A 2008 Book Craze With A 2018 Book Review Of "Life and Death"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A 2008 Book Craze With A 2018 Book Review Of "Life and Death"

Here I am sitting in 2018, my mind stuck in 2008.

188
A 2008 Book Craze With A 2018 Book Review Of "Life and Death"
Youtube.com

Picture this: Its 2008, Twilight is in theaters and I’ve read most of the books cover to cover. I was probably the biggest Twilight fan I knew…. I try to write that with pride.

It’s now 2018 and I find myself once again reading a Twilight book. But this time, it’s a different story.

Twilight Saga author Stephanie Meyer rewrote the original story for the 10th anniversary by gender-swapping the characters. It’s now under the title of “Life and Death.” That’s right, every character, with exception of two, had their gender switched to the opposite. For example, Edward Cullen was now Edythe Cullen. When I heard about the book, my 11-year-old soul needed it.

I am well aware of the issues with Twilight, and I have come to see the shortcomings. I know Edward was a crappy boyfriend, the writing wasn’t all that great, and a host of other issues. But revisiting it as something I loved as a kid is sometimes enjoyable.

This version breathed new life into the story. For starters, the book was more polished, it read better than Meyers’ past books in the series. The language and some of the dialogue was changed to fit the new perspective being shared. In rereading her books, I couldn’t help but notice how ‘cringe-worthy’ the wording was, something I definitely never noticed when first reading the book.

The new perspective was interesting seeing the story from Beau’s, the male version of Bella, point of view. The essence of the original story was there, but I felt like I appreciated it more from his view. I found Bella whiny and one-dimensional and while the one-dimensionality still remained, I feel like the whininess I had an issue with was decreased. Whether this was because he was a guy and “guys aren’t whiny” or maybe it was ironed out in her rewriting the story.

Going into the book, I had questions about its ending and how it would be resolved. By about halfway through, I had sort of guessed the ending, and I saw a quick quip (oops) of the afterword and put it all together. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the journey, even though I saw the ending coming. I actually found the end way more compelling than the original. The end seemed more realistic… as realistic as a book about vampires can get. It was moving and that really surprised me. It actually made me cry a little.

It seemed that the characters finally found themselves in this version of the book. Twilight seems awkward and forced while this novel seems to flow. If Meyer decided to continue and flip all of her other books around chances are I would read them.

In the end, vampires are still whiny and not good significant others, humans are still annoyingly helpless, and Charlie is still the best character in the book. That being said, would I recommend this? Absolutely, it was nice slipping into the past and enjoying it all again for the first time. It was a fresh look at a familiar story.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59040
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38125
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959613
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196409
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments