Eclipse . . . Finally done with it!!

Well since we moved in January I miss placed my book and didn't find it {in the most random box} until just two weeks ago. I finished it a couple of days after that. I needed to know how it was going to end but I really didn't need that final book to be so long. From the point where I picked up Alison had left and no one could figure out why, other than to save herself from the ensuing destruction that was coming.

Oh could Bella complain any more?? I almost really don't think she could. From the time I picked up the book a couple weeks ago and started from where I had left off, she has done nothing but whine and complain. Wow is her!! I couldn't stand it, but from all the self pity and worry I had to read on to see how this epic fight was going to be carried out in the end.

Then . . . NOTHING!!! With everyone and their mind games and powers, everyone just stood around chatting. VERY anti climatic!!! A bit disappointed in how the series ends. I have heard some say they like the series because of the love and devotion that they have towards each other but it reminds me of 'The Bachlor' or other reality TV shows where someone is supposed to find true love in completely non-real world settings. Are you kidding me!!! There is no responsibility and you don't ever get to see that person in their own real life element . . . but that is a post for another day, I could go on and on.

Over all, I think the first book was the best and the series just went down hill. Will I keep the books, Yes . . . my husband bought them for me and maybe I'll try reading them again and not spreading it out over such a long period, maybe that will help them be a bit better. Will I let me daughter read them . . . only if I feel she has a great grasp on what is real and what isn't. While I have seen it work out many times, my parents in fact, I don't want her to think she needs to find true love in high school.

My Sister really likes the Harry Potter Series. She says there is so much that is left out in the movies and I have heard that in the final book, during their epic fight, there really is a fight and Rowling isn't affraid to kill anyone off. But I have also heard from others that it almost goes to the other extreme, that too many main characters whom we have spent the last 6 books getting to know and love, end dying in the end. I wonder how far I could get in those before we move again in 6 weeks.

Out of Jacob's Head...Thank Goodness!!

It's finally here. I am at the half way mark and the book is back to Bella's voice.

Jacob's head was a very depressing place to be. His life is terrible, he's going to run away his group of friends has split, his first love wants to belong to a group that are his mortal enemies.

I'm glad that it is back to Bella's voice, Stephanie seems to be able to write better from Bella's perspective. Now that the baby is finally born I am kind of curious what kind of turn the story is going to take now. In my mind there is so much more to cover about other loose ends and the first half of the book {Jacob's part} could have been A LOT shorter. Well, I'll continue going to the gym and reading as I'm on the treadmill. Time really does go by faster on the treadmill when you have something else to help occupy the time and I'm all about multitasking.

A New Determination!!!

WOW!! I have been slacking. Looking at this blog I have realized how long it has been since I added anything here. The main reason for that is I haven't been reading my book. I really need to finish this book but it is being a difficult one as well. It is completely obvious that she didn't have her editor go over this book and help tighten it all up. I have already read about a third of the book but all that has happened is that Jacob figured that the baby needed to be fed blood so that it would stop attacking Bella. I mean everything that has gone on so far could have all been told in just a few chapters.

Well I just need to finish it and move on. I am making a new resolve to finish the book. I also haven't been as diligent in my exercise routine as I would like. The in-laws have decided that they want to do family photos some time this month {it will most likely have to be the end of the month because everyone has so much going on}. So my new resolve is to loose 10lbs. by the time we do family pictures and finish the last book in the Twilight Series.

Picking Up

As you all know I am still reading the Twilight series. I have had the hardest time with the third book, Eclipse. This thing was dragging on and on. Finally there was life given to the story when Jake came and took Bella from school, then it died down again. Then it picked up when she came home and found that someone or something, had been snooping around in her bed room, then it died down again. So many people I have talked to said that this was their favorite book. Well I'm half way through it and so far, I would have to say it is my least favorite. Even if it were to pick up again and keep me on the edge of my seat, the best I could give it is two and a half stars, cause only half the book would be worth it. But the movie comes out at the end of this month so I need to keep going with it. I have to finish the book before I see the movie, but in this case I really hope the movie has more life to it than the book.

Eclipse ~ When will it get good?

I have been trying to read the third book ECLIPSE in the Twilight series. Now I remember why I never finished reading it last time. BLAH. I got it, she's grounded, whinny and really wants to still be friends with Jacob. Let's move on and get to something good.

So many people have told me that Eclipse was their favorite out of all four. I am having the hardest time getting past the first 100 pages or so {all it talks about is the same thing over and over and over again} and waiting for something to happen is dragging on. When will the story pick up? Will the book be half over before it actually catches my interest? Will Bella ever stop whining? Who knows!!!?!!! I will have to force myself to keep reading.

I need to finish this book before the movie comes out because if I see the movie before I get 'involved' in the book I know I will never try to read it again. But from what so many have said there is so much that goes on in it and it's the best part in the series. I'll try to stay on track and just keep reading.

