New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Friday, February 15, 2008

Challenge:
Young Adult Challenge
What a bunch of moody characters!! Bella goes into a months' long depression when Edward, the love of her life, leaves town. Normally cheerful and happy-go-lucky Jacob becomes angry and morose as his body becomes larger and more muscular. And the beautiful Edward who was sardonic and wise just disappears. We don't hear about him again until he attempts suicide. In short, aside from the fact that we are reading about vampires and werewolves, it's all pretty average teenage angst. And I did enjoy this book a lot, just not as much as book one. Bella does spend so much time whining and feeling sorry for herself. And I felt she took advantage of Jacob. Jacob, who I really liked in the first book, is much darker, dangerous and less fun. Even Edward doesn't seem quite as smart and in control in this book. So what is good about this book? There is so much. Even though I tired of the whining, I felt Meyer's treatment of Bella's almost death-like existence for those months was incredibly effective. The opening dream sequence showing Bella's nightmare about growing old made me laugh out loud. Oh no, she's eighteen and Edward is still hanging in there at seventeen. Then I found the birthday party scene which precipates the Cullens departure to be both riveting and sad. And the action in Italy . . . absolutely spine-tingling. New Moon is definitely not a stand-alone book. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without reading Twilight first and it leaves you hanging at the end. There is no resolution with the vampire who has caused such an uproar on the La Push reservation and you are left wondering who is going to win the argument over will she or won't she make the big change. And after the goings on in Italy, I can certainly understand why Edward is reluctant and wonder why Bella hasn't considered that aspect of vampirism. Have I left anough teasers so that you will want to read the book just to find out what I'm talking about? I hope so. In spite of my criticisms, I think Meyer is a creative and talented storyteller; and this is a very engrossing series. I'm excited to start on Eclipse as soon as I post this review.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 9:52 PM

9 comments:
Maw Books said...
Who actually wants to be blogging and writing reviews when you have books just begging to be read? Have fun reading Eclipse!
2/16/2008 1:16 AM
Les said...
I didn't care for this one as much as Twilight. Gave it a 3.5/5. It took me two weeks to read and I got very tired of Bella's whining. Having said that, I'll still read Eclipse (and the new one that comes out later this year).
2/16/2008 10:31 AM
Stephanie said...
I really have to start reading this series! And I'm the big vampire lover. Man....so many people just love it.
2/16/2008 11:15 AM
Andrea said...
I also didn't enjoy New Moon as much as the first and third books. I think you will enjoy Eclipse a lot more!
2/16/2008 4:03 PM
writer2b said...
I love this: "In short, aside from the fact that we are reading about vampires and werewolves, it's all pretty average teenage angst." :-) Thanks for your review; yes, it's full of teasers!I see 'The Blue Sword' in your sidebar. I read that recently too, and really liked it.
2/16/2008 5:11 PM
Chain Reader said...
I have read this series, and I think although it's not perfectly written, it is perfectly entertaining. You're review is right-on.
2/16/2008 6:56 PM
Booklogged said...
I think New Moon has one of the best covers ever. That said, I still have no desire to read it. You rated it pretty darn high, but I'm still not going to read it!
2/16/2008 9:28 PM
Alix said...
Great review. I really enjoyed this one I love Jacob though so maybe that helped.The ending in Italy was great and I'm hoping for lots of answers in Eclipse.Bella did whine a bit too much but the blank months thing nearly made me cry!
2/27/2008 9:19 AM
Anonymous said...
I have not yet read New Moon, but by the sounds of it, it seems boring. Are ther any parts that actually have a meaning to the story?
3/25/2008 7:17 PM