Mondays Bite: Twilight Discussion *FINALE* Ch 21-24 + Epilogue

Well, we made it to the final chapters of Twilight!  Last week The Reading Housewives proposed 5 closing questions to conclude this read along.  I will be answering them here, as well as providing the link up for every one's posts below.

Thank you to those who have participated with us over the last few weeks.  I have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Twilight with all of you.  HUGE thank you to Lisa, Jacinda, Jasmine, & Yani for helping in putting this together with me.  I never could have done it without you fabulous ladies.

At this time I will not be hosting a continuation of the series.  I do appreciate those who have enjoyed our read along, and I encourage you to finish the series on your own.  I am always up for a book chat via twitter, so hit me up any time! 

1. In chapter 21 James calls Bella telling her he has her mother and the only way he won't kill her is if Bella comes alone. What would you do in that situation? Come alone or tell Alice and Jasper?

- This is when I am screaming at Bella, gripping the pages, and calling her an idiot!  Sorry, but it's true.  Knowing the dangers of the situation and understanding that I can't exactly call the cops if things got a little crazy - I would TOTALLY have let Jasper and Alice in on what was going down.  As much as I love my family, I know that I am no match for a blood-sucking vampire who is out to kill me.  Come on Bella.  Use your head.

2. Was everyone else as shocked as I was when I first found out about the Alice/James situation? Do you think this adds to the story line or was it not needed? Why do you think they choose not to include these details in the movie?

-To be honest, I totally forgot about this aspect of the story.  So for it to be left out of the movie, I don't see that it did any harm.  I wonder why though?  Perhaps it was just added information that clouded the story line.  The movie version of Twilight centered heavily around Bella and Edward.  They did not focus much on other characters in the story.  That may be a reason why it wasn't mentioned.

3. Edward had to do something extremely difficult in order to save Bella from becoming a vampire. Have you ever had a similar situation in your life where you had to push your will power to its limits?

- I think we've all been in situations before that tested our will power.  But not every one has gone to the extreme of life or death.  For me personally, I've been put in to a situation where I had to let go of someone very dear to me.  I knew ultimately the outcome was out of my hands, but mentally and emotionally I had to deal with the aftermath.  Some times we have to put aside our selfish wants & needs, and make a decision that is never easy.

4. Bella and Edward get into the "to change Bella or not to change Bella" argument in the hospital. If you were Bella, would you want to become a vampire? Why or why not?

- As deep in love as Bella is with Edward at this point, I totally understand her want to be changed.  Bella's life will never be the same, knowing what she does about the Cullens and the world vampires.  She also understands the complications that will keep occurring the longer she remains human.  Her want to sacrifice every thing for the man she loves is timeless.  Though I have yet to experience that sort of love, I can't say I totally understand her reasoning for it.  But I've seen true love like this exist and I know how powerful it can be.

5. Twilight ends with everyone going to the prom. Did you go to your prom? Was your experience similar to Bella's? Feel free to include pictures!!

- Oh yes I went to the prom!  Our high school rented the ballroom at an upscale hotel downtown.  The trend was to rent a limo with a group of your friends, go to dinner, and then show up at the prom a few hours late.  My date was a good friend of mine who was a year younger than me.  I took him because he hung out with my group of friends too and I wanted him to be included as well.  I loved my dress so, so much.  It was purple (my favorite color) and I felt like a princess wearing it.  The actual prom itself was a bit dull.  There was group dancing on the dance floor and the occasional slow dances in between.  After wards my high school hosted a thing called Project Prom that was for every one to attend after hours, and keep us "off the streets".  It was held at a local amusement park/game type place.  I remember bowling, roller skating, put-put golfing, and even singing karaoke until 5 in the morning! haha   It was definitely a fun night for me.

EXTRA: So, it's over...Final thoughts?

