I ADORED the Harry Potter series. I have read the entire thing at least three times and when I think about the fact that there will never be another book it makes me really sad, I’m very excited for the movies though. I was told that Twilight was like Harry Potter, so I thought I’d give it a try. I hated it.
I might get some flak for this, but I’m going to put it out there anyways. Eric and I went to Walmart the other day and on the front door was a notice that said, “We will be open until midnight on March __ for the release of the Twilight DVD.”
It reminded me just how much I DESPISED that movie and book.
I know there are hordes of Twilight lovers out there, but I honestly could not stand that book. I couldn’t even get through the first 100 pages, it was that terrible.
Here’s my reasons.
-I saw the movie before reading the book. I know, big mistake, but Eric wanted to see it (not kidding). I’m not a big fan of love movies as it is but I thought the movie was terrible. I hated the actors they chose to play the characters. I thought Bella was a terrible actress and Edward? GAG ME. Seriously, what’s with his dark, bushy eyebrows? There way to dark for his pale face!
-I found the writing to be incredibly immature, the sentences were choppy and there was almost too much description of silly things.
OK, OK, I’m ready for you guy’s to attack me now! Maybe I should have given the book a chance past the first 100 pages but I just could not continue reading, I felt too bored and annoyed by the characters. Seeing the movie first may have been a mistake because I had the characters set in my head.
Oh, and by the way, Eric liked the movie and he even bought the second Twilight book and covered it with white paper so people wouldn’t be able to tell what he’s reading! He still hasn’t finished it though and he bought it about two months ago. He’s a slow reader.
Are you a Twilight lover or hater? Why? Will you be lining up at Walmart at midnight when the DVD is released?
PS: I’m waiting to hear back from an internship position that I want REALLY bad, so even if you hate me after this post please cross your fingers, knock on wood, throw salt over your shoulder and send good thoughts my way! Thanks! 
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
i’ve actually never read or seen the movie! but i’d heard so many wonderful reviews i was thinking about getting the book. ij ust don’t think i’m into vampire stories. i think yours is the first negative review i’ve heard, good for you for speaking your mind!
I was actually just thinking about you yesterday & wondering if you had landed an internship yet (yes, I think about my 'blog friends'). Good luck! It will feel so good to have that solidified! Keep us posted!
I read the first 3 books, and have the 4th but haven't started it yet. The books were entertaining, I'm not obsessed w/ them, and they certainly don't compare to HP. I haven't seen the movie & doubt I will. I agree – Edward looks downright creepy. He needs an appt for a good eyebrow wax/shaping!
I am a Twilight lover, yes. But you already know that!
This post did make me laugh a little, I see all your points and sometimes I don’t get it either. Maybe it’s all the hype over the series, I’m not sure. They’re just quick, relaxing and easy reads for me which is usually what I go for with a novel. I like to be able to just chill out and get lost in a story without a (overly) controversial plot.
I’m a huge fan of Jodi Picoult but I always have to mentally prepare myself for her books because they are so stimulating and controversial. I always end up exhausted because I’m so engrossed with the subject and the characters.
Like you, I loved Harry Potter. Loved them. It depresses me that she won’t write anymore stories about my absolute favorite characters. I loved Twilight and think their great but comparing them to the HP series is somewhat of a stretch. Stephenie Meyer has sold 28 million books (which is amazing) but J.K. Rowling has sold 400 million.
When I think of books that I will have my kids read, HP books are one of the first ones I think of.
Wow, this was long. I could have easily summed it up with I think you bring up valid points, but I still love Edward and his bushy eyebrows! Haha!
Confession: I read all the Twilight books in less than a month. I won’t say that I think the literary quality nor cinematic attempt are great in any way! I will say that the books are more like a bad car accident that you can’t steer yourself away from.
There are ideas in the books that are far-fetched, and trust me, it gets more crazy as the series progresses.
But I liked it for some odd reason and now I’m crazy for vampire books, though the ones I’m reading now are much, much better and well-written.
I will buy the movie, but I doubt I’ll be up at midnight to go purchase it!
i can’t seem to form an opinion on twilight. i have yet to read the book or see the movie, but based on the popularity i want to do both.
I haven’t seen the movie. I thought the book was fluffy and basically a romance novel. I was surprised at the level of sexual tension, even though the book was basically chaste. I had trouble putting the first book down. Now I’m on the third, and I’m just not motivated.
I hope you hear good news on the internship!
Okay, so I actually waited and waited and waited to comment on this post…I don’t know why, but I have had it open for about an hour looking at it.
I LOVED Twilight…and I definitely read the books before I watched the movie…
I agree with what you said about the writing, it definitely seems a little amateur but it IS geared towards teenagers…that is definitely something to keep in mind when reading it…it’s hard (probably more so for you as a journalist) to look at writing objectively if that is an interest to you, so sometimes you just have to put yourself in the mind of the intended audience.
