but if someone you're responsible for thinks the Edward/Bella relationship is a template for normal or optimal behaviour, I think having an in depth discussion with them about it isn't out of line.

I think having an in depth discussion with your kids about the books they read (or the music they listen to, the way they want to dress, etc) is showing respect for their choices. As long as you don't call it crap.

As long as you don't call it crap.

I don't have any opinion on how the books were written, since I haven't read them. That's never been my point. However, the relationship that's exalted in the story, I do have more of an opinion on, now that I've seen some of it in action.

And *that's* what I'm talking about. Not "read better books" but "imprint on healthier interaction". It's a whole different thing.

Well, ita ! As of now, Mark actually is living the dream. Mark Reads/Watches is his full-time job. And ooh! That means that he will be watching Angel for the site, interspersed with Buffy.

Power to him. That's a big and exciting jump, and a dream for so many of us in one form or another.

I've often idly wished I could make a living by watching tv and reading books and talking about them, but I didn't think it was possible. Good on ya, Mark.

Did anyone else read Mark's Watch of Ted?

I did, Zen.

Yes...

1) i would have gobbled up the Twilight books when I was the right age. Big thick romance - you bet. I understand the appeal. 2) I know a number of girls that read it- and one that literally threw the last book across the room and refused to have anything more to do with the series. 3) every single girl I've talked to that is head over heels into the books - knows they are reading fantasy- they know that in real life - waking up and finding some guy sneak into their room while sleeping would be creepy But, like teenage boys, they have a lot of wild hormones going in wild directions that they don't know what to with them . 4) if Twilight was one of the first things they read - pretty much paranormal fiction is the way they go. some go romance , some go horror, some go mystery. All of those elements are there. And for other - reading those really big fat books, opens the idea of reading for fun/pleasure.

as for talking to kids about them , well they are junk food books. But as an adult I read a lot of junk food books. So I'm not hard with kids that read them . I tend to say things like" I love vampire novels - but the Twilight books are nto even close to traditional vampires. I like my vampires scary. I see Twilight as more of a romance novel - so it just isn't to my taste"

why no _ I haven't thought about this

Not "read better books" but "imprint on healthier interaction". It's a whole different thing.

Well yeah, that's a different issue.