Daisy, JD (Just Daisy)

Part of my All Knowing All Seeing All Important personality is that I occasionally  use my blog to provide my little old opinions on whatever I see fit. I can criticize (I’m looking at you pre-shredded cheese), I can compliment (that would be Kate Spade’s lovely costume jewelry that was recently debuted) and I can proffer up my thoughts on anything. One thing I love to dissect and discuss are books – I love to read. My house right now has four large bookshelves, and all of them are filled with novels, reference books, cook books and just about any kind of book you can think of. In my life I’ve read a lot of books- classic, cult, chick-literature & comedy- and so I now feel obligated compelled to share my thoughts on the Twilight series.

First, I’ll admit that I’ve read the entire series.

Second I’ll admit that I’ve read the entire Harry Potter series about 11 times, give or take. My true love in children’s literature will always be Harry, (ahem, Hogwarts, I’m still waiting on my letter….) closely followed of course by Nancy Drew, Atticus Finch, Johnny Tremaine, Pippie Longstocking, Ramona Quimby, Whinnie the Pooh, Mrs. Tiddlywink, and a variety of other characters that captivated my imagination over the years. (Please note that no character from A Wrinkle In Time was on that list. That book still upsets me, along with my memories of having to read it in fourth grade. Never have I despised a book so much.)

Also not on the list are the characters from the Twilight series. Yes, I read them all. Yes, I found them to be quick, pleasant, light reads. I read them all because I was curious to see how it all played out, but after I finished the fourth novel and thought about them, the more uncomfortable I became.

Pre-teen books? Books that my cousins could read? Books that are being labeled as part of the genre that is encouraging young men and women to sit down, turn off the television and immerse themselves in some literature? I think not. In fact I think that by even removing the horrific character traits of main character Bella Swan, the themes running rampant in the book go something like this: sexsexsexsassymouths- throw in some obsession to the 10th degree-childmarriagedeathdeathdeathfighttothedeath-disrespectdisrespectdisrespectsexsexsex.

Yeah I know. Those are all themes that run rampant through literature young and old. (Shakespeare, I don’t hear you protesting…) It was the combination of them all- along with the sullen, annoying, downright wipethatgrinoffyourfacerightnowyounglady attitude of Bella Swan that makes me positively recoil at the thought of letting a young teen read these books. Nevermind the child bride, the weird intimate descriptions, and the way she treated her parents- she isn’t anyone your daughter should be looking up to. The relationship between Ms. Swan and Mr. Cullen are not the kind anyone should aspire to have. I found the disrespect towards elders, themselves, and even each other revolting.

In short, if an adult wants to read these books to pass the time, by all means, go ahead. Enjoy the story, the fantasy, the twists and turns. But no parent should bow to peer pressure and let their kids read these without reading them themselves and deciding if Bella Swan is the kind of girl you want your child emulating- because I’m fairly certain that the answer to that is no.

PS- It has been suggested I start running an advice column. Unfortunately/fortunately that would require people send me questions to answer and/or give advice on. If you would be interested in something like this please let me know.

PPS- Mom that does not mean you vote “yes” and then send me questions regarding things you’ve already emailed me and I haven’t gotten around to.

PPPS- I still have not received appropriate tutoring on my moccasin footwear obsession.

In: Chicago | | #