Clare Richardson’s review of Twilight (The Twilight Saga, #1) > Likes and Comments
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isn't it disgusting how so many people actually enjoyed the horrid excuse of a book?? the stupidity of the teenagers seems to increase with ever passing day.
Besides the fact that it's horribly written, Stephenie Meyer apparently can't Google some of the stuff that she put in there.
hello im 12 i lv reading and i want to know how do u get to open to read these books
I loved the books, and I'm not a little teenager- 27 years old! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I like it because for once the kids aren't all drinking and sleeping around! But all these book snobs that look down on certain authors really gets to me! The beauty of life is that we are all different! No need to be pretentious! Like who u like, if u don't like some don't get on snobby! Not a good look! :)
I love people who utilize the argument "people are entitled to their opinion," and then proceed to ignore the fact that we're likewise entitled to voice that opinion. Personally, I don't care a fig if someone else loves Twilight or not, I still hate the franchise, and the author; she's a terrible writer, and that's plain fact.
One can argue they, as a reader, enjoyed a story, and that's fine, that's opinion and acceptable. But, facts are facts; plot holes the size of Texas, grammatical errors that a fifth grader could find and correct, and predictable plot lines are all signatures of bad writing. If you, as a reader, like Twilight, that's fine, but don't think that just because you enjoy a story that your entertainment is indicative of quality.
★Star Skitty★ wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "I love people who utilize the argument "people are entitled to their opinion," and then proceed to ignore the fact that we're likewise entitled to voice that opinion. Personally,..."
Two words; you're awesome! Thanks for that, seriously, LOL.
I did like this series but I do see where your coming from. I guess I could ramble on about how wrong you are but there's no problem in speaking you mind. I saw the movies first and now I'm comparing the books to the movie.
mkc120 wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "Erica wrote: "I got 3/4 through the first book and threw it out the window. I absolutely despise the Twilight Saga. Forgive me for saying so, but those who are fans of Twilight, ..."
I had just seen a NuttyMadam YouTube video when I wrote that. She legitimately scares me. 0_o
I don't think all Twihards are silly teens who fantasize about Eddikins or Jakey. The majority (of what I've seen) scares me though and make me question their sanity.
You're team Jacob I presume? I liked Jakey, he was the only decent character, in the first novel.
Karen wrote: "I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't want to admit it---either th..."
If you actually finished reading the review, it states that I didn't read anything but the first one. I did so in an attempt to finish reading something before I opened up a discussion about it; it seems to be too much to expect GoodReads commenters to do the same for reviews.
Seriously, y'all, it's tiring to get this many comments about how dumb it is to finish a book series when the review clearly states that I actually didn't bother. Reading comprehension when it comes to Twilight fans (not even taking on how offensive the term "Twitards" is) seem to be substandard at best. There are a generous number of positively-reviewed books on my account; it's quite rare that I dislike something enough to give it a review like this one.
(Moved the note about not finishing the series from the bottom of the review to the top, since that seems to be most folks' favorite part to nitpick about, instead of discussing the book or the actual content of the review.)
Laura1985 wrote: "I loved the books, and I'm not a little teenager- 27 years old! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I like it because for once the kids aren't all drinking and sleeping around! But al..."
If the acts of abstaining from drinking or sleeping around are the sole prerequisites for your enjoyment of a book, I'm sure some of the folks in this comments section can bring up a few recommendations.
Again with the reading comprehension. I'm not sure where in there I said that only teenage girls liked or read the book--just that I thought it was a pretty shoddy love story for a girl that age. You're absolutely entitled to your opinion; it would be lovely if you didn't imply/outright state that differing ones were nothing but snobbery and pretension. :) Thanks for commenting.
C., you've got class! Incidentally, can I be the only one who finds it a bit pretentious of commentators to say they prefer books with a lack of alcohol or sex? Because, frankly, that's a pretty hard slam on a lot of amazing classic literature. The Catcher In The Rye? Lord of the Flies? Anyone? Hmm. Sad to be so disparaging against some WAY better fiction than Twilight.
(And, sorry, but if a book's considered a classic, it's automatically better than Twilight, and that's not opinion; it's fact.)
Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't ..."
Oh, for mercy's sake.
"This many comments" was what I said. You likely haven't read all the comments here (nor do I expect you to--I don't even think I have), but there are several in the vein of it being stupid to finish a book series if you're not enjoying it. Yours was the latest in a string. Saying I would finish the series was originally just an exasperated and mild joke to ward off people that would tell me that I'd like it if I kept going. When I wrote it, I didn't at all expect that it would receive much response. GoodReads was still quite in its infancy, if I recall properly; I expected that it would ward off acquaintances that would try to convince me. You can imagine that after a volume of comments over several years telling me how stupid that is that my patience might be very sorely tested.
My favorites shelf here on GoodReads is pretty extensive. I am far, far more inclined to like things than to dislike them, so it amazes me on a continual basis that the single most detailed negative review I have ever written here has turned up this kind of response. I'm glad you enjoyed the novel. Really. I didn't, and I'll happily, gleefully, joyously talk about why, because I enjoy doing it. Appealing to some sort of duty to be positive--why are you such a negative human being that you would say something SO MEAN? wouldn't you rather be happy and review only the things you love?--is frankly a little bizarre. No, I wouldn't. I'd rather honestly talk about what I learned or did not learn from a book's structure, characterization, or plot. I'd rather frankly discuss what I liked and what I did not like. Is my language snarky? ABSOLUTELY. But I'd rather read a mildly entertaining screed than just a screed. Wouldn't you?