Like I said before, I really enjoyed reading this along with every one else.  The best part about this read along has been sharing my thoughts & opinions as the story continued.  The first time I read Twilight I read it by myself.  I didn't have many bookish friends to talk about it with and I hadn't found book blogs yet, either.  So this has been a pleasure for me being able to discuss it with others.

Since I know how the story ends up, my feelings were a bit jaded through out.  I wasn't as eager to flip the pages and find out what happens next since I already knew.  I do miss that first time reading feeling.  Edward was my first literary love.  And you never forget your firsts, right?

Mondays Bite: Twilight Discussion Answers Ch. 16-20

Moving right along in the Twilight read along, Yani from The Secret Life of an Avid Reader asked some interesting questions last week for chapters 16-20.  I loved her style & these questions definitely got me thinking more about this book that I have come to fall in love with yet again.  Below you will find my answers to them.

This week the read along is re-visiting The Reading Housewives blog, where they are answering Yani's questions as well & proposing new questions for the final chapters of Twilight.  Be sure to stop by & link up your post!

1. {SERIOUS question} If you were in Carlisle's position, do you think you would have been able to fight off your vampiric urges? Would you ever bring someone into that life, as he did with Edward and Esme?

- I always found Carlisle's character interesting and how he began the Cullen family.  I admire him for choosing to turn humans who had no other way out, but deserved so much more.  I am not sure I could have made that decision.  He's had a long time to control his vampiric urges and learn to adapt in the human world.  I understand his need to find a companion, so that he wasn't so lonesome.

2. {FUN question} We are introduced to Edward's playful side in these chapters, before he gets all manic about the new vampires, I think we have a better picture of who he is. If you had to describe him in 5 words, what would they be? Good and Bad qualities, whatever you like!

- Sexy, Observant, Protective, Intoxicating, Careful

3. {LONG question} While re-reading I have been taking notes: observations that I have come across re-reading and comparisons to the movie. One of my notes deals with page 383, in which Edward screams at Alice there is no other option. The first time around I didn't get that he meant the future that Alice saw for Bella as a vampire (because we obviously hadn't gotten to that part), but now that I know the whole story I see that is what he meant... Has this happened to you? Do you have any examples of things that are clearer now or things that you have realized while re-reading? 

- The subtle warnings from Billy, Jacob's dad, to Bella about Edward threw me off a bit the first time I read the book.  Obviously I had a good feeling why he kept making these warnings to Bella, but it wasn't until the story got deeper in the following books, that I really understood Billy's precautions.

4. {PERSONAL question} We haven't talked about this yet, but I think the idea of your human gifts amplifying in your vampire life is interesting (Jasper's control of emotions, Edward's mind reading), what do you think your gifts would be?

- I think my gift would be something a long the lines of dealing with your emotions.  When an emergency happens, or something chaotic erupts, I have the ability to stay calm and assess the situation before reacting.  It's an inner strength that I value in myself and wasn't aware of until recently.  I can stress and freak out just like any one else, but for whatever reason I have the ability in helping to calm others.

5. {SURVEY question} We are coming to the end of the book, what has been your opinion on this re-read? First, when was the last time you read it? Second, do you feel you like it more, the same, or less this time around?

- Not to be biased, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this re-read :-)  I've been wanting to revisit Twilight for such a long time now & I am happy that this read along gave me an excuse to.  I'm a pretty busy book blogger these days, so I don't always get the opportunity to read some of my past loves.  However, I refuse to treat this hobby as something that I have to do, and will always make time for the things I want to do.  It's been 3 years since I last read Twilight and my love for it is still there.  I think it always will be.  Since it's the book that got me so hooked to reading YA, and then creating this blog as a result, Twilight will always hold a special place in my heart.  This book is sort of like my first baby.  There will never be anything else like it, and no matter how much time goes by, I will always love it! (I know that was cheesy! haha)

Mondays Bite: Twilight Discussion Answers Ch. 11-15

We are half way through reading TWILIGHT and things are getting exciting!!  Are you following along with us?  If not, there's still time to catch up.

