1. TwilightFan | 08.28.08

AMEN SISTA IT SHOULD BE ENOUGH SO STOP CRYING AND YES I LOVED BREAKING DAWN !!!!

2. Jessica | 08.28.08

Breaking Dawn was the best! She’s right, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says, write what makes you happy. I was excited throughout the enitre book, It’s great to have a happy ending.

3. twilight_fan | 08.28.08

I don’t understand the hate for “Breaking Dawn” I love this book. I thought it was MUCH better then 2 and 3

Twilight_fan - http://www.thebloodsuckers.com

4. Stacie | 08.28.08

Kudos to Stephenie for writing, first and foremost, for herself. When it comes down to it, that’s all you can do. You can’t please every reader, and if you tried, it would be an impossible task. Though Breaking Dawn was not my personal favorite of the series, I would never consider returning the book, and I’m appalled at the people who are doing this. It’s unethical.

It must be difficult writing books in the YA category, knowing that a significant portion of your reader base is young and extremely passionate in everything they feel (to the umpteenth degree). I’ve read numerous reviews and blogs written by younger readers and have been horrified with the venomous hatred they’ve displayed toward Stephenie, all because they didn’t like the book. I can only hope that sooner or later they will realize how to express their negative opinions in a productive, respectful way that allows intelligent discourse and debate. After all, there’s nothing wrong with dissenting opinions; as long as all opinions are voiced with respect…

Thanks to Marjorie Kehe for writing on this important topic.

5. Leslie | 08.28.08

For the life of me I can’t understand why people are so up in arms over a book that is your standard teen romance with a little vampire and adventure on the side. It was never great art, but it was a fun escapist read. I don’t know that the author herself, or her publishers ever claimed it to be anything other than essentially pulp fiction.

Sure there are always people who don’t like a book and are disappointed by it. If I had a dollar for every TV show that no longer suited my tastes like ER or LOST, or books that turned out other than I hoped with characters like Remus Lupin and Susan Pevensie not getting a happier end I would be richer. This however is the price you pay for an artistic endevor which is always highly subjective. I won’t be picketing outside Rowling’s mansion or sueing the Lewis estate for a refund.

Nonetheless some of these people especially on Amazon.com seem to have taken disappointment to a whole new level of entitlement by demanding rewrites and an apology from the author because the book didn’t meet their personal specifications. They are acting as if Meyer is a pariah. Would they have been asking for part of the profits if it had met their specs, a seat next to Meyer at a signing, what would suit them exactly? Three weeks after the book has released they are still raging. It seems that the book attracts the highly, emotionally unstable.

This batch of miscreants has effectively shouted down and bullied anyone who actually dares to state they like the book on the discussion forums, and has resorted to personal attacks and slander of the author. The Amazon customer reviews though mixed clearly favor an overall satisfaction (the majority of reviews are 3 stars or higher with a clear majority on 5 stars). The book continues to sell in the number one slot on Amazon, so evidently someone is enjoying this series for what it offered: a fluffy adventure read.

6. D | 08.28.08

I can appreciate the feeling that a book’s ending was so terrible that I wanted my money and, more importantly, my time back. I literally threw my copy of The Handmaid’s Tale across the room when I came to what I can only hope was the editor’s (not Ms. Atwood’s) ending.

7. The Taminator | 08.28.08

You should read the book. Then you would understand the myriad of problems with it– the typos, the non-existent editing, the implied pedophilia, the suggested swinging, Edward and Bella’s stalker/idiot relationship, and a birth scene straight out of a bad Wes craven flick. They say the editorial quality should take a back seat to the story, but we got neither editorial quality, nor a story. The ending had nothing to do with returning it– this book was sub-par and defective on every level.

I haven’t observed a single person who disliked the book tell anyone who liked it to shut up. It’s the other way around, and if you’d like to peruse some related message boards, you’ll see that. People engage in blind, slavish worship of this woman and her mediocre work and if we don’t join in, we get attacked for it by crazed fangrrls. When we have a problem with the books, we write a letter, an article, or satire to make our point. With many of these fans it’s just screaming, hysteria, chaos, chaos.

Never mind the inherent dangers in the books– you can’t even argue against typos without someone coming in and accusing you of ruining Stephenie Meyer’s life. Maybe if I had read these books 9,000 times I would have forgotten how to debate as well, and just called fangrrls stupid and mean.

8. Pickles | 08.28.08

I think perhaps you should read a book you are writing an article on before you pass judgment.

“It’s enough to make one wonder who has the courage to become a bestselling author these days. With the ocean of opportunity to vent spleen and disappointment created by the blogosphere, writers have little choice but to continually go nose-to-nose with disgruntled readers. It’s hard for me to believe that such encounters necessarily energize creative people.”

So are you saying that writers should only be privy to positive comments about their work? That negative comments aren’t constructive? That only those “brave” enough to bear the criticism should be published? That’s asinine beyond words. To think that she should not be held accountable for her own published work is ridiculous as well.

9. Shantilly | 08.28.08

You should be rejoicing over the dialogue this little piece of “literature” has generated. For one thing, it has gotten people to read, which is rare in this day and age. For another, it has them discussing their ideas, be they supportive of the author or not. I consider that to be a far better thing than zoning out in front of a television, watching ‘American Idol’ or the latest reality debacle on MTV, which is what so many Americans do.

For the record, I disliked the book. THOSE OF US WHO DID DISLIKE IT ARE NOT UPSET ABOUT THE ENDING. In fact, many of us got the ending we wanted (technically). Let me list a few of my problems with the book: poor editing, bad relationship role models, and suggestions of improper sexual conduct. I think you should read the book, and then judge fan reaction.

Furthermore, anyone who produces a piece of art and releases it into the public arena must be willing to accept feedback. Some of it will be positive and some of it will be negative, but you can’t turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to that which you do not wish to hear. We live in the age of information and it is much, much easier to share ideas and opinions. That may make it harder for an author, but I think it’s something they must be willing to accept to pursue a profession as an artist.

10. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Well DONE! You totally got it right. Its crazy that fans are saying totally different things like that its too dull, too exciting, too racy, not racy enough. It doesn’t make any sense lol.

I personally found the ending to be dissapointing but I still love the book because i respect Stephenie’s decision to exclude violence from this book. She said herself that this book was about mind games and not violence, hence the cover of the chess game so I’m totally ok with it.

I think people forget that this book was meant to be different and darker.
That doesn’t make it bad. And i think that anyone who says its anti-feminist is an absolute idiot! The characters have REASONS for what they do, because of their personalities and their personal experiences and outlook on life, its nothing to do with gender equality.

11. Erin | 08.28.08

There are numerous reasons why people are upset with this book and series. It’s absurd to write an article maligning commentary on a pop-culture phenomenon when you’re not familiar with it. Be more responsible in your reporting.

12. Heather | 08.28.08

So… it’s not okay for us to have an opinion over a book we read, but it’s okay for you to judge us, people you DON’T know, over a book you HAVEN’T read?

SM is a hack writer who should be absolutely ashamed of herself. She writes about pedophilia, polyandry, sexual assault, abortion and battered women and serves it up hot on a plate with a “romantic” bow on it.

13. Serena | 08.28.08

I think blogging about something you admittedly have not bothered to read is problematic, at best.

Rather than reading various snippets from other journalists’ work, why don’t you actually read through the four books, compare them and THEN read what bloggers/ forum members/ journalists are discussing? Many “professional” critics have panned Breaking Dawn- why? Because the editing, professionalism and writing was loose.

The EW interviews that you thought were “calm”- honestly many saw them as a proverbial slap in the face. Telling your fanbase that “hey, not everyone will be happy,” “the Rob effect” (i.e. get used to it- which is horrifyingly condescending and ignoble to bring Robert Pattinson in an argument as a way to diffuse a situation), or that the hype was so much that no book could compete… you know, the “hype”- that was created by Stephenie Meyer and Little, Brown books.

I’m indifferent to the story now. What has me angry is the fact that legitimate concerns have been expressed re: a product that was subpar, substandard and shoddily rendered to the public is being defended that it’s “okay to publish” pure tripe. There is no sense of pride and ownership anymore. In the US’s current economy, $15-$24 per book is a LOT of money to spend- why is it a “bad” thing to expect and demand our money’s worth? If you buy a product that breaks down shortly after purchase, you return it. No questions asked. How is publishing any different?

In the end, Stephenie Meyer told the story that she ultimately wanted- kudos indeed. Too bad that that story negated the need for New Moon and Eclipse, yes?

14. BG | 08.28.08

If you haven’t even read the series why are you passing judgement on people that have? I spent my hard earned money on that book, and it is my right to return it. It was awful, and not because I did not like the end. Do some research on the subject before you blog about it. There are numerous things wrong with the book, and they have been pointed out all over the place. It wouldn’t be too hard to find.

15. bookishqua | 08.28.08

It’s rather difficult to make an argument about the quality of a book when you haven’t read it as you admitted in your article. If you had read all four books then perhaps you would understand why the author has managed to divide her fan base. In the interviews with EW that you mentioned, I found it offensive that she suggested we were suffering from “The Rob Effect” that we needed to re-read it to appreciate it, that if we really loved the characters we would want what is best for them (sounded like a bad break up speech to me) and that she had this planned out since 2003. Mere logic would suggest that if she had this book planned out since 2003 that it would be better written. If she had this book planned for such a long time, logic would also suggest that she could offer decent arguments to support her plot. You also failed to consider the significant number of negative reviews the book has received in the literary press (See the Washington Post, Publisher’s Weekly, LA Times to name a few).

Many of us are up in arms because of the poor quality of the writing. SM broke her canon to create a child for an infertile couple and then went about having her characters behave in out of character fashions without bothering to explain WHY they were acting as they were. She spent 3 books telling the story of a young woman who did NOT want children who went into a marriage knowing that she was giving up the possibility of ever physically having them only to discover that she was pregnant and in an instant be ecstatic. We also get to see her wake up after her wedding night covered in bruises and begging for sex from her emotionally cold husband in exchange for agreeing to go to college for a semester. What a powerful message to send to young women! We get the male hero trying to force his wife to abort their child, offer her up without her knowledge or consent for sex (and children) with her ex-boyfriend if the ex will agree to persuade her to abort the child, having the ex actually plan infanticide once the child is born….not to mention a gory spine snapping birth scene topped off with the Vampire who has spent three books lusting after his wife’s blood actually EATING through her uterus to do a vamp style c-section - without ever having a problem with the fountains of blood spewing over the place. This husband is a character that went to medical school TWICE and he can’t think ahead to have safe sex with his wife to avoid unplanned pregnancy and inadvertent vampire turning? This is a character so paranoid about his wife’s safety as to be almost OCD, who buys her a missile proof car and doesn’t think to protect her from his own heat seeking missiles? This is a character who we’ve spent the past 3 books learning about his excessive blood lust for his wife and terror that sexual activity between them could result in him draining her dry of her blood like rabid frat boys around the last keg of beer on a Friday night - and he takes her to a deserted island to engage in sex? The combination of bizarre plot lines, out of character behavior, and putrid writing have resulted in Mrs. Meyer staking her own series. She topped it off by having a male adult character “imprint” on an infant - a character that the parents allow to act as a “parent” for the child that we learn in 7 years he will marry - thereby glorifying pedophilia. I hope you can understand why many of her fans who genuinely enjoyed the first book are up in arms. And the clamor grows louder each day.

16. Kerrie | 08.28.08

HEATHER: Since when does Stephenie write about pedophilia, polyandry and battered women? Have you even read the books. Jake never, ever thought of renessme in a sexual way. That was CLEARLY stated in the book you idiot. He was like an older brother to her, Stephenie said this in an interview too if you dont’ believe me. Polyandry? Eh Bella was never married to two people lol. Jake was her best friend, nothing more, and she made that very clear to him and the end of Eclipse. And since when was Bella battered?
Jake didn’t realise he was assulting her because he was to big and strong to notice that she was pushing him, it had nothing to do with assulting her. He would have stopped if he had noticed. lol Don’t you know anything about these books?
And whats wrong with the topic of abortion, its a very serious real topic. Bella was dying,wasting away infront of poor Edward and he was convinced that the baby was a monster, the one killing Bella. OF COURSE he wanted her to have an abortion you idiot.

How dare you insult stephenie like that. She’s a lovely person, If you don’t like the book just keep your mouth shut but don’t be so bloody harsh. Don’t ruin it for the rest of us!

17. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

I am a fan of the first three books, I was happy with the way she portrayed values. But breaking Dawn was just so very Bad

Meyer’s is an the worse type of role model for our kids, at first I was happy, she had Bella and Edward wait for marriage before having sex. Mother and a Mormon who believed in the values of the church. And what did we get , Adulatory, pedophilia, and abortion.

I did not like the Imprinting subject when it was first introduced, Meyer’s never approached the subject after that.

but when it came the so called soul mate to Bella with Jacob Black Imprinting on Bella’s baby it just pushed a few of us over the edge. You just had Bella and Jacob declare their love for one another, and now what is your message on this, What was her message on this, Hay Jacob I cant give you what you want so here is my baby girl go have fun. Yes I know it I fiction, but you crossed the line with this one.

You had Edward beg for Jake to help kill his own daughter! And then impregnate her so she could have more normal babies! What were you thinking!

We had Bella torn apart giving birth, no sex in the book but the extreme violence is ok.

I was Happy with the first Three Mrs. Meyer’s, all of us would have waited three more years for the book if you had just said

To all my Fan’s I need more time to make sure I give you a Better Book

this is what we have created in this world we no longer have kids lose at games they don’t fail in class they just get moved ahead. It is a sad sad world

if you call yourselves as a Christian Group how can you be ok with the imprinting, you are basically saying it is ok to molest children ( You disgust me!)

18. Jennifer | 08.28.08

How can you even pass judgement on those who have read the book when you haven’t even read it yourself? This blog is completely pointless then. Please be more responsible in your reporting

19. Kerrie | 08.28.08

J.AULTMAN
You are sick!!! How can you even consider that Jake would molest Nessie as a child? You should be locked up!! Did you not pay attenton to the books at all? Imprinting means that the person is your life, thats all. it does not mean ANYTHING sexual. This was CLEARLY stated in the book you idiot!!!!! You are the sick one to even consider that!!! And Stephenie stated in an interview that Jake was an older brother for Nessie until NESSIE HERSELF decided that she wanted more from Jake. Thats how imprinting works, the werewolf only cares for the needs of that person, he would never force or do anything to make that person unhappy. Didn’t you understand that? Once again, you’re an idiot!!!!

20. Kerrie | 08.28.08

ALSO J. AULTMAN:

Edward was convinced that the child was a monster and was watching the love of his life die before his eyes. OF COURSE he wanted Bella to have an abortion. You completely left out the fact that was utterly devestated and ashamed and losing his mind. He would have done anything to keep Bella alive, thats the whole point!!

21. Pickles | 08.28.08

Kerrie - you might want to refrain from childish insults if you want your point to be read and understood.

And to all the ‘points’ you attempted to make, I disagree with all of them. Imprinting itself is a disgusting practice and for Bella’s husband to suggest an abortion is not exactly something I’d call caring and loving.

22. tesla | 08.28.08

Kerrie - you said
“How dare you insult stephenie like that. She’s a lovely person, If you don’t like the book just keep your mouth shut but don’t be so bloody harsh. Don’t ruin it for the rest of us!”

Thanks for telling me what I am supposed to think.

As for your theory that Jacob never thought about the baby in a sexual way…what did it mean that he gave her a bracelet version of a promise ring??!
That implies sex to me.

23. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie:

I’m sure Heather will reply to you on her own, but I’m going to say something too. Here are answers to your accusations:

1. Jacob’s relationship with Renesmee will eventually end in romance. Period. True, it isn’t sexual now, but it’s hard to read a story about a baby and a grown man and KNOW that’s where it will end up.

2. Polyandry in SUBSTANCE not in FORM. Edward offered Bella to Jacob to have sex. Sex is something that happens between a husband and a wife.

3. Jacob’s behavior (during Eclipse), at numerous times, was an act of battery towards Bella. Edward’s and Bella’s honeymoon night resulted in injury to Bella. Edward HIMSELF was upset about that. Go check out the legal definition for battery.

We’ve all read the books. It’s a matter of interpretation.

24. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Pickles: How is imprinting disgusting? Did you not read my point about Jake being an older brother until Nessie herself decides that she wants more from him. And also i forgot to say, that if Nessie never grew to love Jake, then Jake would be ok with that and just continue to be her brother. Thats what imprinting is, its not sexual at all, its just caring for and being there for the person you love the most, in what-ever capacity they need you to be. Father, brother, lover, it could be anything. Obviously you weren’t paying attention when Jake explained this.

25. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

First of all karrie,
look at what SM wrote! the imprinting is to find the wolfs mate! you have Bella and Edward pass of their child to a grown man to raise who in 7 years will be having sex with her. The Baby should have been taken away and not have him over her every moment of her life! and what about Jacob watching over the baby while Bella and Edward have sex in the next room.

Your just as sick and the girl who wrote a fan-fiction of Nessie begging Jacob at the age of 2 for sex..

26. Breegy | 08.28.08

PLEASE, read the books before you write articles on them. As soon as you read the series you will be in full agreement with us.

Trust me, our anger has not calmed down with the passage of time, and when people write even more articles like this, it only makes us angrier. No one needs to be defending her. She won’t even acknowledge us enough to try and defend herself.

27. HannahR | 08.28.08

Ms. Kehe,
Don’t waste your time or mine by posting an article on a subject you know nothing about. I’m amazed you’d admit you haven’t read Breaking Dawn. Have you read any of the series?

If not, I would like to point you to the four books of the Twilight series. Please consider reading them, studying them, and analysing the characters. Then, once you’ve digested them all, please come back and give us your opinion of Breaking Dawn….I’ll be waiting with bated breath.

28. Kerrie | 08.28.08

SHANTILLY: Edward was trying to come up with a solution so Bella could have a BABY, not have lots of fun sex with Jake lol. You make it sound like he was a **** or something. He wasn’t. He was trying to keep her alive, he couldn’t bare to watch her die any more. And actually that showed how understanding and patient he is, to not be jealous of Jake like other hushands would be and to understand that it that it was Bella’s health and safety that mattered the most, more then if Bella decided she loved Jake more.

29. Pickles | 08.28.08

Kerrie - It is IMPLIED that Jacob and Renesmee will spend their lives together in a romantic fashion. Renesmee is an infant. That, in itself, is odd at best, and repulsive at worst. Yes, I read your ‘point’ about Jacob being an older brother, but that’s not what he is. He gave her a promise ring. How many brothers give their sisters promise rings (Other than Angelina Jolie and her brother)?

In addition, your comment about how “if you don’t like the book just keep your mouth shut but don’t be so bloody harsh” makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Why should we keep our mouths shut if we don’t like it? Because you don’t want to hear any criticism? Again, I state, if you can’t handle criticism, then literature probably isn’t the best field for you to be in.

You’re attempts at accosting my intelligence are falling on deaf ears. Anyone who knows the logic of debate knows you never make it personal.

30. Morgaine | 08.28.08

I don’t know about you Kerrie, but most girls wouldn’t want their brother to give them a promise bracelet.

31. Breegy | 08.28.08

Stephenie Meyer, in her book Breaking Dawn, teaches young girls that the following messages are OKAY:

1. Marrying young is your only option.
2. Recieving bruises from your husband during sex is perfectly fine, and ENJOYABLE at times.
3. Ditching college to be with the “man of your dreams” is the way you should go.
4. Having babies is the most important thing in life, even over your OWN safety.
5. It’s okay to put EVERYONE ahead of yourself.
6. How shall I say this, pedophilia? If you look at fanfictions on the internet, they portray Jacob and Renesmee’s relationship as a sexual one. This is a pool for sickos. SMeyer has created a whole new sexpot for these people on the internet, and they claim that what they write is OKAY, telling people to read Breaking Dawn.

If I missed anything friends, please add onto my list from number seven on.

32. tesla | 08.28.08

and most girls wouldn’t want to be raised by their future husbands.

33. R. Thrace | 08.28.08

Dear Marjorie Kehe (and all who have tried to make me feel bad for criticizing Breaking Dawn)-

I can see where Ms. Kehe is coming from in that it *is* a different world now that we are all connected via the http://www. And I’m sure it is difficult, for an author-or for that manner any public figure-to be criticized. However, if a fan feels the criticism is warranted, and it is given respectfully, it is absolutely within the fan’s right to do so. How can anyone perfect their craft if they’re never criticized? I was a big fan of Stephenie Meyer’s first three books- Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. But Breaking Dawn was a huge disappointment for me. Not because I wanted it to end *my* way but because I expected the final book to be an extension of the rest of the Twilight series and though it might have seemed so in Mrs. Meyer’s mind, it simply was not.

