wrapped up in a teen romance novel, but not enough to stop myself from doing so. I used the excuse that it was "research" as I have been plugging away at my story (that started with the Ghosting It Forward tag and that slowly grew to a life of its own.) I wanted to read a few books written for teens, like Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and others like the Twilight series because they managed to transcend the boundaries of their "teen" category to be enjoyed by a much larger audience (and are International Bestsellers). So I had an excuse, right?Well, as it would turn out, I absolutely loved the Twilight books, inexplicably so! I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that I loved so much about them. Sure they are well written, surprisingly rich in detail and imagery, extremely suspenseful. I read for 600+ page novels in four days...so it would be safe to call them page turners. Something about the first three of the four novels I related to because of my own personal experiences at that age. I can see how many adult woman would be happy to relive their first love or heartbreaking crush by becoming immersed in the helpless romance between Bella and Edward, the fact that Edward is a vampire, not withstanding. I am not a sci-fi kinda girl, but will happily put aside the whole vampire thing for the sake of a good love story... and a good love story it was.... Even if slightly cliche...a testament to the age old paradox of a young women's insatiable desire to win the heart of the unobtainable, the perfectly delicious, the bad boy, with a lust and passion second to none.
With that being said....
My only regret was that the author wrote them to be appropriate for teens...IMHO, much older teens, but still teens. Maybe I am becoming prudish with age, surely I wouldn't want my daughters to read such
romantic....panting. LOL!!... But while I am prudish about what I would want my daughters to be reading, I am not at all ashamed to admit that as an adult woman the chasteness of the author was frustrating, indeed! I like to read literary fiction just as much as the next guy but when it comes to this kind of romance...*blush* I prefer a little more....... *hint hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge*So, I still have to do a little more "research" in reading a few more popular teen novels but before I do I might have to invest in a few good old fashion smut novels to get me by. A Harlequin....Something with a pirate and virgin, perhaps?
Don't look at me like that! You know you love it too!
Well actually ... sheepishly looks around ... I do. But I prefer smut embedded in a novel i can really sink my teeth into - like Jean Auel's novel's. 2 parts history, 1 part fiction story, 1/2 part current world issues reflected through her characters, 1/2 part smut.
ReplyDeleteEveryone at work is talking about those books and the movie too. I hear the movie is really good.
ReplyDeleteI had been holding off buying those books - but I might have to jump on the bandwagon and pick them up. I love a good read, regardless if I'm a few years *cough* over the intended age. I could use a good page-turner for the winter!
Have you read the "Southern Vampire" series by Charlaine Harris? Vampires again, but a little more adult based. There are 8 books in the series so far. They are an interesting mix of chick lit, humour, romance, violence and mystery. There is also a great tv show based on the books called True Blood - although the season finale was last night. They will probably be replaying them on HBO.
Oh - reading Steph's comment - have you guys read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon? A series of about six (or so) books set back in 1700's Scotland and various other locales - sort of like Jean Auel, but without as much detail in the surroundings.
ReplyDeleteI read the Jean Auel books and loved them, but that was a while back. I would much rather read the book than watch the movie. I heard that the movie was alright but didnt touch the books. I have never heard of "Southern Vampire" but might look into them.
ReplyDeleteThe Diana Gabaldon books are my absolute favorite. I have read them all a half dozen times.
I LOVE smutty novels, hehe. I read a 400 pg one while my hubby was in surgery for 3 hours. I was reading fast and furiously. There's a series of 4 books about 4 friends (Compass Club). The Author is Jo Goodman. OMG they are good ;) and full of a little myster and lots of juicy details and.....happenings :)). I remember my mom used to read romance novels and we all gave her grief, but she used to laugh a lot too, some of them are kind of funny. And here I am, reading them now too.
ReplyDeleteI loved the TV show Moonlight and was heartbroken that it was cancelled. I like the mystery of the vampire/human relationship and there's something very intriguing.
I am over 40..did not even consider my daughter when buying it!!
ReplyDeleteLoved it and I am proud to say so :D
Recommend the books ..the movie was rushed..not enough chemistry too much trying to get details in.
I too like a little more umm...heat??! I knew the 'young readers' title I was getting into so not disappointed.
I would LOVE to see the "Southern Vampires" Laura has mentioned here.
For me..the great part of the series was the passion, the need to be together thing that Bella and Edward had. He was so protective and possessive, but sweet letting her make her own decisions too..ahhhhh..very romantic :D
Julie :D
My daughter disappeared into the first two books for 5 whole days. I knew she was still breathing because the pages were turning-LOL.
ReplyDeleteI promised to take her to the movie over Thanksgiving Weekend. If only to make her stop mooning over the movie trailers on tv-sheez!
Myself, I love smutty romance novels. Surprisingly some are pretty darn well written. Those that aren't, I flip through just so I know how they end.;)
I have only read book 1 and 2. Book 1 I really liked, book 2, ok...I'm waiting on book 3 and 4
ReplyDeleteI have heard that book 4 has some smut! It will be about time!
Wow...two comments in one day. I'm trying to get thru your archives so I can add you to my blog roll. ;) I know this is an old post, but I still feel the need to put my two cents in.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit...I'm a Twilight freak as well. The Host is really good as well, but even though it is supposed to be an adult novel I was still left feeling a little...unfulfilled.
In my desperate attempts to get over my Twilight fixation my friend suggested the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. They are fabulous! Great characters, great detail, lots of action and good romance novels. They have everything that Twilight was missing. I now feel complete.