Friday, August 8, 2008
Discussion for Breaking Dawn
I realized after reading the book that I can't post the questions for discussion without spoilers, so I will leave the questions in the comments section.
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9 comments:
Here are some questions to start things off:
1. What are your thoughts on vampire Bella vs. human Bella?
2. Did you find the ending anti-climactic, or did you think it fit the book well?
3. What do you think about the resolution of the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob? Plausable, or cop-out?
4. Renesmee? What do you think about the name, the character, the idea, etc.
5. What did you think about the pace of action in this book vs. the previous three?
6. Do you think the author left things open for a future series based on the Volturi's decision?
I really enjoyed the book, but even if you didn't I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I'm so glad you already posted this discussion! I was worried I wouldn't remember all of my thoughts by the end of the month!
Okay, first I have to say that I didn't like this as much as the other 3. I was very disappointed in general, but did find some parts/aspects that I liked. So please remember that when I go off about how much I really disliked other parts of it. :) And even though I didn't LOVE this book, I still think Stephenie Meyer (SM) is a great author and I'll always love Twilight.
1. I liked how Bella's vampire power connected well with her ability as a human to keep vampires out of her head. I also thought it was fun to see what she felt like having all those new abilities and heightened senses. The hunting part was fun too, but I felt that it wasn't so realistic that she wasn't so blood thirsty like other newborn vampires.
2. I didn't like the ending that much. I wanted Jane to die. I also was expecting a fight. I did like how SM tried to wrap things up about how the future would be. But I wanted it to be more exciting.
3. Definitely did NOT like how Jacob imprinted on Renesmee. It was hard to accept that Jacob & Edward were friendly towards each other even before the imprinting.
4. Yeah, Bella being pregnant was the first thing I didn't like about the book. (The second was having to read from Jacob's point of view. But then I got used to it and actually enjoyed it.) I felt that we missed a lot of the romance between Edward & Bella by focusing on the baby. When Edward & Carlisle wanted to abort the baby I automatically assumed that the baby was a very bad thing. Why else would those 2 characters whom I love & trust want to do something so bad? So for the entire pregnancy I was really mad at Bella & Rose for not seeing how bad the baby was. But then the baby was born and everyone loved her. And I was still stuck hating her. So it was really hard for me to get over that and accept her as a good character. I wonder if SM did that on purpose so the reader had to change their point of view. Oh yeah, and I think the name Renesmee is ridiculous! How do you even pronounce it? Rah-nezz-me or Rah-nezz-may?
5. I found myself bored at the beginning of the book. I liked the wedding stuff and honeymoon, but I feel it could have been expanded on and more time spent on some parts. But it wasn't suspenseful. And then I was not excited about the whole pregnancy thing. By the time the Volturi were coming I was thinking it was about time for the suspense (since there was very little suspense revolved around Bella not killing her human baby & Charlie). But I would have liked the story better if Bella would have gone to see the Volturi alone, like they had planned. That would have been more suspenseful for me. The previous 3 books were much better at keeping up the pace.
6. Obviously she left some things open. The Volturi could come back. Renesmee could cause trouble. I've heard that some fans want to know if Renesmee & Jacob can reproduce & if so, what that would be like. Personally, I really don't care about that. Anyway, I don't think SM will write another sequel. But I won't be surprised to see fanfiction in the near future.
Phew! Sorry that was so long! I guess I let myself go there. I hope no one gets offended by what I've said. There definitely are some things I liked about the book. In fact, I'll most likely read it again. And maybe the next time I'll enjoy it more. I guess I just had my expectations very high and in the end, I felt that this was not the same voice or even world that was created in Twilight.
Here are my thoughts (I know it's kind of weird to answer my own questions, but oh well).
1. I liked vampire Bella way better than human Bella. I liked that she was less of a martyr and more empowered. She whined a lot less as a vampire too. I really liked her gift as a shield. It fit her character well.
2. It seemed to me that the author got bogged down and ended the book a little too quickly. Maybe this book should have been split into two books. I really wanted to see some action as well. I mean, she spent so much time getting ready for a fight, I found it disappointing how the volturi just backed down at the last second.
3. I really wanted Bella to take a break from both guys and develop herself as a person by going to college for a semester. Alas, that wouldn't have been a best-selling novel. I'm glad things ended well between all three, but it seemed a bit like trying to have your cake and eat it too, to me. I also found imprinting on the baby to kind of creepy. If she had to marry someone at 18, I'm glad it was Edward.
4. Could she have picked a weirder name? I was pronouncing it Rah-nez-may in my head, but who knows what it is supposed to be. One of my friends thought it would have been better to name her Elizabeth after Edward's mom.
5. I thought this one was more "romance" and less "thriller" than the other three. There was a lot of suspense with no action.
6. It kind of seemed like part of the reason for Stephanie Meyer's choice to have the Volturi back down was to keep her options open. I'm doubt she'll write more in this series, but she left enough open to pick it up again someday if she's strapped for cash. I was hoping for a fight leading in regime change--much like garret's sentiments.