This book is marketed for a *YA audience*, and I stood in line at the midnight release for my copy of Breaking Dawn along side girls as young as 10 years old. When I took my copy home and began reading, within this book pages I was introduced to:
-The heroine enjoying abusive sex
-The heroine begging for more abusive sex despite her partner’s reluctance
-The heroine becoming impregnated and being told not to worry by the hero because she will have an abortion to take care of the problem
-The hero suggests to his rival that he should have sex with his wife so she can have “normal” babies to replace the one growing inside of her
-A fetus growing at such an alarming rate that the heroine is forced to become bed ridden within days
-The heroine drinking blood from a sippy cup to nourish the baby inside of her
-A gruesome birth scene that involves (among other things) a fountain of vomited blood, a blood-thirsty vampire attacking a woman in labor, a naked woman giving birth with a cracked spine as the baby attempts to tear its way out of her, the hero using his teeth to get to the baby, the baby biting the mother the moment its out of the womb, more blood, and some “lush tearing” of the skin”
-a young man “imprinting” on an infant with the eventual inevitability of a romantic relationship within the next 7 years
Now, does any of this sound like a novel you would want a pre-teen or a young teen reading? Because this seems very much like false advertisement to me.Which means I did NOT get what I paid for, which means if I wanted to take my mint-condition copy back to the store two days later and demand a refund then I was well within my rights. And it frustrates me that this article implies otherwise.
True, there were many other things I disliked about the book-things I thought were silly or disappointing- but these were not reasons I would have used for returning a book. I returned it because it was not the item I was promised, it was something else. It was garbage.
Thank you for your time-
R. Thrace

34. Kerrie | 08.28.08

J AULTMAN: Yes, technically imprinting is the METHOD of finding a mate but it is also just caring for and being there for the person you love the most, in what-ever capacity they need you to be. Father, brother, lover, it could be anything. Obviously you weren’t paying attention when Jake explained this. Jake would never force Nessie to do anything she didn’ want. Thats the whole point of imprinting, to keep the person happy. As I said before, if Nessie decided “NO jake i don’t love you, i met someone else” Jake would just continue to be her older brother because to be anything else would make her unhappy. PAY ATTETNION! As for the person who wrote that fanfiction, yes that is totally sick i agree. But Jake was an older brother to nessie, stephenie said this in a few interviews. And why would bella and edward keep Jake away when Jake makes Nessie happy and jake does nothing but look after her. Again, you are totaly sick for even implying that Jake could do that!

35. Jennifer | 08.28.08

KERRIE Why is it that most fans of this book resort to insulting and being childish on msg. boards? Why is that you “yell” at anyone who is disappointed with the book “to shut up”? Do you not realize how bad this makes you and the fandom look?

People are entitled to their opinions. I do personally think that when you are displaying them you should refrain from “lol” every five seconds and being childish.

36. Peggy | 08.28.08

“I haven’t read it myself so I don’t have an opinion” and “I was glad to stumble on an online interview [of the author]” certainly demonstrates that Ms. Kehe is unfit to come down on people who have read the books(s), have done more than “stumble” on one interview, and do have an opinion! I had thought the Christian Science Monitor held to the highest standards of journalism, but apparently it is much lower on their sponsored blogs. At the least a commentator might bother to read a book that has been so highly criticized before she goes after the critics! If she had, she would know that it’s not the “ending” that has stirred up the fuss - it’s everything between the first page and the last. She would also know that “light-on-sex-and-violence” implies a wholesomeness that “Breaking Dawn” - catagorized as Young Adult - abuses at every turn. Returning a book is absolutely fair when the author repeatedly violates her own canon, produces an inferior product (according to many readers) and the publisher has failed to edit out the many typos, misspellings, bad grammar, and lapses in logic. If books are to be marketed as “product,” then it is fair to treat them as such, and return them when they fail to deliver as promised. Maybe it would encourage all authors to be more self-critical and more publishers to actual edit what they publish.

37. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Here’s why the whole sex thing with Jacob was WRONG:

1. Adultery is not OK. Perhaps Edward should’ve tried to get Bella to go in for fertility treatments-in vitro or something-instead of encouraging SEX WITH ANOTHER MAN.

2. Edward discusses the plan in private with Jacob first. Essentially, he offered his wife up for sexual relations with another man as if she were a piece of property and he had every right to do so.

I can tell that you’re young and I really think that it’s to your own detriment that you idolize this book.

38. Emma C. | 08.28.08

Please don’t even bother to write an article about a book you haven’t even read. How else would you know what caused all this complaints from the readers? It’s wrong to pass judgment on the fans who actually know what they’re talking about. So, my suggestion: Read first. Then, report.

39. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Jacob say’s it is not that right NOW!!! ok, so as soon as she is ripe for the plucking the brother, father relationship changes

40. Kerrie | 08.28.08

PICKLES: The promise ring was just to symbolise that he would wait and that it didn’t matter how long, because he was perfectly happy just being her brother. And YES, Stephenie HERSELF said that Jake was a older brother/ 2nd father to Nessie. People are totally over-reacting about the imprinting thing. The books stated clearly that it did not mean anything sexual lol. When Jake explained the imprinting thing to Bella in new moon, it was actually quite sweet. Why are people only giving out about this now, when Quil imprinted on Claire two books ago lol. Nothing bad happened to claire did it? In fact (if the story were real) Claire and Nessie are probably the most happy, well looked after children on the planet. Nobody can dissagree with me there right?

41. Jennifer | 08.28.08

I can….

I wouldn’t want two men not related to my daughter but will be having sex with her in a few years looking after her when she is basically a child.

Yea I can disagree

42. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

The promise ring was just to symbolise that he would wait and that it didn’t matter how long, so he will hover her till she breaks down and gives in because hay STALKING A LITTLE GIRL FOR SEX IS OK..
your such a MUNGO

43. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Do your parents know what was in this book that you’re defending?

44. Breegy | 08.28.08

Regardless of the pedophile thing is right or wrong in Breaking Dawn, it’s BREEDING other pedophilia thread elsewhere in fanfic and they say its okay because Breading Dawn said its okay. How is this justified in ANY sense?!

45. Heather | 08.28.08

I’m here to defend myself, which I will do once and then you can all scream yourselves hoarse being mad at me.

Meyer herself compared imprinting to a parent/child relationship. A relationship that will one day be sexual should NEVER be compared to a p/c relationship. And if it isn’t at least a *little* sexual/romantic, why does Jacob give her the “Quileute version of a promise ring?” That’s disgusting. He will have a heavy hand in raising her, and he will one day have sex with her. He “claimed” her minutes after her birth. (some speculate it happened while she was still in the womb.) And you can huff and puff all you want about it being the way imprinting is… but SHE CREATED IMPRINTING TO FIT HER STORY. Not one but TWO of her characters have become attached to the “women” they know will be their mate- and both of these “women” were infants at the time. It glorifies the “special bond” that sex abusers claim they have with their victims. It’s disgusting and I think she should be responsible for it.

Re: polyandry. There is a portion of the book where Edward offers up Bella to Jacob and even agrees to “share” her if that’s what it takes. (Notice, he does this without her knowledge or consent.) I don’t care why he thought he had to do that, for someone who was so adament about protecting her virtue and then protecting her “soul” even though that put her in danger time and time again, offering his wife up to another man is a little unbelievable.

Re: rape. There are a few instances where Jacob pushes himself on Bella physically. She ends up forgiving him each time, as if it were nothing. Charlie’s little “you should always be able to defend yourself” or whatever comment AFTER HE CONGRATULATES JACOB FOR ASSAULTING HIS DAUGHTER is not enough to make up for what he did. If anyone ever touched me against my will my dad wouldn’t cheer him on- he’d run him down with his truck, rightly so. And it gets even worse in the third book. Jacob manipulates her into a physical encounter that she doesn’t want and then leaves her to deal with the consequences of it. And, of course, both times he is completely forgiven. Meyer even says it’s okay because he’s just a “16 year old boy.” So… now 16 year old boys have the green light to go assault girls because of this book? It’s disgusting. No man ever has the right to force himself on a woman, ever.

That goes both ways as well. Bella is constantly begging for sex which is degrading enough. But then in BD she continues to beg Edward for sex, even though he has “begged” her in “agony” to not do so, and she just keeps pushing until he finally gives in. When the gender roles in that situation are reversed, that is called RAPE. No means no, I don’t care if it is your spouse. You are to respect their decisions and not manipulate or badger them into changing their minds.

As for the battered women thing. Did you miss the part where sex with Edward was so violent that it left her bruised all over her body? Do you know how many girls out there get knocked around and then forgive the guy because they know that he “really loves them” and he “didn’t mean it?” While Edward may not have outright beaten Bella it sends the same message- it’s okay…

Meyer says she doesn’t write messages into her books- as if that lets her off the hook. If I went off and wrote something with strong overtones and then claimed I didn’t mean to would that mean that I don’t have to be responsible for myself either?

46. Kerrie | 08.28.08

SHANTILLY:
Edward asked Jake to SUGGEST it to Bella about having a baby. He was just trying to confuse her so she would save her own life. What part of that aren’t you getting? It would have been a lot worse if Edward had suggested it to Bella himself. it would have been a lot more offensive in my opinion if Edward just turned to Bella and said “Hey, why dont you have a baby with Jake instead?”. He disscussed it with Jake first in order to save HER LIFE. And Bella herself understood this, as she said “He realy would do anything wouldn’t he”.

47. Breegy | 08.28.08

Kerrie, what if he were to have taken up Edwards offer though? And Bella were to agree. The fact that he offers, even if its hypothetically, it sets up a whole new problem!

48. Shantilly | 08.28.08

It’s still NOT OK. It’s disrespectful to his wife and to his marriage. Ask any married woman, and they’ll tell you the same thing.

Kerrie, YOU’RE the one who doesn’t understand. Even though Edward’s character was motivated from love, he acted in manipulation. Fans like YOU are exactly the reason all of us are still here raising a stink over this book. YOU have completely internalized the message that a relationship like this is to be the ideal, “It’s OK, because he loves her.” No, it’s not OK. And, NO marriges don’t work like that in the real world. YOU and all the women in the world DESERVE better than that.

49. MelPal | 08.28.08

Ms. Kehe

Reporting about reports of people reporting on a book that they have read while you have not? You’re at least 2 steps removed from the facts (i.e. the actual book), and a million miles away from what it takes to be a good journalist. It’s true that there is a very low bar to cross in order to maintain your own blog, but you managed to limbo right under it.

And as for “nose-to-nose” audience response stifling creativity: chefs handle it every night when they cook in a restaurant; actors, musicians, comedians, and even authors at book readings manage to handle it while on stage. So, if all these people can handle the public, and live to create another day, I’m sure Stephenie Meyer can, at least if she wishes to remain popular.

50. HannahR | 08.28.08

Kerrie,
I disagree very much. The messages of BD to young readers was extremely distrubing and not at all in keeping with the first three books. Let me tell you that I had to sit down with my 13 year old after I read BD (she read it before me) and I had to have a surreal discussion about rough sex, abortion, childbirth and pedophillia - something I NEVER expected to have to do from us reading Twilight. Meyer has done a real injustice to her young readers. I’m 44 and a big girl now. I know what’s right and what’s wrong. My daughter doesn’t have that perspective yet, and it worries me that a sweet teen romance book had to stray into territory I believe is morally and ethically WRONG. I’m not sure how old you are, but please try and consider what we critics are really saying here. We are passionate about the faults of BD for many reasons, but the issues I’ve brought up here go beyond a dislike of plotline or grammatical errors - they go to the heart of morality.

51. Heather | 08.28.08

Kerrie-

You are absolutely deluding yourself. If imprinting isn’t romantic/sexual, why won’t/can’t Quil or Jacob date other people? BECAUSE they know their “mate” is right in front of them. And if you think the brother/uncle/father thing is cute, can you think of someone who was that person in your life? Would you want to sleep with them now?

Actually- a father is THE PERFECT example to make my point. OF COURSE a father/daughter relationship isn’t sexual, especially when the girl is a child. It’s wrong, and that kind of relationship is inappropriate and ILLEGAL. But once she’s 18 why can’t she go out with him? Let’s make him her stepfather, just to get the biological factor out of it. Why can’t that relationship turn into a romantic/sexual relationship once she’s legal? I mean, all he ever wanted was for her to be healthy and happy and protected, right? Isn’t that what Jacob will be for the Mutant Spawn?

Raising a child and then sleeping with them is WRONG, no matter how you look at it. But if you can defend how a step father can raise a little girl and then one day have a romantic relationship with them… I’d love to hear it.

52. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Good Lord what has happened to this world that we allow such things. It is not ok! this whole book was a mockery of what a man and a woman become. Love is not something that just happens, it is a process of growth! What SM said was that Pedophile was ok, it is ok to have a grown man raise and be a constant presence in a little girls life till he feels is time to make her his mate! no choices no growth from anyone but him

53. Kerrie | 08.28.08

HEATHER, Charlie congratulated Jake on KISSING Bella and finally makng a move, he didn’t realise it was assault, he only thought Bella was annoyed at him. Don’t be so horrible!

And as far as i know lol, most 16 year old boys are NOT big strong werewolves who cannot feel it when someone is pushing them.

I don’t really agree with the the imprinting thing because at the end of the day, the werewolf is just being there for the person they love. It doesn’t have to be sexual at all, and everyone knows this.

And as or Edward sharing Bella, thats what the whole story was about, not jut BD. Nearly the whole series was about the love triangle between the 3 of them. Bella couldn’t choose between Edward and Jake, and Edward was able to understand that Bella loved Jake too and that in order to save her life he may have to share her. Why are people mad about that? He didn’t force her to do that. He was only suggesting another way she could have a baby, because Bella obviously had already told him that IVF was out of the question because she didn’t want to have a strangers baby.

54. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Someone get this girl neutered

55. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Nah, just get her mom’s e-mail address. I think a little parental supervision is in order.

56. Kerrie | 08.28.08

P.S. HEATHER. Jake and Quil don’t date because they don’t have to, they are too busy making sure Nessie and Claire are safe and happy. Nessie and Claire are their lives, it doesnt have to be sexual and you know it! And its quite cool that they love someone so much they can wait that long without wanting finding someone else. At the end of the day Jake and Quil would NEVER EVER do anything to hurt Nessie or Claire and its totally sick that you would even think that.

57. Ashley | 08.28.08

“I haven’t read it myself so I don’t have an opinion”

Then why blog about it?

“Then, in what seems to me like the ultimate proof that some readers are seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world, a number of readers have apparently been demanding their money back. It seems they don’t like the ending”

It’s not the ending I didn’t like. Oh no it was the beginning and the middle I didn’t care for, why not the ending as well? Well, I knew it was over then. The reason why I personally am upset with Stephenie Meyer is that she played up the hype her novels were creating, she used the fans and twisted everything around. She said one thing and after Breaking Dawn came out, she revised her statements by saying “I never said that.”

“Then she uttered words that other writers might want to print out and post inside their laptops. Her stories, she points out, “can’t be about what everyone else wants.””

No basically what she told us was that if we didn’t like the ending then to make up our own and get over it. She admitted to not caring about what people say, but revels in her fans praise, completely ignoring anything negative and hiding behind her brother.

58. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Don’t you remember in New Moon when Jake and Bella are talking about imprinting and he tells her how hard it is for a girl to ignore adoration that strong. So, yes, it ALWAYS ends up in a romantic relationship. That’s its purpose. Regardless of whether it is one now or not, it’s STILL disturbing to read about.

59. Ashley | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

In fact didn’t stephenie revise her imprinting statement to say that they imprint to make the wolf clan stronger? That mean babies.

60. Amanda | 08.28.08

The tiny hint of “sex” in BD shouldnt bother normal human beings in a book where the participants are MARRIED, that should be perfectly acceptable. Unless you are adverse to having intercourse with your own spouse, then well… thats your problem. That Edward bruised Bella during thier lovemaking well HELLO he warned her and agonized over it before they ever did anything, it was her decision. Pedophelia is a rediculous claim to put out there im sorry but I would be fine if someone with a great heart like Jacob “imprinted” on my daughter, think about it no one will ever hurt her, no heartbreak for Renesmee just complete brotherly love and adoration, its awesome. I believe that a bunch of people were either A.) feeling like thier own relationships just can’t compete or are inadequate - or B.) seriously reaching for a reason to hate the book b/c it wasn’t the ending THEY wanted. Tough **** next time you want your ending WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK.

61. Heather | 08.28.08

Kerrie-
Imprinting absolutely is sexual (in the end) otherwise Quil and Jacob would be dating other people (or at least thinking about it) and Sam woulnd’t have left Leah for Emily.

And so now you’re saying that you’d be okay if your husband offered you up to your exboyfriend? HONESTLY? And you say that’s what the whole series is about. No… the first 3 books were about her picking BETWEEN them, not finding a way to have sex with them both.

Stephenie Meyer claims that she’s so moral and that’s why she didn’t write more sex, but we get wife swapping and uterus munching?

You will never be right about imprinting on a child not being sick. Why can’t it just wait until she’s AT THE VERY LEAST 16? Oh, that’s right, because it was a total deus ex machina to wrap her **** story up in a little bow.

62. Ashley | 08.28.08

Amanda,

Bella didn’t seem ok with Jake imprinting at first. Remember how she almost killed him but Seth got in the way?

63. Kerrie | 08.28.08

SHANTILLY, I do see your point, but as I said before, its not sick because Jake would never ever force Nessie to do something she didn’t want to do. And Jake imprinted with Nessie’s spirit, not her body, so again: NOT SEUXAL. Do you not see my point at all?

64. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Jacob tried over and over to force himself on Bella wthat makes this any Diff

65. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Amanda,

The marital sex isn’t the biggest “sex” problem. It’s the encouragement of extra-marital sex. And, as we’ve said about imprinting-AD NAUSEUM-we know Jacob and Renesmee aren’t getting it on yet. BUT THEY WILL BE!!! If some 17 year old boy attached himself to your child and you knew that one day he’d have sex with her, you’d be upset too. Even Bella was, at first.

66. Heather | 08.28.08

Again, Kerri- do you have any uncles/brothers/dads you’d like to have sex with?

Imprinting on an infant is gross. It’s the way they find their mate. That’s the bottom line. They are tied to that person for eternity. Claiming a child like that, before that child has had a chance to be in the world at all, is wrong. Claire and The Mutant Spawn will never know what life should have been like. They will always have a creepy teenager hovering over them. And you think it’s normal for a teenaged boy to give up his entire life to watch out for a baby? Find any mother that would be comfortable with that guy around.

You may have your head stuck in the sand (or up SM’s butt,) but the rest of us see something much more sinister in these books than you are willing to consider.

As for Charlie not knowing that Bella didn’t want Jacob to kiss her when he congratulated him… Ummm… did Bella seem pleased when she walked in? Did Charlie know she was in a relationship with someone else? There is no excuse for Charlie’s behavior or reaction. It’s disgusting.

67. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Exactly Ashley, Stephenie adressed this point about imprinting in the book. Bella freaked out because she assumed that it was a sexual thing but Jake clearly explained it was NOT!
His exact words were “How can you even think that I would look at her that way”
He was disgusted by the idea of peadophilia just as much as her. His sexual feelings for her would not begin to surface until NESSIE WAS READY. Thats the whole point!!!

68. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Not sexual, YET. His feelings for her will grow and change as she grows and changes. The ghost of a sexual relationship is in their future. I know he loves her as a brother NOW. But how could you, as a parent, stand to be around a 17 year old man that loves your infant daughter and know what type of relationship will occur one day. How about tell him to come back when she’s old enough. As I said to Amanda, it even freaked Bella out at first, because she KNOWS what imprinting means.

69. Ashley | 08.28.08

She addressed three different imprinting points Kerrie, which one was I supposed to believe?

70. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Both parents were nervous about the relationship. Edward eavesdropped on Jake’s mind just to be ABSOLUTLEY sure he wasn’t having inappropriate thoughts. It’s just that you know where it’s going to end up and it’s creepy to think about when a child is so small.

71. Ashley | 08.28.08

Remember, it’s not imprinting, it’s a cop out

72. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Being tied to a person for eternity…whats so wrong with that? Thats basically the same as Bella and Edward. And Jake and Quil wouldn’t hinder Nessie or Claires lives at all, if anything Nessie and Claire would be happier. They would live their lives the exact same way but just have a wonderful soulmate with them. Is that so bad? You guys are really gross to see something so sinister in that.

