.
i can see the reasons why it's been such a great seller. It has a trash romance quality that Fabio could sell, and a reading level that definitely makes it a guilty pleasure easily consumed. i just don't feel inclined to read on based on what i got out of it.
3 1/2 stars out of 5
This is a great book if you have any small interest in the role of Code Talkers in WWII, or language preservation, or Native American boarding school history. There are plenty of lessons to be taught from the text (perfect middle school novel) and the author keeps it realistic but not too overly detailed. Just right for a young teen's interest and reading level. I highly recommend it as a school resource, but even as a quick, personal read, whether or not war stories are your thing. It's more about a culture and a Nation, as it is told through a Navajo narrator. Great read!
