Breaking Dawn

Reader Beware: This entry is destined to be packed with spoilers.

So, I'm done. I read it in 2 nights. Let me just say that I am glad Bella can finally contribute. She's always played small parts in the real drama, but let's face it, when you're surrounded by vampires and werewolves/shape-shifters, there's not much you can do. But now, not only CAN she help, she saves her family.

This book was completely different than the first three. However, at this stage, the characters are different. The first book is definitely the best. It is full of enchantment and the excitement of learning about a hidden part of our world. As the books progress, the more you learn, the more complex the story is. As Bella becomes a Cullen, of course it will be different. Yes, I realize that the fact that Edward impregnated her is sketchy; his saliva and eye juice (dissolves contacts) are venom, why isn't is semen? Plus, those boys have been waiting for 80 years... And if Edward doesn't have a blood flow, how does it work? Anyway, yes, sketchy. But this IS A FANTASY NOVEL. Don't dwell on that. If the entire pregnancy can last a month, then let's not fret over the conception.

I was disappointed to not know a bit more about the actual sex scenes (yes, I'm pervy like that). But I do think that Meyer kept within content limitations to not give into gratuitous sex. Enough was explained so that we got the IDEA and that's all we really need.

Let me say, I hate Jacob. I've always hated Jacob. And it has nothing to do with Edward. Jacob is annoying. He had this huge growth spurt when he was what, 16? So he's not really that mature. He was always a little childish, which was one reason Bella liked being with him. It was easy. But that boy got on my nerves. In BD, when it switched to his narration, I was frustrated. Afterwards, yes, I see that it was necessary to efficiently share a part of the story. But I still didn't enjoy it. I'd spent thousands of pages reading as Bella. Now to do a 180 and be Jacob? That doesn't work for me. I survived.

All in all, this was a good series. The 4th book was worth the wait. They all had their ups and downs, but overall, I am satisfied. Will I read it again? Probably not. If new ones come out, will I read them? Most likely. It is a good STORY. There are parts I don't like. For instance, I think Jacob is a complete jerk. But he is a part of a story, and the story I enjoy. I do hope she does not try to discuss Edward and Bella's future; I think that story is told. I could enjoy books about the other family members or even (shudder) Jacob. After all, Renessmee (sp?) won't exactly make a great wife at 7 1/2. (I always thought he'd eventually imprint on the she-wolf and they'd be the prime breeders, but that's just me.)

Maybe I'm jaded by my profession as a librarian. I loved the Twilight books and I am excited that so many people love them. Further, I also love that so many people hate them or are just not impressed. Like our dear friend Harry Potter, it has gotten people to read and discuss literature. There will never be a book that everyone loves. But when we find books that people get worked up about, good and bad, then that book is important.

P.S. The movie won't be as good as the book, so I'm sure it will bring its own critique. However, let's celebrate that people are going to be able to compare, that people will be excited and disappointed. Expectations should be let go and the movie enjoyed, but we will all have that little piece of our hearts that ache for the fact that the movie will never be as good.