Last week The Reading Housewives proposed five new questions for chapters 11-15.  This week Yani from The Secret Life of an Avid Reader is answering those questions, as well as throwing out five new questions for chapters 16-20 on her blog.  Be sure to check it out & link up your post!

1. Do you think the name "Twilight" for this book is fitting with the story? Do you think a better name could have been chosen? What about the series and the names as a whole?

- The definition of twi·light states: A period or state of obscurity, ambiguity, or gradual decline.  I think the title is very fitting because it represents a time period where one must make a choice.  The end of something is coming to a close, and the beginning of something much grander is about to occur.  The title sets the scene for that in between moment.  As the series progresses, I think the title of each book is appropriate as well.  New phases, bringing about more obscurity, and finalizing with a new beginning being born.

2. On this re-read, what’s your favorite part of the book? Is it the vampires, setting, plot, characters, Edward, or something else? 

- An advantage I now have re-reading the book is that since I've seen the movie, I have a better picture in my mind of what Forks looks like.  I had an idea before, but it makes it more real after witnessing it on the big screen.  Stephenie Meyer did her research well when choosing a setting for this story.  From the lush green landscape, to the misty air, every bit pulls the reader in to this world full of mystery & intrigue.  What may look like small-town America is actually the canvas for some pretty epic events.  The redwood forest that blankets the state of Washington is so dominant in this story that it could be a character of it's own.  With out it, we wouldn't have the Cullens here.  And with out them, Bella would just be an awkward teenage girl living a dull life with her distant father Charlie.  Who wants to read about that??

3. Edward shows his stalkerish/controlling tendencies during these chapters for the first time (at least Bella is aware), did this bother you the first time you read Twilight? Does it bother you now that you’re re-reading it? Should Bella be more worried about it?

- The very first time I read Twilight, I did so on my own.  I hadn't heard of book blogs, I wasn't reviewing it, and I barely had any friends who liked to discuss books either.  With my own thoughts, I wasn't persuaded by anything.  I fell in love with Edward and adored everything about him.  It wasn't until I finished reading the series that I started searching the internet for people's opinions.  Immediately I was taken back by all the comments made on behalf of Edward and his "controlling ways".  It shocked me because I had never thought that way while reading it.  Call me crazy, but this girl was just as head over heels in love with Edward as Bella was!

4. Do you find yourself, during or after reading another paranormal/supernatural book, comparing it to Twilight? If you do, why do you think that is? Is it because it’s popular or because it’s just a book that makes an impact?

- To be honest, it bugs me when books are compared to Twilight.  I remember seeing a blurb on the cover of Gayle Forman's If I Stay suggesting readers of Twilight would like this book.  Um what?!  They are two totally different books!  I think publishers know they can get someone's attention by attaching Twilight to the name of it.  However, I don't always agree with this.  Let a book speak for itself. I do have a tendency to compare vampire books to Twilight, though.  I mean how can you not?!

5. Bella is introduced to the Cullen Family in chapter 15, who is your favorite Cullen and why?

- In the book I really liked Alice.  I think her character was a nice touch for Bella.  She was lacking in the girl friend/sisterly love.  However the movie version of Alice?  Can't stand her.  If you're noticing a trend, I can't stand a lot of the actors for the movie (just FYI).  Even though Alice could predict her relationship with Bella, she still came across genuine.  

Mondays Bite: Twilight Discussion Answers Ch. 6-10

Last Monday we bit right in to Twilight with the first five chapters.  This week the read along continues with chapters 6-10.  The Reading Housewives of Indiana will be answering Lisa's discussion questions from chapters 6-10, as well as proposing new questions for chapters 11-20.  Be sure to check out her blog for all that fun stuff!

Below are my answers for chapters 6-10 discussion questions.  I will be answering each week, as well as guiding you to the next blog stop for this read along!  Make sure you link up at The Reading Housewives of Indiana for this week's discussion post!

1. Because we have to talk about it sometime - are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Does that impact how you re-read the book?