New Moon ~ Finished

Well I finished New Moon last week. I have to say, I forgot about all the stuff that happens at the end. In the movie the Cullens take a vote, Jacob gives a warning, then it's over. It has been a long time since I read this book the first time and I forgot that so much goes on to finish the book.

Now I am moving on to Eclipse. I tried to read this one a couple of years ago but didn't make it too far, school had started up and the story really wasn't keeping my interest. My sister said that this book out of the series was probably her favorite so I'm going to give it another shot.

New Moon ~ The Movie

I am so close to finishing the book that when my husband and I went to the store to pick up a couple of items I decided to rent the movie from Red Box. Holy smokes...can I just say that I liked the movie so much more than the book, for a couple of reasons.

First, obviously they had more money. For one, you didn't notice every time they re-colored someones hair for their character. The graphics were a lot better as well. To me, it also seemed that they didn't drag out the first part of the story and Jacob had a lot more of a back bone. The other part I thought was pretty great was how they dealt with bringing a story that was already a book onto the movie screen. Bella has a lot of internal dialogue so I was wondering how they were going to get the full affect of the story, but they covered that by having her send e-mails to Alice. As you all know by know I really think the first two-thirds of the book took way to long {not to mention, it was pretty depressing as well} and I really liked how they were able to condense it all, for instance Harry's heart attack.

Anyways now I need to make sure I finish the book and get started on book number three. I tried it a year ago but it never caught my attention so hopefully this time I'll be able to make it further into the story and not just give up on it. Anyone have any thoughts on the third book? Out of the series, which book did you enjoy the most and why?

Stuck in Denver

My husband and I were lucky enough to take a trip to Boston so that he could look into grad schools. The weekend part of our trip was fantastic. It was perfect weather for walking around and the commuter system out there is something else.

On the days that my husband went in and interviewed with the professors I sat out in the hall and had a chance to read. I decided that the reason it has taken me so long to finish this book is because it has taken me so long to get into it. The whole first of the book is spent with Bella telling us that she thinks of Jacob as a friend but is still using him to create situations in which she gets to hear Edward. It's hard for me to get into a story line where the main character is so self involved and only wants to maintain relationships that she will directly and immensely benefit from. For me the story FINALLY picked up when Bella took a dive off the cliff. I think if she was developing feelings for Jacob this whole time there would have been more to the story to keep my attention and make the twist in the book as she runs off to save Edward all the more intriguing. She would have to choose between two who really love her and want the best for her. It also would have helped Jacob not seem like such a noodle. Don't get me wrong, I really like Jacob and think he is a very honest character, but I think most of his character develops once Alice shows up to Bella's home and he reacts but making Bella choose.

While I haven't read the last two books ~ I know Bella chooses Edward. I still have never seen the movie The Titanic, but come on I know the ship sinks. I just would like to see Bella have more of a struggle in deciding between this two guys (boys) who care so much for her instead of her walking around like a zombie for most of the book and using Jacob.

Anyways, I got a little bit of reading done during his interviews but it wasn't until we got stuck in the Denver Airport that I was really able to spend some time in the book. Our flight from Denver to home was canceled earlier in the day because of the weather but if the airport had waited an hour or so before they canceled our flight, they would have seen the skies clearing, the snow melting and the sun out still 2 hours before we were supposed to take off. We were put on another flight was was canceled, and still put on another flight. At least we made it home the same day. Most people trying to get to the same place we were going, were told that they would have to wait until the next day to get on a flight. After standing in two different customer service lines for a couple hours each I was able to sit down and wait for my flight. I am now so close to getting done with the book, now I just need to be sure to make the time to finish it.

Book vs. Movie ~ Twilight Saga

Ok, it's been a while since I have written because I really have not done that much reading into New Moon. I talked with my sister a little bit and she was saying that she wants to read the books again but since New Moon (the movie) just came out and the third movie is coming out in the Spring, she told me that she is going to wait to read the books until after she sees the movies. Her reasons are ~ books are always better then movies: so she doesn't want to ruin the story in her mind by reading the book first then seeing the movie. It is like eating something that tastes bad, you always have to follow it with something better, and in this case, that would be the book. If she reads the books after watching the movies, then it will simply add to the story. Now I think I have changed my mind. Before I go much further in the books I think I will watch the movies first. That way I won't get a bad taste left in my mouth.

Bella's Birthday Party

I didn't read to much last night, my eyes were closing too fast. But As I was reading I couldn't help but think about how the movie for New Moon would compare to the book. Mostly the book has talked about how much Bella does not want to be older than Edward and her birthday party that the Cullens are giving her. Is the movie going to portray her disdain for her 'black' birthday? Will it portray how much restrain it takes for them to not get too involved in a simple kiss?

It's killing me but I really do want to finish the book before I watch the movie. Because I am not a speed reader...I will need to read fast and often.