By your own reasoning, if you didn't like the review, you were more than welcome to stop reading it. You're negatively reviewing my review, and that's getting quite meta now, isn't it?
Clare wrote: "By your own reasoning, if you didn't like the review, you were more than welcome to stop reading it. You're negatively reviewing my review, and that's getting quite meta now, isn't it?"
lol and brava, Clare, bravura. now we can all do some Thai Buddhist forest-monk breathing exercises and agree that we don't like the same things and that's okay because, unlike Edward, we will all die and the material illusions of this world will slip away from us...at least until we get stuck with them again because we spent all this time getting angry in the first place. (or second, or third, yknow, depending on how long we've been around.)
on another note, I think the transcriptions of the meditation talks of the Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw, as almost incomprehensible as they are, are far better composed than the books of the venerable Stephanie Meyers.
Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspective is trolling. I have several favorite authors, but I don't read the negative reviews on their works because, while I would disagree, people are entitled to their opinion. What's more, those same people are entitled to VOICE that opinion!
And, no, before anyone screams at me, "But we love the books, and we're entitled to voice OUR opinions to you, here!" let me just say, you're wrong. The platform to voice your positive opinion about a book is within the communities designated for such (positive reviews, groups, etc.) After all, rarely do you see anti-fans of the Meyer books trolling other reviews, so why is it the same respect isn't granted both ways? Hmmm.
Claire, carry on sticking to your guns. Don't let these trolls get you down. Every thing you mentioned about Twilight is true. I bet most of these trolls are a bunch of horny 12 year olds.
Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspec..."
that's the point of GR, that we are all entitled to our opinions. So what if some people hated more books than others? Our tastes are different. Claire's review was just that.
Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspec..."
I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that since you're criticizing my review, you liked the book better than I did, but that is indeed an assumption.
Stranger on the Internet, you seem to have a chip on your shoulder about people hating on things, but I'm gobsmacked that you willingly went into any discussions about Twilight and expected... not to find strong negative reactions? I'm serious, I really want to know: have you been living under a rock? The Rock of Rainbows and Sunshine and Endless Positivity? Are there puppies and unicorns painted on this rock? Did Lisa Frank make this rock?
Honest to god, I am BAFFLED BY YOU, STRANGER ON THE INTERNET.
Let me lay it out here. (Again.) I don't actually spend a lot of time hating on things, but when I do, I'm vocal. This book and The Night Circus are the only things I've given an extensive critical review to; otherwise, I'm pretty positive! (You might be shocked and that's okay.) I haven't really interacted with the feedback on this review much beyond a few brief comments, because I've said what I wanted to say already. You just specially tweaked me for the general attempt to shame people into being "nice." And that doesn't really fly with me, stranger on the Internet.
If I read the book today, I very likely would have said "well, this is indeed the piece of garbage everyone said it was, how disappointing!" and left it at that, because there really isn't a whole lot left to say, is there? It would have been my own fault if I'd picked it up after hearing all about it (which is why I have not touched 50 Shades of Grey, not with Hitler's dick lashed to a ten-foot pole would I touch that thing). If I'd known, I would have spared myself the trouble. Trust me.
When I wrote the review, I seemed to be very much in the minority. I gave my honest opinion on a book that I thought was a rather godawful but niche publication--I was still a Mormon, and eagerly wanted to support a Mormon author who seemed to be doing well. In retrospect, it was clearly gaining momentum, and you can imagine my shock and dismay when it went beyond just being "bad Mormon fiction" and turned into this bizarre worldwide phenomenon. What is now part of a "so many people lashing out in anger" was once "pretty much the only comprehensive negative review of this stupid damn book on the website."
I'm won't apologize for it or ameliorate the review because you think I should be nicer or more positive, or because you think I did a bad thing by being honest and maybe a little funny about something I disliked. I am snarky and quite loud, Sorry I'm not sorry, stranger on the Internet.
I clearly struck a nerve with the "reading comprehension" comment, when it was generally aimed at everyone that seemed to ignore the fact that I'd never finished the series. But I am seriously and truly astounded that you came into discussion areas about Twilight and expected positivity or neutrality, and most of all that you continue to go on about a thing you don't like (negativity), while saying you don't like people who go on about things they don't like. You can't see the humor in that? (Asking for a friend.)
Clare, you're adorable! "... have you been living under a rock? The Rock of Rainbows and Sunshine and Endless Positivity? Are there puppies and unicorns painted on this rock? Did Lisa Frank make this rock?" That just KILLED me with laughter!
Oh, God, can I be the only one finding it hilarious Karen's playing the "I'm not a troll, YOU are" card? C'mon, how childhood-playground can one get? To quote quality literature, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
As for the whole, "Nu-uh! I don't like it, or like it, or whatever you said!" laughable reply, let ME just beseech you, Karen, to reread my commentary about/to you. Firstly, note that the arena you came to was not a random hater-website. You came to a book review. Here, we review books. You know what reviews are, right? Positive and negative analytical reflections upon the subject matter? Secondly, as noted before, please endeavor to pay attention. Note, I did not once accuse you, specifically, of liking or hating the novel. Again, pay attention.