- TEAM EDWARD ALL THE WAY!!! Even before the movie was cast, and the delicious Robert Pattinson was picked for the part, I was on Edward's team. I tend to fall for the guy who makes things difficult. I never want the protagonist to choose the easy, safe option. Going for the "bad guy", no matter how bad he may be, has always been my calling in the literary world. Edward has a soft side to his badness too, though. He's beautiful, he's strong, and he has the ability to make Bella's heart skip a beat when he enters the room. THAT guy is my kind of guy.

2. Bella spends a lot of her time by herself in her room when she's not at school. What do you think this says about her as a character? Can you relate to her introverted nature?

- Stephenie Meyer did a good job of explaining why Bella feels the need to take care of herself and not rely on other people. A lot of that results in her spending time alone, in her room, with her own thoughts. Bella is portrayed as someone who values her individual space. She's not one to be the social butterfly of a party, and she's OK with that. I think that is what is so intriguing about her. If the story was not told from her perspective, we'd wonder A LOT about what's going on inside her head. Sort of like Edward does. I can understand and appreciate Bella's want to be alone. As much as I like to be around others, I also value the importance of having time for just me. I need a quiet space to figure out my thoughts sometimes, too.

3. Probably my favorite chapter of the entire book, chapter eight brings us dress shopping, nearly getting assaulted, and then wraps up nicely with a quaint dinner and confession time. In this we see the blend of typical teenage existence starting to get tainted by the paranormal world. If given the choice right then, would you push to know more about the paranormal, or bury your head in the sand and live the teenage dream?

- I honestly don't know how I'd react if there were obvious clues being dropped in front of me about a possible vampire that I am currently falling head over heels for.  It sounds exciting though, right?  I think the true me would be way more freaked out.

4. Already, it's pretty clear that Bella is falling for Edward. Is this happening too quickly to be plausible, or is it totally reasonable to you? What about Edward do you find to be swoonworthy at this point?

- One of the joys of the teenage heart is how uncomplicated it works some times.  When you're young, you're more carefree and open to love.  As we grow older, we become more jaded and cautious with our hearts.  I believe Bella is doing what every teenage girl does, falls madly in love with the boy who takes her breath away.  Is it to the extreme sometimes? Probably just a bit.  But that's what makes this story so good!  I love how gentlemanly Edward is.  His manners from another time are represented well, which is another reason why I think he stands out so much to Bella.

5. Jessica has to forcibly remove all of the details on what's going on from Bella, but through that we learn more about how she's feeling and how she's falling for Edward already. If you were in Jessica's shoes, what would you say to Bella?

- From the outsider's perspective, who has no clue about Edward being a vampire, I can see how Bella & Edward's new-found relationship may look a bit twisted.  He is constantly around "protecting" her.  To Jessica, this may seem controlling and not exactly healthy.  A true friend would step in and voice their concerns.  I love how self-centered Jessica is though.  She's not your typical best friend, there's always a motive of "what's in it for her?", therefore keeping her a bit blinded by what the truth really is.

Mondays Bite: Twilight Discussion Answers Ch. 1-5

Last Monday kicked off the Twilight re-read along & I proposed 5 questions on the blog for every one to think about as they read the first 5 chapters. 

This week the re-read along continues at Lisa's blog where she will answer my 5 questions and propose new questions for chapters 6-10.  Be sure to visit her blog for that good stuff, as well as the option to link up your blog post for chapters 1-5 discussion answers.

I will be participating each Monday, here on my blog, with my own answers to the discussion questions.  I'll also be guiding you to each blog that is hosting the new chapter discussion questions.  So check back each Monday for that!  Below are my answers to chapters 1-5.  Don't forget to visit Lisa's blog for her answers as well as the new questions for chapters 6-10.

1. Have you ever had to start over in a new place, like Bella did in Forks? This new place could be a job, school, or town. How easy or difficult was this for you?

