Comments on What To Read Next - page 2

Russ wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "To people who hate Stephenie Meyer: You know...if you guys hate Stephenie Meter and her writing so bad why do you keep on bringing her up?
We bring her up because so many people a..."

Exactly. I feel the same way.

I agree with Nadine because it is fine to read what you are interested in and just reading is the most important.

Cybermage, the third book in the delightful Worldweavers series, stars Nikola Tesla, or a fictionalized version of Tesla, a fascinating real life man who practically invented the modern world.

Again in regards to Twilight, let me put out another gripe in regards to the basic storyline. You have an incredibly handsome boy, with whom this young girl falls totally gaga in love. He's dangerous and is constantly fighting the urge to seriously harm her, yet she gushes on for page after page about how she loves him and will change him. Does this not sound like the archetype for every abusive relationship that you know?

This is what bothers me most about the series. Meyer is not a good writer and I don't think she has really thought in depth about her material, except in how to sell it better to her young, impressionable audience. David, I am glad your daughter appreciates the strong young female character presented in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Russ wrote: "Again in regards to Twilight, let me put out another gripe in regards to the basic storyline. You have an incredibly handsome boy, with whom this young girl falls totally gaga in love. He's dange..."

Russ, thank you for clarifying that issue to everyone. I hope that now everyone understands the problem with the Twilight saga.

Each of the Bronte sisters' books, every Harlequin romance (though I don't read them) even the poem The Highwayman along with many other books has a dark, brooding, moody, tortured soul hero that the heroine wants to save from himself. So long as this genre is balance by others, I don't see any long term harm.

Some people complained about Harry Potter when the series first came out. But Harry led children to Narnia and other wonderful fantasy series.

The best thing about the Twilight books--okay maybe the only thing--is that some teen has her face away from a video screen and tucked into a book. She's using her imagination more, she's getting some exposure to vocabulary and grammar, and she's reading.

Who knows how many of these girls do move on to Heathcliff and Mr. Rochester?

Russ wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "To people who hate Stephenie Meyer: You know...if you guys hate Stephenie Meter and her writing so bad why do you keep on bringing her up?
We bring her up because so many people a..."

You all are intitled to your own opion but I've read VERY bad writing before and Stephanie Meyer is MUCH better than that. I can even pick books I don't like much that has better writing then, for example, George Washington:The Patriot President. Not every book has to be a classic to have good writing. (I'm not targetting that towards you, just saying. No hards feelings meant after all it's all just books.)

Russ wrote: "Again in regards to Twilight, let me put out another gripe in regards to the basic storyline. You have an incredibly handsome boy, with whom this young girl falls totally gaga in love. He's dange..."

She doesn't say she's going to change him? And I'm just wondering (this is just an innocent question no harm meant) have you ever read Twlight?

Brittany wrote: "OK, where on earth is the Lighting Thief on this list? it's the best book I've ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever (five hours later) ever ever read!"

It's one of my favorites too! I've read it like 3 times. (All seperated by at least 2 months, most the time farther.)

People who are discriminating Stephanie Meyer so much, shouldn't even be on this list!
If you don't like her, stop talking bad things about her!
And, have you read The Host?!
I don't think so!
It is amazing!
AND, IT'S BY STEPHANIE MEYER!

Stephanie wrote: She doesn't say she's going to change him? And I'm just wondering (this is just an innocent question not harm meant) have you ever read Twlight? So, you believe she wants him to remain a bloodthirsty vampire who is tempted to devour her blood? Because she doesn't SAY it doesn't mean she wouldn't rather have him not be a bloodsucker. The point I was making was that he is dangerous to her, yet her love is based upon this starry eyed attraction. She is willing to ignore his predilection for sucking blood because he is so dreamy. This is pretty much the emotion felt by women who stay in relationships of abuse. They are attracted to the danger even though it may turn on him.

In regards to your other question: I did listen to Twilight as an audiobook in my car. I became interested actually from podcast Mugglecast, and hearing how many Harry Potter fans were drawn to this series. I listened through 8 of 10 discs. I wasn't impressed by the prose. I thought as a writer she had a very limited vocabulary. For example, I heard her describing many characters often "grimacing," which signals to me that she doesn't have a clear sense of diversifying her characterization. What really drove me to stop was after Bella fell in love with Edward. It went on for pages and pages (many many minutes in audiobook terms), about how beautiful Edward was, his "alabaster skin" etc. which was just too much. It seemed the author was giving in too much to perfection. Also, her mythology of vampires, werewolves, etc, didn't seem too deep, or that she had a good sense of the mythology of these beings, unlike Rowling, who has a depth of research that makes her beings true to the collective mythology we share. You could say she is creating her own, but I don't see enough depth to make them realistic enough. Read Octavia Butler's Fledgling, an original vampire story that recreates vampires but obviously has been thoroughly planned out, or Anne Rice's vampires or witches, with deep histories that suspend your disbelief in vampires and witches and such.

