See, and I actually enjoy these books. They have their downsides, obviously, and there are a bunch of times that I just want to say, "Oh my GOD, COME ON! Get over yourselves!" Is Stephenie Meyer a great writer? Well, no, not great. I think one of the reasons they work for me though is because a lot of times (and I have my theories as to why this is) it seems like I have no filter mechanism on my own emotions and I feel every little thing straight to the core of me. It makes for getting some mildly embarrasing moments of getting choked up over almost ridiculous stuff, but I just go with it. Anyway, to me her books are somewhat similar in that there's no halfway in feeling anything; everything is explored to death and usually with no real conclusions drawn. And also...I like these books in the same way I like American Gladiators. That show is so over the top ridiculous that it becomes hilarious and is so awful that it REEKS OF AWESOME AND I'M FORCED TO TYPE ABOUT IT IN CAPS WITH EXCESSIVE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!! SQUEEE!!!! I just CAN'T. LOOK. AWAY. even though it's unhealthy.
Are the books lacking on plot? Yeah, sure. Do they promote healthy relationships in any form? Not really. Should parents make sure their kids (boys and girls) know about healthy relationships and the importance of independence, good self-esteem, and being your own person? Yes, DEFINITELY.
But I also know that I don't remember once reading a book growing up and being so influenced by the characters that it changed my personal values, ethics, or whatever you want to call it. I never thought to myself, "oh well, the character in this book did it so it's okay if I emulate that." Maybe I'm in the minority there or maybe my parents just did a good job of guiding my brother and me, but that's my experience. It actually makes me think of a biography on JK Rowling in which she said that people underestimate children incredibly, that they know it's fiction and just a story. Of course, she was referring to accusations of Harry Potter promoting witchcraft, but I still think it applies. And now this has become a much longer response than I originally intended, but there you have it.
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Are the books lacking on plot? Yeah, sure. Do they promote healthy relationships in any form? Not really. Should parents make sure their kids (boys and girls) know about healthy relationships and the importance of independence, good self-esteem, and being your own person? Yes, DEFINITELY.
But I also know that I don't remember once reading a book growing up and being so influenced by the characters that it changed my personal values, ethics, or whatever you want to call it. I never thought to myself, "oh well, the character in this book did it so it's okay if I emulate that." Maybe I'm in the minority there or maybe my parents just did a good job of guiding my brother and me, but that's my experience. It actually makes me think of a biography on JK Rowling in which she said that people underestimate children incredibly, that they know it's fiction and just a story. Of course, she was referring to accusations of Harry Potter promoting witchcraft, but I still think it applies. And now this has become a much longer response than I originally intended, but there you have it.