It's not that I'm being snarky, although I am, it's just that I grow so tired of the "Why do people have to say mean things about an author" (or whatever) mentality. At the end of the day, an author is selling their work for monetary gain. Nothing more, nothing less. If you spent X amount of dollars on a household cleaning product that did not deliver as advertised, you'd be pissed as pissed. You'd discourage people from utilizing that product, and thereby subsequently wasting their money. Bashing Twilight? Same. Damned. Thing.
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "mkc120 wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "Erica wrote: "I got 3/4 through the first book and threw it out the window. I absolutely despise the Twilight Saga. Forgive me for saying so, bu..."
Nice.
Okay, I totally WASN'T going to comment, and this shall be my last response because I only feed the trolls until it becomes redundant, but, Karen, just so you know, you totally misinterpreted Clare's phrase "Stranger on the internet." She meant that you're a stranger to her, not a stranger to the internet. *Snorts* Ironic, because, again, reading comprehension fail!
Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposi..."
Yeah, I have no idea who you are. And therefore, you are indeed a stranger on the Internet. (And hey, I remember dial-up too, check it out. Thank God we had a second line so I didn't have to tie up the main one if I chose to argue with a stranger on the Internet.)
There are some positive things in the review (if you read it). (I'm still not convinced you actually did.) I said I might have been a lot more willing to forgive the book or even like it, were it not for the first-person narration. It's not an entirely unfair critique.
People are getting up in arms because you are pretty condescending. To imply that we're just sad, sad haters that have nothing better to do with our time is patronizing to the extreme. Like I said, you're the first person I've really engaged on the topic, so clearly I'm not investing my life essence into wiping the book off the face of the planet. Frankly, I've noted that I'm one of the more polite Twilight dissenters--I wonder how many other threads you're having similar conversations in, if my review is the least of the lot.
Or was it just my lucky, lucky day?
You came here looking for the good AND the bad, and are puzzled and upset by the bad that you found. I have no idea why you're having this conversation--you found what you were looking for, did you not? I don't know what on earth makes you think that what I wrote was not my "honest opinion," or how seven or eight short paragraphs constitutes "going on and on." My review is shorter than some of the comments you've left. It's shorter than some of the comments I've left, for crying out loud.
Frankly, at this point, the review is moot as can be. People know how they feel about the franchise. If the power of that dumb review is enough to make someone hate Twilight, I'd be floored. Thanks for giving me that much credit, though, stranger on the Internet.
Look, this is nigh on five years of dealing with nasty trolling behavior and insulting comments left here on a regular basis because I was frank about a book. Though it may not all be you, you are certainly the straw that has broken the camel's back. If you've got nothing more useful to say than "you should be nicer about things you don't like," then I'm afraid we are at an impasse, because a complete stranger on the Internet attempting to make me feel bad about a book review and trying to shame me into being a "nicer" human being is a little much for me.
If you'd like to discuss the actual merits of the book, I'd be happy to do so! If you want to continue to discuss the Merits of Not Being Mean Mean Mean Lady, I'm afraid I can't help you anymore. Because I guess I'm a Mean Mean Mean Lady, and I really don't mind. There's the door.
Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review tha..."
*Applauds!*
Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series
Macee wrote: "Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series"
You misspelled "your," just so ya know. *Cue the irony, ladies and gents.*
Macee wrote: "Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series"
Would you care to point out the mistakes made by "Twilight Haters?"
how to read the books you added in ur list
I completely agree with you. There was way too much teen angst for me.
This book is truly brilliant !
I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an individual story line , but the romance carries on throughout the trilogy. I firmly believe this is a beautiful story with a beautiful meaning ! You just have to read between the lines!
Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant !
I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an individual st..."
You're 12. That figures why you're into Edward.
♥Valentine Umbreon♥ wrote: "Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant !
I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an i..."
I'd recycle them. Forest fires are bad for the environment.
☀Solar Fennekin☀ wrote: "Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant !
I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are !"
Also, Pokemon did..."
Ahh Pokemon (1st gen.) That takes me back!
Even th Pugh you kinda overreacted, I agree with you
I agree with you Emma, even though I didn't particularly like this myself
I love your review of this book Cara! I agree...this book sucked. I truly don't understand why people became so obsessed with this series. I tried to literally force myself to read the second one but I couldn't make it through the third chapter. Bella and Edward are both so empty, the rest of the characters are pointless and the plot always made me just ask "why?"...save a kitten, please don't read more :-)
I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^
I for one think you nailed it. Couldn't have said it better myself!
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^
I for one think you nailed it. Could..."
That stereotype is there for a reason last time I checked. I take it by "directioners" you mean One Direction? I never bothered listening to them so I have no right to input an opinion about their fans. I have read every Twilight book but stopped halfway through the last one. And any "fan" that doesn't follow the "stereotype" either only finds it mildly interesting or doesn't care either way. The fans I was referring to are the absolutely wretched fangirls who SQUEE over the word "vampire" and as I said about the review, the ONLY people who got so butt hurt and offended that they felt the need to write a long list of insults like a drunken monkey because GOD FORBID someone insult their precious Edward twinkle toes.