73. Shantilly | 08.28.08

It’s just creepy. It’s hard to read about a relationship that involves a child when you know their future sexual mate is involved. It’s just creepy.

74. Ashley | 08.28.08

SHE WAS A BABY

75. Liz | 08.28.08

Kerrie, look at it this way… if any man (or woman for that matter) in real life were to have that kind of fixation on an infant, then people would go beserk. If I had a baby, and some person you knew or didn’t know came up to me and said, “I love your child. I am going to marry your child when it comes of age, but right now, I just want what’s best for your child. I will tend its every need. I’ll be here all the time.”, I’d deck the guy then call the police. I imagine any other parent would do the same. Imprinting on an infant is an absurd notion. Even if all Jacob wanted was the best for Nessie as a child, at some point he would want more from her and vice versa. There is actually fan fiction out there that shows their relationship… with Nessie at age 7! It is disgusting! That is what this book has brought about.

76. memya | 08.28.08

“Jake and Quil don’t date because they don’t have to, they are too busy making sure Nessie and Claire are safe and happy. Nessie and Claire are their lives, it doesnt have to be sexual and you know it! And its quite cool that they love someone so much they can wait that long without wanting finding someone else. At the end of the day Jake and Quil would NEVER EVER do anything to hurt Nessie or Claire and its totally sick that you would even think that.”
In your own words, the boys won’t be datine because they are busy making sure their imprints are happy. If they aren’t dating it is because they have already found their sexual partner. If it isn’t sexual why don’t any of them imprint on their own sex? If it is just to protect and big brother, then why not care for a little boy? Because at the end of the day, it is sexual.
It just is.

77. Breegy | 08.28.08

She was a baby!

Whats wrong with it is it takes away her FREE WILL.

This is a religious site, yes?

Well, God is all about FREE WILL.

If Nessie is automatically taken by Jacob it removes her and Jacob’s free will.

78. Heather | 08.28.08

Kerrie,
Let me clear something up for you, because you seem to be fighting against the wrong point.

None of us think that Jacob beats off to fantasies of The Mutant Spawn in diapers. We know that the relationship is not sexual RIGHT NOW. But it WILL be, and that’s uncool.

The fact that Jacob and Quil know that these will be their mates and they continue to hover is creepy. Like I said. Pick someone who was instrumental to your growing up and imagine sleeping with them. For all purposes, a father works PERFECTLY for this example. It’s not sexual as a child, they’re protective and loving, always there for your best interest… There is something about that relationship that can never, ever cross that border into a romantic/sexual relationship, ever. And with imprinting, she wants that line to be continuous. I will raise you, change your diapers, sing you to sleep at naptime, help you learn to read and write one day, you will be my wife. That’s not creepy to you?

And at what point is it okay for Jacob’s thoughts to change? When she’s 12? 15? 17? Oh, wait, she’ll be an adult at age 7! How convenient!!! That just adds to the ick factor.

79. Pickles | 08.28.08

Amanda - so you condone violent behavior as long as the two are married?

80. Kerrie | 08.28.08

I suggest you guys watch some Jake/nessie videos on youtube that portray the relationship as nothing but beautiful because Jake doesn’t even consider her a mate until shes much older and considers him in that way. At the end of th day he’s her protector until she decides that she loves him as a mate. I don’t see that anything wrong with it to be honest. Its nice that Jake can be anything for her no? It doesn’t matter what he wants, its what she wants thats important, so its not sick in any way.

81. Pickles | 08.28.08

“I suggest you guys watch some Jake/nessie videos on youtube that portray the relationship as nothing but beautiful because Jake doesn’t even consider her a mate until shes much older and considers him in that way.”

You mean videos done by people OTHER than Stephenie Meyer? What’s the point in that? Because someone makes a video about Jacob and Renesmee, that makes it gospel? Honey, that is an unhealthy relationship in every meaning of the term and no kid’s youtube tirade is going to change my mind on that.

82. memya | 08.28.08

At the end of th day he’s her protector - chnage that to predator

83. Starr | 08.28.08

Kerri,
I completely agree with you on all levels. Don’t waste your time arguing with all of these idiots. They see what they want to see. They proclaim that it is hurting out society, and impressionable young girls to have messages like this in a book, but in my opinion it is far worst to take messages that are NOT there out of an inocent, fictional book. There are enough “REAL” problems in this world without people portraying things this way. All you have to do to see the logic is look at Stephanie Meyer herself. She is a Mormon. Mormon’s do NOT believe in any of the things that people are suggesting come out of Breaking Dawn. She is true to her religion. She wouldn’t have proclaimed without shame to be Mormon and then turn around and put “Non-mormon” beliefs in her books. There will always be people that live solely on tearing good things down.

84. Liz | 08.28.08

Amanda it bothers me greatly that you think it’s okay that Edward bruised Bella during sex just beacuse she knew it might happen. IT IS NEVER OKAY FOR SOMEONE TO BRUISE YOU TO THAT EXTENT DURING SEX. Yes, accidents happen… you fall off the bed… or whatever… but even in the book, the brusing seemed a little extreme. Just because you know it might happen, and just because Edward agonized over it DOES NOT MAKE IT OKAY.

I grew up in an abusive home. I knew when my father came home drunk 9 times out of 10, I was probably going to get beat. But I knew it was going to happen. And I’d rather him beat me that my little brother and sister. So that makes it okay? No. IT IS NEVER OKAY FOR A MAN, WOMAN, OR CHILD TO BE ABUSED. NEVER!

85. Breegy | 08.28.08

Kerrie, I suggest you go read some sexual fanfics where they’re doing thangs when she’s like FIVE. It’s gross. Even if SM doesn’t portray it as pedophilia, it still ENCOURAGES it.

86. Roxanne | 08.28.08

People, this book is F-I-C-T-I-O-N. It’s not real!!! None of this really happened. You don’t have to agree with an author to enjoy a fictional story. This was definately not my favorite book in the series, but it’s simply a story. Do I think this particular book should be YA as the other books, probably not, so write the publisher. Parents need to take responsibility in reading this first and deciding if it is appropriate for their children at what ever age.

I don’t believe that Stephenie Meyer was promoting any kind of agenda, belief system or pro or anti anything. She was simply writing a fictional story.

You have the right to like or dislike any book, but to put the weight of the world on a FICTIONAL auther is just plane silly!

87. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Starr,

You have it so, so wrong. Whether or not Stephenie INTENDED to send those messages is of little consequence. She wrote it, and therefore it is. Of course people are going to read and INTERPRET. That is generally the process when someone produces a written work that is intended for others to read.

88. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Well Ok heather i see your point, but let me re-phrase then. Jake wouldn’t be a father to her, he’s more of a protector. And Jake doesn’t even think about the future in that way so its not creepy. He’s not dwelling on what will happen in the future, he’s just living in the moment, looking after her. And as someone pointed out, Edward read Jakes mind and knows that what Jake feels is totally innocent love towards Nessie. And in the future if Nessie decides that she loves Jake then Edward would just have to accept that won’t he lol. And i honestly believe that Jake would never ever think of Nessie in a sexual way until SHE made a move on HIM. Thats the way imprinting works, Be there for the other person, in whatever way they need you. There is nothing wrong with that at all.

89. Ariel | 08.28.08

I still don’t understand why people hated Breaking Dawn. It was going to be different even though some people didn’t want it to be. Bella becomes a different person, but really she remains the same with just a few alterations. This story is a little odd at times, but that what makes it good. It kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time you read it. It was absolutley amazing, and I think that it was ridiculous that fans actually sent her hate mail and left horrible comments on her website. Only immature people do that. Stephenie enjoyed writing this and she shouldn’t have to put up with a small amount of people who did not like it. Overall this book is my favorite, well its tied for my fave behind twilight…I advise anyone and everyone to read this book and the series because it is totally different from any other young adult novel i have read.

90. memya | 08.28.08

“People, this book is F-I-C-T-I-O-N. It’s not real!!! None of this really happened”

But as your can clearly see, young girls are getting a very REAL message from the book and it isn’t pretty.

91. Ashley | 08.28.08

“I suggest you guys watch some Jake/nessie videos on youtube ”

I’m too busy watching an overweight british chick tell me I’m an ungrateful turd

92. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Roxanne,

It doesn’t make any difference whether or not its fiction. Stephenie Meyer is still participating in an exchange of ideas. Also, no one here is accusing her of promoting an agenda.

93. LOL | 08.28.08

Ms. Marjorie Kehe,

I suggest that you sit down and read the book, before making generalized comments about it.

Breaking dawn is clearly sub-par: there are numerous typos (i.e. anyhoo), glaring editorial errors (i.e. nobody is sure whether one character was eating pancake or cereal in one scene), contrived plot twists (i.e. blatant violations of human biology and genetics to bring about the procreation of a mutant baby), etc., etc., amongst many other problems.

Breaking dawn was a huge disappointment to me. The writing was so poor that I was constantly jarred out of the story. The plot line would have been fine, if the writing was up to the standard of the three previous books. I was only expecting fluffy light entertainment, but even with such a low standard, breaking dawn failed.

In addition, Stephenie Meyer, who has repeatedly stated that “my fans are the best” and “I really appreciate the fans’ support”, has deleted any fan expressing disappointment with the book from her myspace. She has also said in interviews that people who do not enjoy breaking dawn now will turn around later, and she nicknamed it the “Rob effect”. It is insulting to imply that disgruntled fans are like sheep and can be brain washed into liking a book by re-reading it. Please, take the time to read the book and form your own honest opinion. I look forward to your next article.

94. memya | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Why do you think Edward said Goodbye Jacob, my brother… my son.
It is putting into words that Jacob will be his daughter’s mate. How can you possible argue that isn’t what she meant? It is very clear. The only way Jacob could ever be his son is if he married his daughter.

95. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Sm has created a fan base were Twit-Moms and crazed Fangurls think this type of behavior is the norm. You have seen it yourself, come lady gives her baby to be walked over to Rob while they were filming the movie, He said it himself, it was the baby was offered to him. it creped him out

96. Shantilly | 08.28.08

ABSOLUTLEY! Girls are getting very, very REAL messages from this lovely work of fiction.

97. Starr | 08.28.08

Shantilly,

Sorry woman, but you are the one that has got it wrong. If this is the case than people can interprite anything out of anything. I could say “dragontales ” on tv is unapropriate for children because it promotes yadda yadda yadda, but it doen’t mean its really there. There is a BIG difference from taking messages out of stories, and completely taking them out of context, which is what you all are doing.

98. Baby Strange | 08.28.08

Marjorie, you’re scolding the bitterly disappointed readers of a book you haven’t even bothered to read. You say you have “no opinion” of the book, yet you’re willing to give your snooty, uninformed opinion of its readers and their reaction.

Honestly, do you even read what you write? Have you even thought this through? Or do you simply enjoy the smug satisfaction of getting paid to pass judgment on other people and see it in print?

“It’s enough to make one wonder who has the courage to become a bestselling author these days. With the ocean of opportunity to vent spleen and disappointment created by the blogosphere, writers have little choice but to continually go nose-to-nose with disgruntled readers. It’s hard for me to believe that such encounters necessarily energize creative people.”

Novelists are by no means exempt from criticism–even the most vitriolic, angry sort–any more than pop stars, actors, film directors, or any other artist who expects people to pay them for their creative work. Treating writers as if they are some rare, delicate breed that should handled like glass lest their precious creativity be squashed is ridiculous; if they do bad work, they should expect to hear about it.

All dewy-eyed sentiment about “creative people” aside, novelists are still creating products for sale in a highly competitive marketplace. Readers are consumers of those products. When they buy a product in good faith, only to discover that it was shoddily made and rushed to market, they have every right to denounce it as a defective product and return it for a refund.

Most writers learn to deal with criticism (more or less) before they get into print, whether they were raked over the coals by Creative Writing professors, saw their work torn to shreds by members of their crit group, or had a “first reader” who was willing to give an unvarnished opinion. Then there’s the process of getting one’s work published, and dealing with rejection after rejection from agents and publishers. It’s hard. And no, it doesn’t always “energize creative people.” But dealing with criticism and rejection is part of a writer’s life. If one can’t handle it, writing is not the job for them.

Which takes me back to Stephenie Meyer, who, despite having written five books, is still an amateur writer, who has never gone through the usual critique process, and has been miraculously shielded from her own incompetence and amateurishness until now.

None of her previous books were very good, but ‘Breaking Dawn,’ the capstone of the series, was a travesty. I suggest you read it before scolding loyal readers for not liking it. And no, it wasn’t a matter of the fans not liking the ending; they didn’t like the *whole book*. That’s because it was utter dreck, completely driven by the author’s bloated ego. It is an absolute trainwreck, and possibly a career-killer.

While reading it, I could almost hear Stephenie Meyer saying, Veruca Salt-style, “Well, I WANT Bella and Edward to have a baby! And I DON’T want to write a battle scene! Because I’m a BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and my fans LOVE me! I can write WHATEVER I WANT!” And then I imagined a harried editor saying, “Oh, ****–let her have her way. We’ll still make a fortune from it.” Arrogance and commerce had a mutant monster baby, and she’s named ‘Breaking Dawn.’

Meyer is the literary equivalent of a lottery winner, and like most lottery winners she’ll more than likely end up “broke” again. She’s tossed away a staggering portion of her “winnings” with ‘Breaking Dawn,’ and her inability to deal with criticism, her stated annoyance at being considered a YA author (when her fanbase is predominantly teens), and her open distaste for doing book signings aren’t helping her. Dismissing the concerns of unhappy fans by saying, “Oh, give them a week or two to get used to it and they’ll love it! Haha, silly fans!” has lost her the goodwill of a lot of fans who were sitting on the fence.

The people who loved Meyer’s previous books migh not have such great taste in fiction. But when presented with something appallingly bad, they still recognized it as such. And for people with lousy taste in books, they have still proven adept at identifying all the reasons why ‘Breaking Dawn’ fails.

They may be fans of a silly teen vampire romance series, but they’re not stupid. And, unlike you Marjorie, they actually know what they are talking about.

99. Shantilly | 08.28.08

No one is taking it out of context. No one is accusing Stephenie Meyer of INTENTIONALLY promoting any of these things we find wrong with the book. But, as they say, the road to **** is paved with good intentions. Some of the subject matter in the book is inappropriate for a certain age group of readers. Whether or not she INTENDED to set a bad example for young females is utterly BESIDE THE POINT. It happened. Young girls who read this book are internalizing its contents and idolizing Bella’s and Edward’s relationship. Read back over our young friend Kerrie’s posts if you need further proof. Check out the comments on Stephenie’s MySpace page: …”I can’t wait to meet a guy like Edward…” Do you really think there’s an Edward out there, Roxanne? Do you really? Now who’s confusing fact with fiction?

100. memya | 08.28.08

The problems with Breaking Dawn are far beyond the content, although there are huge problems there. These books started out as paranormal romances and the relationship between Bella and Edward was central to all of them. The tone of the book is off. Every single character in the books is missing from who they were in the previous books.
People aren’t angry over the plot (although the venom spawn is impossible given Meyer’s own rules for vampires) but it reads like poorly done fanfiction. There are typos and grammatical errors that are really inexcusable. Those are some of the problems. I could list more…….

101. Kerrie | 08.28.08

I agree with Starr and Roxanne, Its fiction people! There’s no such thing as werewolves, vampires or imprinting. Imprinting is not sick because its about being connected to another spirit and caring for them in whatever way possible. If people are writing fanfictions about it then THEY are the sick ones and totally read the books WRONG or perhaps they were too young to read the books. I personally believe this book shoudl have been given a 15s sticker on it. Then people would not be so angry.

And LIZ i’m very sorry you had such a rough time, but Edward did not mean to be abusive. If Bella had been a vampire she would have never gotten bruises. Vampires are obviously a lot stronger then humans, and poor Edward, being a virgin (he had never had sex with a human or vampire) had NO IDEA what to expect, he didn’t know his own strength and he felt absolutley terrible about it. I don’t know why people find this abusive, because humans generally are not supposed to have sex with vampires lol, obviously they are going to get hurt. But once poor Edward got some practice, he didn’t hurt her any more did he? SO its not abusive in any way.

Just pointng that out.

102. Heather | 08.28.08

I can’t keep coming back here- it’s making me sick.

How can you say that it’s not a father relationship now, when that’s what everyone has been pushing?

Our society even puts a huge taboo on step-siblings having a relationship, because when you GROW UP with someone in any type of sibling relationship you DON’T sleep with them later.

There are people out there that believe you can have a very special relationship with a child. They’ll say that most people don’t understand the pure love between them and the kid in their life. They’ll talk about how they do everything in that child’s best interest. They talk about the special bond they have with that child. Sounds a lot like Jacob, eh? It’s also the psychological profile of a sex abuser. Michael Jackson once talked about how people don’t understand how pure and wonderful it is to share your bed with a child. Ugh.

There are lines you don’t cross in our society. One of them is that you don’t raise (or grow up with) your future mate. The age thing is creepy, but not as a bad. I mean, Bella and Edward have 90 years difference, but he met her when she was 17, not 7 hours old.

If Jacob had imprinted and taken off for 17 years I woulnd’t care at all. Not in the slightest. But you don’t have that kind of “protector” or “big brother” relationship with your future mate, you just don’t.

103. Amanda | 08.28.08

Actually im a tad offended by all the grossed out dont imprint on a child stuff. I think people only find true love once isnt that the same as imprinting, having one meant just for you perfect fit true love? To me it is because I met my husband for the first time when I was 2 years old and we were best friends and loved each other dearly, until I was 18 and that was when we fell IN LOVE. I mean just because you think of it in sexual terms doesnt mean thats how it was meant to be taken. SM obviously has children and wouldnt harm them and I would never harm my own, but love takes different forms, but relax he’s a fictional character. And Edward obviously bruised Bella because of his strength which was admittedly a bit shocking but again this absolutely does not send a message of abuse??? Thats absurd I just hope you realize that kind of information should be delivered to your child by YOU, not a FICTIONAL book, I was taught to realize the difference. I also dont accept extra-marital sex but If is was my husbands life I was trying to save in a blind panic and state of grief who knows what I might ask of someone?

104. Ashley | 08.28.08

I love how when people are losing their arguments they go back to the over-used “It’s FICTION people” We realize it’s fiction, but guess what, the doesn’t condone the messages she’s relying to her TEENAGE fanbase

105. memya | 08.28.08

“its about being connected to another spirit and caring for them”

THen why don’t they imprint on boys? Explain that if it is so innocent.

106. Shantilly | 08.28.08

“It’s fiction” is a non-argument. The implication is that people shouldn’t think when they read. You might as well watch television.

107. Heather | 08.28.08

Amanda- was your husband 18 at the time? Because your story is NOTHING like Jacob/Mutant Spawn. Did your husband hover over you and tell your parents he would marry you? Did he mark you with a promise ring while you were an infant?

No. (If the answers to any of that are yes I can’t even imagine how twisted your life is.)

And, no, Kerrie, I won’t be looking up any Jacob/Mutant Spawn videos. I’d rather rip my eyes out with a melon baller.

108. Pickles | 08.28.08

Amanda - people only find true love once? I disagree with that for personal reasons. And your story about you and your husband relates in NO WAY to this story. Jacob was seventeen years old to Renesmee’s ONE. He gave her a promise ring. Who does that? People who are in love do that. People who are promising themselves to the other.

109. Starr | 08.28.08

Amen Amanda! It is absurn that all of these messages are beeing seen by these people. Shantilly, question. Who made you the Goddess of debate? If we want to say calm down, its fiction, then we certainly can. Who are you to decied that it’s not a valid argument? For example: the imprinting thing. I’ts fictional!!! It is NOT a metaphor for pedophilia, and cannot be compared to it because it is a fictional thing that happened in a book.

110. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Who’s to say a werewolf has never imprinted on a boy? You don’t know that MEMYA. Perhaps it has happened.

And AMANDA, i totally agree. Many people are the best of friends first and then when they mature they fall in love. Thats EXACTLY what will happen with Nessie. Jake will be her best friend and she’ll probably fall in love with him. Whats so wrong with that? Jake would be perfectly happy to continue being her best friend, if thats what makes her happy. Why aren’t you getting this Heather?

111. Jennifer | 08.28.08

You know what I am hung up on at this point after reading Kerrie’s posts? And it is not even about imprinting on a baby and rather or not that it is sexual.

