Just how mysogynistic IS this series?

[Kate]

Clarification: The books I mention were just the ones that came to mind as I was writing my post. I definitely agree that there are plenty of modern classics out there as well, and that what counts as literature for some doesn't count for others. But the point is that getting a basis of literature absorbed is what really matters (which requires reading all sorts of books, modern and ancient), instead of only reading "amusement" stuff and so thinking those books, such as BD, are good literature.
I didn't mean to knock modern classics, nor imply that only the old stuff qualifies as literature.

[Kat]

Fair enough :-)

[Leslie]

This reminds me of a discussion that many teachers/parents and I used to have regarding different books at school! We often say "Well, at least they're reading something." when kids are reading trash. We wouldn't let our kids just eat Twinkies and say "At least she's eating something." I hope that students reading the Twilight series will be drawn to some of the books that Bella reads in the book. That would be a positive outcome. I have some issues with parts of the series, and it does concern me that there is an almost cult-like attraction to it. If all of these little girls also grab some Jane Austin's--then Yahoo!

[Kat]

I don't really think ANY reading is trash. Every book has something to offer. It isn't like Twinkies, where there's actually nothing beneficial about them. Less than classic books still have worth.