HA! I very much enjoyed reading these comments... and will not be sharing my two cents.
Get a life! It's just a book. If you don't like it don't read it. But you don't have to be so mean about it. There are millions of people who enjoyed these books & re-read them. Don't you have anything better to do then just criticize.
lol these comments have me smiling. both sides crack me up. i however am one of the twilight lovers however the movies made me sick. And for those who did not like Twilight I am curious to know how you would like " The Host" not many people know about her other book.
Melissa wrote: "lol these comments have me smiling. both sides crack me up. i however am one of the twilight lovers however the movies made me sick. And for those who did not like Twilight I am curious to know how..."
I have been curious about The Host! The concept intrigues me and the previews for the films looked decently cool. I'd give it a shot if I ever needed a beach read or something like that! :)
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^
I for one think you nailed it. Could..."
Oh man. I am not judging either way about "Directioners," but have you cruised the One Direction tag on Tumblr? Because DAMN. I ain't even play that game and it gets onto my dash out of other people's amusement. People definitely say that kind of thing about One Direction fans.
I personally LOVED your review XD I agree with basically everything you said and then some. Don't listen to anyone who criticizes you because you're just telling it like it is. I personally read twilight because it was mandatory for a school assignment. I'm still pissed I wasted $20 to go see it with my friend at the movies when it first came out (lesson to all: don't always buy into the hype). If I had to compare, the book is much more tolerable than the movie, mainly because we're forced to sit their and watch 2 hours of Kristen Stewart not being able to deliver a decent line or make a facial expression other than her regular look of apathy/boredom. Hope I come across some of your other reviews some time!
I guess don't judge a book if you haven't read the full series. Like judging someone you never met. Idiot thing right? Some hate this book just get along with the "go with the flow" freaks.
I would review this book but you summed up what I had to say about it. To think, at one point I once thought highly of this book. Now I can't even read a page without thinking of the philosophy you're born, you live, you die, and your born again.
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message 201:
by
Barely Breathing Banana
(new)
Dec 28, 2012 04:20PM
isn't it disgusting how so many people actually enjoyed the horrid excuse of a book?? the stupidity of the teenagers seems to increase with ever passing day.
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Besides the fact that it's horribly written, Stephenie Meyer apparently can't Google some of the stuff that she put in there.
hello im 12 i lv reading and i want to know how do u get to open to read these books
I loved the books, and I'm not a little teenager- 27 years old! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I like it because for once the kids aren't all drinking and sleeping around! But all these book snobs that look down on certain authors really gets to me! The beauty of life is that we are all different! No need to be pretentious! Like who u like, if u don't like some don't get on snobby! Not a good look! :)
I love people who utilize the argument "people are entitled to their opinion," and then proceed to ignore the fact that we're likewise entitled to voice that opinion. Personally, I don't care a fig if someone else loves Twilight or not, I still hate the franchise, and the author; she's a terrible writer, and that's plain fact. One can argue they, as a reader, enjoyed a story, and that's fine, that's opinion and acceptable. But, facts are facts; plot holes the size of Texas, grammatical errors that a fifth grader could find and correct, and predictable plot lines are all signatures of bad writing. If you, as a reader, like Twilight, that's fine, but don't think that just because you enjoy a story that your entertainment is indicative of quality.
★Star Skitty★ wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "I love people who utilize the argument "people are entitled to their opinion," and then proceed to ignore the fact that we're likewise entitled to voice that opinion. Personally,..."Two words; you're awesome! Thanks for that, seriously, LOL.
I did like this series but I do see where your coming from. I guess I could ramble on about how wrong you are but there's no problem in speaking you mind. I saw the movies first and now I'm comparing the books to the movie.
mkc120 wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "Erica wrote: "I got 3/4 through the first book and threw it out the window. I absolutely despise the Twilight Saga. Forgive me for saying so, but those who are fans of Twilight, ..."I had just seen a NuttyMadam YouTube video when I wrote that. She legitimately scares me. 0_o
I don't think all Twihards are silly teens who fantasize about Eddikins or Jakey. The majority (of what I've seen) scares me though and make me question their sanity.
You're team Jacob I presume? I liked Jakey, he was the only decent character, in the first novel.
I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't want to admit it---either that, or they're a glutton for punishment. Seems a complete waste of time to read something you hate, when there are so many books to be read. Find something you *do* enjoy and read that, then review it. Leave the rest alone.
Karen wrote: "I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't want to admit it---either th..."If you actually finished reading the review, it states that I didn't read anything but the first one. I did so in an attempt to finish reading something before I opened up a discussion about it; it seems to be too much to expect GoodReads commenters to do the same for reviews.
Seriously, y'all, it's tiring to get this many comments about how dumb it is to finish a book series when the review clearly states that I actually didn't bother. Reading comprehension when it comes to Twilight fans (not even taking on how offensive the term "Twitards" is) seem to be substandard at best. There are a generous number of positively-reviewed books on my account; it's quite rare that I dislike something enough to give it a review like this one.
