Tuesday, April 14, 2009

New Moon - Stephenie Meyer

Title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Published: 2006 Pages: 563
Rating: 3/5

Since this one has been around so many times, I'm skipping the usual review format for the self-interview format I used for Twilight. I can't/won't talk about this book without spoilers--so be warned. :)

What kind of place was this? Could a world really exist where ancient legends went wandering around the borders of tiny, insignificant towns, facing down mythical monsters? Did this mean every impossible fairy tale was grounded somewhere in absolute truth? Was there anything sane or normal at all, or was everything just magic and ghost stories? (293-4).

Trish, you read Twilight back in January and had to admit that you actually liked it--why did you wait so long to pick up New Moon?
Since I refuse to purchase copies of these books, I had to wait until I could borrow a copy from a friend. I may have squealed a little with glee when I finally got my hands on this one.

So...what did you think? Was it as enthralling as Twilight?
No! I read the first hundred pages with relative ease, but then Edward left and there was this whole side story with Jacob. I like Jacob well enough, but let's face it--he's no Edward. I actually put the book down for a few days to read my bookclub book (The Glass Castle), and didn't even really think about it at all. It wasn't until Edward came back in the last third of the book that I found that itch to keep turning the pages.

You would consider yourself "Team Edward" then rather than "Team Jacob"?
Yes--my crush on Edward has not subsided at all. I admit that Jacob's body warmth does sound incredibly appealing compared to Edward's coldness, but other than that I was bored with the storyline. It felt like Meyer was trying to stretch out the story--forcing the parallel between this book and Romeo and Juliet. Mostly, though, the werewolf storyline seemed heavy handed and contrived. I was glad when she switched the focus back to the vampires, but then all that work she did creating the werewolf plot just disappeared. I'm guessing it will be more prevalent in the next book.

And Bella? You mentioned not being really annoyed with her in the first--did you see a change with this edition?
Bella still didn't get on my nerves like I suspected she might or like others suggested she would. Yes she is whiny. And the whole "hole in my chest" bit was obnoxious. I think it is dangerous to present this kind of obsession with a boy to teenaged readers, but that's a whole other enchilada. I didn't like that Bella was putting herself into danger all of the time just to hear Edward's "voice," and I hated how consumed she was with becoming a vampire. It irked me that Alice, who I really like, gave in so easily to Bella's pleas. Hmm--from that answer it does sound like I was annoyed, huh?

Will you continue with the series, or have you had enough?
I have the next two books sitting in my car, so I don't really have to wait. But, I'm in no big hurry to continue with the next chapter. I'm guessing I'll give it a few more months and then pick up Eclipse. It is a little promising now that Edward is back in the picture, but I'm not eager to start in with a icky werewolf/vampire/human love triangle.

Have you rented the movie yet?
No--but it's only a matter of time before it finds its way into my house. I think Scott is itching to rent it, although he would never admit it. I'm still boycotting Robert Pattinson as Edward. Big Fat Ick!! :)

Any final words?
Vampires--HOT. Not people/subjects I normally read about, but oooh man! Even if I do have to endure reading the description "marble" twenty million times.

Date Finished: April 12, 2009 #18

31 comments:

Janssen said...

Yeah, having Edward leave really slowed the story down for me in a big way. Nice interview.

Also, bleck to Robert P as Edward.

Amanda said...

I'm afraid I'm exactly opposite on this book, and moan and groaned the moment Edward came back. But I never understood his appeal. He kinda seems like a bastard to me. I liked Jacob until he became a werewolf, so those few months were the only interesting parts for me. I'm in no hurry for Eclipse, if I ever read it.

Melody said...

I admit this book doesn't have all the excitement as compared to the first installment. No doubt Edward plays a huge part in it!! :P

You know, I couldn't picture Robert as Edward either!!!

Sara Jillian said...

This was my least favorite...well, actually, I can't remember if it was this AND the third book that really made me upset. The villians/ultimate battles/meetings are built up so much, but Meyer leaves everything extremely anticlimactic. Just wait until you read the fourth novel!!

