ELENI YANNELIS
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

MY PARENTS ALWAYS stressed the importance of being “educated.” There are certain books I must read, certain exhibits I must see, and certain theatrical productions I must watch.

So it came as quite a shock to my mother when she looked at the book I was reading, as I lay sleeping on our flight back from a family visit in New York.

When I woke, my mother asked, “Enjoying your book?” I responded with, “Yes!” She then proceeded to ask me what it was about (although she already knew).

I began to explain in great detail, out of hope that something would interrupt us.

“‘Twilight’ is a magnificent book about a girl in high school with brown hair …,” only to be interrupted by my mother asking: “And vampires? Your book looks pretty trashy! Why are we carrying this thing all over creation?”

I admit it — “Twilight” is really trashy. I was too embarrassed to admit to my own mother that I was reading a young adult fantasy romance novel about a high school girl and a vampire. I continued reading the series (currently at four books, by Stephenie Meyer), and also tactfully tried to hide my reading habit from my friends. I just don’t read those books; they are trashy teen reads to the max.

Yet “Twilight” was on the New York Times Best Sellers list, so I am not alone in my fascination with a teenage girl and her undead love interest who happens to be a “vegetarian” vampire who sparkles in sunlight. Hey, we all have our issues.

My initial encounter with “Twilight” was not because the book looked interesting, nor was it to spite my parents. I simply wanted a book to read on my plane ride home, and I didn’t care what it was. So, when my aunt bought me “Twilight,” I really had no choice — it was a familial obligation to read the book (or so I console myself!).

When I cracked the book open at 30,000 feet I had no idea what the plot was. In fact, I did not even know it was a teen read. That’s because I never read the excerpt on the backside of the book that gives a plot synopsis. Instead, I read the first few pages to see if the book is engaging. It’s not that I don’t care about the plot; it’s just that the author’s style is what keeps me awake while I read.

I began “Twilight,” and it was really good. The ordinary high school life of Bella Swan read so quickly, and then fellow student Edward Cullen was introduced, and then Bella developed a crush, and then we find that Edward has a secret — before I knew it, I was finished with the book. I read it straight through; I just couldn’t put it down no matter how cheesy it got.

I was completely shocked with myself when I realized that I actually liked “Twilight” —not to mention my mother. Why does Edward Cullen fascinate the same girl who detests the classic “Dracula”? Ouch! This is completely shameful in my family.

But as time went on, I discovered that more and more of my friends and peers have read the series. It just seemed odd that no one talked about it (at first). These are books we all know and love but never spoke of.

Regardless of what people think, the “Twilight” series is amazing! I have never been so engaged before. Part of what attracts me may be precisely that the series does not make you think, at all. There is nothing to analyze, no allegories, no hidden meanings. The books are simply entertaining. Who doesn’t want to hear about an over-dramatic romance between a teenage girl and a century-old vampire?

Honestly, I am bewildered as to why it’s more socially acceptable to love the “Harry Potter” series than the “Twilight” series. “Twilight” is more like an old James Bond movie. If you try to deconstruct it you are missing the point. Just kick back and enjoy the over-the-top stuff. It won’t change your life — for good or ill — but it’s a fun diversion.