It’s the whole tolerance towards abusive sexual relationship. YOU think it was okay for Jacob to force himself on Bella because “being a strong big werewolf he couldn’t feel her resisting”? WHAT? No where did it suggest he couldn’t tell she was resisting. Even if he could, it promoted forcing sexual contact with someone and on top of Bella forgives him. Do you know how many rapes start a day in that kind of situation where a friend thinks their female friend is attracted to them and forces themselves on the girl? It’s an ever day occurence in colleges across the world and YOU somehow can “LOL” your way through it and push it off because “Jacob didn’t know any better”

WHAT? That is like every date rape defense out there. Said rapist didn’t know any better. I almost stopped reading the Twilight Saga when Charlie congratulated Jacob for kissing Bella. He knew he forced Bella to kiss him and being a police officer … he congratulated him? Do you know how many years that sets back women’s rights? My BF is a police officer and let me tell you, he would not react that way, seeing what he does everyday at work.

And then you defend the bruises during sex as being Edward warned her? WHAT? How old are you? Have you not even been in a sexual relationship where you would find ANY Of this acceptable?

Yes this book is fiction however you are a prime example of what kind of msg. girls are getting. You are excusing and even justifying sexual force and you are also probably one of the girls that are like … “Well he loved her. He couldn’t control himself.”

The epic fade to black sex scene could have been without the bruises. Really. I get ****** off if my bf accidentally bruises me horsing around. Why? Because he KNOWS BETTER. I am a female. You don’t do that.

I actually fear for you if you find yourself in a situation with someone “who can’t feel you resisting” and because “he loves and respects you so much”

God, this is just disgusting.

112. Pickles | 08.28.08

“Amen Amanda! It is absurn that all of these messages are beeing seen by these people. Shantilly, question. Who made you the Goddess of debate? If we want to say calm down, its fiction, then we certainly can. Who are you to decied that it’s not a valid argument? For example: the imprinting thing. I’ts fictional!!! It is NOT a metaphor for pedophilia, and cannot be compared to it because it is a fictional thing that happened in a book.”

Hun, it’s not that hard to understand, as it’s not Hitler’s master plan.

“It’s fictional” does not make a valid response. NEXT

113. Ashley | 08.28.08

Hey Starr

first off, who spells star with two r’s?

secondly, don’t wind us up and then tell us to calm down

114. memya | 08.28.08

Who’s to say a werewolf has never imprinted on a boy? You don’t know that MEMYA. Perhaps it has happened.
Then why wouldn’t she say it happened? Not a good argument. And please don’t yell my name. I have been very careful to not put any flaming posts here and would appreciate you doing the same.

115. Aleksandra | 08.28.08

Kerrie - A werewolf cannot have imprinted on a boy because the whole point of imprinting is for the male to find a suitable female to have his offspring. Two males cannot reproduce.

116. Aleksandra | 08.28.08

Okay that comment was meant for memya…

117. Roxanne | 08.28.08

Did any of you read my complete comment? I get it and I agree to an extent. I would not allow my teenage daughter to read BD. You need to write to the Publisher who put it out there as YA. We as parents need to be aware of what our kids are taking in. We have rating systems for everything from movies to games. It would be nice to have some sort of rating system to help parents with books as well.

I think young teenagers do have a hard time separating reality from fiction and my F-I-C-T-I-O-N comment was geared towards them more than anyone. Yeeesh!

118. Amanda | 08.28.08

I just cannot agree with that this is just a bunch of sad people trying to justify thier own disatisfaction with a great book. Seriously if you dont like the way it ended get over it people. This is sad I happen across a bunch of obsessed and angry “mothers” having a ******* contest over a book. What kind of message does your anger send to your children? Real life is OBVIOUSLY not like a fairytale, and there was no sexual predator implication in Jacobs personality seriosly thats awful reading something like that into a story makes me question not the book but your mind, and why you were imediately drawn to that conclusion. Its sick and you must be sick too to come up with something that disturbing. It wasnt how the story was supposed to come across, Im so sorry the ending didnt suit you , go whine about it some more, geez.

119. Shantilly | 08.28.08

“Shantilly, question. Who made you the Goddess of debate? If we want to say calm down, its fiction, then we certainly can. Who are you to decied that it’s not a valid argument? For example: the imprinting thing. I’ts fictional!!! It is NOT a metaphor for pedophilia, and cannot be compared to it because it is a fictional thing that happened in a book.”

It has nothing to do with whether or not I am, in fact, a Goddess. Once again, Starr, you’ve applied your brilliant mind and missed the point.

Certainly, you can say, “Calm down, it’s just fiction” if you want, but it doesn’t add anything to the argument. It’s a cop-out because you haven’t the intellect to defend your points. If it’s “just fiction” to you, I wonder that you took the trouble to show up in the first place.

Anything written in a book (fiction or non) can be construed as a metaphor for something that takes place in real life. Obviously, it already has been. As we can see, the love relationship in this story is already idolized and aspired to by millions of young girls. So, I’m sorry, Starr, but “fiction” does influence real life sometimes.

120. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Amanda, as stated before no one is upset with the ending. We just dislike the way the book was written and some of the content. Period. It’s so easy to blame it on “they just don’t like the ending” because it hurts your head too much to wrap it around the bigger issues.

121. Starr | 08.28.08

I have to go now, so I won’t be wasting any more time today arguing with a bunch of sick people that take concepts out of thin air! Their ridiculous comments keep coming and coming.. I’m seriously not surprised by anything they say anymore. The next thing they are going to be saying is that Stephanie Meyer hates Italy because that’s where the volturri are based out of… Seriously people… go find some REAL messages out of some other book and let the majority of the world that love the twilight universe enjoy their books.

122. Erin | 08.28.08

Post #98 says it best. That’s exactly what is wrong with this article.

123. memya | 08.28.08

“A werewolf cannot have imprinted on a boy because the whole point of imprinting is for the male to find a suitable female to have his offspring. Two males cannot reproduce.”

Exactly, so at some point it most certainly is sexual.

124. Jennifer | 08.28.08

Amanda

The reason why people do not like it has nothing to do with the ending. I also do not seem that people being shocked on how tolerate you all are over same of the msgs. in this book is whining. It’s actually frightening.

PS. I am not a mother.

125. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Let me say this to the “it’s fiction” argument as well. A BOOK IS AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS. It doesn’t matter whether or not it is classified as fiction or non. It makes no difference. Someone will read the book, and internalize the idea. It’s THAT SIMPLE.

126. Kerrie | 08.28.08

JENNIFER, Eh it was clearly stated in New Moon that Jake did not notice her pushing him or even smacking him on the face because of his werewolf stregth and thats the only reason he continued to kiss her because he thought she was finally opening up to him emotionally. To him it was just a normal kiss, as he didn’t notice her resisting. As no-one ever tried to kiss you before, when you didn’t expect it to happen? That does not make it assault. A kiss is a kiss, its not jakes fault that he didn’t realise Bella wsan’t enjoying it.

And it was not a forceful kiss from his side of things, people only consider it forceful because Bella did not like it. Jake kissed Bella, thats all that happened in reality. Bella did not like it, so what.

And your forgetting that Edward and Bella agreed to TRY and have sex, they knew it would be risky. Bella knew the risks, and was willing to deal with them. That is very different from your situation with your boyfriend, who is obviosuly not even allowed to horse-play with you lol.

127. Amanda | 08.28.08

The content is fine, that is until sad people take inncoence and twist it into something ugly. Maybe you should try to wrap your head around another book if you didnt like this one, with your attitude id be surprised if you actually read it or if your just spouting heresay. Miss Shantilly, please dont try telling me that fiction isnt a valid argument only a moron would say that. It simply IS or IS NOT fiction. Why are you reading about vampires if you are concerned about content anyway.

128. Stacie | 08.28.08

Just a reminder to everyone that it’s much more productive to be civil when disagreeing with someone’s opinion (that goes for both sides!). Put-downs, profanities, and personal attacks do nothing to support your argument.

For those complaining that the writer of this blog should have read the books, please note that this article was not about the content of Meyer’s books. What she is commenting on is the venomous personal attacks Meyer has received as a result. The point she is making is valid–as a writer or artist, it is more than a little frightening to put your work out there for the public eye.

Not everyone is going to like the same thing, and I think that’s a good thing. It certainly keeps things interesting! Liked the book? Then tell people. Hated it? Then tell people. You’re all entitled to your opinion. But please express it in a productive, mature way.

129. laluna | 08.28.08

Hmm… that’s just poor journalistic practice, to review a book that you have not even read. And if you *are* any kind of writer, I strongly suggest you attempt to read the poorly-written Breaking Dawn and then try to defend it. Aside from bad writing and editing, the so-called “plot” and character development are virtually non-existent, especially if you think you’re reading any kind of a hero’s journey, which the reader is somewhat led to believe in Twilight (the first book, or haven’t you read that either?). Oh, and SMeyer has readily admitted that she doesn’t even write with any kind of theme in mind, she just lets the story “happen.”

130. memya | 08.28.08

“only a moron would say that”

WHy would you feel the need to say that? It’s only fiction. Why are you getting so angry?

131. laluna | 08.28.08

Just to add that if Meyer is so easily hurt by criticism, perhaps writing isn’t the right career to be in. One would hope she’d actually taken a writing class or two where she would have experienced that kind of constructive criticism, but it’s doubtful, given her reliance on her fandom of sycophants.

132. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Amanda: The conveyance of messages is not limited to non-fiction books. Every book holds in its pages ideas and, yes, messages. Like it or not. Ask your English teacher.

Stacie: The reason we’re asking the blogger to read the book is because she overgeneralizes when she says that we’re all disappointed because we don’t like the ending: “It seems they don’t like the ending.” She also references the varied fan reaction about topics such as sex and feminism. Perhaps if she read it she could judge for herself, rather than just quoting another author’s work (The Publisher’s Weekly article).

133. Jennifer | 08.28.08

Kerrie could you please write one serious sentence without (LOL) in it?

How does a werewolf strength prevent you from feeling that someone is resisting you? Wouldn’t strength just mean that couldn’t stop what you were doing because they are stronger than you? Your justification makes no sense to me. So let’s see using your logic. Man is on steriods. That means he has abnormal strength, even to the level of fictional werewolf strength. He thinks the girl is finally opening up to him emotionally. He kisses her even though she is not interested in him. He can’t feel her resistance because he is sooo strong. So in your logic … that is okay? Hmmm.

I horse around however no one should leave any situation covered in bruises. That is just not … normal.

Also, like I said before. The scenes could have been written without bruising or without force. IT IS FORCE when someone does something that you DO NOT want (Bella did not want to be kissed and tried to stop him) and the person continues for what ever cooko excuse.

134. Aleksandra | 08.28.08

I’ve read of girls wanting to change their appearance to look like Bella, reading out Bella’s dialogue from the books to pretend they’re talking to Edward, leaving bedroom windows open in the hopes that a vampire will come in their room at night to watch them sleep, having breakdowns when they see others reading the books because they ‘want Edward all to themselves’ and some of you have the nerves to say it is ‘just fiction’?

Some readers are taking these books very seriously…so when they see Edward bruising Bella during sex or offering her up for sex with Jacob, all they think is ‘he does this because he loves her’ -so what would make them think any differently if it happened to them?

135. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Shantilly, are you saying that people should not write books because the topics cause controversy? Thats ridiculous! I think the best thing to have done is to give this book a minimum age of 15. Then people coudln’t freak out like this. People with sinister minds are reading waaaay too much into messages in this book, instead of just connecting with the characters. Its just a great fictional story for entertainment purposes at the end of the day. You’re not supposed to read too much into messages, just enjoy the story. People are making waay too big a deal of the imprinting and abuse thing, people need to get off their high-horse and just connect with the characters and stop judging.

136. Menner | 08.28.08

Wow…there are a lot of strong opinions here. I have to say that Kerrie has her view on the book, as well as the rest of you. They are all valid
I love Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. I love the first two books of Breaking Dawn. I liked the third one, but it felt incomplete and rushed to me. It is a fictional story that has not realistic grounding. It’s an easy, fantasy read about a hot vampire who falls in love with an average girl. I didn’t have any trouble with Breaking Dawn, except when she didn’t have the Cullens destroy the Volturi.I did not see the bruises on Bella after making love to her husband as battery, because it wasn’t done out of control or domination. He felt sick about what he did to her, which is why she ended up begging for sex.

The abortion issue. Edward and Carlisle didn’t know what was growing fast/killing Bella and Edward wanted to protect his wife at any cost…mostly to himself, ie: giving Jacob permission to have sex with Bella so Bella can have a baby. I didn’t like that, but I understand why, because he wants Bella to remain alive…he can’t live without her and he doesn’t want her in pain which she is already in because of the pregnancy.

Imprinting. This one was a little harder for me. I understand the whole imprinting thing, but if I was the vampire Bella and I found out that he imprinted on my child, He would die even with Seth’s intervention. That’s me though as a new mother, because I am one. Jacob is not a pervert who will molest her, same with Quil and Claire. For all the fan fiction out there, they are thinking exactly the wrong thing. It has nothing to do with sex. It has everything to do with love. Oh and as raising a wife: Woody Allen already did THAT one with his adopted daughter and he still has a career. Abuse. When Jacob kissed Bella, that ****** me off, because she didn’t want him to. He was trampling on her rights. I would have kicked him as hard as possible in the nuts to get my point accross. Morality. Vampires are immoral! That is nothing new. Look at Dracula. He is a monster who turn women into baby eaters! Stephenie Meyers tried a little to put some morality in it, but with vampires you can only take it so far! If you want morality, then stick with Anne of Green Gables.

137. memya | 08.28.08

Kerrie,
How old are you?

138. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

I never said people shouldn’t write books because they cause controversy! Where in the world are you getting that? Go read the very first post I made, WAY up at the top.

139. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Menner, absolutley. You vocalize the imprinting thing so well! I UNDERSTAND it, but there’s no way that would happen to MY kid.

140. Erin | 08.28.08

Stacie, this article does not address “personal attacks” against Stephenie Meyer. This article attacks fans who are displeased with this book by accusing them of “seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world” simply by returning it. Fans have returned the book to show their displeasure with Meyer and her publisher for releasing a poorly conceived and poorly written work. When a person pays for a product, they have every right to critique it and/or return it. This article is nothing more than an ignorant attack on the readers who dared voice their opinions.

141. Peggy | 08.28.08

Trying to get back on topic… I’d just like the author of this blog to acknowledge that she might try reading a book before she has an opinion on any controversy surrounding that book. The same thing would be true if it were a movie, a television show, a political speech, or any finite expression of ideas. Don’t criticize the critics until you have taken a look at the CONTENT!

142. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Once again Jennifer, coz you are not listening. To Jake it was just a normal kiss, and he apologised and Bella wouldn’t talk to him for a while remember?

Stephenie doesn’t promote or encourage anything in her books. Her characters have personality flaws, just like real people, every single person on the planet to be exact.
They make mistakes, like real people. She doesn’t promote or encourage anything, and anyone who thinks that she does is too young to read the books.

143. laluna | 08.28.08

@Menner - actually, if you read carefully, imprinting is *all about* sex, since it’s a way to make sure their kind survives. I’m tired of the fans, and Meyer herself, trying to spin what is and always will be creepy, pedophile behavior. Heh, yeah, Woody Allen - great comparison! The guy might have his career (sort of), but most people think he’s a freak.

144. Mallory | 08.28.08

WOW, do none of you ladies realize how ridiculous this is? First of all, calm down, its just a book. Secondly all of those attacking Kerrie for being “childish”, why are you still responding to her and arguing with her? That in itself seems pretty childish. I myself loved Breaking Dawn and I think alot of people on these comments have FAR too much time on their hands to be debating the morality of a book about vampires. Every single one of you needs to grow up and get a life, literature is for fun, if you dont like it fine but MOVE ON.

145. Jennifer | 08.28.08

Peggy/Erin

I so have to agree. If you click on the “Oh just suck it up” link its the same thing. Another reporter who admits they haven’t read it and slams people for having an opinon. It is just absurd.

146. memya | 08.28.08

pot, let me introduce you to kettle

147. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Ummm, are you ever going to tell me where you think I said people shouldn’t write controversial books?

148. Kerrie | 08.28.08

I am 22 years old by the way, and I am old enough to understand that these…”messages” people are talking about are not to be taken seriously because its just a story. Stephenie deals with some pretty controversal topics such a abortion, rape (rosalie) etc.. but I am able to understand that she does not promote or diss these things. Jake and Edward and Bella all make mistakes throughout the series, but that does not mean that Stephenie promoted these mistakes.

149. B | 08.28.08

Why would Marjorie have to read the book in order to comment on behavior of people? I didn’t need to see the Red Sox win the World Series in order to say that the rioting that took place after it was wrong. You can comment on the behavior of others (SOME are hostile and over the top) without having “read the book.”

Who sits through say, a movie, and then when it’s over demands money back. It’s a movie..it’s a book…you can stop watching or reading it at any time. Have some personal responsibility. If YOU didn’t like it, fine, move on. What is the point of ridiculing someone but to make them feel horrible? There is constructive criticism. Majority of what I have read is NOT constructive.

This is a book of fiction (clearly. Hopefully everyone gets that). If you don’t like the message in it, don’t allow your children to read it. Stop reading it yourself. How many other books have you read? How many YA books have you read? Why the outcry on this particular book? Trust me, I have read hundreds of books and typos, holes in storyline, etc exist within all of them (Harry Potter has dozens). Within series, books “mature.” Look no further then, again, Harry Potter for that. (Choosing a book “most” people have read). If this book wasn’t pegged as YA would there be less outcry?

“Then, in what seems to me like the ultimate proof that some readers are seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world, a number of readers have apparently been demanding their money back.”

Kudos Marjorie.

150. Jennifer | 08.28.08

Okay I am not trying to talk to Kerrie anymore. It’s just too sad and disturbing but this comment from someone above

“Oh and as raising a wife: Woody Allen already did THAT one with his adopted daughter and he still has a career.”

Just made me barf in the trashcan. WOW is all I can say. Post that? Nonetheless on a Christian website? EW

151. Erin | 08.28.08

Thanks Jennifer. It’s one thing for a journalist to objectively report something that is happening, another thing entirely to attack an entire group of people for having opinions about something of which that journalist is ignorant. Very poor reporting.

152. memya | 08.28.08

“its just a story”

*sigh*

153. laluna | 08.28.08

“Literature is for fun.” Sure, but sometimes literature provokes, encourages, enrages, etc. In this instance, there were people who were expecting something more than what they got. That’s not to say they didn’t necessarily get what they wanted (a “happy ending,” for instance), rather, they were disappointed by a poorly told story. SMeyer is just *not* a good writer, in the opinion of many, and it’s that fact to which many readers are responding. We don’t need to be chastised by someone who hasn’t even read the book; it all makes me wonder if people even know what good literature *is* anymore. (BTW, for those interested in good writing and want a different take on the Dracula story, may I suggest Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian.)

154. Shantilly | 08.28.08

B:

The columnist is commenting on the REASONS people are returning the book. “Then, in what seems to me like the ultimate proof that some readers are seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world, a number of readers have apparently been demanding their money back. It seems they don’t like the ending.”

People returned the book for various reasons. Not just because they didn’t like it. If she read the book, she might understand more about the outcry.

155. nate | 08.28.08

Once upon a time / in Forks, a land so merry / there lived a hairy wolf / with steady intentions to marry. / His entrails were a-fluttering / when he spotted her across the room / she was wearing pink cotton pants / and he said, I’ll be her groom! / But his plans came to a crash / upon further investigation / the Evil Age of Consent Law / forbade such premature fornication. / It’s alright, he told himself / I’ll keep close watch for some years / offer assistance to change her diapers / and lick away her sweet little tears. / She’ll know me as Unky Wolfy / and we’ll develop a bond so strong / that by the time she’s ripe for the plucking / she won’t really think it’s THAT wrong!

156. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Kerrie,

Still no answer?

157. Erin | 08.28.08

B, Marjorie Kehe is not lightly criticizing people. She states that people who are displeased with this book and return it are confusing fantasy with reality. That sounds fairly vitriolic to me. And this is over something she knows nothing about.

158. nate | 08.28.08

Oh and btw LOLOLOL @ Kerrie being 22 years old. I’ve lost my faith in humanity.

159. laluna | 08.28.08

“the inappropriate reaction/behavior of SOME people are having to BD”

Oh, that’s classic. “Inappropriate behavior?” For what, returning a book to the bookstore? Right, because all the fangirl reaction has been *so* appropriate and healthy. Here’s just a sampling: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-turfrcQY-w And let’s not forget the girl who hounded some guy she worked with just because his last name was *Cullen.*

160. Shantilly | 08.28.08

I guess Kerrie’s never going to tell me what she meant by that post………

161. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Why are people dissing the reporter? She admited in the very first sentence that she didn’t read the books, she was only observing how the fans are reacting to the release Breakng Dawn. Thats all. How is that poor reporting?