Amy said...

Vampires are hot! I haven't read past Twilight, but I love me some vamps.

(did you ever watch Buffy?)

Literary Feline said...

Yes, Jacob's appeal is definitely his warmth, but Edward really does have the edge. :-)

Meghan said...

I was the total opposite! Jacob is probably my favorite character in this book and the next. I couldn't figure out Edward's appeal.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Janssen - Not sure what the appeal with Robert P is--that hair is just...ya, there are no words. :)

*Amanda - Oh, I know I'm weird with my little crush, but I can't help it! I'm sure I'll read Eclipse, but I'm in nooooo hurry.

*Melody - I can't remember--have you read all of the books in the series?

*Sara - Can I just skip the third and go to the fourth? It's been fun reading them so far, but I'm not sure what ALL of the hype is about.

*Amy - LOL! I didn't watch Buffy--except for the original movie. I think I've been fairly underexposed to vampires. :P

*Literary Feline - Oh you know...why do we have to be so realistic? Why can't we go for the dangerous edgy guy when we're reading our books? It's a fun series, that's for sure.

*Meghan - I know I know--so many people like Jacob. And he's nice enough, but...well...a little dull. LOL.

Ana S. said...

lol! From your answer, dear Trish, I would indeed say you were a wee bit annoyed with Bella after all :P

Even though I'm stubbornly resisting this series, I do love me some vampires. My first literary crushes were on Anne Rice's vampires.

Debi said...

I admit I still have no desire to read these...I can be a wee tad stubborn sometimes (well, Rich might disagree with the "wee tad" description)...but I also must admit that I totally loved your review! You're just too cute, my dear!!!

Jeanette said...

You've actually got me thinking maybe I'll read this, but nah. :-) I read Twilight during the last read-a-thon. Maybe if I get to do another one I will read New Moon.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Like Amanda up above, I have to say I'm Team Jacob all the way. I was dreading Edward's return and secretly fantasizing that Bella would - at the very least - have a fling with Jacob. :)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Nymeth - I didn't feel really annoyed when reading the book, though. I guess I expected Bella to be the way she is? I have to work myself up to Anne Rice. Too scared!

*Debi - Really, you aren't missing anything earth shattering. They're fun, but I definitely don't feel more well read! :)

*Jeanette - So sad about the read-a-thon. :( Although I completely understand. This one took me longer to read than Twilight--not as engaging.

*Heather - Someone should take a poll and settle the score once and for all. :) I kind of thought Jacob and Bella might have a fling as well--surprised they didn't.

serendipity_viv said...

This was my least favourite out of all four books. I missed Edward so much in it. I think out of all four - Breaking Dawn is my favourite!

Darlene said...

This one wasn't as good as the first. It gets better again in the third one and I have yet to read the fourth. I'm sure the movie will make it's way into my house soon too. Probably as soon as I make my way to the video store. lol. I am curious about it.

Laura said...

Even though these books are SUPER popular, somehow I never read that they all somewhat parallel another literary work. For whatever reason, that makes me want to read them a little bit more than I did before you told me that.

I am also really curious to see what about vampires can be "hot!" What I'm picturing in my head must be very different than how they are in the books! I kinda wish I had Twilight for the RAT...

Melody said...

Yes, I did, Trish! :P I've to say Twilight remains my favourite among all in this series.

elise said...

I loved your review. I basically thought the exact same thing as you about the book. I think that you will like Eclipse better. I did. Bella bugs, but her story with Edward is cute.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Scrap Girl - Yay! Another Edward fan! :) I was beginning to think I was all alone.

*Dar - My friend keeps telling me that #4 is the best, so I guess I'll continue on. Any reason you've waited?

*Laura - OK--if you go to wikipedia for Twilight Series and scroll down to Themes and inspiration, it talks about the the different books being based on literary works. I didn't pick it up with the first one, but this one was pretty obvious (plus it mentioned R&J a million times). I don't know if the vampires are hot, or if they just make me hot...um, that's enough for this comment! :P Sheesh--the things this series makes me say

*Melody - Oh no! Well, that doesn't give me much hope. :P

*Elise - I have every intention of continuing on with the series, just not in a big hurry. Have you read Breaking Dawn yet?