I know that everyone says, "Well, at least these youngsters are reading and not playing videogames." Wonderful, but is it wrong for me to steer them to challenge their minds? You can say to someone, "Well, at least they get on a treadmill," but there is a difference between walking two miles an hour and running at 5.5 miles an hour. Listening to Mugglecast, I heard young girls asking questions demonstrating great depth and critical thinking skills because the text draws that out. In Twilight, I only hear girls screaming about how dreamy Edward Cullen is.

Russ wrote: "Stephanie wrote: She doesn't say she's going to change him? And I'm just wondering (this is just an innocent question not harm meant) have you ever read Twlight? So, you believe she wants him to re..."

True, some of the girls reading Twilight are screaming all about Edward Cullen (I must add though, that I am not one of them). I also think that if you're so busy trying to use a bigger vocabulary that you cantake away from your story rather than give, I'm not saying that you should use a very limited vocabulary because I am currently rereading Harry Potter 3 and I came acroos a word, nettled, and I didn't know what it meant. So I looked it up and found out that it basically meant annoyed except it brought a new word into my vocabulary. So my whole point in saying that is I believe in mostly using words every know but to also use an accasional word that will peak someone's interest into looking them up (I'm sorry if I'm not making sense I'm trying). A story just isn't enjoyable if you can't understand it.

As for your whole thing about Edward and Bella's relationship. I think you're wrong. Bella's feelings for him are not based on how good-looking he is. Maybe reading New Moon will shed some light on their relationship for you. Now I'm not just suggesting for you to read it because I love the books but because youlearn more about the characters. You probably won't be impressed with Bella AT ALL but maybe you won't hate Edward so much.

I'm not saying to all praise, or whatever, Stephenie Meyer but I have to say that she's not a horrible writer. Granted she's not the best but neither is she the worst. And I think that the girls who are absolutely obessed with the Twilight Saga should take a break and read other books.

Bella never thought that she could change edward because she KNEW she couldn't. What happened to him was irreversable so that whole arguement is mush.

Stephanie, you make great arguments in defense of the books, which means that you are a thoughtful reader. This shows in your curiosity about the word nettled to take the time to find out its meaning. My point about an author's vocabulary is not that they should spew out many big words to make it sound esoteric or impressive or to say, "Ha ha, look how many words I know." But a good writer needs to have a handle on a great vocabulary so that she can CHOOSE to use the right word, not use words because they are the only ones she knows. No two words in the language mean precisely the same, otherwise one word is lost, or it changes its meaning slightly. Saying someone is "skinny" is slightly different than saying she is "thin." My point about the example of grimacing is that, to use that in association with one character gives them a unique characterization that makes them a more unique character. However, if the author has all of her characters "grimacing" it seems to say that she really hasn't paid enough attention to characterization. It just seems sloppy. Meyers obviously has some vocabulary, which she utilizes in all of the words she gushes out to describe how amazingly beautiful Edward is.

Look at some of the mythology involving vampiric creatures in different cultures. If you really research them, you will find that Meyers' vampires pale in comparison (pun intended). From what I read, it just seemed that Meyers pumped out some pulp fiction that gives in too much to young girl's fantasies of perfection to be a really deep and thoughtful story. I bring up Rowling because the Harry Potter series is also a wildly popular young person's series, yet that one has been very deeply researched, something that is apparent when you discuss it, research some of the mythical beings she uses, and see that she has deeply thought about, and worked on these beings and characters, giving them very human faults and joys and life.

Maybe I might see something more in further books by Meyer, but there is just so much I want to read that I really don't want to devote more time to her books.

I really do enjoy this discussion, Stephanie, and I am sure your thoughtfulness and critical analytical skills will lead you to some great reading. Thanks.

Samia wrote: "People who are discriminating Stephanie Meyer so much, shouldn't even be on this list!"
So if we don't hold your opinion about Meyer, we should shut up and go away. What happened to diversity of taste? I don't expect you to love my taste in books, but that doesn't mean you should go away.

Russ wrote: "Stephanie, you make great arguments in defense of the books, which means that you are a thoughtful reader. This shows in your curiosity about the word nettled to take the time to find out its mean..."

I'll be honest, Ihad no idea what you were going to say. I was actually very curious about your respnonse. Thankj you for the compliments, I didn't exactly expect it so thank you. I agree with you on the whole no word means the same thing. I have to say when I'm writing I often ask everyone in my family, who's old enough to help, about what word would mean...and then I'd give something to kind of take place for it and am often not satisfied wiht it until I get the word I wanted.

