Thoughts on New Moon

There is no denying it, I am an avid Twilight reader and follower!

The stories are among the most addictive I have ever read - and after seeing the first film, there was nothing and no-one that would have been able to stop me from reading the books!

I don't really have a 'team' (but if I had to it would probably be Team Edward...)
I get hopelessly excited about film releases and re-read the books alot.

However, when I do read the books or watch the films I come away from my time engrossed in Bella's world feeling increasingly unsatisfied.

Yes, the enjoyment I experience from the storylines and interplay between the characters is great but I dislike having to come back to earth with a 'bump'

The underlying theme which perpetuates the films and books is one of 'something else, something bigger'

Bella is simply your average, shy 17 year old at the beginning. Torn between states by her parents  divorce, an uncomfortable situation known to many.

Then she meets this guy, but not just any old guy. This is Edward - a stunningly beautiful, strong, multi-talented, mature, mysterious guy who happens to be unable to stay away from her.

OK, he does have a desire to kill her, but this only makes the fact that he chooses to love and adore her more attractive.

She finds out who he really is and that she will have to make a choice. She chooses him; becomes embroiled in his love, his world.

They revolve solely around each other - there are very few people whom they interact with - because of Edward's need for secrecy.

Then another guy, one of Edwards family adversaries who reveals his love for Bella and there she has another suitor.

Someone who is strong, protective, warm, loveable, funny, caring, persistent.

At this point, I can guarantee that there are approximately several million girls who want to be Bella - who wish to be loved unconditionally despite their obvious flaws, wrapped up in a mysterious, intense love web; where they have knowledge of what's actually happening whilst all her peers believe lies.

They want their life to be precious to a man who willing to (and can) save her, who is romantic and soulful, who can fight and yet whose world will always and completely revolve around you.

And then, when you leave the cinema or close the book you are reminded that there isn't any such thing as vampires and werewolves. That there isn't an Edward or Jacob waiting for you at home, if there is indeed anyone waiting at home.

That the man that you love will argue without instanteous compromise and forgiveness, that your scent will not be the most potent and attractive thing to them, that your love is highly unlikely to have any supernatural powers or - much less that your man will own a flashy car or have a complete knowledge of engine construction.

And so although I enjoyed the film 'New Moon', continue to engage with the Twilight saga and have those 'I wish I was Bella' moments I'm beginning to get away from the fantasies and fairy tales and into the reality of world.

The reality of compromise, of flaws, of possibilities for failure and unhappy endings.
And in this reality I hope one day to make my peace; if you stay in the fairy tales (especially this one) you can never be satisfied.