Darlene said...

Trish, I think I just got overloaded with the whole series. I had read them in a row and just wanted something different and haven't managed to get back yet.

Kailana said...

I still haven't watched the movie, either. I read this book a long time ago now, but I still remember it! Eclipse was better... I thought New Moon was totally unnecessary. This could easily have been a trilogy! And, Bella almost drove me to the nuthouse in this book! That is totally my biggest problem with this series, she is so damn annoying!

Bellezza said...

It's funny how you and I felt so similiarly about the two. I was surprised to like Twilight, and surprised again to be disappointed with New Moon. To me, they got "worse" as I went...but, I may be alone in that opinion. I like Edward better, as well. Any one that courageous, that full of moral character has got my vote. Great self interview, Trish! You must know your interviewee quite well. ;)

Stephanie said...

I have Eclipse sitting around ready to read. I didn't like New Moon nearly as much. I'm pretty much with you on Edward. And I've mentioned in both my reviews that I think Meyers is walking a dangerous line by throwing out this horrible obsessive love thing to teens. "I'd rather die than be without you". Yeah...not what I want my teens reading and trying to emmulate...but again, that's probably a discussion best left for another day.

I didn't really get into the whole Jacob thing. I still enjoyed the book.

I love this format for your review!

Vasilly said...

Just wanted to remind you the read-a-thon is tomorrow. Good luck.

Karen Beth said...

I'm teaching Dracula right now, and my students are SO unimpressed with the lack of *hot* young vampires. I'm kind of out of luck there! Glad to hear your crush is still going strong.

Michelle said...

Great review Trish! Very creative! Monica lent me all copies when I was in Utah last. They are still on my shelf to pick up. I prob wont till after the Classics challenge.

Anna said...

Overall I enjoyed this series, but this one wasn't the best because Edward was gone. I didn't think Robert Pattinson was the best Edward, but he grew on me. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the other two books.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Dar - Well, with everyone telling me how good Breaking Dawn is, I'll have to make it that far (she's not writing anything else is she??).

*Kailana - Wonder why she felt like she needed to include this book. Must be a big set-up for Eclipse? Seems like everyone finds Bella utterly unbearable! :)

*Bellezza - Yay for Edward!! I remember you telling me that I would probably like Twilight, and I did. I still have hope for the others. Did you finish the series?

*Stephanie - Yes, I think that some of the messages Meyer sends in these books are incredibly questionable. But I don't read a lot of YA fiction, so I'm not sure these types of actions are usually talked about. I was so sheltered as a teen!! :)

*Karen Beth - Can you believe that I've never read Dracula? I NEED to soon. Man I miss school!

*Michelle - You should totally read these--they would make a great break between all of those yicky classics. :)

*Anna - I saw a write up on Robert Pattinson in GQ the other day (was actually with the friend who was badgering me into reading these), and I have to admit he looked pretty dang hot. But that hair. Ick! :) Glad to hear that this one is the weak point and there are better things to look forward to.

Darlene said...

She has written The Host Trish but I didn't really like it all that much although a lot of other people did.

Brooke Morris said...

Well, now that I have read both Twilight and New Moon, I can personally see what the hype was about. I love love loved Twilight. I couldn't put it down. Everytime that my daughter would sleep, I was itching to read more. Then, I started New Moon, and I found myself speed reading throughout the middle to get to the part that Edward finally returned. I have this image of Edward in my head, and I know that once I watch the movie that image will be shattered. I started Eclipse, and I am pretty excited so far. We shall see…

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Dar - Can you believe it's taken me four months to respond to your comment, Dar? Not even sure you're still subscribed. :) For some reason I don't have any interest in The Host.

*Brooke - See, I knew you would like these books!! So, are you going to be my date to see New Moon??? :D I was really sad when Edward was gone as well. Need to start Eclipse now!