Here is what is wrong with the world these days! This just sums it up, as far as I'm concerned, about how there are just some MAJOR wackos out their...

We all know that I'm a Twilight fan & spend a little more time than necessary keeping up with what's going on in that world. Apparently, Stepehenie Meyer just received some pretty prestigious awards for Breaking Dawn. Kudos to her!! I think it's well deserved. However, upon reading some comments people wrote about whether or not it's a children's book or not I found this lovely quote...

"Although I would consider these books to be more young adult than children, I would have to agree with some of the other posts. My daughter is only 8 and she is reading Twilight now. She is up to chapter 8 and has only asked what 3 words are and to explain only 1 thing that she didn't understand. While my daughter loves to read, I thought she would only make it through about 30 pages and then give up on it but she is determined "to read the entire series so she can understand the relationship of all the characters." (Pretty mature answer for an 8 yr. old, huh?) I was reading Stephen King novels at her age and this series is much less frightening than his were. I really think it depends on the parents and maturity level of the child. I would not recommend this for all children but I wouldn't deny my child the chance of experiencing a great series of wonderfully written books. It seems to be a little better than continuing to fill her head with princess stories! "

Does anyone else see the problem with this? She did say she thought it was more a young adult novel & that she apparently has a mature 8 year old. But, seriously?! Stephen King novels at 8? Also, what's wrong with letting your child "experience a great series of wonderfully written books" when she's a few years older. What's the rush? They're not going anywhere! And my biggest beef - what's wrong with princess stories at age 8?

Am I really hindering my child because I like keeping her young? My 9 year is very aware that she's not allowed to read these books - or watch the movie. She still likes to read the Fairy books for fun. (The older books of Tinkerbell & her friends.) She's also getting into the 39 Clues series & quite enjoys those. But, Twilight - dare I say "Hell no"!! Sorry for the language, but I just can't believe some people. (If you're one of those people - well, I'm sorry. But, I strongly disagree with you on this one! And let's just agree to disagree.)

**At the risk of starting some major backlash towards me - keep in mind that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I realize that some kids are more mature than others. I believe mine is pretty mature, but not that mature. I still love you all no matter what you believe! :)

WHAT THE ?!?!

For all of you "TWILIGHT" fans out there today is a sad day!

I just read this... (click on it)

MIDNIGHT SUN

I'm so heartbroken about this! I'm just speechless!

BREAKING DAWN

You know I read it! I didn't go to a midnight party. Thought about it, but I'm just too dang old. Instead, I woke up, on my own - no alarm, at 6:30am & had to run to Wal-Mart immediately. (I'm glad I did. I had to go their again later in the day & they were sold out.) Anyway, I LOVED it! Although it makes me wonder what really goes on in that women's head. I am just amazed at the things people can create. I never would have guessed anything that happened in this book. How do authors just create their own world? Just like Harry Potter - people that can think up a whole different existence are just amazing. I guess just because I'm so not creative in the least. (Now I don't want my family popping in & saying how that's not true because you all know I just copy everything!) It's definitely worth reading. Only after you've read the others, of course. Go get it & ENJOY some time in fantasy land!!!

CRAZINESS

OK - as we all know by now if you've ever read my blog I am obsessed with the "Twilight" series. Well, since I read the series of books 3 times in 3 weeks my husband told me I needed to try another one. So, I ventured out & read yet another book! (Oh no! I am just like my mother!! - I love you mom!) He told me to read one of his favorite John Grisham novels - "The Testament". So, I did. He told me I would love it because they go to Brazil & since I've been their then I could relate. But, really, it took me a week to read it & I forced myself to finish it. I just couldn't get into it. I'm not giving up on the reading thing yet, but I'm probably going to give up on John Grisham. Way too slow for my taste. I'd way rather watch his movies - which I love them - & have them be done in 2 hours. I'm going to try the Harry Potter series. I think I would like those - total mindless fantasy & completely rid of any reality! Totally my speed. Which, I won't get my hands on those until my mom brings them to me at Thanksgiving, so I guess I'll have to read my books for the 4th time until then.

