Comments about ‘BYU grad's vampire tale eclipses Harry Potter on book list’

I don't know why you think this is an LDS or Utah phenom. I have looked all over for my daughter and the bookstores here in AZ tell me the only way to get the book in the state is to order online. All my dughters' friends are in love with this series and many are not LDS.

The New York Times book reviewer has it wrong. She makes a joke about the Mormon's Word of Wisdom "has a flexible attitude toward human blood for monsters." In that statement she implies that in Ms. Meyer's series of books it's okay for the monsters to desire human blood. The lead characters who are vampires in the series do NOT think it's okay to desire human blood, in fact they battle other vampires who do. If you're going to crack jokes at the expense of a church or an author you ought to at least get your facts correct.

Nobody said this was an LDS or Utah Phenomenon. It is simply an LDS BYU grad with a book on the Bestsellers List. Can't an article giving kudo's to someone be written?

Marci...don't take everything so seriously.

"There is no ban on big love in the mythical world." The New York Times book reviewer is implying here that because the author is a Mormon, the book smiles on polygamous relationships. Not only is that a lie but it is completely inappropriate. Eclipse is a charming novel about teenagers featuring a popular high school girl who has several suitors. In no way does it even hint at big love. I am disappointed that the Deseret News chose to highlight such an absurd review containing anti-Mormon bigotry.

It saddens me that society has to look for love and virtues within the fictional realm of werewolves, vampires and the magical world of Harry Potter. I don't get the "love fuzzies" from these equations. Why do gifted writers and news reporters have to pander to this phenonima of one-ups-man-ship in the big buck department?

Warren, If you're "saddened" by the outpouring of "love and virtues" found in the media, I am truly sorry for you. I would support those messages wholeheartedly and ask for the pandering to never cease.

I think when the Times Reporter said 'big love' she wasn't referring to Polygamy. I think she means the steamy romance in fiction writing.

I, too, although I enjoy fantasy and sci-fi and have for more than 40 years, wonder at the fascination with vampires, werewolves, wizards, and warlocks. I don't understand the current craze for vampires at all--I may be old-fashioned or something, but it seems strange to me that an LDS writer would write books for young people that feature vampires. Drinking human blood, UGH!

A 1897 review of Dracula said the theme of good triumphing over evil struck a chord everywhere and called it "one of the most enthralling and unique romances ever written." Does anyone object to the virtues taught by the witches and wizards in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Was Alfred, Lord Tennyson pandering to this phenomina when he wrote about Merlin in Idylls of the King? JRR Tolkien, George Orwell, Edgar Allan Poe all used inhuman characters to captivate the adolescent mind and teach human virtues. Three cheers to Stephenie for teaching today's youth about responsibility and self-control in such a timeless way.

This series is a wonderful way for teenagers to appreciate the normal feelings of being young- holding back when it's not appropriate, self-control & how to handle the mistakes that we all make. Not to mention, a fabulous escape back to the past for grown women all over. It's a great series that everyone can enjoy- because Stephenie is a talented writer with high intellect & an incredible imagination. Go Stephenie- let your imagination run free & KEEP ON WRITING!

STEPHENIE ROCKS!

The people who are questioning this book, I wonder, have you even read it? I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Meyer's work, so please before you judge her books, give them a chance. I'm quite pleased to hear that there will be more than 4 books in this series.

I am a bit tired of books reviews for the Twilight series, that are written by people who have not read the book, or seem to not have read the book, and just make generalizations, or state "facts" that are so incorrect it makes the book seem like a joke. Anyone who has read the book knows that it's not just book about vampires and werewolves. It's a book about PEOPLE, and the vampires are far more human than monster. Also, people focus way too much on the fact that Stephenie Meyer is a Mormon, and not enough on the fact that she is a great writer and she uses her background to create the fantastic characters in these books.

im from utah- it doesnt mean that its just a Utah phenom. its just has had one of the biggest sales- and plus this is a utahan newspaper so they are just talking about utah because the people who read it are from there
everyone knows its a big deal everywhere!
ok--does that clear anything up!

--i love these books--

to Second Opinion:
I am not really sure what the reporter meant by "Big Love" either, but we assume polygamy because there is a TV series (that I have not watched) that is supposedly about a polygamist. I can assure everyone that there is no polygamy in these books at all. I also agree with everyone that this series is not about monsters, but it is about people, and real things that people go through ... although maybe slightly exaggerated to make the point stand out. Meyer is an amazing writer and I would recommend these books to anyone!

I will not let my Children read books about vampires or sorcery.

I wonder whether or not these commentators are looking at this from a teen's perspective. As a teen reading these books, I don't take the author's religion into account. These books are fabulous, and up until I read this article, I didn't even know Meyer was LDS or from Utah. It was just great to read a romance novel that didn't have suggestive topics on every other page or constant swearing. And I wouldn't worry too much about the book reviews either. I can make my own decisions about the book after I've read it.

I will only let my children read books about vampires and sorcery.

I've changed my mind...I will allow my children to read books about vampires or sorcery.

What most of these discussion boards accomplish is free advertising for whatever it is we are talking about. Apparently these books are good and worthwhile reading, which is the objective of the writer. Please leave the religion aspect out of this, and appreciate this book for what it is, an opportunity to encourage people to READ!!!