I am an avid vampire fan – I have read so many different books, watched movies, tv shows (my favorite show of all time is Buffy)…and I find that EVERY vampire story has its own rules…for instance, in this one, I liked that there were “good” vampires – like Buffy’s Angel having a soul, I found it to be poetic and romantic – even all “bad” guys can be good. I like that they didn’t combust when in the sunshine (who doesn’t love a sparkly and glittery person??) and that they couldn’t easily be killed (hence no need for a “slayer” or “hunter” – cause there is ALWAYS a character like that). I also really liked the rivalry between vampires and werewolves – I think that was a classic touch.
I found it easy to get lost in the story because it was a love story…everybody loves a good fantasy and I think that is why these books have done so well…it is kind of like Harry Potter in that way, it takes you to a world that doesn’t exist and puts you right in the middle of it – kind of like an escape from the every day…
The movie however – if I don’t compare it to the book, the 13 year old girl inside of me loved it, if I compare it to the book, it’s terrible.
To me, Edward should have made me fall from my seat because he was so good looking…I never pictured him pale in the books, just beautiful. That was actually my issue with Rosalie in the movie as well, she should have been absolutely stunning, and I think they dropped the ball on her. And I do think the girl that played Bella was a terrible actress…but I won’t even get started on that.
Basically I am saying book – A++++++++++++++++++++++++++, movie – C-
first thing; i have never read the books (suprise!) or seen the movie. and i dont really intend on it.
second thing; i LOVE how eric covered his book in white paper so no one would know what he was reading! so funny! i laughed out loud when i read that!
third thing; you KNOW how i feel about harry potter.
I haven’t seen the movie or read the book. But I’ve heard about them a fair amount. And I was tempted to see what it was all about…but alas student funds are extra low right now and there are other books I’m more interested in reading. Maybe someday. And my sister read the first one and didn’t like it. She didn’t care for the writing, so that turned me off. Althouh at some point I really should just check it out for myself…
I won't attack you. In fact, I applaud you for stating your opinion, even it is not going to be popular!!
I LOVED the Twilight books and am just finishing up the fourth one. I guess your first mistake was to see the movie beforehand (I have not seen movie, but will buy DVD). I also found that the first book started out slow & kinda plodding and I kinda wondered what all the fuss was about…and then all of a sudden I really was sucked into it (pardon the vampire pun). I don't know–maybe give it another chance???
I never bothered with the Twilight books or movies. I considered the movie because I do think Edward is hot (sorry, I like my men pale I guess) but I heard it was terrible so I figured it wasn’t worth the $9. And the plot of the book just didn’t excite me that much to be honest. I figured there was other, better stuff out there to read. So no, I don’t hate you
We’ll start a “Twilight isn’t that great” club someday
~Amanda
I gave the Twilight series about 10 pages before I decided that I just wasn’t into it. People have spent way too much time and effort trying to convince me to give it a second chance, but I doubt I will
I am a Twilight fan. I guess. I loved the first three books, but the fourth was so terrible that it pretty much ruined the series for me. I liked the movie, but I went in with very low expectations. I don’t defend the books or movie as being anything revolutionary, but I enjoyed them, and that’s what I’m looking for when it comes to any book or movie.
I do not understand the Rob Pattinson hate, though. I’ve loved him since Goblet of Fire, and finding out he was in Twilight was why I started reading the series in the first place! He’s just so pretty.
Also, I think it’s hilarious that your bf wanted to see the movie. Kudos to him.
I read the whole series then watched the movie…I thought the books were alright. Entertaining to read while I was at the cottage
The movie was…meh. Pretty disappointing. But I DO have hope that the next movies will be better!
Good luck for your internship position!!! Definitely crossing my fingers for you
Funny enough, they showed the movie on my flight to Punta Cana last week but I purposely decided not to watch because I had the book in my suitcase. I saw about the first 20 minutes or so, and I agree I don’t get what the big deal is about that guy…but hey, I’m not a 16 year old girl anymore.
I thought the girl fit the description pretty well though.
I enjoyed the book…although it is an easy read. Sure, she takes liberties with the speed of the relationship but it is supposed to be supernatural after all. Not sure where the “vegetarian vampire” thing came from…is that from the movie? They just don’t hunt people…but animals are totally fair game (ha, pardon the pun!).
And….I hated the HP books. Way too juvenille for me and I kept falling asleep during the movies.
To each their own!
Gooood luck!
Haven’t seen Twilight. Haven’t read the books. No real desire to, but maybe I will watch the movie on DVD (even after you bad review, ha). I have seen all the Harry Potters, which I love, but haven’t read the books. Really only went to the first few Harry Potter flicks b/c my bff LOVES the books.
Anyhoo, sending you a million TRILLION good wishes and lots o luck that you get that internship!! how exciting would that be! good thoughts good thoughts for you.
I have no desire whatsoever to read the books or watch the movie. I guess I would watch it on a plane, or if someone else happened to watch it while I was visiting…but otherwise, no thanks.
i’m not gonna lie…i got sucked into the first book and read it in 3 days! however the movie was terrible! harry potter is much more creative than twillight
I do like Twilight. The books do get better as they go along, and once you get into them its hard to stop.
However, I do like her novel The Host far better. This one is actually geared more towards adults. And while it is far fetched, it is science fiction and is supposed to be. Not liking Twilight, you might not be willing to give her a second chance. But The Host, id definitely worth it!
I am so with you on this one!!! Didn’t even see the movie.
Crossing my fingers and sending you all kinds of good luck on your internship! As far as Twilight…I couldn’t tell you. I haven’t read it or watched it.
my neighbor lent me her twilight series. I finished the first book in a couple of days. It is definitely geared towards teenagers, but you know, for me, it was an easy light read, I enjoyed it. Maybe it isn’t the best writing, and almost guarantee that any book made into a movie is gonna suck. I don’t think I’ve ever liked a movie better than the book. The book is much more detailed and descript. I’ll probably eventually watch the movie, but only if i’m paying a buck to see it =)
Hahahaa, the book is poorly written, but that didn’t stop me from loving it anyway!
Steve and I watch Twilight this weekend and we both liked it. It wasn’t the greatest movie but its a hell of a lot better then a lot of movies that have come out lately. In the past couple of years the movie quality has been terrible.
Katrina
I was so excited to find your post, haha.
SERIOUSLY, after I read your reasons, I pretty much agree with all of them. So, this leads me to believe I hate the movie, but I’m acting on some sort of internal…. okay, enough of the analytical crap.
I think it’s my loneliness factor. You know, single life takes a toll on a girl these days.
Bella actress….HORRIBLE. Agreed.
I just found you through your comment on Katie’s blog about the same subject. Sort of. Since she was changing her stand.
But I agree with you. A friend of mine forced my best friend and myself to read it, no lie. I was not overwhelmed. But I do like Robert Pattinson (when he is acting; I have seen him in interviews and he gives the impression that he has no brain in his head) I loved Cedric Diggory, and so he did good with that role. And he did good with this role, I suppose. But I did not like the characters themselves. The story is okay, not great, but okay. But Edward is patronising, she is stupid, and the rest are annoying as hell. In the movie, I liked the fight scene, and when she is bleeding all over the place and stuff. For the same reason that I like the death scene of Cedric Diggory. Yeah, I am weird that way.
I just wanted you to know that I stand with you, 100%. I may have wavered in the past, but I now know for sure where I stand on the subject.
And that is all more I will give to this sucky topic.
The movie was the worst movie to come to dvd so far this year.. and I thought will ferrell was bad! Egads!
Hi, I just started reading your blog recently and I just wanted to say that I enjoy it, because it’s lighthearted and fun to read. Also, on the subject of Twilight vs HArry Potter I COMPLETELY agree with you. I am the kind of person that will not read a book for the simple reason that it’s what EVERYONE else is reading. I just began reading Harry Potter back in September and I LOVED it. (I am so excited for the movies). However Twilight, I refuse to read it and while most people absolutely loved it, my friends who are English majors and writers who have read the books hated them. They said they were terrible. And I agree about the movie. It was horrible.
I so agree with you book wasn’t that great. And the characters were so blah and blec. Book seems to me like any love story but just to make it a little more interesting she put monsters in it. And a thought that the vampires would look a little like the underworld ones where their pale but the still look good.
I am sooooo glad I found another sane adult that hates the series! I was told by a friend that I *HAD* to read Twilight. I love vampires, I’ve read lots of books about it and they were good. I struggled to get through Twilight. The writing was awful and juvenile. There was nothing redeemable about the characters. Bella is a horrible, unlikable main character. I couldn’t handle her whining. I didn’t want to see the movie, but did. It was even worse than the book! YUCK! I laughed the whole time. It was so ridiculous. And I don’t get why it’s so popular?!?!?!?
I’ve been searching and searching for a good blog to read and I ran across yours when I was googling “writing” and then blogs about writing. I love to blog myself, but it’s mainly on my Myspace and it’s very beginner’esque. And I was just browsing through your blogs and ran across this one. Like you, I am more of a Harry Potter fan than a Twilight fan. The Twilight movies are still awkward to me–I admit, I stuck with them because Jacob…er…Taylor Lautner…played a bigger role in the later films.