Like I wrote with the questions, I did enjoy the book, despite the above criticism. It was a fun read.
1. I LOVED Bell as a vampire. During the first three books whenever she'd talk about becoming a vampire, I really didn't think I wanted her to be one, and I wasn't entirely sure Meyer would actually do it. I'm so glad she did! Here's why: in the first three books I didn't really like Bella. I wanted to, but I didn't feel like she had that many redeeming qualities. But as soon as she was a vampire she was completely awesome! First of all, it was such a relief that she could take care of herself. I kind of got tired of her being such a delicate flower that Edward had to protect every second. She also turned out to be an awesome vampire. She herself said as a human she was never extraordinary at anything, but as a vampire everything came naturally to her, like she was born to be one. Her super power was awesome! I loved that her need to protect her daughter brought out strength she didn't know she had. One reason I didn't think I wanted her to be a vampire was because I didn't think she and Edward would be as attracted to each other- I felt like their huge differences were what were so appealing. I was glad to find their love only grew.
2. I did find the ending a bit anti-climactic. I felt like it was building and building and then nothing happened. I really would have liked a cool battle. But someone pointed out that the Volturi didn't want a fight after they saw how strong Bella was. They knew they didn't really have a chance, and they're such cowards, they didn't want to lose their control.
3. I'm one of the few, I think, who didn't think Jacob's imprinting on Renesmee was gross. We were prepared for it by Quil and Claire. I was definitely shocked by it- I did not see it coming at all. I thought it was perfect because Jacob and Bella really did belong together somehow. And I wouldn't have wanted him to imprint on some other random girl because Jacob and Bella would have still missed each other.
4. At first I really didn't like the name. But after a while it did kind of grow on me. Still, though, I think she could have come up with something better. I'm with Bell, though- Nessie is a stupid nickname, and I'm bugged that it caught on so much, even with Bella in the end!
I was really glad Bella could have a baby! Another reason I didn't want her to be a vampire is because she wouldn't be able to have children. I know it was a bit of a stretch to have her get pregnant by Edward, but I don't care- that's why it's fanasty, right? I'm so glad they were able to have a family. Having Renesmee also helped Bella's character grow immensely. Like all first time moms, she became a different person- a better person.
5. There were times when I thought it moved a little slowly. Like when she was pregnant and sick, I felt like it dragged a little. I was glad that part was in Jacob's point of view because he brought some humor into it. I sometimes get annoyed with the how negative and serious the vampires can be.
6. I definitely think Meyer left things open for more books. She herself said she's not done writing abou the Cullens. The Volturi have a problem to solve with that guy impregnating humans. Plus, I think they're feeling very threatened- like they're losing control. I would not be surprised at all if her next book were about Jacob and Renesmee.
I really enjoyed the book too. I don't think it was as well written as the first three. It was too long for one thing. And there were other minor flaws, but they didn't affect my overall opinion of the book. I think it's my favorite of all of them just because it seemed more mature somehow. I think because there was a child involved it changed everyone. It wasn't just about the romance between Bella and Edward, which I love- don't get me wrong, but I loved seeing their love take a new level through having a child. Does that make sense? Anyway, I really liked it,
1. Bella as a vampire - way better. What was I worried about in all the other books?
2. There should have been a fight.
3. The Jacob and Edward thing was hard for me. Edward calling him SON?
4. Did not like the name Renesmee, was even worse when her middle name was Carlie. Too cheesy.
5. There wasn't any action just suspense, which is why there should have been a fight at the end.
6. There will be more books from this world.
I loved the book. There were a few reaches in the plot but overall I enjoyed it.
1. For some reason I liked the human Bella more. That way Bella and Edward were so different that made their relationship so interesting, at least to me.
2. I liked the ending. The whole Jacob Renesmee thing was kind of creepy. Actually, it was a lot creepy. Did not like it. But I liked the fact that they did kid of lived happily ever after.
3. I would not have thought of resolving the love triangle that way but I guess that's why I like Stephanie Meyer, she always surprizes me. I probably would have hook Lia and Jacob up. I kind of felt bad for Lia and would have liked to see her happy.
4. I Did not like the name Renesmee although it was nice that they named her after their mothers. I would have liked some old fashioned name like Elizabeth or something like that more. About her character? I kind of did not really undrestand her. I liked the characters to be either human, vampires or werewolves. This in the middle thing... I was not so thrilled. I like characters with some weeknesses and Renesmee kind of did not have any.
5. This book was slower than the other three but it did not bother me much. I like slow books. That is why I like Jane Austen and romance novels from that era.
6. I think she could write more on this series but she shouldn't. As good as these four books were, I would like to have the rest be left for imaginations. Even the last book was getting a little too long.
I did enjoy the book. It was not the best of the series but it ended things well overall. I am still amazed how she came up with all the storylines and Bella and Edward's beautiful love story. I think it is going to be a classic and I will make my daughters read this when they grow up and I hope they would find their own Edwards.