Again i just want to state for the record, that I love Breaking Dawn for the most part, even though i found the ending boring. The reporter is totally right saying that some people read into messages and think its anti-feminist and other people think its not. It depends on the person. I really think people are taking these “messages” too seriously. The twilight series was just meant to be a beautiful love story with drama, for pure entertainment.

Yes there are some controversal topics but if young girls actually believe that its ok to make the same mistakes as Bella, Edward and Jake did, then they are just stupid and should not be reading the books.

And if some people really think that peadophilia is ok just because Jake imprinted on Renseme and waited for her to grow up, well then they should DEFINITLEY not be reading the books because they are stupid, sick and probably way too young to understand what was really happeneing when Jake imprinted on Nessie.

Thats all i have to say on the matter, does anyone agree?

162. Kerrie | 08.28.08

LALUNA, I see your point, i really do. But as far as i can remember this issue was disscussed in the books. Imprinting is the METHOD of which they carry out a blood line, yes i agree. But its only a method, it doesn’t have to be that way. Imprinting is ALSO about being connected to someone’s spirit. There are lots of strong relationships without sex right? And with imprinting: the needs of Nessie and Jakes need to care for Nessie and keep her safe and happy are MUCH GREATER then the need for sex. Jake would never even consider sex with nessie until he knew she was ready and happy with the idea. Thats my whole point, its not sick in the slighest. People just read waaay too much into things. Jeez i’m just repeating myself now. I’m going to go.

163. Kerrie | 08.28.08

Sorry Shantilly, i think i miss-read a post there. I thought you were implying something else, never mind.

164. The Taminator | 08.28.08

Kerrie, she’s making people who returned the books out to be idiots who did so because they didn’t like the ending. That’s simply not the case. How can she understand our problems with the book if she hasn’t read it? How do you know what’s got people riled up if you’ve never bothered to look at what’s causing the ruckus?

Also, from post #136:
“Oh and as raising a wife: Woody Allen already did THAT one with his adopted daughter and he still has a career.”

There are no words, folks. You should have seen my jaw hit the floor. And you wonder why people are upset.

165. Shantilly | 08.28.08

It’s cool, Kerrie. I thought maybe because I pretty much said the antithesis of that. Anyway, it’s been fun y’all but I’ve got to go now.

166. A | 08.28.08

The problem is that because it is on the best-selling list and it is a YA novel, young people are going to read it. So it doesn’t matter if you say that they shouldn’t, because they will!

That’s why people are criticising it; if we let it go, then how will anyone get the other side of the story. We are bringing to light the fact that this book sends out some messages that are wrong, regardless of whether or not that was the intention.

What I mentioned in a previous post: I’ve read of girls wanting to change their appearance to look like Bella, reading out Bella’s dialogue from the books to pretend they’re talking to Edward, leaving bedroom windows open in the hopes that a vampire will come in their room at night to watch them sleep, having breakdowns when they see others reading the books because they ‘want Edward all to themselves’ and some of you have the nerves to say it is ‘just fiction’?

167. Brandy | 08.28.08

Ok I loved all 4 books, and anyone who actually understood the love story shouldn’t really have had a problem with breaking dawn, but everyone has their own opinion going on. The only thing I was kind of bothered by was the whole creepy birth scene but when the sex happened in the book she just went into to no detail at all, not that there should have been alot of detail but she just drops off and starts a whole different scene in the book lol.

168. Halpert | 08.28.08

Did you guys even read this blog? She is just commenting on the FACT that the disgruntled want their money back and how will this affect writers in how they write their books in the future. She is not making any kind of review of the book itself.
I for one don’t want writers worrying about people returning books, I want them to write from the heart…just like I don’t want my favorite rock group to “sell out”.
You have to take the good with the bad, that’s part of being a reader.
I get the feeling these are the only books these people have ever read…and maybe so since its for young adults.
You don’t go to the movie theater, and then if you hate it, ask for your money back…its a risk buying a book and reading it….so Breaking Dawn sucked?…get over it and read a good book, there are plenty out there.
And really people, get a life, you are giving Stephanie Meyer more credence and publicity by having your little fit.

169. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Halpert,

She’s commenting on the FACT that some people are requesting a refund and she’s SPECULATING on the reasons why they feel that way.

170. Shantilly | 08.28.08

Halpert,

Another point–those of us that are complaining the most are the ones who read the most. Obviously, we expect more from literature.

171. memya | 08.28.08

I get the feeling these are the only books these people have ever read…and maybe so since its for young adults.

I read 3 to 4 books a week so these really aren’t the first that I have read. I also have a degree in Eng lit so I can speak intelligently on writing/writers.

172. the dazzler | 08.28.08

I loved the ending of Breaking Dawn, I havent talked to anyone who hasnt liked it but I have read the online sources that say they didn’t like it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but dont harass stephenie about it!

173. Donald Dunbar | 08.28.08

News!!!!!!

I took my book back to Barnes & Nobles and they gave me a new edited copy that was just released today…! The whole book is changed, and there’s a couple big surprises! The ending is so much better!

(hint: did you catch the references to the “Cure for Vampirism”??)

(and the sex was really toned down; now there is no penetration at all and very little pedophilia)

174. memya | 08.28.08

I have not contacted Meyer nor have I gone to any website devoted to her or anything else to harass her. But to say we aren’t entitled to our opinion about a badly written book by a writer who hasn’t even bothered to read the book/s herself is somewhat insulting.

175. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

I am Burning my books right now all FOUR of them, Will be on youtube tongiht what are going to say to me?

176. memya | 08.28.08

Well D Dunbar.
That would be a start

177. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Oh poor SM, we Dark Siders are so bad, she is making money hand over fist on Nut jobs like you and we are to seel sorry

178. G. Kato | 08.28.08

“Then, in what seems to me like the ultimate proof that some readers are seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world, a number of readers have apparently been demanding their money back.”

–

There was a well-written post that addresses this but has mysteriously disappeared. No matter how you look at it, the publishing industry is a business. Although readers do put books up in a pedestal and deem it “art,” at the end of the day, it is a product, advertised and sold for mass consumption.

If someone is unhappy with the product’s quality, they have every right to return it so long as they follow the return policy of the bookstore. Although some might say that this squicks their ethical mores, not everyone shares their outlook. As for Breaking Dawn itself, the poor editing can deem this product as defective.

179. noelle | 08.28.08

It is surprising to hear how passionately people are either defending or criticizing Breaking Dawn. Personally, I really loved this last book and felt it was my favorite book in the series. I’m reading here a surfeit amount of very harsh verbage: adultery, pedophilia, etc. Which is so fascinating, because none of these thoughts ever crossed my mind while reading. What I garnered from this book was an overwhelming feeling of love. Love for a father, love between husband and wife, between friends, among family members, love for a child. I actually walked away feeling inspired. I’m sure that will bring a whole slew of people up in arms against me, but I suppose this is a perfect example of how everything we perceive in life is truly relative. What is right (or in this case - appealing) to one person may not be for another. Therein lies the beauty of being free to choose our attitude or outlook on circumstances that surround us. And also the beauty of freedom of expression. While I personally loved the book, I appreciate the criticism that is being put out there because it helps us look at all sides of an issue or content that is percolating throughout our society.

As for Stephenie, I am sure she is not immune to the negativity surrounding her latest release. I think she is trying to maintain a healthy distance so she can look at the bigger perspective here. It’s a fictional book. She wrote a story for herself and not for anyone else. I applaud her for that. She would end up a very unhappy person, indeed, if she allowed others to influence her decisions, but I honestly believe she is trying to do what she thinks is right. Whether we disagree with her choices or not, you have to respect that of someone. And consequently, I think that shows through in her characters’ choices. In her book, you see characters who are honestly trying to do what they think is right or best in the impossible circumstances they are given.

Anyway, again, it’s a fictional story. For the mothers and daughters who read it together, I wonder - however averse some of us may feel about the content - if it isn’t better that this book was able to open the door to discussion about pre-marital sex, relationships and morality. Food for thought.

180. Trolls, Get A Life | 08.28.08

Kerrie and Marjorie,
The horrible comments you are getting are a direct attack from members of a teeny tiny online hate group. They dominate the amazon Twilight communities with their cyber bullying tactics and attempt to stir up conflict and confrontation around the internet. This is what they do for fun. Argue, attack, belittle, defame, and annoy anyone and everyone they can.

Though small in numbers, these are the people this excerpt refers to:
“It’s enough to make one wonder who has the courage to become a bestselling author these days. With the ocean of opportunity to vent spleen and disappointment created by the blogosphere, writers have little choice but to continually go nose-to-nose with disgruntled readers. It’s hard for me to believe that such encounters necessarily energize creative people.”

It truly is unfortunate for everyone that they don’t put their energy and efforts into uplifting hobbies that benefit others.

This article was not about the book Breaking Dawn itself, nor was it about the author, Stephenie Meyer. It was about the harsh world of critical readers that authors face today, and that authors who do not allow that harsh world of critical readers to dictate what they write about will be writing for the right reasons because it truly doesn’t matter what one writes about… there will ALWAYS be harsh criticism from somebody somewhere.

The article was about authors and criticism and nothing more.

I thought it was very well done.

181. memya | 08.28.08

It’s a fictional book. She wrote a story for herself and not for anyone else. I applaud her for that.

We agree to disagree. She was paid for the book so she in fact did not write it just for herself. If she had written just for herself we would never have read it.

182. Sun | 08.28.08

“It’s a fictional book. She wrote a story for herself and not for anyone else. I applaud her for that.”

I disagree. You write a book for yourself.
When you publish it, it’s for others to read.

183. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Yes we are such a small group yet we are the one people are paying attention too

184. Peggy | 08.28.08

B, I think you are missing the point. Rioting after a game is obviously wrong. Returning or criticising a book because you don’t think it met the most minimal standards of good writing and editing is perfectly legitimate and is not violence. By the way, most movie theatres will refund your money if you walk out within in the first 20 minutes. There is also a certain factor here in that these books have been marketed to young girls who are apparently acting out some of the unhealthier behaviors in real life. The arts have been extremely influential throughout human history, and readers and viewers are exercising a legitimate right to critique them as they see fit. The “it’s only fiction” argument doesn’t wash. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was fiction, but the book was considered by Abraham Lincoln to have been a critical factor leading to the American Civil War! People absorb messages the most strongly when they respond to them emotionally, thus fiction is extremely powerful - even bad fiction - and deserves to be debated. The debators, however, do not deserve to be put down by people who have not experienced the content.

185. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

I wish she would keep her morbid twisted dreams to herself,

186. noelle | 08.28.08

MEMYA - In actuality, she did write the story for just herself and her sister before she realized the huge phenomenon that these books would be. Getting paid for this was after the fact.

187. memya | 08.28.08

BY the way, calilng yourself “Trolls, get a life” is that really meant to spark a quiet logical discussion or just to inflame everyone?
I happen to have many hobbies and do lots of charity work. I have a life, in other words.

188. memya | 08.28.08

In actuality, she did write the story for just herself and her sister before she realized the huge phenomenon that these books would be. Getting paid for this was after the fact.

Yes, I hvae heard this fable before, but since it is in face published that it isn’t just for herself. It needed editing, a cohesive storyline that matched with the canon of her other books, I could go on….

189. memya | 08.28.08

People absorb messages the most strongly when they respond to them emotionally, thus fiction is extremely powerful - even bad fiction - and deserves to be debated. The debators, however, do not deserve to be put down by people who have not experienced the content.

Thank you.

190. Trolls, Get A Life | 08.28.08

This article was not about the book Breaking Dawn itself, nor was it about the author, Stephenie Meyer. It was about the harsh world of critical readers that authors face today, and that authors who do not allow that harsh world of critical readers to dictate what they write about will be writing for the right reasons because it truly doesn’t matter what one writes about… there will ALWAYS be harsh criticism from somebody somewhere.

The article was about authors and criticism and nothing more.

191. Ky | 08.28.08

Wait. Edited version of Breaking Dawn, what? I’m lost.

192. noelle | 08.28.08

“People absorb messages the most strongly when they respond to them emotionally, thus fiction is extremely powerful - even bad fiction - and deserves to be debated.”

This is absolutely true.

“The debators, however, do not deserve to be put down by people who have not experienced the content.”

The criticism has gone both ways. Freedom of expression, freedom of thought. It comes with the territory.

193. Nikolai | 08.28.08

If you don’t like the way something ends, write your own alternative ending. Or better yet, instead of complaining, write your own $#%*@ book!

194. memya | 08.28.08

“The horrible comments you are getting are a direct attack from members of a teeny tiny online hate group. They dominate the amazon Twilight communities with their cyber bullying tactics and attempt to stir up conflict and confrontation around the internet. This is what they do for fun. Argue, attack, belittle, defame, and annoy anyone and everyone they can.”

If you would look at the Amazon board, there are hundreds of posts where people are debating the books and the only reason the readers you are characterizing as haters get steamed is when someone comes in and attacks them.
THere is a long thread about 500 posts long by several people who have been discussing the books for the last few weeks. They have not been attacked in any way. People going to the board just to post Leave Stephenie Meyer alone and calling names are probably not going to be welcomed.
I do not flame or post snarky comments but I do understand the frustration.

195. memya | 08.28.08

“If you don’t like the way something ends, write your own alternative ending. Or better yet, instead of complaining, write your own $#%*@ book!”

OK, once more, the complaints are NOT about how the book ends. It is about the quality of the book and the content and the fact that it breaks canon with the rest of the series.

196. Is | 08.28.08

I really don’t think you should be writing about an event in which you have not read the book.

Had you read it, I doubt you’d fawn over it. The editorial errors are more than numerous, the plot is overused and unrefined, and the characters have gone compeltely uncanon. The characters were weak and poorly defined anyway. It wasn’t the ending; on the contrary it was the beginning.

The beginning was fluff, not interesting at all. I felt like slamming the book against the wall and screaming into my pillow of the sheer blandness of the second-seventh chapters.

Bella’s goal in life: to have sex with a vampire.

I understand this book was not written to teach readers lessons in life, but seriously, what respectable woman nowadays lives life (or rather, becomes undead-her other goal in ‘life’) to have sex with a vampire?

And then, after Bella becomes a Mary-Sue vampire, they go through mental warfare with the Volturi, who run like dogs with their tails between their legs. Talk about anti climax. On top of that, the king of the Volturi, Aro, is SCARED of Bella. -coughMARYSUEcough-

Have you all noticed that people who actually liked the book don’t have solid reasoning? Only that ‘IF YOU HAVE NUTHIN NICE TO SAY DUN SAY ANYTHIN.’

Critcism can be hurtful, but only if you’re touchy enough to take things personally. This isn’t a personal attack against SM’s life and times, this is about the crappiness of the failship that was BD.

On top of that, if you want your defenses or critcisms taken seriously, it would be best to at least APPEAR intelligient and not misspell the author’s or the character’s names.

For one, it’s Stephenie Meyer, not Stephanie Meyers.
It’s also Renesmee, not rennesme.

If you can’t spell things correctly, what use is your commentary?

197. Alize | 08.28.08

PEOPLE GET OVER YOUR SELFS!!!!!if you like the damn book good 4 frickin you if you didn’t most people do not care!!!!I LOVE BD,and the whole series and according to a poll raised by all twilight fan sites 88% of the fan community is happy with it!!!!!

198. noelle | 08.28.08

“OK, once more, the complaints are NOT about how the book ends. It is about the quality of the book and the content and the fact that it breaks canon with the rest of the series.”

Okay, I think this is interesting. I never thought any of the books were edited well. And the author has always had a very straightforward style of writing. Along with slightly repetitive verbage. But I actually love the change in tenor of this last book. It was no longer the flirtatious, sexual tension between two teenagers in a forbidden love that so many people gravitated toward in the first three books. In this last book, I felt like the characters really evolved and materialized as the author explored their reactions to very serious and deeply disturbing issues. As a result, the love felt deeper, more intrinsic. I actually think the author’s writing style has also evolved and improved with time. While Ms. Meyer is not necessarily my favorite writer per se, she is my favorite storyteller. Anyway, gotta run. Thanks for the interesting half hour, everyone.

199. Ky | 08.28.08

88% of all Twilight fansites loved the book, you say?

I’m sure that’s an accurate representation of a well-blended section of the population.

200. memya | 08.28.08

“twilight fan sites”

I would actually expect 100% of those who post at Twilight fan sites to love the book. They are FANS. I am a reader, not a fan therefore I don’t count according to your logic.

201. Halpert | 08.28.08

“This article was not about the book Breaking Dawn itself, nor was it about the author, Stephenie Meyer. It was about the harsh world of critical readers that authors face today, and that authors who do not allow that harsh world of critical readers to dictate what they write about will be writing for the right reasons because it truly doesn’t matter what one writes about… there will ALWAYS be harsh criticism from somebody somewhere.

The article was about authors and criticism and nothing more.”

Exactly. People here are ridiculing this author for not reading the book Breaking Dawn,and they apparently haven’t even read/comprehended this short article…seems rather ironic.

202. Trolls, Get A Life | 08.28.08

‘This article was not about the book Breaking Dawn itself, nor was it about the author, Stephenie Meyer. It was about the harsh world of critical readers that authors face today, and that authors who do not allow that harsh world of critical readers to dictate what they write about will be writing for the right reasons because it truly doesn’t matter what one writes about… there will ALWAYS be harsh criticism from somebody somewhere.

The article was about authors and criticism and nothing more.’

“Exactly. People here are ridiculing this author for not reading the book Breaking Dawn,and they apparently haven’t even read/comprehended this short article…seems rather ironic.”

Thank You

203. memya | 08.28.08

The comments are that if you are going to defend someone’s work you should know what that work is. That would be good journalism. To criticise a group of people without understanding why they feel that way is not good journalism.

204. Katy | 08.28.08

How can we be expected to read an article in reference to Twilight when you admit you’ve never read the series? How can you possibly understand the response that way? All I know is JK Rowling had a million times more pressure than Meyer and she delivered. I had soooo many expectations for Deathly Hollows, and yes many of them weren’t met, but the book was well written and the characters were perfectly portrayed so I overlooked it. The same can not be said for Breaking Dawn.

205. Lisa | 08.28.08

I agree, that’s just lazy journalism.

206. Menner | 08.28.08

THANK YOU ALIZE!!!! I agree with you!

It’s just a book, it’s fiction, and it’s meant as enterntainment. THATS ALL!

Oh and everyone who commented about the whole Woody Allen; yeah it is really gross, but my point is that is has already happened in reality. That is the reason I don’t go see and buy anything that Woody Allen might get money from. He is just a disgusting person!

207. Halpert | 08.28.08

“Thank You”

You’re Welcome.

208. Lisa | 08.28.08

“It’s a fictional book. She wrote a story for herself and not for anyone else. I applaud her for that.”

That doesn’t excuse the fact that the book was poorly written. I don’t expect it to be Shakespeare, but I, and very many other fans (yes fans, just because we don’t worship this book doesn’t mean we don’t like the others) believe that this book lacked in comparison to the previous 3. There was too much useless stuff, too much wasted potential, too many characters with no resolutions, too many chagrins, and too little great Edward/Bella moments. Only up to the wedding and the last couple of pages felt like Twilight to me.

209. Trolls, Get A Life | 08.28.08

The article is about authors and criticism and nothing more.

210. Katy | 08.28.08

Just because something is fiction does not mean you can break the rules for a series. Would Harry Potter get Ginny pregnant in the last book and bite through her uterus to deliver their baby? Would you have rioted if he did? I think so.

I think it’s really a discredit to other authors and aspiring authors like myself when you use “it’s only fiction” to excuse plot holes and bad writing. Other writers have successfully written fiction while still keeping true to their series and didn’t make us want to tear our hair out at their conclusions.

211. memya | 08.28.08

Oh and everyone who commented about the whole Woody Allen; yeah it is really gross, but my point is that is has already happened in reality.

and that makes it OK?

212. memya | 08.28.08

It’s just a book, it’s fiction, and it’s meant as enterntainment. THATS ALL!

