The Twilight Saga

Well if you haven't heard of The Twilight Saga - a series of four books by American Author Stephanie Meyer - then in the very least you may have heard of Twilight the film, released in cinemas last week. Although I haven't been to see the movie yet, I am here to sing the praises for the book series.

I honestly can not remember the last time I enjoyed reading so much, its like having an addiction. I've been told by a fellow fan that the experience can be likened to a 'meth binge'. When you're reading, you're on the edge of your seat. When you're not reading, all you can think about is the next time you can sit down, pick up the book and continue from where you left off. But then as you draw closer to the end, although you are desperate to know the outcome of the story, you also want to slow down because there is only so much left - and what will you do without it?!

The collection starts with Twilight, the story of 17 year old Isabella Swan who decides to move to Forks Washington to live with her father, shortly after her mother remarries. On her first day at Forks High School, Bella spies the beautiful and mysterious Cullen family. The youngest member, Edward Cullen, has an adverse negative reaction to Bella's very presence, which piques her curiosity. We discover that the Cullens are vampires, and the book develops into a supernatural love story for the ages - A human girl, an immortal boy, who want nothing but to be together. Needless to say, there are countless difficulties to face and obstacles to overcome if this is to be in any way possible.

But don't let the romance put you off. Although it is the key theme of the series, the love and desire between the two main characters only serves to strengthen the plot lines and the readers invested interest in the story.

Without getting into too much detail, each book - true to traditional form - provides an exciting and supernatural problem for the characters to overcome. Although plot lines can at times be obvious, i.e. presenting a mystery you've already figured out, this isn't a twisty mystery novel, and shouldn't be judged as one. You're interest lies in the fates of characters that you've grown to love, or in the very least appreciate for their part in the tale.

Each book is written as a part of the series. Although the author makes some attempt at the beginning of each new book to remind the reader of what has happened in the past, there really is too much that has happened to truly appreciate the story. All the relationship and character development is crucial to understanding and truly enjoying each book. So, the recommendation is read them as the series, one after another :

1. Twilight

2. New Moon

3. Eclipse

4. Breaking Dawn

So, in conclusion, go get them all now and get the chance to have a wonderful reading experience! And if you're still worried its not for you, my 24 year old boyfriend is just about finished the last book, and may have enjoyed them more than me!

Happy Reading!

GP Out

Meri Chrisimasu!

Well folks, it is the season!

And time for me to have a bitch about the whole exercise...

When did Christmas stop feeling like Christmas? It seems to me that there is no longer anything innately special and exciting about the whole experience anymore. Personally, I guess I can attribute this to a few things.

1. THE DAY SANTA DIED

I guess the magic, wide eyed wonder and edge of your seat anticipation of the Christmas season pretty much went out the window the day that Santa died. I held on to this belief much, much longer that is appropriate to publicly admit.

2. AGE - THE DEATH OF TRADITION

Once upon a time, Christmas was about family, the reunion of seeing loved ones that you last saw the Christmas before, and for upholding the small and enjoyable habits developed years before. For my family - with a large gaggle of aunts, uncles and cousins - it was about getting together on Christmas Eve and watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation together, spending an entire week eating, swimming, playing games and generally enjoying each others company. As the family grows, so too does each individuals other commitments. However, with age, so too comes the decrease of family tolerance it would seem. In reflection, I cant remember the last time we had ALL our family in one room. And none of my generation even have kids yet! However being with my partner also means dividing our time between three families at Christmas, so I certainly understand that no kids does not necessarily mean no compromises.

3. CHRISTMAS - ALL FOUR MONTHS OF IT

Shopping centres have got it all going on. Nowadays, there is never some holiday or event that we shouldn't be buying for. We start with advertising for Valentines Day in February, Then its Easter in April (mind you, Easter eggs are now out shortly after the Christmas decorations come down), then Mothers Day in May, we get a little break before Fathers Day in September, and before the month is out the Christmas decorations are up and we are being reminded to buy trees and wrapping paper. Shopping centre decorations and associated Christmas products are now up/available from September through to January. By the time December and the date finally comes around, I know for the most part, I'm over it.

4. THE JOY OF SURPRISES

If one more person asks me what I want for Christmas I'm going to scream. I thought gifting was about what you wanted to give someone, not going out and buying them what they want. Obviously I was mistaken. I understand the logic about not wasting money by buying people things that they actually want and will enjoy, but gone is the feeling of excitement and anticipation in not knowing what to expect on the morning of the 25th. On the flip side of this scenario, its getting increasingly difficult to find someone the perfect gift, or more specifically, be able to afford it.

5. PEOPLE, BAH HUMBUG

I am getting REALLY over being out and about, with seemingly every other living human being that resides within a 15km radius. Its bad enough that I need to be in the city everyday for work, but when you are battling your way up the street through every student who has no where better to be now schools out, every parent loading their prams and themselves with toys, every grandparent asking endless nonsensical questions of store persons, and every professional making the most of their lunch break - its all too much.

But, having said all of that (and having gotten 90% of my Christmas shopping out of the way), I am still going to try to be a Christmas sap. I'm looking forward to another Christmas, having 2 weeks off work, spending some much needed time out of the city, with my partner and my family at the beach, watching as lovingly wrapped presents are opened and enjoyed, seeing the few extended family that will bother to make the trip, and to 2 weeks of eating and drinking a little too well.

So, from my family to yours, I wish you a happy and safe Christmas season, whatever it holds for you.

AP xoxox