- As boring as it sounds, I've lived in the same city my whole life.  I did venture away to college for a few years when I was 18 though.  I hated the small town aspect and quickly returned home after 2 years.  I've had numerous jobs in my adult life, and with each one comes that "first day of school" syndrome.  The not knowing where to sit at lunch and who to talk to.  It's always nerve-racking, but eventually I over come it.  I'm a pretty sociable person, and even though I can be nervous just like the next guy, I try to tell myself that every one goes through this at some point in their lives.

2. Do you picture the actors from the movie as the characters in the book?

- I had a VERY difficult time with this.  I kept imagining the scenes in the movie as I read each chapter.  I finally forced myself to stop doing this.  I enjoyed the books much, much more than the movies.  Re-reading Twilight is giving me a chance to remember what I fell in love with first.  I don't want to picture Kristen Stewart as Bella.  She seriously gets on my nerves and I think she's a terrible pick for Bella Swan.  I want my mind to remember the original Bella Swan I met, 3 years ago, the first time I read this book before the movie was out.

3. What are your first thoughts on meeting Edward in Bella’s Biology class? At first he was annoyed by her presence, but then after a week away he returns & finds him self very interested in her. Do you think this helped or hindered the storyline?

- Edward's ability to be so standoffish in the beginning definitely intrigues Bella more, and I can see why this would be important for the story.  There is this beautiful creature that is suddenly in her life pulling her towards him for reasons unknown.  I think it's good that Stephenie Meyer expressed Edward's need to stay away in the beginning.  However, I felt like his attempt at giving up came very sudden.  One day he was cold and the next, instantly hot.  Since I've read the series I understand why he is this way, but for first time readers it may be confusing.

4. Out of the secondary characters Bella meets at school, who is your favorite and why? (I am referring to the humans, not the vampires in this question)

- Mike Newton.  His fawning all over Bella made me giggle.  The poor boy wants to date her so bad, yet she has no interest in him what so ever.  He never gives up though!

5. There is a lot of dialogue between Edward and Bella in these first few chapters that I feel played a major role in developing their relationship. What are some of your favorite quotes? or moments?

"I was in disbelief that I’d just explained my dreary life to this bizarre, beautiful boy who may or may not despise me." - Bella, Ch. 2

"That was the first night I dreamed of Edward Cullen." - Bella, Ch. 3

"I sighed and opened my eyes. And Edward was staring at me curiously, that same, familiar edge of frustration even more distinct now in his black eyes." - Bella, Ch. 4

"Bella, it’s not my fault if you are exceptionally unobservant." - Edward, Ch. 4

"Stupid, shiny Volvo owner." - Bella, Ch. 4

"I said it would be better if we weren’t friends, not that I didn’t want to be.... It would be more… prudent for you not to be my friend. But I’m tired of trying to stay away from you, Bella." - Edward, Ch. 4

Mondays Bite: Twilight Re-Read Along

TWILIGHT Ch. 1-5

Chapter 1: First Sight
Chapter 2: Open Book
Chapter 3: Phenomenom
Chapter 4: Invitations
Chapter 5: Blood Type

Welcome to the Twilight Re-Read Along!  I am very excited to be hosting this event along with Yani, Jacinda, Jasmine, & Lisa.  I hope you all have a copy of Twilight to read along with us so that you can revisit Forks and the world of Bella & Edward that Stephenie Meyer has created.

This week's reading will cover chapters 1-5. The discussion questions for those chapters are posted below.  Please spend the week reading and thinking about your answers.  The discussion question answers for chapters 1-5 will be posted NEXT Monday, July 4th at Lisa's blog.  A link-up will be provided so that you may link-up your answers from your blog, the same day.  The discussion questions for the following chapters will be posted on Lisa's blog as well.  If you have questions about this read along, please ask any one of us!

Let's get started.... I had a lot of fun going back to how it all started.  It's been 3 years for me since I read Twilight, and I didn't realize how much I had forgotten!  Please think about the questions below as you read the first 5 chapters and be prepared to answer them next Monday.