Wow, another thoughtful argument on the merits of the book…

213. Bedazzled | 08.28.08

Dear all of everybody, i think that anyone who has resorted to personal attacks on other posters or passing judgment on other posters needs to be informed of a little thing called courtesy. I understand that we have varying opinions and views, and i believe that the world thrives on spirited debate, but only if said debate is RESPECTFUL and OPEN-MINDED. Im not saying that you all need to suddenly hug eachother and be bff’s, but everyone needs to take a deep breath and reflect on all they have said to other posters. i thought The entire Twilight Saga was amazing, and althugh Breaking Dawn felt to me like it was written by anothe author, i still feel that it was written by a good author. That is my opinion. Im not here to defend the book, im to say relax and allow your feeling towards Breaking Dawn to fade away. If you wana keep posting and bloggin, there is nothing wrong with that, and making Breaking Dawn a part of your life is totally cool, but dont let it take over the rational part of your brain. in the end, its just a book, and whether you loved it or burned it, its not worth hurting other people.

214. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

Oh we are so bad, look someone burned the book first

215. Merry | 08.28.08

I think that if the author of this article didn’t bother to read the books, she would have at least collect informations and read the opinions of these so called ”haters”. Yes there are a**es at Amazon forum who flamed people for their opinions. But it’s not the majority of them and most of them are gone. Those who remains are only responding to the attacks of fans, because yes people who loved the book are actually more offensive in there then the dissapointed fans. Many people had express very well-thought reviews and posts about why they didn’t like it. And they actually enjoy having civil discussion about the book with persons with others opinions.

But be sure to be responded back (I am adressing to some posters here not the author, obviously) if you started your post by calling them sick, idiots and morons.

As for the ‘’she wrote it for herself”…I’m sorry but if she wrote it for herself she should have keep it to herself. Once it’s published, it out there for everyone, not just her.

216. memya | 08.28.08

Many people have expressed very well-thought reviews and posts about why they didn’t like it. And they actually enjoy having civil discussion about the book with persons with others opinions.

I live in a very small town. There is no book group to discuss this with and I have no friends who are reading it. I am NOT going to recommend it to anyone so I, like many others, have been at Amazon discussing the book. I have not flamed at anyone or called names but I can’t say the same for those who like the book, who’s only defense seems to be that they like it and we are stupid and mean to Stephenie Meyer for not liking it.

217. Brit | 08.28.08

Question:

so were the ppl that burned there harry potter books becuz it was teaching there kids black magic and evil wrong to do that?

218. memya | 08.28.08

IF they wanted to burn their books, that is their right

219. Merry | 08.28.08

Many people have expressed very well-thought reviews and posts about why they didn’t like it. And they actually enjoy having civil discussion about the book with persons with others opinions.

I live in a very small town. There is no book group to discuss this with and I have no friends who are reading it. I am NOT going to recommend it to anyone so I, like many others, have been at Amazon discussing the book. I have not flamed at anyone or called names but I can’t say the same for those who like the book, who’s only defense seems to be that they like it and we are stupid and mean to Stephenie Meyer for not liking it.

Yes that’s what I tried to say…^^’ I am a little clumsy in English sometime…I have followed the Amazon discussions but I can’t post. I am a member of the dark side too.

220. Katy | 08.28.08

Bedazzled, I honestly don’t think you have to worry about people who don’t like the book making it their lives. I mean, really? It takes a minute tops to write out a reply… some people make this seem like it takes such dedication and work to criticize a book. We all should all be glad that people are getting so passionate about reading.

221. Angela | 08.28.08

Lol,

I love all this negative energy! People for goodness sakes, it’s only a story meant for entertainment. I for one, do not think imprinting on a baby is AS horrible as everyone it making it out to be. There ARE young women who have relationships with men twice their age! I agree that at first I would go berserk too, but I would rather my daughter be happy.

There are however many valid points, and I respect them all, despite the fact I do not entirely agree. I think that the only problem is that young girls are reading the book. They should change the ‘YA’ to a more mature audience level, though I don’t necessarily think it should be adult.

222. memya | 08.28.08

There ARE young women who have relationships with men twice their age!

Not to get into another debate on the imprinting but the operative word in your post is young WOMEN - a baby/toddler is not a young woman

223. an orange thing | 08.28.08

I think the main problem is that the age of Meyer’s readers spans over such a huge range. She has avid readers that are 11-12 years old, as well as readers that are in their forties. From what I can tell, the younger readers were upset over the bit of sexual content in the book, and the older readers wanted much more of it. As Stephenie Meyer has said, it’s impossible to please everyone.

Of course, in my opinion, the book wasn’t nearly as good as any of her others. It’s true that she couldn’t make everyone happy, but the book wasn’t written nearly as well, especially plot-wise. In the other books, all events were connected, and it flowed very well. In Breaking Dawn, there were a whole lot of events that weren’t very connected, and not all of them even gave anything to the storyline. It was like one thing happening after another, after another, after another, without flowing very well. It also felt as if, the whole time, I was waiting for something to happen. There were points that FELT as if they were leading to something..and then didn’t. The plot was almost nonexistent.

I’m at a point where I can understand people who love the book, and I can also sympathize with those who don’t like it. Breaking Dawn had many positive aspects…but it just didn’t come close to her first three books.

224. ChipotleChick | 08.28.08

Hey Bedazzled!!! Why dont you go around throwing glitter and spreading world peaace instead of trying to get us tough warriors to play nice. Go play with your dollies and leave us alone.

225. memya | 08.28.08

The issues with the book are the writing, no proof reading and general lack of character development to the point where the personalities were completely either missing or opposite of who they had been.
There are issues with the numerous plot holes in the book and the destructio of the canon of the first 3 books.
There are lots of young girls reading these books and thinking that it is the ultimate romance and the book does put forth some ideas that might not be healthy for young girls.
But my main problem is not the questionable content.

226. Brit | 08.28.08

“IF they wanted to burn their books, that is their right”

ok good cuz that it totally who you guys all sound like hp book burning freaks. you guys make BD sound just lyk they did when they say hp is evil and teaches kids to want todo black magic and its really not.

just sayin…

227. Yuki | 08.28.08

I am not a fan of Twilight. Let me put that out now. And personally, I’m not a fan of Meyer, either. I have not read BD, but it’s a slow, tortuous, and rather sickening journey as I wade through the muck that is Eclipse, marking each and every page that provokes a *** response. Why do I read these books? Because I enjoy debate, and one cannot debate if one does not know anything about the topic. And besides, I am still trying to find a good reason for its incredibly large fan base.

While your article was quite interesting, and I don’t think you quite deserve some of the flaming from either side, I do stand by the belief that you should read the book before writing your article. I think that the sort of discussion going on, the sort of criticism, comes from the content of the book - and therefore, to get a perspective of the “bravery” of best-selling authors, you should take a look at the reasons for people’s anger…although I guess you will have a very good idea by now. Basically, I say that if an author writes a books with (even unintentional, which should have been caught by the editors) at the least, potentially harmful messages, then they must realize that there’s probably something wrong. Does she owe an apology to her fans? No, but it would probably help her case with them. Does she not deserve criticism? No, because she chose to publish the book. I’ve heard an analogy used for her book - a dinner she cooked for herself but decided to share - and would like to expand on that. She is earning money from these books. If you don’t like the food at the restaurant, you are allowed to ask for a refund and even write an letter to your local newspaper. You’re allowed to send the dish back for improvements, even. And if you don’t enjoy it, and vocalize it, no one can stop you. The complaint that you are ruining someone else’s meal is not a binding law, and cannot be - you’re entitled to free speech. They can simply ignore you or move. Social faux pas, to be sure, but you are free to believe us when we say that the food is poisoned and you are free to ignore our claims.

http://psa.blastmagazine.com/2008/08/16/twilight-sucks-and-not-in-a-good-way/

Most of the argument has already been threshed out there. I doubt there will ever really be a peaceful middle-ground, the way we all seem to scream at each other. Those against Twilight argue for important societal beliefs, while those for it argue for, well, romantic beliefs. If Meyer had proved to be a better writer, I would have said that she has a strong sense of irony. However, throughout Eclipse, at least, Bella is told over and over to be careful about Edward - sound advice in the real world, and I am much more worried about those in the real world - but she declines on the basis of true love. It frightens me when I consider that girls will take this message - love is stronger and better than anything, and your beloved is the most important person in existence, period, much more than family and friends - and perhaps apply it to their own lives.

I’m sure you’ve all considered or heard of the argument that girls are not so stupid these days. I beg to differ - if girls, or people in general, were not influenced by things they see or read, commercials, advertisements, and fashions would not exist. For that matter, neither would battered-women’s shelters, abuse sites and hotlines, or support groups. I would not see comments and hate mail from users named Mrs. Edward Cullen, most of whom accuse anti-Twilighters of anything from destroying romance to being bitter old hags to thinking too deeply. Who claim to love Edward, work to look like Bella, etcetera. Think I’m lying? Look on Youtube. There’s a video on there from a girl getting brown contacts and dying her hair brown. Look on Yahoo Answers - girls asking why they feel like the world is ending now that Twilight is over. Blogs that boast comments from people who have named their children after Twilight characters (it’s hard to be unsure when Embry and Jasper are such uncommon names). The very anger of fan girls supports my belief that yes, these things do affect people - why argue over something unimportant to you? It’s like arguing with a random person on the importance of beets.

Finally, I, myself, am rather irritated by Meyer’s lack of research. Yes, I do know that those are minute details in the much more pervasive topics throughout the books, but, take for example Jacob and Quil’s imprintings. Now, I don’t endorse pedophilia, and I will not get into the insane semantic debate of “soulmate” and “lover” and “best friend”, but I wonder if Meyer really meant to give either a happy ending. Most people will not want to marry or have romantic/sexual relationships with someone they grew up with. Not simply, boy-next-door, but rather, stepbrother-from-toddler-age. Either Meyer intended for something rather disturbing to happen, or for the werewolves to simply die from heartbreak when the girls grow up and decide that they don’t have any feelings for big brothers Jake and Quil. So either way, that particular plot instrument fails.

So finally, it boils down to this: Both fans and non-fans are allowed to make their own comments on the books, proper or not. The author, while I recognize her point and agree partly with it, I think needs to read the book before using it as a example, because sometimes their praise of an author can be deemed undeserved, and sometimes with good cause.

I’m done with my rant now.

228. Natalia R | 08.28.08

Are we to assume that Bella and Edward are so monumentally unfit to the parents that they needed Jacob to essentially raise their child? This whole argument that Jacob will be like a father to Nessie just makes me wonder why does Nessie even need Jacob in her life? Isn’t godlike Edward and all his dazzling perfection enough? How is it that not only did Edward always have to compete for Bella’s emotions with Jacob, but now he can’t even be Nessie’s father in peace because her “protector” will scarcely let her out of his site. Why does Jacob get permission to raise another man’s daughter? It makes absolutely no sense, the “family” dynamic in that household is beyond twisted, and for somebody to not be able to see that just a little, is honestly a little alarming.

All that is based on the assumption that Jacob will never be more to Nessie than a father, brother, or uncle figure. But the truth is that this is not the case. Jacob inherently expects Nessie to be his mate, for it never has been any other way with any of the other wolves that have imprinted. The end result is always the same: a sexual relationship. We learn in Breaking Dawn that the sole reason that the wolves imprint is to guarantee the continued existence of their species, to make sure that every male wolf (because Leah is not so lucky) spreads the wolf gene, and it is even theorized that they imprint on people who will bear them stronger wolves.
So, imprinting exists for the sole purpose of reproduction, reproduction requires sex, therefore, Jacob, deep down in the essence of his being, expects Nessie to eventually sleep with him. He is raising this child, becoming a figure of authority in her life, and one day, when she “looks” old enough, he will begin to see her in a different light. He will expect her to feel the same way, because “it is difficult to resist that type of devotion”.

I can honestly say that I used to love the world of Twilight and all it’s characters, but Stephenie Meyer crossed a line in this book, a line that I consider to be one of the cornerstones of our society, and that is the sanctity of childhood. No child should be burdened the way that Nessie was in this story, because the truth is that will grow up loving her “uncle” Jacob, and eventually she will faced with the choice of either having sex with a man that she has grown to love like a father, or saying no to him, and breaking his heart, therefore forever having to live with the fact that somebody who she loves so deeply, is miserable because of her, because she did not fulfill the role that she was expected to in his life.

The saddest part of this whole story is that the child’s parents are completely at ease with what awaits their daughter in the future, but why should they care, at least they have somebody to watch they child while they are too busy having sex.

229. memya | 08.28.08

ok good cuz that it totally who you guys all sound like hp book burning freaks. you guys make BD sound just lyk they did when they say hp is evil and teaches kids to want todo black magic and its really not.

just sayin…

I haven’t told anyone to burn their books nor have I torched mine. If you pay for a book you have the right to do whatever you want to do with it. If you think it is evil and you want to bury it in the backyard until the evil is worn out of it, that is your right. And if you want to return a book that was sub-par, that also is your right. The bookstores have return policies just for people who are dissatisfied with a book.

230. cmar | 08.28.08

Fantastic article!
I know that you don’t have to read a book to capture the extreme reactions from people that dislike The Twilight Saga. I am glad that you notice how unnecessarily vile some blogs are. Show no respect for anyone or anything. They are piling anything and everything they can, if something doesn’t stick then they go to the next accusation, some even have to write follow up articles against the author and books.
lol
What a great job you did with this article Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

231. Carrie | 08.28.08

I enjoyed “Breaking Dawn” very much, and though everyone certainly has a right to their own opinion, I don’t understand all the bashing of the book and the author. Most people who are into the series wanted Bella & Edward to end up together, wanted them to get married and have a honeymoon in the last book, wanted Bella to become a vampire, and wanted Jacob to finally imprint on someone. There were even those who wanted Bella & Edward to have a child. Well, we got all of those things and more in this book. To those claiming that Meyer back peddled on the whole ‘vampires can’t have children’ thing, think again. She never said that a vampire and a human couldn’t have a child together. That rule only applied to two vampires. As for the pedophilia remarks, gross! (Meyer has three children of her own.) That’s not what happened at all w/ Jacob & Renesmee. Imprinting means you become devoted to making the person happy, keeping them safe and doing what’s best for them. Right now Jacob only sees Renesmee as an uncle might see his niece, or a big brother would see his little sister. He loves her and wants to look out for her. He doesn’t have any romantic feelings toward her! All of that was made very clear. Otherwise, would Bella or Edward have ever let him near their daughter?! As far as Edward suggesting a three-way relationship, that was a desperate move to save the life of his wife! He thought that the baby Bella was carrying would most definitely kill her and didn’t know if the child was even human, but she insisted on keeping the baby and was already in love w/ the child. Edward didn’t want her to sacrifice herself and if she wanted a child that badly, he was willing to let Jacob give that to her. All that proves is that Edward would do anything to save Bella’s life and to make her happy, even disregarding his own happiness. Neither Bella nor Jacob would ever have agreed to that arrangement, anyway. Okay, well, Bella wouldn’t have. Also, she may not have thought she wanted children, but it’s a totally different thing once you actually have a child growing inside of you. Of course she formed an attachment and wanted to keep the baby. People must realize that this is a series about a teenager who falls in love w/ a vampire and has a werewolf as a best friend. Anything could happen and we shouldn’t take it all so seriously. It’s fiction…about vampires and werewolves! Lastly, it’s very upsetting that people are actually bashing Stephenie Meyer. I don’t know of any other author who cares as much as she does about her readers. Just take a look at her website or her MySpace page. She goes to great lengths to appease us, even posting outtakes and playlists to go along w/ each book, answering readers’ questions, posting pictures, etc. Not to mention, she has been nothing but classy and kind in every interview I’ve ever read or seen. I wish that people would, at the very least, show her the respect she deserves. If you read BD and didn’t like it, give it another chance. Read it one more time, give it away, or donate it to the library. Don’t return it to the store after you’ve already read the entire thing!

232. Katy | 08.28.08

Just because someone doesn’t have any respect for Stephenie Meyer as an author doesn’t mean they don’t respect anything, Cmar. Respect for an author is earned by putting out quality work… Joyce, Hemingway, Vonnegut, Austen, Woolf, Salinger… I respect these authors for putting out something that awakens my mind and helps me grow. So many people seem proud of the fact that these books are “mindless fun.” I think a lot of people wouldn’t mind these books so much if they weren’t so highly regarded and recommended as great literature. I’m not saying you called them great literature, but these are considered that by some and you can’t deny it. I think that’s where a lot of frustration for this series is born.

233. Andy P. | 08.28.08

This article was excellent! Not only excellent, but proven! The point you make has been solidified with this diverse string of commentaries as hard evidence.

Well done!

234. Jessi | 08.28.08

If JKR can handle it, there should be no reason Stephenie Meyer can’t. Imagine how much pressure was on Jo… Stephenie needs to learn how to take constructive criticism. I’ve read a lot of positive reviews and negative reviews, and most on both sides were helpful. If she can’t take the bad then how on earth did she graduate college as an English major?! My teachers prepared me to take hard hits and to use what people tell me to make my writing better.

235. Nicole | 08.28.08

You should read a book before you write an article on it. Period.

236. sierra | 08.28.08

i absoloutly LOVED breaking dawn. it made me cry and only one other book i have ever read made me cry so it’s like the best book i’ve ever read.

237. Shocked | 08.28.08

238. Shocked | 08.28.08

239. memya | 08.28.08

It’s fiction…about vampires and werewolves!

Again this is not a reason that the book doesn’t have to make sense for the rule SM set up herself.

240. K | 08.28.08

“You should read a book before you write an article on it. Period.”

Unfortunately, you didn’t understand or comprehend this article. It was NOT ABOUT Breaking Dawn neither was it about it’s author.

1. This article was about the commentary authors face from readers.

2. Mrs. Meyer and her book were merely cited to prove the point of the article. The only research the journalist needs to do when writing an ARTICLE ABOUT COMMENTARY AUTHORS FACE is to research the existing commentary and the way authors deal with it.

3. The article has NOTHING to do with the content of any of Mrs. Meyer’s books or characters nor does it have anything to do with the REASONING behind all the commentary made after the release of her most recent book. Thus reading the book would be useless as it has no weight on the subject of COMMENTARY AUTHORS FACE FROM READERS.

Please re-read the article.

241. J.Aultman | 08.28.08

ok, so you pass judgment on a book and responses that you have never looked at…it brings to mind

Look before your leap.

if you don’t know why were upset, shut your pie hole

242. memya | 08.28.08

The article has NOTHING to do with the content of any of Mrs. Meyer’s books or characters nor does it have anything to do with the REASONING behind all the commentary made after the release of her most recent book. Thus reading the book would be useless as it has no weight on the subject of COMMENTARY AUTHORS FACE FROM READERS.

I don’t think reading the book would be useless as she might then understand why people feel as they do. You cannot come down on people for a reaction if you refuse to find out why they reacted as they did.

243. Jessi | 08.28.08

If you were commenting about a political protest of Georgia, a journalist would probably want to know what was going on in Georgia, wouldn’t they?

244. memya | 08.28.08

How could you report on anything if you don’t bother to get the basic facts?

245. Katy | 08.28.08

It will be hilarious when she reads the series and realizes how bad it is.

246. sierra | 08.28.08

oh and i must add this, if you don’t like twilight fine but don’t waste our time and yours writing mean messeges about it go live your own life and quit wasting time trying to be mean to other people. theres a reason they are called FAN sites people.

247. beth | 08.28.08

I liked Breaking Dawn.

248. Dee | 08.28.08

I don’t understand the disappointment some people are feeling. I loved Breaking Dawn. Bella and Edward finally get together, and their love creates a new life against all odds. Edward turns Bella only when her life is about to be lost, and Jacob finally imprints. Stephenie clearly described imprinting on a child as NOT being sexual in nature. Bella becomes more than she ever dreamed she could be, and Edward has his wish come true-hearing Bella’s thoughts. It was a perfect ending for a story I personally love. I am not a teenager, but this series has touched my heart.

249. Acerbus | 08.28.08

You know what I’m having problems deciding?

What’s more disturbing…

A journalist criticizing people over a book she’s never read…

People who are across over a hundred messages…

Or the people who not only argue over 100 messages but keep trying to justify things like an abusive relationship, ****** writing, and people pretty much GROOMING THEIR FUTURE MATE behind a bunch of excuses, including “IT’S JUST FICTION!” (that’s lame. REALLY lame.) and then having the nerve to call those who stick up against it “Sick”.

Oh, and on the “IT’S JUST FICTION!” excuse. Let me ask, what makes it different than the stories in todays papers and in real life? So because it’s in a book it’s perfectly okay to love but if it’s happening in real life with people you knew would you have to gall to brush it off so easily? That’s disgusting. Why don’t you ask people who suffered something like having someone hover over you, claiming “I only have your best interest” but is pretty much intending to make something more (ala Jacob with Nessie). Even better, would you make so many excuses if Jacob and Edward were NOT hot and were hulking, scarred, and ugly?

250. Acerbus | 08.28.08

Just for the record, I’m 17 and I’m disgusted girls around my age try and justify something like that so easily for ridiculous reasons.

251. K | 08.28.08

“ok, so you pass judgment on a book and responses that you have never looked at”
“if you don’t know why were upset, shut your pie hole”
-No judgement has been made on any book in the article.
-All responses in regard to Mrs. Meyer’s book have been summarized appropriately by the journalist. (i.e. opposite opinions represented on some different elements of book content.)
-There is no proof that the journalist has “never looked at” the responses.
-Don’t get angry at me because you misunderstood the article.
-My “pie hole” is shut. I am typing this.
“I don’t think reading the book would be useless as she might then understand why people feel as they do. You cannot come down on people for a reaction if you refuse to find out why they reacted as they did.”

-The article does not seek to “understand why people feel as they do” or seek to “find out why they reacted as they did” because that is not the objective. (Again, please re-read it.)
-The article does not “come down on people” for their reactions. It states, summarizes, and generalizes factually, what reactions of readers were… from both sides of the fence.
-Commentary/Reaction by Meyer’s readers was only used as an example to illustrate how polar opposite reaction is among readers *in general.*

“If you were commenting about a political protest of Georgia, a journalist would probably want to know what was going on in Georgia, wouldn’t they?”

-If you were commenting about a political protest of the whole North American Continent, a journalist would probably research what was going on all over the whole continent and not just in one American State, or just one country on that continent. The journalist could then use an example from one state (or country) in the continent to illustrate the point of the article they are writing, couldn’t they?

“How could you report on anything if you don’t bother to get the basic facts?”

-The journalist checked the facts and cited sources.
-Reporting on commentary in a general sense requires only that you research commentary.

Again… please re-read the article. You’ve completely misunderstood it, and now you are trying to discredit the journalist for no other reason than using reader response to a particular book and author as an example to illustrate a very general point.

Hate and discredit your Stephenie Meyer and her books all you want, but don’t make false accusations about an article and it’s journalist when you clearly don’t have the facts yourself.

… my “pie hole” was shut this whole time.

252. Erin | 08.28.08

K, the journalist wasn’t objectively reporting anything. And if it was an editorial piece, she should have known her subject better. You cannot comprehend the response to something if you’re entirely unfamiliar with it.

253. Monica | 08.29.08

WOW…. I can’t believe all the negative comments about Breaking Dawn. It really truly shocks me. People wanting to return books because they didn’t like it? What is that? You shouldn’t be able to return a book just because you don’t care for it. You’ve used the good (i.e. read it) and now you want to return it? Can you return “used” shoes, clothes, electronics? Um no, so why should you be able to return books. The book was $13, so please its not about the money, its about throwing a hissy fit because you didn’t get your ending/plot or whatever. Its childish, immature and attention seeking. But what really shocks me the most are the comments on: why imprinting is “gross/disgusting because its pedophilia”, the fact that “Bella enjoys abusive sex”, and Edward “offering Bella to Jacob”. I seriously don’t know if you’ve really grasped the concepts of Breaking Dawn. Pedophilia? WHAT? Its stated throughout the series that they love the person they imprinted on so much that they will be what ever that person needs at that moment in their life. Therefore, whatever Renesmee needs at any point in her life, Jacob will be there for her. In Breaking Dawn Jacob assumed the role of protector/friend. What did he do that was inappropriate? Nothing. What did he do that was so disgusting towards her? Nothing. I in no way like Jacob, I have disliked him since the end of New Moon and Eclipse, but I like the fact that at the end he was happy and most importantly so was Renesmee. Yes he gave her a promise bracelet. How awful is that!!?!?! *sarcasm* It shows that HE is devoted to her and only her and will always be there for her. Don’t you see, she is the one in control of what they are to eachother. She decides what he is to her. Where’s the disgust?

Next comment, the “abusive sex”. Seriously? This is really something people are talking about? I don’t understand the “abusive part”. I honestly want to know what you thought the love scenes were going to be like, seeing as Edward could crush Bella with his pinky? We *the readers* KNEW going into Breaking Dawn that is was not going to be an easy task. They made their prepartions, Bella would tell Edward if he hurt her in ANY way. OBVIOUSLY she was into what was going on to even feel pain. Who the heck wouldn’t be. Edward didn’t smack her around and RAPE her. She wanted it “more than anything” *direct quote from the books*. Rape is a crime! UNLESS you enjoy it!! Bella OBVIOUSLY enjoyed it! She was bruised big deal. You’ve never found a bruise on your body and wondered how you got it? Obviously you bumped into something but you can’t remember what caused it? Surely you can remember something that caused you pain at one point? Well if it didn’t hurt in the first place you wouldn’t remember it. Esme’s Isle was an adorably sexy chapter. From the breaking of the headboard and the pillows. Hey maybe Bella likes it rough? Maybe thats her thing, good on her. As long as she has NO problem with it then whatever. Now if the loves scenes made you feel uncomfortable thats a different story and maybe you shouldn’t be reading books about vampires….

Lasty, something that really annoys me, this whole “Edward offers Bella to Jacob”. I think you might want to read that again people. In NO way does Edward offer his love Bella to Jacob. What he does say and ask Jacob to do is convince Bella abandon the pregnancy because it is KILLING her. Edward obviously stricken with grief at losing his one an only love pleads with Jacob to make her see reason. He says that if she really wants kids that she can have them with Jacob, just as long she survives this moment. How is that offering Bella to Jacob? Shes not some ****** he’s pimping out. He is trying to do anything to keep her safe and to give her what she wants at the same time *a baby*. If her would have truly “offered her” to Jacob we’d be seeing Jacob and her go at it instead. This shows that theres NO line Edward WON’T cross to keep Bella alive. He would rather see her live as a mother to Jacobs children *IF THATS WHAT SHE WANTED* than to die. He is completely selfless!!! I could go on and on about the ways the negative reactions bug the **** out of me but I think this comment is long enough, don’t you?

I <3 Breaking Dawn!

254. Monica | 08.29.08

wow… I didn’t think ****** would be blocked or **** *3 being an “e”*

255. Monica | 08.29.08

my God…. im not even cursing….. ugh censorship…..

256. LAURA | 08.29.08

How can you comment on a book you HAVE NOT READ?

Her first book was badly written, but at least it was entertaining. That’s where she should have stopped.

Breaking Dawn was disgusting! Graphic and it told teen girls that it’s okay to die for the sake of a man? What kind of message is that?

And then to have what happened happen, a teen girl disfiguring her body and soul again for a man?

The implied pedophilia was disgusting.

The way she treated the parent characters in the book, was an insult to teens and adults alike who read this series.

I have a feeling the author may not have even written the book herself, but instead someone else wrote what they thought was marketable.

It’s all about money now. She made a killing with her first book, and now she is churning out this drivel to rake in the big bucks.

I wish we could all get our money back. It was a waste and an insult to our creative intelligence.

This author disrespected her audience with the world she created and then broke all her rules.

257. Sun | 08.29.08

Monica:
—–Rape is a crime! UNLESS you enjoy it!! Bella OBVIOUSLY enjoyed it!—-

That’s sick. That’s really how you classify rape? That’s why some people don’t effing REPORT it because they are told by their rapist that they enjoyed it and therefore were not technically raped!

Bella was bruised all over her body. You would think that she would have had some sort of reaction to it…like crying out in pain, perhaps? If she did show pain, Edward should have stopped what he was doing. If she held her pain in and didn’t let it show, she wouldn’t have acted dumb when he inquired about the bruises. So what do you think?

She couldn’t have accumulated all of those bruises in one go (How could he bruise her arms, stomach, legs, etc all in one go?). This implies that over the period of their intercourse, he hurt her repeatedly and she apparently didn’t cry out not once. Bruises hurt; grab your arm right now as hard as you can. Did it hurt? Not enough to bruise I suppose but Edward DID bruise her and we’re supposed to believe she didn’t feel it or that he didn’t realise? Dispicable.

—-If her would have truly “offered her” to Jacob we’d be seeing Jacob and her go at it instead.——

Are you serious? The only reason they weren’t having sex is because Bella said no! Edward offered her to Jacob, he effing basically stated “I give you permission to sleep with my wife!”

Also, good points, LAURA.

258. KJ | 08.29.08

I just wanted to say that you guys are all arguing over a fictional book. Fictional meaning made up story. That means it is not reality. If it is reality you seek get off your computer and live your life. I personally thought the book was great. Keep writing Stephenie!

259. Robin I. | 08.29.08

I am seriously wondering how someone who has not invested the time to read the book, or understand the series, could form an opinion of fan reaction. If you are not a fan, or haven’t read the book, you have no business pontificating on the reactions of those involved. A writer should write what they know, or learn through research, not form blind opinions based on internet comments. Experience the entire series for yourself, then write about your reaction. The fact that the author is a Christina by no means negates the fact that the last installment in her Twilight series was a piece of over hyped trash with enough plot holes in it to leave no place to hide.

260. K | 08.29.08

The fact that the journalist hasn’t read the books makes the article even better. Not having read the books assures the reader of the article that she went into this project unbiased. Both sides of the fence should at least appreciate that fact.

261. Kerrie | 08.29.08

Ok I’m getting really really angry about this so-called “abuse” people are talking about. Edward bruising Bella during sex was NOT abuse for SEVERAL reasons.

Firstly: Bella and Edward made an agreement to TRY and have sex, they knew it would be risky and Bella knew the risks and was completely willing to accept those consequences.

Secondly: Poor Edward was a virgin. He had never had sex with another vampire, never mind a human! so he had NO IDEA what to expect. He didn’t realise he was hurting her, or else he would have stopped of course.
He would never intentionally hurt her and everyone knows that.
He felt absolutley terrible, his exact words were “Do you consider the experiement a success because you can walk away from it?” Edward was annoyed at Bella’s dissregard for her own safety just as much as you guys are.

Thirdly: Bella didn’t feel any pain so therefore its not abuse. Have you guys never gotten a bruise and not known how you got it? That happens to me all the time lol. If Bella had noticed the pain during the sex then she would have told him of course.

It had nothing to do with Edward being abusive, its just stupid Bella, not caring about her own safety as usual. Again, as I keep saying, the characters are flawed and make mistakes, just like real people. That does not meant abuse is ok and I think anyone who thinks that the books are promoting it are just stupid. In fact, Jake’s reaction to Bella having sex on her honeymoon actually proves that Steph was not promoting abuse of any kind. Also the situation cannot be related to real life, as vampires don’t exsist. Bella had CONSENSUAL sex with her HUSBAND, nothing more. Its no-one’s fault that Edward was a virgin and accidently hurt her becausse he didn’t know what to expect.

The books did not promote abuse in any way. When Jake kissed Bella she got really angry at him, and was going to let Edward kick his ***, she wouldn’t talk to Jake for a while either. So its not promoting it in any way what-so-ever. Besides, it was clearly stated that Jake didn’t notice her reisisting. His exact words were “if you hadn’t been screaming I would never have noticed that you had punched me”. So Jake wasn’t being abusive, to him it was just a normal kiss.

As for the imprinting I can sort of understand where people are coming from but I still dissagree, its not creepy or sick at all. Its no worse then an arranged marriage to be honest. Jake and Nessie would be the best friends first and eventually fall in love. Thats all that would happen. And I keep saying that Jakes need to take care of her and keep her happy is much much greater for any need for sex. Thats the whole point of imprinting.

Anyway, I think you guys need to lighten up and realise its a character book, and every character has their own personality flaws and makes mistakes. Steph does not promote these mistakes, she just writes about her characters. There is nothing more to it then that. I feel that any girl who thinks that imprinting is a sexual thing is just naive and stupid and too young to understand what imprinting really is, and i think that any girl who thinks that abuse and control is ok because of these books is also naive and stupid.

262. Monica | 08.29.08

Sun-

The rape is a crime unless you enjoy it was a joke… ha ha. So they had sex multiple times. Since the book is from BELLAS pov we would have definately known if she was unhappy about it. Right? But she wasn’t, she was like a cat licking up cream and completely satisfied. Sheesh who wouldn’t be!! The bruises are collateral, and are in NO way abusive. And um yea if someone grabbed my arm tightly in moments of pssion I’d hardly be complaining. Lol Edward never said to Jacob you can have my wife. I’d like to know where exactly you saw that in the book. Truly I would. If you don’t like the book tough! But keep it to yourself. True fans out there don’t want to hear your continuous whinning.

263. Monica | 08.29.08

oh and btw Kerrie? I agree with you! If you can’t handle this FICTION book maybe you just shouldn’t read it. If you are concerned about what the “young folk” are reading maybe you should be a more watchful parent. Just a thought! Don’t blame other people for your lack in supervision.

264. Jayne1955 | 08.29.08

The ending of the book had nothing to do with me not liking it. I liked the first three for the fluff entertainment that they were. The last one felt completely different to me, and not in a good way. The tone was off, the emotion was not there, the ending was boring, the grammar and spelling mistakes were irritating, as were the continuity errors. In one place Bella makes Charlie pancakes, and in the next paragraph he’s eating cereal. Meyer has two people quoted as speaking in one paragraph. You just do not do that. Why wasn’t this book edited? Afraid of upsetting the cash cow? But most of all, Breaking Dawn really just didn’t fit with the rest of the series for me. What I liked about the other books was not present in this book.

I notice a lof ot people are taking off on the Nessie thing. I didn’t like it either. She’s going to be mature looking when she’s seven years old, and Edward calling Jacob his brother and his son made me want to vomit. I don’t like that.

I’m in the anti-imprinting camp, but that ties into what I liked least of all about the whole series- the loss of free will. You’re supposed to, apparently, come away with the idea that the first person you love is the only person you’ll ever love, so you better hang onto them. If you have to remove a part from their engine, or hold them hostage to keep tabs on them, so be it. After one date, Bella knew she was irrevocably in love with Edward. After one date, she was his life. Jasper takes Alice’s hand, without knowing a thing about her, and he’s bound to her for life. Think Emmett could have walked away from Rose when he woke up changed? Not bloody likely. He knew nothing about her except that she was gorgeous, and he suddenly belonged to her. Even Jake, who talks a good case for choice and free will, loses it and suddenly doesn’t care anymore. That is a bad message, as I see it. Free will is important. And one person shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your life.

265. RT | 08.29.08

I loved Breaking Dawn and the whole Twilight series.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be open to express it.

Whether or not you are able to return a book is purely up to the store in which you bought it from. You generally cannot “use” something and then return it. You made a purchase and no one garanteed you were going to like it. You may however express your displeasure as you wish.

As for typos and grammatical errors. I did not notice them the first time I read the book. I was enjoying the book so much, that it was not important to me. No book will be perfect, no matter how many times it is edited.

Edward/Bella sex- First off I would like to say I thought it was quite honorable that they waited until they were married. Who had a perfect experience their first time? Who has never received some kind of “injury” during sex? And also, since when is sex with vampires “normal”? If it is abuse, then let’s get all those vampires who are out having sex with humans and punish them for their acts…(sarcasm) And for the record, some people bruise easily and it doesn’t hurt everytime they get a bruise. Bella is probably one of those people. Being accident prone myself, I get bruises all the time and don’t have a clue where they came from.

Jacob kissing Bella- this is not something that anyone is supposed to be happy about. You aren’t supposed to like Jacob at this point. However Charlie always wanted Bella to be with Jacob and was hoping she would eventually come around. What parent hasn’t made mistakes before? And who was ready to give Charlie a parent of the year award in the first place?

Bella getting knocked up- Bella never said she didn’t want to have kids. It was assumed. Since when does a 18 year old girl know what she wants? But for most mothers, the love you have for your unborn child outweighs everything else. She didn’t know what she wanted until it happened. I thought my career was the most important thing to me, until I decided to become a mother. Abortion was not an option for her. Edward did not have the same love for the child until he knew Bella would be alright. In an act of desperation to save the one thing he loved most in the world he offers her another option if she wants a child so bad. He is not perfect and she clearly did not accept this offer.

Imprinting- First of all, Renesmee is not a normal child. At 5 months old she is probably more intelligent than most adults I know. So by the time she is 7 years old and fully “muture” it will be physically and mentally. She is not like other kids (her dad is a vampire). So again, if this is a crime, let’s go get all the werewolves that are planning on possibly someday having sex with someone who is too young and arrest them while we are at it? (again, with the sarcasm) And in the animal world age is not as big of an issue as it is with us humans, and imprinting after all is an animal instinct.

If this book gets mothers talking to their daughters about these issues, good. If more parents would talk to their kids about sex and their bodies and love then maybe there wouldn’t be so many teen pregnancies. If we educated our young girls on their bodies and to treat them as something sacred, then maybe abortion wouldn’t have to be such a big issue.

266. RT | 08.29.08

I meant “mature”
Sorry typo

267. uselessa | 08.29.08

firstly.. to anybody whose defense is “stephenie did not or does not promote pedophelia, abuse, abortion.. blah blah..” OF COURSE she is NOT promoting it.. If that was her “intention” promoting those things I do not think that this book would have been published AT ALL. It would not have seen the light of day. But some plots and story line in Breaking Dawn came out THAT way. Meaning situations such as getting bruised while having sex can be misconstrued as an abusive relationship! And please no “but Bella was aware that its a consequence.” Find any domestic violence article and you can easily find this excuse in the first few pages!!!(I know there are other examples that can be cited and I am not repeating them)

Secondly, I think everybody knew before they picked up the book and read the first word that they were reading FICTION! I think everyone is very well aware that vampires and werewolves do not exist. So, obviously no one is making their argument based on a belief that these characters are real!

Thirdly, regarding the article. The title: That vampire book - clearly referring to the Twilight Series and more specifically BD that has been getting mixed reviews. Why specifically cite a single book that she has not read about?

268. B | 08.29.08

Oh, that’s classic. “Inappropriate behavior?” For what, returning a book to the bookstore? Right, because all the fangirl reaction has been *so* appropriate and healthy. Here’s just a sampling: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-turfrcQY-w And let’s not forget the girl who hounded some guy she worked with just because his last name was *Cullen.*

Returning a read book for not liking it is absurd. And just because there are overreactions swinging the other way doesn’t make “your” actions justified. I didn’t say fangirl’s reactions were appropriate and healthy. Did I? Do you have a post from me that says that? No, didn’t think so.

“B, I think you are missing the point. Rioting after a game is obviously wrong. Returning or criticising a book because you don’t think it met the most minimal standards of good writing and editing is perfectly legitimate and is not violence. By the way, most movie theatres will refund your money if you walk out within in the first 20 minutes. There is also a certain factor here in that these books have been marketed to young girls who are apparently acting out some of the unhealthier behaviors in real life. The arts have been extremely influential throughout human history, and readers and viewers are exercising a legitimate right to critique them as they see fit. The “it’s only fiction” argument doesn’t wash. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was fiction, but the book was considered by Abraham Lincoln to have been a critical factor leading to the American Civil War! People absorb messages the most strongly when they respond to them emotionally, thus fiction is extremely powerful - even bad fiction - and deserves to be debated. The debators, however, do not deserve to be put down by people who have not experienced the content.”

The first 20 minutes of the movie. That equates to what? The first chapter of the book? People read the entire book, didn’t like it and want their money back. It’s actually so beyond absurd I can’t believe people are trying to defend it.

In what way was the book marketed to “young” girls? Yes it has a YA rating, the age range is unclear. Whether it was marketed to 5 year olds or 15 year olds it is still a parent’s responsibility to make sure their child reads what THEY think is appropriate. SM can’t be responsible for the ridiculous reactions of someone that reads the book. You wouldn’t sue Hugh Hefner because some 10 year boy looked at his dad’s **** would you? I read the book first and then ALLOWED my teen to read it. Then we discussed it. Btw, remember Flowers in the Attic? I read that when I was in 7th grade and I never wished my brother would have sex with me. Is JK responsible for boys carving lightening bolts into their foreheads with knives? No didn’t think so.

You’re telling me that if you heard about someone that went and say, jumped off the top of a 3 story building because they saw someone on J*ck*ss do it, you couldn’t say how asinine that is? That you would need to actually watch J*ck*ss yourself to know whether that was wrong? Wow…Not only are those that are flying off the handle about BD lost touch with reality, they’ve lost touch with common sense.

269. violett | 08.29.08

“Then, in what seems to me like the ultimate proof that some readers are seriously confusing the confines of a book with the outside world, a number of readers have apparently been demanding their money back. It seems they don’t like the ending. (See Publisher’s Weekly for Sara Nelson’s more solidly-based-in-reality take on this odd phenomenon.)
It’s enough to make one wonder who has the courage to become a bestselling author these days.”

