Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Book description
About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him–and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret. What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back. Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned. Published in 2005, 292 pages.
Description from book jacket

Research the author and the book using library resources
Information on the author’s life and works is available through our library’s online resources. Recommended online resources for Twilight by Stephenie Meyer include Biography Resource Center and Expanded Academic ASAP. Enter your library barcode and then use the author’s name to search for full-text encyclopedia or magazine articles.

Discussion questions
According to Publisher’s Weekly, 27.5 million copies of the Twilight saga books were sold in 2008. Why do you think Twilight is so popular?

What is the significance of the scriptural epigraph (Genesis 2:17) and the cover photo?

The concept of choice is personally important to Meyer and is very relevant to the book. What were some of the tough choices Bella faced, and what do you think about her decisions? How about other characters’ choices?

Can you identify with Bella’s thought and actions throughout the book? Why or why not?

Do you think Bella is a strong or weak woman? Do you think she’s a good role model for today’s teens?

Is Edward a good role model for young men? What character traits do you like about him? What character traits do you dislike?

Which of the secondary characters do you like the most and why?

Which character can you relate to most?

What if the roles were reversed? How would the story change if Bella was the vampire instead of Edward?

What are your opinions about Bella and Edward’s relationship?

Bella took care of her mother and, to some extent, her father. What did you think of the reversal of parent and child roles? Do you think Bella’s relationship with her parents affected her relationship and attraction to Edward? In what way?

Did you think that Carlisle did the right thing by changing Edward into a vampire, or was it selfish?

Do you think Edward resents the decision, or does he find it be the “lesser of two evils”?

Did Meyer’s portrayal of vampires appeal to you?

Would it appeal to you to live forever? Why or why not?

Now that you’ve finished the first book, will you read any more of the series? Will you see the movie? If you have already read more in the series or seen the movie(s), how does that change your opinion of Twilight?

Does the classification of “young adult literature” ever deter your interest in reading a book? Do you think that this book fits the typical young adult classification?

Additional information
Entertainment Weekly interviewed the author about her novel.
Time Magazine wrote a biographical article and review of her novel.
Stephenie Meyer’s website 

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