I'm having a hard time concentrating as I write this. My neighbors are BLARING music that I can hear in my house. I've never heard a thing come from these guys in the year & a half that we've lived here, but I can hear them tonight. But, the funny part is that they are total gothic people (Yes - they even had a real coffin in the bed of their truck yesterday.) blaring Korn, etc. But, now that the screaming music is over it has switched to Backstreet Boys, MC Hammer, even Vanilla Ice! How hilarious is that? I can only imagine what is going on over their.

Now back to my story, so it wouldn't be in my obsessive nature to not leave you with a little blurb about my books. (Don't worry - I promise this will die down soon!) But, my awesome Dad emailed me this article about the author & just had to share!

Stephenie Meyer

ISSUES

OK - so we know I've go issues! And if I haven't convinced you to read the "Twilight" series yet - then, here's another attempt. As we learned previously I finished book 3 in 2 days staying up EXTREMELY late on Sunday night. So, I decided to give myself a break Monday. But, I was going CRAZY! So, I had to start all over again on Tuesday. I reread "Twilight" - that's right a read it again. Finished it for the 2nd time tonight & LOVED it even more. You learn so much more the 2nd time around. You've got to read them if you haven't yet. I'm actually shocked that most of you that I know haven't read them. Some of you have even requested to borrow them from me, but to be honest - I don't know if I can part with them! It may be awhile if you wait for me. Trust me - it's worth the investment! In fact, Target has them on sale right now!

For those few of you that I know that have read them: have you been on Stephenie Meyer's website? Well, you know I have! She has a book from Edward's perspective that she's working on (it's merely a side project, so no deadline for a publish date) that you can actually read the first chapter of. It will be a complimentary book to "Twilight". VERY COOL! It answers so many questions. It almost makes it worse being able to read it. Just another thing to try my patience that is non-existent! Anyway, here's a link if you'd like:

Midnight Sun - Chapter One

ECLIPSE

Well, I finished the last book. All 630 pages of it in another 2 days! "Hi - My name is Melanie & I have an obsession problem!" Seriously, I loved these books & I think I'll go nuts waiting for the fourth book to come out. A whole year from now!! I might have to find out where she lives & lock her in her room until it's done. I'm just too impatient for things like this. Anyway, I absolutely LOVED these books & I'm going to read them again now. Hopefully, I can control myself enought this time around that they won't totally consume my life. We'll see...

P.S. - "A" I might need that hammock after all! I hope you draw my name! heehee

NEW MOON

OK - I'm not OCD Or anything - J/K yes I am! Just so you all know I finished "New Moon". It's the second book in the "Twilight" series. Also, it's 560 pages long & I finished it in 2 days. "Obsess much?" Why yes, I DO!!

TWILIGHT

Who says the universe can't be altered? Today I did the unthinkable....

For those of you who know me know that I don't read. Infact, as much as it pains some of you to hear, let's say I may even loathe to read. I think I've read maybe 2 books in the past 15 years. But, after being told numerous times to read "Twilight" I finally gave in.

Now, I've also been told to read the Harry Potter books tons of times, but haven't given in. There's already movies made of those. Why spend weeks reading when you can finish a movie in 2 1/2 hours? I know books have a lot more detail, but to me, that just doesn't make sense.

Well, I actually read "Twilight". Yes, I read it all the way through. Let me just say that I was obsessed with it, in fact. I started it on Sunday & finished it today (Wednesday). That's an amazing feet for me. 500 pages in 4 days. Well, I absolutely LOVED it!! So much so, that I was at Target today & noticed the next 2 books in the series were on sale & had to buy them. So, book 2 begins tomorrow! If you haven't read these - even if you don't like to read ("A") - you just HAVE TO!!! They're wonderful.

Those of you that have read it - let's just have a moment of silence for Edward & you can't tell me you wouldn't love to have him run his nose across your cheek bone!!! You know you love it...

Here's more fun info: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html

In fact, one of you (& I won't say who in the event of mobbing by others) even has the ability to get me a cool present...an autographed book of "Twilight". heehee Don't forget at your next family outing!