First of all, I’ve reread the comment, but it doesn’t get better with rereading (just as BD ;-))
In the paragraph above it is stated, that readers who want their money back are confusing the confines of a book with the outside world. What is that supposed to mean? Am I confusing the confines of my dinner with the outside world if it was stated ‘mushroom ravioli’ on the menu and lacks of mushrooms and therefore I want my money back?
In the same paragraph it says ‘it seems they don’t like the ending’. I’ve read a lot of comments on several websites and haven’t seen one saying they want their money back, because of the ending. If this were the only reason to return the book it would be ridiculous, but it isn’t (as you can read in the comments above) and therefore no author has to fear to become bestselling. If he/she sticks to the (selfmade) canon of the fictional world, follows a plot and generally follows the advise of more experienced people (read editors).

I’m from Germany (stick all the bad grammar and the misspelling to that) and wasn’t able to get the book on August 2nd, lucky me ;-). Curious as I am I read a lot of spoilers and was shocked at how many of the people I knew as ‘hardcore’ fans, suddenly disliked (if not hated) this book we all waited for for so long. At first I canceled my pre-order and than I thought about all the complaints and read some more. I read some love-postings as well, but just like here the dislike/hate-postings were more substantial. After four days I decided I had to buy the book to be able to have my own opinion.

I’m a sucker for romantic and I think that’s why I loved the series. I knew I would get the wedding, the honeymoon and the changing and I was prepared I would get a ‘Nessie’ (Funny part here is, a friend of mine mentioned at August 1st she had read about a baby and the birth and the imprinting somewhere in the net and I explained to here, why this wasn’t possible and told her not to worry), so I thought I would be ok with the book.
I read till the honeymoon, missed ‘my’ Edward, but thought the tender moments are yet to come. I read about their first morning after and wondered a bit about the bruises all over her, but let it got. Then she realized she was pregnant and I started to think again. How could she get pregnant? All magic venom (or other fluids) aside, how came Edward didn’t use any protection? Didn’t he fear he could accidently change her? I got over that, waiting for the tender moments to come.

I got an Edward, who decided she had to get an abortion without even talking about it with Bella. I got a Bella, who called Rose to build a defence against Edward. And than I got Jacob. I actually liked parts of this book in the book, but I knew there wouldn’t be any tender moments between Bella and Edward from his point of view, so I kind of disliked it from the start. I got some blondie-jokes, some funny headlines and Edward offering Bella to Jacob. As much as the BD-lovers deny this, Edward offered Bella to Jacob and Jacob actually thought about how this sharing Bella would work out. I got a lot of impure thoughts from Jacob about Bella, I got a lot of impossible facts about human biology and I got a horrible birth-scene and through the delivery I got more impure thoughts from Jacob. Than I got a horrible changing. I waited for it for three books and than it was nothing romantic nor decided, it was just rushed and creepy.

And than, just out of the blue Jacob imprinted on Nessie. Leaving all the talk about paedophilia aside (I have to agree it feels creepy) I thinks it’s also creepy that Jacob was full of love (and impure thoughts) for Bella only 10 minutes ago and that - flup - falls out of love and is full into caring for her child. And before some of the ‘imprinting on a baby is cute’-fraction throw stones: I’m a mother and I’m 46 years old, so hold back with the argument I’m to young to get the love in the imprinting. I would never allow an Ex of mine (or in my case an Ex of my boys father) to come near my child with the purpose of having sex with him when he’s grown up, independent from how innocent her feelings for my boy are. Just stay away until he’s grown up and than see what he decides.

About half of the book is over and I’m still waiting for my tender moments. Bella is changing and able to hold back the screaming because of her feelings for Edward, ok, kind of nice. Bella as a vampire is better than any other vampire, because she knew what she did, implausible, but I let it go. Jacob and Rose are bickering about Nessie and Jacob has to decide if Bella is allowed to see her own child (not Edward, no Jacob). Points to the Jacob is a father to Nessie. I got a lot of hints about Bellas and Edwards sex life, but still no tender moments. After the volturi decide to vanish without a fight - again implausible - I get my tender moment: Edward can hear Bellas thoughts and than I got ‘THE END’.

So all I can say is: I am dissapointed. Stephenie Meyer owns this books and she can do whatever she wants with them and her characters and it is fiction and all. BUT I was promised a book about the end of Bellas and Edwards story and all I got was a book about the beginning of Jacob and Nessie. I read three books which made up some rules in this world and I have common knowledge of biologie. I have never ever read a book (and I have read a lot of books) in a series which threw all made-up rules over board and took human biologie with them. I was kind of forwarned about some of the events, but I still thought it would have been explained in a believable way and I would get my tender moments. Nothing at all.

I bought the book with open eyes, so I feel fooled, but it was my own fault. But I absolutly can understand people who feel betrayed and want their money back.

As for the hater/lovers-bashing: If you read the postings carefull you will find that the first bashing started with calling all haters stupid. This is significant for all the boards I’ve read. I (and I think most of the haters/dislikers) would love to love the book. We were prepared to love the book. And all I want to know is why the lovers love the book. Perhaps if I find somebody to explain it proper I could start loving the book too. But all I got is ‘read it again’ (I’m not able to read through the reception), ‘Steph explained it all’ (she said: Buy the compendium it’s all explained there) and ‘it’s fiction, get over it’.

*rambling off*

270. cmar | 08.29.08

We love the Twilight Saga!

271. cmar | 08.29.08

We love the Twilight Saga! Go stephenie

272. jeni-jeni | 08.29.08

Yes, I was shocked to hear that people disliked the last book. VERY shocked.
“Demanding their money back”?! It’s definitely getting out of hand.

273. Amy Dawn | 08.30.08

Okay, I know I’m a little behind on this part, but I have been going through the comments and noticed something no one seemed to mention that makes BD creepier than it was initially —

Every comment I’ve read has stated that Jacob was 16-17 years old. What no one seems to remember, that while, yes, he is a teenager mentally/emotionally, physically, he’s 25 or so. To have someone who is mid twenties in development hanging around a child, giving her goo-goo eyes, and all but saying “this baby is mine once she’s child bearing age” is creepy.

And to add a creepier bit to the history of imprinting — Child bearing age. The only thing that is preventing them wolves from claiming them as mates earlier is the law. In the old days, back when the legends were forming wolves were probably staking claims as soon as their mates were capable of bearing children meaning anywhere as early as 10 or 11, if not earlier considering how lives were possibly considerably shorter.

274. Tom Servo | 08.30.08

Please, please, please, for the love of all that’s holy, stop acting in such a condescending manner toward intelligent readers–who, for the record, have actually READ the book before passing judgment. I read the book. It was a travesty. It wasn’t the “standard teen romance,” “an upstanding religious message,” or even “a triumph of everlasting love.” It was poorly edited, shoddy, and an insult to us fans who have waited so long for the final installment. It glorified teen pregnancy, pedophilia, swinging, and basic stupidity. How does one have the courage to publish a bestselling book when she knows, deep down, that it is substandard? That’s my question.

275. Rissa Cullen (team edward) | 08.30.08

I honestly don’t know how the bloody people can judge Stephanie so harshly, and when people leave comments about how the book is just about; sex, pedophiles, abortion, and bad editing it just breaks my heart knowing how much time Stephanie put into this book. It was an awesome book. I know that there is going to be haters out there for everything that comes out these days. But I have experienced people that passionately hate S.M., the whole Twilight series and all its fans, only because of the genre of the books, the supposed ‘teen cliche’ with a boy that is impossible to get, and the ordinary girl getting the boy. I’m shocked that people rant and rave about something that they truly don’t know what they are talking about.
And the talk of how everyone is putting Stephanie up on a pedastal and worshiping her is very misplaced. How many people actually take the time to even sit down and write a book? How many people would like to do that? What percentage of the people that even have the time to sit down and write a book, and finish that book to a degree? How many people that do finish the book, and have the guts to take it to a publisher? How many people that take a finished copy of their book, and successfully get it published? How many authors out there can make a living off of writing one book? Or get a contract to write several other books? An answer to all of the above questions…VERY BLOODY FEW!!! Trying to make it as a successful author is one of the least paying job/careers out there. Along with several others. Stephanie managed to get her book published and have MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD LOVE HER BOOKS!!! For all the haters and disillusioned critics out there, you try and do all of the things that Stephanie Myer has done. Then you might change your mind. And if you don’t, you are just being stubborn and have a hard freaking heart. I love Stephanie Myer and Twilight will always be awesome, no matter what the haters and critics say. I still hope that Stephanie will continue writing Midnight Sun. There are tons of loyal fans out there including me, that don’t care about some unfinished draft of Midnight Sun. We will support her and whatever descision she makes, even though we want to see Midnight Sun published, for her and the fans of Twilight. Peace out, and go Team Edward!

276. Give me a break | 08.30.08

You have all got to be kidding. So much drama! I liked the book. It was entertaining. If you didn’t like it, fine, you are welcome to your opinion. Really, though, the drama is not necessary. The book is FICTION. As in, not real, didn’t happen, etc.

Honestly, give it up.

277. Shannon | 08.30.08

Hi gang-
Everyone has such strong feelings but what everyone is forgetting is that this is all FICTION!!! This is a teenage, fantacy,romance, drama- SM is not telling our kids what to do or not do- This is not real- it is make believe. Sometimes, Christians we need to see that not every story is ment to have a big life lesson in it. Sometimes it is fun to have a little escape and enjoy a story- Imprinting, Romance, Obsessive Love, nothing more- I am responsible for teaching the values of my teenage children not books, not authors. Some of you are acting like BD is the moral compus of the family and not a small work of fiction- Enjoy the story- don’t let if guide your life choices and move on for god’s sake-

278. Anfalas | 08.30.08

To those defending Edward for bruising Bella during sex -

While this is problematical in its own right, there’s a larger context that hasn’t really been talked about on this forum, as far as I can see, which is that the Edward/Bella relationship is abusive from long before ‘BD’.

I get what some of you are saying about fiction dealing with a multiplicity of issues. I also understand what you are saying about characters making mistakes, and the fact that some people learn from these, and some don’t. In this series, however, it seems that the central message is that obsession is perfectly acceptable, as long as the object of your obsession (identified in this series as love) is hot. If the same thing were written with anything approaching a sense of irony or self-awareness, I would think it done purposely. Unfortunately it is not.

That is why I am distressed about the message this is sending out to the young adult audience. The relationship is abusive, measured on any objective terms. If the Edward/Bella relationship were not presented as an acme of romance, and evidently accepted as such by far more than the target young adult audience, I wouldn’t be so worried.

279. assuit | 08.30.08

Im glad Stephenie is writing the stories she wants to tell. Readers can either buy it or not. For some authors who are spotty in terms of novel quality I often get the books from the library and then if I like them, buy them. It works out well.

I loved Breaking Dawn. It wasn’t the story I expected and I believe she could have done it better but its still a good story.

280. Edna N. | 08.30.08

I expected Breaking Dawn to be Stephanie’s ending to the Twilight series without influence from her fans. I think it’s great that so many different people are voicing their opinions wether they’re good or bad. No author can please everyone. I loved Breaking Dawn even though there was typos in it.

Stephanie said in an interview that Breaking Dawn was written for the sole purpose of bringing Renesmee to life and to tie up lose ends. The ending was supposed to be a court scene and not a fight scene.

I think readers who either loved or hated this book are entitled to their opinions without judgement.

281. Esme echo | 08.30.08

Sorry–I could only dig through about the first fifty of these comments. When they all started sounding like the previous posts, I skipped to the end. I don’t have time or inclination to read 264 posts repeating the same arguments.

For the record, I LOVED Breaking Dawn. I’ve read it four times, and enjoyed it each time. I am sorry that so many people have been offended; but I’ve noticed that those who have been offended consistently put the very worst possible construction or interpretation on the elements of the book they dislike.

Also for the record, I would not recommend this book for a younger teen. I am surprised, however, that with the amount of true trash on the YA bookshelves this book is taking such a hit. (Not to mention the influence of typical PG-13 movies that are completely morally reprehensible!) I guess I will amend my recommendation, and say I would not recommend this book to anyone who does not have a firm grasp on the difference between a fantasy world and the real world.

If young girls are confusing reality and the messages in this fantasy book, perhaps their mothers need to spend some quality time with them to discuss those issues.

282. Monica | 08.31.08

I would take imprinting over free will anyday. At least you know with imprinting its not a mistake. Free will makes you do some stupid things (falling in love with someone you shouldn’t be with etc.) And for the exception of the wolves all other characters had free will. Edward/Bella, Rose/Em and Jazz/Alice all decided to be with that other person. Oh and you dont think that MAYBE Em fell in love with Rose because she saved his life and took care of him while he lay DYING! No…. I guess that has nothing to do with it.

And if all you have to complain about the book is writing errors, then theres really nothing wrong with the book. The book is a work of human beings, humans MAKE mistakes!!!! Get over yourselves. If you can do better GO AND DO SO!!

283. jay | 08.31.08

I love Stephenie Meyer, and I love the Twilight Series, even Breaking Dawn. It’s fiction only. Geez, if you don’t like it, FINE. If you like it, that’s okay, too. We’re all entitled to our opinions, but PLEASE, do not degrade Stephenie. That’s disrespectful… after all, she wrote what pleases her. She wasn’t trying to please everyone.

I think TRUE Twilight fans would still stand by her, and be open-minded about BD. It is a lot to take at first, but I got used to it after the second time I read it.

284. JP | 09.01.08

It is ok to not like the book, but you don’t have to go on a website and try and push your ideas on everyone. Everyone takes things in different ways, so one person may think the book was wonderful and could read it over and over, while another person may find it ridiculous, disgusting, and not worth the money they paid for it. I will say this much though, it is a fictional book and i really don’t think that it was meant to be taken as something that is harmful or hurtful. I also don’t beleive that SM meant for the fact of abortion, abuse,etc. to be what jumped out to everyone. I will also say that I am a big fan of SM, and I loved all the book, and no it is not because I am a weirdo or find the things you have complained on funny. I like the main story behind it all, and I am sorry to those of you who feel that it was a dumb book. Please do not feel that I am pushing these ideas onto anyone, these are just my thoughts and I am sorry if it does sound like I am pushy.

285. Adrian | 09.10.08

I returned BD and spent my $25 on sushi grade salmon - I wish I could return the other 3 but unfortunately it is too late for that - I will trash them together with any further thought of this very ****** writer

286. Amanda | 09.14.08

I’ve read through many of these comments and I just wanted to say a couple of things. I agree with many of these view points. I too loved the first three books but was not ecstatic about the fourth. There were many situations in the book that were too over the top for me. I enjoy fantasy very much, especially epic fantasy, so I understand that situations will be unbelievable. I agree that this book was not what I was expecting.

I do agree, however, with the author of the blog that a book that has been purchased should not be returned simply because the reader did not like it, no matter what part of it was unsatisfactory. Yes, I understand that if you purchase a TV and are unhappy with it’s performance you return it, but that is a very different situation. If you dislike the TV you purchase another, most likely very similar,model. Once you have read a book, or watched a movie for that matter, you cannot return the fact that you have read it. If you wanted the option to return the book you should have waited for the copy at the library to come available. What is to stop people who are impatient from waiting for the library’s copy from purchasing a book from a bookstore, reading it and returning it, even if they did enjoy the book? Who is to judge when returning a book if the reader enjoyed it or was dissatisfied? Something that subjective cannot be used as a reason to return a book or movie.

Now if the reader had begun reading and noticed that chapters 11-25 were missing, that is another matter entirely. Then there is truly something defective about the book and it deserves to be returned and replaced with another copy.

In the end, the reader cannot get the time back that was “wasted” reading the book but that is not the author’s, nor the publisher’s fault. No one forced anyone to read the book. It was the reader who made the decision to purchase and read the book. Since you can return a copy of the book but not the story that will forever be in your memory you are not completely returning the book. Because an author sells more than just a book, the author sells a story and that can never be truly returned. If the customer is not returning the full merchandise than the money should not be given back.

To me, this is equivalent of someone purchasing a TV for a weekend to watch a football game and then returning it on Monday or a purchasing a nice dress to wear to a dance and then returning it afterwards. It is very different from purchasing a dress and then finding it is ripped and returning it for another dress or even finding one that you like better and returning the first.

As a reader, I almost always purchase books instead of renting them from the library. I do this because I enjoy reading. I have read many books that I did not enjoy and now own. It never even crossed my mind to return these books simply because I was unhappy with the editing, story, ending, etc.

287. Amanda | 09.14.08

And to add one more point to comment on the people who said they returned the books because it was not what they were promised. If you had purchased a brand new, high def., 50 inch plasma TV because it was advertised as great to watch a football game on and then, after watching a game, decided that it wasn’t what you were expecting and that it was false advertising, you would not be able to return it for your money back because you wasted you time and money watching a game on a TV that was not what it was promised to be. The TV itself was not defective; it worked as promised by showing you a football game in high definition programming just as Breaking Dawn was a story that ended the Twilight series. Subjective opinions do not warrant the ability to take a book back. It delivered a story as promised. If you wanted the option to return it, you should have checked it out at the library.

288. Lily | 11.19.08

Wow. It seems people are pretty up in arms about this book.

While reading these comments, I was… shocked, I guess. All of the things that people didn’t like about the book [Jacob imprinting, abusive sex, abortion] weren’t things I had noticed at all. I was really confused until I read other comments where people explained what exactly in the book showed those things.

What I don’t think people understand is the fantasy element of this. I think they’re taking it wayy to literally.

First off, with the whole “marrying young” thing: Bella married young because she wanted to stay as close in age to Edward as possible. She also wanted him to change him herself, but he wanted to get married first. I don’t see anything wrong in that.

Secondly, the skipping college thing: Bella was going to be a vampire. Vampire, for goodness sake. She’s going to live forever. I think holding off college for just a little while doesn’t really matter when you have centuries to learn.

Third, about the abusive sex/abortion: Edward is a vampire. That does involve some unusual things, such as super-human strength. If Edward accidentally hurts Bella and then hates himself for it, does that make him an abuser? If I grab my little sister’s arm a little to hard and she says ow, am I an abuser? No. And if you are pregnant with a baby that you love more than anything, are you going to kill it? Especially if you think that there’s a good chance you both can survive? Similarly, if someone you love is dying because of you, wouldn’t you put them over anything else? I think Edward had a perfectly valid reason for wanting to get rid of the baby and even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t freak out because hey, maybe this is a fantasy book. Maybe none of this matters.

Also, Jacob’s imprinting and the “OMG he gave her a promise ring!!”: …? Pedophile. Really? You read that and the first thing you think is pedophile? What? I don’t really think that makes sense. Now, after thinking a lot about it, I can see why you’d come to that conclusion, but still. Promise rings mean you promise yourself to another person. That doesn’t necessarily mean sex or marriage or anything more than a platonic relationship. I wouldn’t really compare imprinting to a brother/sister relationship, more to a friend/friend relationship. But still, it’s obviously different from what you’re used to because it’s about werewolves. I’m almost positive no one here has ever met/dealed with a werewolf.

Like Esme echo said, the main problems people have with the story are when they take it in the worst possible way. I’m sure SM never thought “Hey, I’m going to put stuff in my book about pedophiles and and abusive sex and abortion!!” It’s a book.

289. John | 12.16.08

The vampire romance has been done many times. This is just another take. For something different, I recently read a book called “Wolferain and the Vampires of Congo” which explored a new direction with vampires. What would happen if a vampire bit a gorilla or monkey? And how would new breeds affect the equilibrium of the jungle? The book is as much about the character Wolferain as it is the vampire Daemon Drago. It’s an interesting read and adds new dimensions to the vampire mythology.

290. jennie | 01.25.09

you guys need to stop messing with kerrie. imprinting is not sick jacob is not sick[though he is very annoying in the 3rd book]jacob is not thinking of being intament with her he just wants her to be happy but she will never leave him because thy are to haves of a hole if you dont like the dont let you ur kids read it its just a story.think of it this way would you not want to be intament with your spouse. and she wont say no because she love him to .but he is not thinkin of that now because she is a little girl .do really think that edward would let him live if he thought like that . if you really understood the characters then the answer would be no.so leave her alone

291. Other | 06.12.09

“jennie”… you are about four months too late to the conversation. They left off responding–rationally– to the rather non-rational kerrie months ago.

…Wait, now *I’m* responding to *you* months too late. Hypocrisy!

*wanders off to find a drink*

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