Book Review: "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

     Shakespeare definitely knew what he was doing when he wrote "Romeo and Juliet".  The plot about star crossed lovers never ceases to intrigue an avid reader, whether it's the 1600's or the 21st century.  One modern variations of a tale of romance gone awry is Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, but with a definite twist that adds all the more to the appeal of the story!

     Bella is the new girl in the tiny town of Forks, Washington.  Used to the hot, arid climate in Phoenix, Arizona, she's not too thrilled about cloudy skies and frequent rain in her new home.  But she soon finds something -- or rather, someone -- to hold her interest.  Edward Cullen, the foster son of a local young doctor.

     Edward is mysterious, as is his family of foster siblings.  Rumors fly about the school that some of the brothers and sisters are dating, but Edward seems to keep to himself.  They disappear on camping trips when the weather is nice, and never seem to eat anything in the lunch room at school.  Most of the kids at the high school write them off as freaks, but Bella wonders if there isn't more to it than that . . . .

     So this is the tale of how Edward and Bella meet, get to know each other, and begin a romance together.  But there are obvious obstacles, not the least of which is Edward's secret, a secret that would have Bella's parents snatching her up and running as far and fast as they could if they ever knew!  A secret that, if known, could destroy all his family has worked for over generations of time.  A secret that Bella has been smart enough to figure out.

     The book is a New York Times bestseller, and for good reason.  This one is a real page-turner, and will have you clipping along at a fast pace, eager to see what happens next to our hero and heroine.  Can they make this new love work?  How will they surmount the problems that lie in their way?  Where will their journey take them?

     Using a clever imagination and vivid verbal imagery, Stephenie Meyer brings to life a story that will stand the test of time and will become a classic.  I enjoyed the way she wove in local Indian lore as an important part of her story -- as with any folk tales you'll need to use your imagination, too!  Her cast of characters is diverse and alive, making the book an interesting study in different personalities.  If you enjoyed the movie or haven't seen it yet, try the book.  You'll learn some insider details that aren't explained in the film version!

     "Twilight" is the first book of a four-part series, and is followed by "New Moon", "Eclipse", and "Breaking Dawn".  The paperback copy is 498 pages, and "New Moon" is even longer.  So for the price tag of $10.99, you're definitely getting your money's worth.  ISBN-10: 0-316-01584-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01584-4.  To find out more, you can visit the official website at http://www.thetwilightsaga.com