What are some of your thoughts about the movie...?
Try not to give too much away, but were they able to portray the conflicting emotion between Edward and Bella better than last time? He hates the monster he is and she wants to become one. A life is at risk but common sense is put aside to fulfill their sense of belonging with one another even though they know that they will not be able to remain with each other if things stay the way they are. Was the story that we all read and liked so much followed more closely or was it condensed again?

Finally Done

Well....I finally finished Twilight this morning and started New Moon. I am really excited for a change. Cold...stone...cold...granite...cold...come on, branch out. Even one chapter into New Moon I can tell that her writing technique improved. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the story line. It takes us all back to being young and finding love. The intense and timed emotions that went with it all. Exploring and learning about ALL the emotions and roller-coaster that goes with finding love. But honestly, I feel like 50-75 pages could have been cut from the book if Edwards chilled perfection didn't have to be described every time he came onto the scene.

There is always a difference between the book and the same story being told on the big screen. Having just finished reading the book again and recalling the movie there is so much that was left out. For intense, Alice, her past and how she became a vampire. Never brought up in the movie but as it turns out James was the one who turned her. I also think they lost some of the intensity of the relationship between Edward and Bella that took place in the first half of the book. There was so much more drama between the two of them before they got together. The part from the book that I really would of liked to have seen in the movie was the Saturday trip, the first time Edward showed Bella what he looked like in the sun and their first kiss ~ I really didn't like how those topics were addressed in the movie.

Once I get done with New Moon I will be able to watch the movie and decide if all the hype was really worth it. I have heard from people on both sides, those who really liked it and those who were really disappointed in the way the story was changed to put it in the theatre.

Stay tuned...

Making A Schedual

I have found that the hardest part of my new goal, to read all the books I have been collecting over the past few years, is finding/making the time time to sit down and read. My husband and I have come up with a routine so that both of us can get some reading in. It always seems to be easier to get into a habit when there is someone else there who will do it with you ~ for me anyways. Now I just need to find someone to go to the gym with me. I got the pass but it is not doing me any good just hanging on my key chain ;).

I have restarted Twilight, again, last time I could not get into it and so much time has passed that I figured I would just start over again. Since it has been such a long time since I read to first two books in the series I have forgotten how different the books are from the movies ~ at least the first one. I have yet to watch the second movie but I told myself that I could not go and see the movies until I finished reading the books. Even though books are always better than the movies it is harder for me to want to read a book when I have seen the movie or could just watch it in an hour and half instead of making the time to read.

They Can Take The Time

Last weekend I watched Twilight while I took some time to rest from being sick. I recently started Twilight, the book, again as well.

I have such a hard time with reading books that have movies based on them. Luckily this time I read the book before the first movie came out, I am trying to finish the others before the movies of them come out as well. THE BOOKS are so much better than the movies. In the book, the first 30 pages could take up half the movie. These are critical pages as well because they help to set the tone of the characters, giving them personality and catching our attention. In the movie they have to try and show us who the individuals are, their traits, habits - everything - just in the first few minutes. The books are always so much more descriptive, they can take as much time as they need so that the characters can be explained in full and so that we, as the reader, can bond with them.

Just in the little bit of the book that I have read so far, I seem to understand so much more about the characters. My mom, who has not read the books, said that the movie was pretty good. When I asked her if she picked up on this or that - she said that she did not get certain things from the movie. Hence, why books can be so much better, they give you the whole story, all the behind the scenes stuff.

Like I said, I have only gotten so far into the book, but am excited to finish reading it. I just hope that when I get to Eclipse I can keep going with it until it picks up and grabs my attention.

A Second Try

I am reading the Twilight saga again. When the books first came out I was not too on top of it, but I finally gave in last summer. It took some getting into but then once I got into it....I had to finish. As a matter of fact I even took it on our anniversary trip because I did not think I could wait a week. New Moon was great and I fell in love with Jacob. Eclipse, however, lost me after getting only about ten pages into it. Well I still have not finished them.

A sister-in-law and my husbands mother are really into the series. They took me to see the midnight showing of Twilight and are already planning on the next two movies and have tickets for New Moon*. They have invited me to come along again so I thought I would take another try at reading the whole series again. I just need to get past the first part of the third book. From what others have told me Eclipse was their least favorite out of the whole series.

I have heard some buzz about a book called Midnight Sun. This was "...chapter one, "First Sight," from Edward's point of view..." But as can happen, someone who was not supposed to get a hold of the manuscript before it was released, did, and now Stephenie Meyer says she won't finish it. If you want to read the unfinished version it can get it from her website. Since I am starting over in the saga I won't get to Midnight Sun for some time. My real hope is that by the time I get done with the books she will have changed her mind and decided to finish the book. With a little more time for the stress of the movies to pass she might find that she will still want to finish it and that so many people would rather wait for the full story then to get a hold of the 'lifted' manuscript and ruin the suspense, so I do not want to spoil it for myself.

*TWILIGHT talent and filmmakers will be making surprise appearances at the "TWILIGHT at MIDNIGHT" release parties in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas and Salt Lake City.