1. Have you ever had to start over in a new place, like Bella did in Forks? This new place could be a school, job, or town... just something with a new setting. How easy or difficult was this for you?

2. Do you picture the actors from the movie as the characters in the book while you are reading?

3. What are your first thoughts on meeting Edward in Bella’s Biology class? At first he was annoyed by her presence, but then after a week away he returns & finds him self very interested in her. Do you think this helped or hindered the storyline?

4. Out of the secondary characters Bella meets at school, who is your favorite and why? (I am referring to the humans, not the vampires in this question)

5. There is a lot of dialogue between Edward and Bella in these first few chapters that I feel played a major role in developing their relationship. What are some of your favorite quotes? or moments?

Remember the answers will be posted on Lisa's blog NEXT Monday!  If you have not already signed up, but want to read along with us - please do so here.

Happy Reading!!

Mondays Bite: Twilight Re-Read Along!

Raise your hand if you've heard of a little known book about a vampire clan in Forks, Washington.  What about a forbidden love between a girl named Bella and her soul-less boyfriend Edward?  If you have no idea what I am talking about, then you must be living under a rock! 

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight took the world by storm over 5 years ago and it hasn't let up since.  I know for me personally, Twilight is the reason I started reading young adult fiction. It then catapulted my desire to read more & more YA, which finally resulted in to this blog.  Like so many out there, my love for this book has never faltered.  It's been 3 years since I have visited Bella, Edward, & Jacob in Forks - but starting June 27th I plan to take a trip back!  Will you join me?

With the help of my blogger friends, we have put together a re-read along for Stephenie Meyer's first book in the series, Twilight.  The read along will officially kick off on June 27th & continue through August 1st.  The read along will be broken down to 5 chapters per week.  Each Monday we will propose questions to be answerd for those particular chapters being read that week.  Then the following Monday, the answers will be posted on the coordinating blog along with new questions for the next chapters.  We encourage those who are participating to post your discussion answers on your own blogs that week as well!  A link-up will be provided each week so that everyone can participate & view others responses.

Below is the schedule for the Twilight re-read along.  If you have any questions about this read along, feel free to contact myself or any of the bloggers hosting it with me.  We want as many participants as possible!  So make sure you spread the word.  Get ready to be bitten & sucked back in on June 27th!

Schedule:

Monday, June 27: GReads! -
Reading & Questions Post for Ch. 1-5

Monday, July 4: Lisa the Nerd -
Discussion/Answers Post for Ch. 1-5
Reading & Questions Post for Ch. 6-10

Monday, July 11: The Reading Housewives -
Discussion/Answers Post for Ch. 6-10
Reading & Questions Post for Ch. 11-15

Monday, July 18: Secret Life of an Avid Reader -
Discussion/Answers Post for Ch. 11-15
Reading & Questions Post for Ch. 16-20

Monday, July 25: The Reading Housewives -
Discussion/Answers Post for Ch. 16-20
Reading & Questions Post for Ch. 21-24 + epilogue

Monday, August 1: GReads! -
Discussion/Answers Post for Ch. 21-24 + epilogue
Wrap up & Finale

Please sign-up below if you'd like to participate in the Twilight Re-Read Along!

Calling all Twi-hards!

Who is getting their hands on this at midnight, TONIGHT!???

Because I am lame & can't force myself to stay awake that late anymore, unless alcohol & friends are involved (which I don't think I should be drinking at a Twilight midnight release party lol!) - I will not be purchasing my copy at midnight.  However - you will see me at Target (or maybe Walmart? haven't decided yet) the following day!  I am very eager to watch this movie again because for 1.) it's my favorite book of the series & 2.) I only got to see it ONCE in the theaters! - I know, can you believe that?! craziness.  So yes, I may be watching this movie a few times before the weekend ends.

I'm curious - are you a Twilight fan? when did you first read the books? before or after the movie came out? Which is your favorite of the series? and of course - will you be purchasing Eclipse the DVD???