I have to say I didn't really notice any lack of...what's the word...I don't I guess of bigger vocabulary in describing in Meyer's writing but maybe now that you've argued your point so well I will catch that. I'm don't really have a big vocabulary myself, it's about average, so that might be a reason why I haven't caught any lacking within Meyer's writing, but maybe I will sometime.

You argued your point very well if I might add.

Stephanie wrote: "I guess of bigger vocabulary in describing in Meyer's writing but maybe now that you've argued your point so well I will catch that. I'm don't really have a big vocabulary myself, it's about average, so that might be a reason why I haven't caught any lacking within Meyer's writing, but maybe I will sometime. ."

I don't know your age, but I'm sure my vocabulary wasn't much better when I was your age. i developed it through doing what you are doing now, just paying attention and learning from what you read. I'm glad you enjoyed the Twilight series and hope it inspires you to read more. This is a good site to get recommendations. Sorry if I sounded like I was putting you down, I just get annoyed when there is so much out there good to read.

That's true Russ, everyone should have their own beliefs.
But, did you see the negative things the people are writing?
I don't think they should be saying those things on a book comment list.
Say positive things, and negative things lightly!

Samia wrote: "That's true Russ, everyone should have their own beliefs.
But, did you see the negative things the people are writing?
I don't think they should be saying those things on a book comment list.
..."
You have a good point. When you say it that way, it makes sense. Your first message seem to say that you shouldn't be here if you don't like Meyer. I don't like her writing and I was simply trying to help people find a more substantial author.

I WANT TO READ BLOOD PROMISE SO BADLY AND VAN ALEN LEGASY

Russ wrote: "Samia wrote: "That's true Russ, everyone should have their own beliefs.
But, did you see the negative things the people are writing?
I don't think they should be saying those things on a book com..."\

I agree with you, Russ, but there are many, many people who do like Meyer's writing, so we just have to let it be.

Russ wrote:I don't know your age, but I'm sure my vocabulary wasn't much better when I was your age. i developed it through doing what you are doing now, just paying attention and learning from what you read. I'm glad you enjoyed the Twilight series and hope it inspires you to read more. This is a good site to get recommendations. Sorry if I sounded like I was putting you down, I just get annoyed when there is so much out there good to read.

I didn't think you sounded like you were putting me down so all is good. Sorry if I got on your nerves a little. I actually read alot before I read the Twilight Saga. And I'm not quite sure what kind of books you like to read but You could read Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. He's an adult author, and I don't usually read adult books... but it's a fictional book and you might enjoy it!

Samia wrote: "That's true Russ, everyone should have their own beliefs.
But, did you see the negative things the people are writing?
I don't think they should be saying those things on a book comment list.
..."

That not only goes for books but for life in general, don't you think? Say positive things and negative things lightly. People can become angry with each other if We all only awknowledge the good or only the bads things in a book. I think it's important for those on both sides to awknoledge that there might be a bad or there might be a good part of a writing style,story line,ect...

Samia wrote: "I'm working on writing a book right now...
I hope maybe one day I can publish It."

What's it called?

Hey, maybe someone can answer this question for me...I've posted part of my book I'm writing. But sense you can copy and paste on this sight I'm afraid to put the tittle of it on. So I'm wondering how could I give it a tittle that would intrigue someone into reading it? Or should I just post the actual tittle?

Stephanie wrote: "Hey, maybe someone can answer this question for me...I've posted part of my book I'm writing. But sense you can copy and paste on this sight I'm afraid to put the tittle of it on. So I'm wondering ..."

Maybe you could give it (your book) a code name and then when you're done with the book you could change it. I think that that's what they do in the computer industry: they'll give it a code name when it's in beta, and then they'll give a different name to the software once it is ready to be released to the public.
It's up to you, Stephanie. :)

Itamar wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Hey, maybe someone can answer this question for me...I've posted part of my book I'm writing. But sense you can copy and paste on this sight I'm afraid to put the tittle of it on...."

Thanks for the suggestion!

No, I didn't mean that if you don't like Stephanie Meyer, you shouldn't be here.
I didn't mean that at all.
All I'm saying, is that you don't talk disrespectivley of her. Because some people might actually like her writing (me).
By the way Russ, why don't you like her writing?
Just wondering...

I agree, Stephanie.
It does not only go for books, but for life in general.
(Say positive things, and negative things lightly.)

I don't know if I should say the title of my book out loud, Stephanie.
Sorry. =(
But I still have to do at least two more rough drafts of it.
Then, next I'm going to write a series. :)

Cool, okay :)

I agree with Nadine - It's the reading thats important. Everyone has different tastes. The Twilight Series did nothing for me. I didn't feel it was bad writing just not for me. Now my reading choices are probably not for everyone either. I just think its great that people are reading and we have sites like this to discuss the books.

