The Twilight Saga (through Eclipse)

I've read the first three books. Breaking Dawn will be next, but I wanted to pause in between readings to review the storylines, thus far.

Having seen the films first, I enjoyed making connections between the actors and the characters in the books. The casting director did an amazing job capturing the perfect people for these roles. And the films honor Meyer's books.

Twilight was okay, the writing a bit stale. But I am glad I kept going, because New Moon and Eclipse are far better, Meyer clearly having broken out of her shell. In Twilight, I wondered why Jacob was unaware of the wolf transformation; that seemed unbelievable, but perhaps I am missing something?

New Moon: I know that Bella is awkward and detached from everyone, but why does she resort to calling her parents by their names? And, to address the first part of that question, why IS she so detached from people? I don't think that's something that Meyer fully addresses. YET, Bella is close to Jacob and Edward. Why only them? All I can conclude is that it's because they are not completely human, and that inevitably draws her toward her own ultimate destiny.

I found it interesting how cold Bella is, for instance, which seems like an unspoken foreshadowing to who she will be, and the cold shoulder she gets from Jess was another interesting tie-in.

Bella gets her first night of peaceful sleep (after Edward's departure) after being in Jacob's presence; this isn't capitalized on in the film that I recall, which I thought would have been an important aspect to include, especially when she later struggles to untether her emotions for him.

Eclipse: I DO NOT like Jacob in the books. He's very rough with Bella, very heartless and cruel, physically, emotionally, and mentally. He's way more hostile in the books (I can't emphasize this enough). I still don't get why Bella keeps him in her life. He's very unhealthy for her. And yet, she blames herself for confusing his feelings, even though he's the one that pushes his on hers.

Having said that, I still enjoyed the 2nd and 3rd books. The writing is deep and thorough, carrying you on waves of otherworldliness and intriguing plot points.

Edward is just as wonderful and kind and patient and understanding as he is in the films (Can you tell I'm Team Edward?). Alice is absolutely charming, as to be expected. The plot is enriching and Bella fits into it perfectly.