(Moved the note about not finishing the series from the bottom of the review to the top, since that seems to be most folks' favorite part to nitpick about, instead of discussing the book or the actual content of the review.)
Laura1985 wrote: "I loved the books, and I'm not a little teenager- 27 years old! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally I like it because for once the kids aren't all drinking and sleeping around! But al..."If the acts of abstaining from drinking or sleeping around are the sole prerequisites for your enjoyment of a book, I'm sure some of the folks in this comments section can bring up a few recommendations.
Again with the reading comprehension. I'm not sure where in there I said that only teenage girls liked or read the book--just that I thought it was a pretty shoddy love story for a girl that age. You're absolutely entitled to your opinion; it would be lovely if you didn't imply/outright state that differing ones were nothing but snobbery and pretension. :) Thanks for commenting.
C., you've got class! Incidentally, can I be the only one who finds it a bit pretentious of commentators to say they prefer books with a lack of alcohol or sex? Because, frankly, that's a pretty hard slam on a lot of amazing classic literature. The Catcher In The Rye? Lord of the Flies? Anyone? Hmm. Sad to be so disparaging against some WAY better fiction than Twilight. (And, sorry, but if a book's considered a classic, it's automatically better than Twilight, and that's not opinion; it's fact.)
Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't want to admit ..."
If you actually finished reading the comment, it says I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. In other words, if you're not enjoying a book, feel free to put it down, and if you still want to give a review, simply say, "I couldn't get through it. I had to put it down."
Not sure where you thought I said it was "dumb...to finish a book series when the review clearly states that I actually didn't bother." I simply wonder why you slogged through the first one, if you were in such torture.
Not every book is everyone's cup of tea. There have been plenty of movies that have received a slew of Oscars that I practically barfed my way through, but I don't go online to rant on about them. *Somebody* enjoyed them; I didn't.
And I wouldn't be pointing fingers at "readers' comprehension" when you totally missed the point of my comment in response to your ranting review. (Aren't there other books you'd rather be reviewing, ones you've loved?)
If you actually finished reading the comment, it says I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. In other words, if you're not enjoying a book, feel free to put it down, and if you still want to give a review, simply say, "I couldn't get through it. I had to put it down."
Not sure where you thought I said it was "dumb...to finish a book series when the review clearly states that I actually didn't bother." I simply wonder why you slogged through the first one, if you were in such torture.
Not every book is everyone's cup of tea. There have been plenty of movies that have received a slew of Oscars that I practically barfed my way through, but I don't go online to rant on about them. *Somebody* enjoyed them; I didn't.
And I wouldn't be pointing fingers at "readers' comprehension" when you totally missed the point of my comment in response to your ranting review. (Aren't there other books you'd rather be reviewing, ones you've loved?)
Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "I don't understand why people read things they're not interested in, or they're not enjoying. I think secretly some of these people really *do* enjoy the book but don't ..."Oh, for mercy's sake.
"This many comments" was what I said. You likely haven't read all the comments here (nor do I expect you to--I don't even think I have), but there are several in the vein of it being stupid to finish a book series if you're not enjoying it. Yours was the latest in a string. Saying I would finish the series was originally just an exasperated and mild joke to ward off people that would tell me that I'd like it if I kept going. When I wrote it, I didn't at all expect that it would receive much response. GoodReads was still quite in its infancy, if I recall properly; I expected that it would ward off acquaintances that would try to convince me. You can imagine that after a volume of comments over several years telling me how stupid that is that my patience might be very sorely tested.
My favorites shelf here on GoodReads is pretty extensive. I am far, far more inclined to like things than to dislike them, so it amazes me on a continual basis that the single most detailed negative review I have ever written here has turned up this kind of response. I'm glad you enjoyed the novel. Really. I didn't, and I'll happily, gleefully, joyously talk about why, because I enjoy doing it. Appealing to some sort of duty to be positive--why are you such a negative human being that you would say something SO MEAN? wouldn't you rather be happy and review only the things you love?--is frankly a little bizarre. No, I wouldn't. I'd rather honestly talk about what I learned or did not learn from a book's structure, characterization, or plot. I'd rather frankly discuss what I liked and what I did not like. Is my language snarky? ABSOLUTELY. But I'd rather read a mildly entertaining screed than just a screed. Wouldn't you?
By your own reasoning, if you didn't like the review, you were more than welcome to stop reading it. You're negatively reviewing my review, and that's getting quite meta now, isn't it?
Clare wrote: "By your own reasoning, if you didn't like the review, you were more than welcome to stop reading it. You're negatively reviewing my review, and that's getting quite meta now, isn't it?"lol and brava, Clare, bravura. now we can all do some Thai Buddhist forest-monk breathing exercises and agree that we don't like the same things and that's okay because, unlike Edward, we will all die and the material illusions of this world will slip away from us...at least until we get stuck with them again because we spent all this time getting angry in the first place. (or second, or third, yknow, depending on how long we've been around.)
on another note, I think the transcriptions of the meditation talks of the Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw, as almost incomprehensible as they are, are far better composed than the books of the venerable Stephanie Meyers.
Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspective is trolling. I have several favorite authors, but I don't read the negative reviews on their works because, while I would disagree, people are entitled to their opinion. What's more, those same people are entitled to VOICE that opinion! And, no, before anyone screams at me, "But we love the books, and we're entitled to voice OUR opinions to you, here!" let me just say, you're wrong. The platform to voice your positive opinion about a book is within the communities designated for such (positive reviews, groups, etc.) After all, rarely do you see anti-fans of the Meyer books trolling other reviews, so why is it the same respect isn't granted both ways? Hmmm.
Claire, carry on sticking to your guns. Don't let these trolls get you down. Every thing you mentioned about Twilight is true. I bet most of these trolls are a bunch of horny 12 year olds.
Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspective is trolling. I..."
Funny how you and Aliyah seem to think I'm a troll, when my comment was solely stating that I don't understand why people waste time GOING ON negatively about things they don't like. I've heard of people putting up entire "I hate Rachael Ray" websites...what's the point in that?
I also find it amusing that you seem to think I liked the book, when I did not say one way or the other whether I liked it or not. (Go back and re-read my comment.) I came here wondering what people thought of the book, and I was struck by so many "I hate Twilight/Edward/Eddikins/Jakey/Stephenie Meyer!" comments. So many people lashing out in anger, angst, whatever you want to call it, rather than just saying "I didn't like it," making a comment or two as to why, and then moving on.
IMHO, you just might be the troll.
Funny how you and Aliyah seem to think I'm a troll, when my comment was solely stating that I don't understand why people waste time GOING ON negatively about things they don't like. I've heard of people putting up entire "I hate Rachael Ray" websites...what's the point in that?
I also find it amusing that you seem to think I liked the book, when I did not say one way or the other whether I liked it or not. (Go back and re-read my comment.) I came here wondering what people thought of the book, and I was struck by so many "I hate Twilight/Edward/Eddikins/Jakey/Stephenie Meyer!" comments. So many people lashing out in anger, angst, whatever you want to call it, rather than just saying "I didn't like it," making a comment or two as to why, and then moving on.
IMHO, you just might be the troll.
Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspec..."that's the point of GR, that we are all entitled to our opinions. So what if some people hated more books than others? Our tastes are different. Claire's review was just that.
Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your opinion/perspec..."I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that since you're criticizing my review, you liked the book better than I did, but that is indeed an assumption.
Stranger on the Internet, you seem to have a chip on your shoulder about people hating on things, but I'm gobsmacked that you willingly went into any discussions about Twilight and expected... not to find strong negative reactions? I'm serious, I really want to know: have you been living under a rock? The Rock of Rainbows and Sunshine and Endless Positivity? Are there puppies and unicorns painted on this rock? Did Lisa Frank make this rock?
Honest to god, I am BAFFLED BY YOU, STRANGER ON THE INTERNET.
Let me lay it out here. (Again.) I don't actually spend a lot of time hating on things, but when I do, I'm vocal. This book and The Night Circus are the only things I've given an extensive critical review to; otherwise, I'm pretty positive! (You might be shocked and that's okay.) I haven't really interacted with the feedback on this review much beyond a few brief comments, because I've said what I wanted to say already. You just specially tweaked me for the general attempt to shame people into being "nice." And that doesn't really fly with me, stranger on the Internet.
If I read the book today, I very likely would have said "well, this is indeed the piece of garbage everyone said it was, how disappointing!" and left it at that, because there really isn't a whole lot left to say, is there? It would have been my own fault if I'd picked it up after hearing all about it (which is why I have not touched 50 Shades of Grey, not with Hitler's dick lashed to a ten-foot pole would I touch that thing). If I'd known, I would have spared myself the trouble. Trust me.
When I wrote the review, I seemed to be very much in the minority. I gave my honest opinion on a book that I thought was a rather godawful but niche publication--I was still a Mormon, and eagerly wanted to support a Mormon author who seemed to be doing well. In retrospect, it was clearly gaining momentum, and you can imagine my shock and dismay when it went beyond just being "bad Mormon fiction" and turned into this bizarre worldwide phenomenon. What is now part of a "so many people lashing out in anger" was once "pretty much the only comprehensive negative review of this stupid damn book on the website."
I'm won't apologize for it or ameliorate the review because you think I should be nicer or more positive, or because you think I did a bad thing by being honest and maybe a little funny about something I disliked. I am snarky and quite loud, Sorry I'm not sorry, stranger on the Internet.
I clearly struck a nerve with the "reading comprehension" comment, when it was generally aimed at everyone that seemed to ignore the fact that I'd never finished the series. But I am seriously and truly astounded that you came into discussion areas about Twilight and expected positivity or neutrality, and most of all that you continue to go on about a thing you don't like (negativity), while saying you don't like people who go on about things they don't like. You can't see the humor in that? (Asking for a friend.)
Clare, you're adorable! "... have you been living under a rock? The Rock of Rainbows and Sunshine and Endless Positivity? Are there puppies and unicorns painted on this rock? Did Lisa Frank make this rock?" That just KILLED me with laughter! Oh, God, can I be the only one finding it hilarious Karen's playing the "I'm not a troll, YOU are" card? C'mon, how childhood-playground can one get? To quote quality literature, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
As for the whole, "Nu-uh! I don't like it, or like it, or whatever you said!" laughable reply, let ME just beseech you, Karen, to reread my commentary about/to you. Firstly, note that the arena you came to was not a random hater-website. You came to a book review. Here, we review books. You know what reviews are, right? Positive and negative analytical reflections upon the subject matter? Secondly, as noted before, please endeavor to pay attention. Note, I did not once accuse you, specifically, of liking or hating the novel. Again, pay attention.