Robin wrote: "I agree with Nadine - It's the reading thats important. Everyone has different tastes. "
You all have a good point about it being important that people are "just reading," but again I want to take it to a higher level. Once a person is a habitual reader, I think it becomes important for him or her to challenge themselves in their reading. Like it's important to get out and walk, but you have to push yourself in your walk to really gain some muscle.

Russ wrote: "Robin wrote: "I agree with Nadine - It's the reading thats important. Everyone has different tastes. "
You all have a good point about it being important that people are "just reading," but again..."

Agreed.

I can't believe that Twilight was even on the top 5 coz it's OK compared to other gr8 books like Angels&Demons or To Kill A Mockingbird. I read the whole Twilight series & i thought it was full of romantic idiotic crap. It was comedy to me. I mean vampires? Werewolves? What's next Ghosts? They said the movie was going to be "the next Titanic" R u kidding me Leonardo de caprio is so much better than Rob Paterson! I thought a lot of the parts were stupid.

Sathwika wrote: "I can't believe that Twilight was even on the top 5 coz it's OK compared to other gr8 books like Angels&Demons or To Kill A Mockingbird. I read the whole Twilight series & i thought it was full of ..."

I guess you don't like romance stories...

Stephanie wrote: "Sathwika wrote: "I can't believe that Twilight was even on the top 5 coz it's OK compared to other gr8 books like Angels&Demons or To Kill A Mockingbird. I read the whole Twilight series & i though..."

well not stupid fake ones anyway

Rose wrote: "There are so many great books on here, some that I've read and some I've heard are just plain amazing. Of all these wonderful books, the ones at the top are STEPHENIE MEYER?? Are you kidding me? I ..."

I know i thought that the twilight series was so unrealistic and a bunch of crap! I can't believ ppl want to read about some vampire craving for blood!

Russ wrote: "Such a shame that a site called "Goodreads" has Stephanie Meyers at the top of books to read. I can only hope that these readers are inspired to read something better in the future. I know for su..."

I know it's a shame. I thought that goodreads had good reads!

Seriously people.
Have you not just heard what I have been talking about?!
Stop discriminating Stephanie Meyer!
She also wrote The Host, you know!
It's not like you guys can write anything better!

Samia wrote: "Seriously people.
Have you not just heard what I have been talking about?!
Stop discriminating Stephanie Meyer!
She also wrote The Host, you know!
It's not like you guys can write anything bett..."

how can u be so sure? we have the rights to express our thoughts just like u do

Sathwika wrote: "Rose wrote: "There are so many great books on here, some that I've read and some I've heard are just plain amazing. Of all these wonderful books, the ones at the top are STEPHENIE MEYER?? Are you k..."

Um, well I would be worried if anyone thought that the Twilight series was realistic since vampires aren't real... and obviously you weren't paying full attention to teh story. because it wasn't all about him craving for blood. most the time it was about Edward and Bella falling in love. Although I admit Edward craving for Bella's blood was...i don't know... an opening element in the story? Hmmmm, I'm not quite sure what to call it...I'll get back to you if I think of something.

Isn't the Twilight conversation over? I mean haven't you read any of the conversation before, Sathwika?

This is a very uninspired list. If you read at all, you have read half these books and the other half do not interest you. Nothing contemporary, or challenging.

I agree with the inclusion of Stephanie Meyer. I don't get it. I guess I'm too old.

I recommend "The Help" by Katherine Stockett, 'Very Valentine' by Adriana Trigiani, 'March' by Geraldine Brooks, and 'The Girls' by Lori Lansens.

though
i know the only reason the host is popular is cause Twilight is popular and the host is by the same author. Though personally, i think twilight should be popular cause of the host because the host was written beautifully while twilight just makes me pissed at bella. The host is very eye openin and you can really feel the struggle between the two main characters

Sara wrote: "I recommend "The Help" by Katherine Stockett, 'Very Valentine' by Adriana Trigiani, 'March' by Geraldine Brooks, and 'The Girls' by Lori Lansens."
Thanks,
I've read the first three and enjoyed, will pick up 'The Girls'

kay i think the lst is good the twilight series is a MUSt read i also liked to kill a mocking bird and i think they should have kissed by an angel on here that is an amazing book!!

It depends who you are actually, I haven't read half the books on the list. and I read alot. actually half the books I've read aren't on the list.

Stephenie Myer is a joke! I cannot believe that anyone beyond 8th grade could possibly ncall this writing. Not exactly a PEN/Faulkner or National Book list contestent.

A great Book by a first time author is The Cabinet of Wonders by Renee Dodd. Besides being a great writer, she is the granddaughter of the famous Bobby Dodd, an Atlanta icon.