First of all, I too liked Bella as a vampire. I agree with what Shaunita said in this area. I really got sick of the whining. I thought the last section of the book from bella's point of view was the best part. Was a little bugged by the first two sections. I liked the fact that Jacob imprinted Renesmee. I got sick about hearing how Jacob was so in love with Bella. When Renesmee finally came, I was glad that she was an interesting character. It was a happily ever after too me for the end of the story so I don't know if I see her writing another sequel. I liked the resolution at the end of the book. It eased my mind. Also, it wasn't as action packed but to me more intelectual. It made me think about it. I enjoyed the book and think highly of Stephanie Meyer. Now on to the movie so we can critique it!!!
I really enjoyed reading everyone's comments on this book. I have been needing some other people to bounce ideas around with. :) Ok, so
1) I really liked Bella human. I related to her a lot (hopefully not the whiny part, though). However, I really like Bella as a vampire, too. It was great to see the vamps life through her eyes. I think that SM was wise in not making Bella the typical bloodthirsty newborn. It would have been out of character for Bella (even Vampire Bella still has a conscience) and Bella would have felt guilty about the humans she killed for her entire existence.
2) The ending is still hard for me to define. I think that it was anti-climatic, but it's the only way to end things with everyone staying true to character and not killing off any major people. I think a fight would have been fun to see what all of the different powers of everyone could do when combined, but that would have killed a Volturi which would have prolonged everything more while the Volturi got their revenge for the death of one of their own. And, like SM said in an interview I saw, the Volturi really are cowards who just want to be in control. When it comes to a fight that they are not sure they will win, the only choice they have is to back off and leave.
3) I was, too, a little weirded out about Jacob imprinting on Renesmee, but the idea has grown on me. I really liked the fact that it meant that Bella never really was so infatuated with him after she was married, it was just the baby needing Jacob. That made me feel better. I didn't think that Bella should have ANY sort of feelings for Jacob after she got married. (But that's just me being an Edward fan...). I agree that we were prepped for it with Quil and Claire. Plus, Renesmee will grow up incredibly fast so she really isn't too far behind Jacob.
4) I like the name Renesmee, even though it is hard to say. From what I have heard in interviews of SM, it is pronounced: Ru(as in RUg)-nez-may. I love that Bella used her two mom's names. I am all about family names and wish my name was a family name. Renesmess is a unique baby, so she had to have a unique name.
5) This book was slower than the previous three, but I still liked it. I am a total sap and loved the wedding and honeymoon beginning. The only almost unbearably slow part was the middle section from Jacob's view. I, again, am a total Edward fan and just see Jacob as an immature dog boy who can't control his temper very well.
6) Yes, the ending was left open to continue the series, but just not with Edward and Bella as the main focus anymore. Reading the story from other Cullen's perspectives would be interesting, but if she goes to Jacob's point of view, I don't know that I would care to read it.
Overall, I loved the book. I know SM has gotten crap about different things in this book, but I felt she stayed true to all of the characters and ended Bella and Edward's story well. I can't wait for the MOVIE!! WOO HOO!!
First let me say this. On tv a month or so ago, the local news crew was interviewing SM about the release of BD. She was talking about the characters and how they were vampires and everything else. I thought, "What a dumb book. Why would someone write a romance novel about vegetarian vampires?" It just didn't make sense and I had no desire to read the book, and I had no idea it was the 4th book in a series. A week later or so, my friend was telling me what a great book it was and that the author lives here in Arizona, she's LDS and that she's in our stake. Her ward meets in the same building as us, just the later session. So I decided to read all of the books. So here's my opinion.
1. I really liked vampire Bella more. I liked the parts that made human bella vulnerable, but I was happy to see that she got over them as a vampire. She became a much stronger person, mentally physically, and emotionally and I really liked that about her.
2. I didn't mind the ending, because I figured the Cullens and company, would of just massacred the Volturi. The fight would have been totally one sided, with Bella as a shield and then the one lady making everyone on the Volturi blind.
3. I hated the Renesmee-Jacob thing! I would of liked it more, if Jacob imprinted with another vampire, maybe someone from Tanya's crew so that they could still be "family." I was glad that Bella, as a vampire, finally got over Jacob. It was just making me really mad that she couldn't get over him and that she kept going back to him and then we had to read about how horrible she was for hurting everyone. Ugh! Also, with imprinting with Renesmee, how is that suppose to help the werewolf gene? Didn't the book say that the werewolves imprint with someone that gives them the best chance at passing that gene along? I really did love though the relationship between Bella and Edward.
4. I don't really care one way or the other on the name, I just wish I knew how to say it.
5. I didn't mind the pace of the book. I didn't like reading through Jacob's point of view, but that's because I can't stand him. :) I liked reading about their wedding, honeymoon and how it was like her first few days as a vampire.
6. I think she will write more books, probably through Renesmee's point of view.
I read all four books in about 2 weeks, and I enjoyed them. I was really glad to be done reading them, so that I could get on with my life, but they were great books.
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