It's not that I'm being snarky, although I am, it's just that I grow so tired of the "Why do people have to say mean things about an author" (or whatever) mentality. At the end of the day, an author is selling their work for monetary gain. Nothing more, nothing less. If you spent X amount of dollars on a household cleaning product that did not deliver as advertised, you'd be pissed as pissed. You'd discourage people from utilizing that product, and thereby subsequently wasting their money. Bashing Twilight? Same. Damned. Thing.
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "mkc120 wrote: "Somerandom wrote: "Erica wrote: "I got 3/4 through the first book and threw it out the window. I absolutely despise the Twilight Saga. Forgive me for saying so, bu..."Nice.
Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposition to your o..."
ROFLMAO....stranger on the Internet. That's a good one! Thanks for making me laugh, Clare. Seriously. I've been on the Internet since 1996, from the days of AOL dialup on a computer that only just had Windows installed from MS-DOS. :)
I don't know why everyone is being so nasty about this. I sincerely came here wanting to read the good and the bad, and I said I am PUZZLED (i.e. don't understand) why people go on about things they hate. I am merely offering another perspective, which apparently is pressing a few people's buttons.
When a person posts their honest opinion, that's a review.
When a person goes on and on saying how much they *hate* something, that's trying to get everyone else to hate it, too. No longer a review, it's a rant.
I'm sure you feel differently, and you're certainly entitled. I guess my mistaken intent was to try to point out that there are better things to do than rant on about things we hate, but I guess maybe not everyone's open to hearing that sort of thing. My apologies. Never meant to start a flame war.
BTW, for all anyone knows I might've come here for the sole purpose of reading reviews in order to decide whether I should read the book or not. Twilight's all over the place...geez, wonder what all the hubbub's about? Is it good or does it suck? Think I'll find out....
So make your assumptions, read into things meanings that aren't there, or whatever you happen to enjoy. I had just hoped to find some actual reviews rather than rants or bashings, that's all.
ROFLMAO....stranger on the Internet. That's a good one! Thanks for making me laugh, Clare. Seriously. I've been on the Internet since 1996, from the days of AOL dialup on a computer that only just had Windows installed from MS-DOS. :)
I don't know why everyone is being so nasty about this. I sincerely came here wanting to read the good and the bad, and I said I am PUZZLED (i.e. don't understand) why people go on about things they hate. I am merely offering another perspective, which apparently is pressing a few people's buttons.
When a person posts their honest opinion, that's a review.
When a person goes on and on saying how much they *hate* something, that's trying to get everyone else to hate it, too. No longer a review, it's a rant.
I'm sure you feel differently, and you're certainly entitled. I guess my mistaken intent was to try to point out that there are better things to do than rant on about things we hate, but I guess maybe not everyone's open to hearing that sort of thing. My apologies. Never meant to start a flame war.
BTW, for all anyone knows I might've come here for the sole purpose of reading reviews in order to decide whether I should read the book or not. Twilight's all over the place...geez, wonder what all the hubbub's about? Is it good or does it suck? Think I'll find out....
So make your assumptions, read into things meanings that aren't there, or whatever you happen to enjoy. I had just hoped to find some actual reviews rather than rants or bashings, that's all.
Okay, I totally WASN'T going to comment, and this shall be my last response because I only feed the trolls until it becomes redundant, but, Karen, just so you know, you totally misinterpreted Clare's phrase "Stranger on the internet." She meant that you're a stranger to her, not a stranger to the internet. *Snorts* Ironic, because, again, reading comprehension fail!
Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review that is in opposi..."Yeah, I have no idea who you are. And therefore, you are indeed a stranger on the Internet. (And hey, I remember dial-up too, check it out. Thank God we had a second line so I didn't have to tie up the main one if I chose to argue with a stranger on the Internet.)
There are some positive things in the review (if you read it). (I'm still not convinced you actually did.) I said I might have been a lot more willing to forgive the book or even like it, were it not for the first-person narration. It's not an entirely unfair critique.
People are getting up in arms because you are pretty condescending. To imply that we're just sad, sad haters that have nothing better to do with our time is patronizing to the extreme. Like I said, you're the first person I've really engaged on the topic, so clearly I'm not investing my life essence into wiping the book off the face of the planet. Frankly, I've noted that I'm one of the more polite Twilight dissenters--I wonder how many other threads you're having similar conversations in, if my review is the least of the lot.
Or was it just my lucky, lucky day?
You came here looking for the good AND the bad, and are puzzled and upset by the bad that you found. I have no idea why you're having this conversation--you found what you were looking for, did you not? I don't know what on earth makes you think that what I wrote was not my "honest opinion," or how seven or eight short paragraphs constitutes "going on and on." My review is shorter than some of the comments you've left. It's shorter than some of the comments I've left, for crying out loud.
