So, people have asked me how an avid Anne Rice fan like myself could possibly enjoy Twilight....
Why do I like this when I love Anne Rice's vampires?.....I really find that question kind of dumb. Why do people keep comparing them? Yeah they both have vampires, but they are nothing alike. The characters, the story, the tone, and the quality of writing are just completely different.
The Twilight series are books written for a younger audience. The wording and storyline is simpler for that reason. The author never said she was trying to write the next great novel of the century. It's a love story, a cheesy love story that just happens to involve vampires. And you know, that worked for me. A) I love vampires B) yeah, I can go for cheesy love stories from time to time. So I ended up enjoying it. Is it now one of my favorite books? No. Am I a twilight superfan? No. Will I enjoy it and go to the new movie with my best friend (who loves the books) wearing a cheap 'team edward' shirt from Wal-mart because it was stupid and fun? sure, why not?
Anne Rice is an accomplished author who has written many books, all to the adult audience. Obviously the quality of her work is going to be better. Do I think the Vampire Chronicles blows the Twilight series away? Oh hell yes. The Vampire Chronicles are my favorite series of books by miles I've been reading them since I was 10. When I'm upset I read one of her books (usually the Vampire Lestat) because those books are my happy place. These two series are on different planes of exsistance, they don't even compare. So I find it odd and somewhat annoying when people ask me how I could possibly like both. I assure you I do, but on completely different levels.
If you don't like Twilight, that's fine. I can completely see how it's not for everyone. But when judging it you just have to take it as it is. It's not a literary masterpiece. It's a quick easy story that you either like or you don't. Picking apart it's literary merit is kind of pointless. You don't have to like it, but you also don't have to constantly question those that do. Just because someone likes the series doesn't mean everything they read is on the same level. I'm an example. It's opinion, I personally don't like Harry Potter. Not that it's bad it's just...not my thing. I tried to read the books and just couldn't get into it. I'm sure if I wanted I could pick apart the book and find things I think are dumb. Or say 'Merlin could totally kick Harry's ass'. I mean in all honesty the 'twilight haters' have become just as annoying as the 'twilight superfans'. If you end up really liking it, fine. If hate it and want it to die, that's fine too. But really.....
So in conclusion, yes, I enjoy Twilight. I'm not a super fan- I just liked the story. But I am and always will be an Anne Rice super fan. No character will ever touch the sheer awesomeness of Lestat. So don't fear kids, no need to question my taste or where my loyalties lie. ;)
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