I was a major Twilight fan in my 20s. I read all of the books so much that I would know what the next line would be. I attended release dates for the new books and went to see the movies. Then I put the books aside. Twilight got a bad rap and I was trying to grow up.

After so many years without reading the series it was with trepidation that I picked it back up again. I am surprised by my own reaction.

First, Twilight is a good book. No it is not a major piece of classical literature. However having read hundreds of books in between readings I can attest that the writing of Twilight is good. The words flow well and there are no glaring mistakes. Although, as I have always believed, the strength of the book lies in the characters. They become real. You see Bella, Edward, and the rest of the Cullen family. They are people (or vampires) and even the minor characters are distinct and vivid in your mind.

Yet I did not swoon over the romantic nature of the book like I once did. If anything I think I would now be annoyed by such a relationship. Edward is pretty controlling and while Bella fights to hold her own too often she just lets him dominate her. It is a young and naive love that is not unique to Twilight. I was surprised about how fast the timeline is in the book. I remember this long drawn out love affair, but they barely knew each other. They only ate lunch together a few days and they were barely becoming a couple when they were risking their life for each other. It was just as young and pathetic as Romeo and Juliet.

I am very glad that I went back and read this series. As I am nearing forty I would not wish to have a relationship such as Edward and Bella. Yet, I did enjoy the book for what it is - the story of young and inexperienced 'love.' I am very excited to see what my reaction will be as I continue on with the rest of the books.