Frankly, at this point, the review is moot as can be. People know how they feel about the franchise. If the power of that dumb review is enough to make someone hate Twilight, I'd be floored. Thanks for giving me that much credit, though, stranger on the Internet.
Look, this is nigh on five years of dealing with nasty trolling behavior and insulting comments left here on a regular basis because I was frank about a book. Though it may not all be you, you are certainly the straw that has broken the camel's back. If you've got nothing more useful to say than "you should be nicer about things you don't like," then I'm afraid we are at an impasse, because a complete stranger on the Internet attempting to make me feel bad about a book review and trying to shame me into being a "nicer" human being is a little much for me.
If you'd like to discuss the actual merits of the book, I'd be happy to do so! If you want to continue to discuss the Merits of Not Being Mean Mean Mean Lady, I'm afraid I can't help you anymore. Because I guess I'm a Mean Mean Mean Lady, and I really don't mind. There's the door.
Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Clare wrote: "Karen wrote: "Jacqueline wrote: "Clare, good reply! Frankly, I'm a bit amazed that people troll negative reviews in the first place. And, yes, commenting on a review tha..."*Applauds!*
Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series
Macee wrote: "Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series"You misspelled "your," just so ya know. *Cue the irony, ladies and gents.*
Macee wrote: "Your SOO wrong twilight haters! Love the series"Would you care to point out the mistakes made by "Twilight Haters?"
how to read the books you added in ur list
I completely agree with you. There was way too much teen angst for me.
This book is truly brilliant ! I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an individual story line , but the romance carries on throughout the trilogy. I firmly believe this is a beautiful story with a beautiful meaning ! You just have to read between the lines!
Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant ! I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an individual st..."
You're 12. That figures why you're into Edward.
♥Valentine Umbreon♥ wrote: "Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant ! I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are ! Every book has an i..."
I'd recycle them. Forest fires are bad for the environment.
☀Solar Fennekin☀ wrote: "Meg wrote: "This book is truly brilliant ! I'm 12 and love gothic stories this books is beautiful it shows that it doesn't matter what someone Is it just matters who they are !"
Also, Pokemon did..."
Ahh Pokemon (1st gen.) That takes me back!
Even th Pugh you kinda overreacted, I agree with you
I agree with you Emma, even though I didn't particularly like this myself
I love your review of this book Cara! I agree...this book sucked. I truly don't understand why people became so obsessed with this series. I tried to literally force myself to read the second one but I couldn't make it through the third chapter. Bella and Edward are both so empty, the rest of the characters are pointless and the plot always made me just ask "why?"...save a kitten, please don't read more :-)
I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^I for one think you nailed it. Couldn't have said it better myself!
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^I for one think you nailed it. Could..."
That stereotype is there for a reason last time I checked. I take it by "directioners" you mean One Direction? I never bothered listening to them so I have no right to input an opinion about their fans. I have read every Twilight book but stopped halfway through the last one. And any "fan" that doesn't follow the "stereotype" either only finds it mildly interesting or doesn't care either way. The fans I was referring to are the absolutely wretched fangirls who SQUEE over the word "vampire" and as I said about the review, the ONLY people who got so butt hurt and offended that they felt the need to write a long list of insults like a drunken monkey because GOD FORBID someone insult their precious Edward twinkle toes.
HA! I very much enjoyed reading these comments... and will not be sharing my two cents.
Get a life! It's just a book. If you don't like it don't read it. But you don't have to be so mean about it. There are millions of people who enjoyed these books & re-read them. Don't you have anything better to do then just criticize.
lol these comments have me smiling. both sides crack me up. i however am one of the twilight lovers however the movies made me sick. And for those who did not like Twilight I am curious to know how you would like " The Host" not many people know about her other book.
Melissa wrote: "lol these comments have me smiling. both sides crack me up. i however am one of the twilight lovers however the movies made me sick. And for those who did not like Twilight I am curious to know how..."I have been curious about The Host! The concept intrigues me and the previews for the films looked decently cool. I'd give it a shot if I ever needed a beach read or something like that! :)
mkc120/ Haley wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I love how all the people getting mad over this review type like third graders...just goes to show what liking Twilight does to the brain. ^_^I for one think you nailed it. Could..."
Oh man. I am not judging either way about "Directioners," but have you cruised the One Direction tag on Tumblr? Because DAMN. I ain't even play that game and it gets onto my dash out of other people's amusement. People definitely say that kind of thing about One Direction fans.
I personally LOVED your review XD I agree with basically everything you said and then some. Don't listen to anyone who criticizes you because you're just telling it like it is. I personally read twilight because it was mandatory for a school assignment. I'm still pissed I wasted $20 to go see it with my friend at the movies when it first came out (lesson to all: don't always buy into the hype). If I had to compare, the book is much more tolerable than the movie, mainly because we're forced to sit their and watch 2 hours of Kristen Stewart not being able to deliver a decent line or make a facial expression other than her regular look of apathy/boredom. Hope I come across some of your other reviews some time!
I guess don't judge a book if you haven't read the full series. Like judging someone you never met. Idiot thing right? Some hate this book just get along with the "go with the flow" freaks.
I would review this book but you summed up what I had to say about it. To think, at one point I once thought highly of this book. Now I can't even read a page without thinking of the philosophy you're born, you live, you die, and your born again.
