Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Twilight Club

Are you a member?

It amazes me how books can really bring people together and form little groups of people who have and haven't read the books. And if you haven't read them, you feel a little...left out.

I have not read ANY of the Harry Potter books, so I definitely know I'm not in that club but I am a proud member of the Twilight club.

But while we were in Vegas, Jamie and I were obsessing over Twilight, talking about our likes/dislikes about the series, our favorite books, thoughts on the movie and agreeing to disagree about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob.

And then I realized our roommate Allie was not contributing to discussion. Why? Because she hasn't read the series. For a moment I was shocked. Hasn't....everyone read those books? Or at least one?

But after further questioning to confirm she hasn't read it, Jamie and I clammed up and told her she had to check it out. The conversation immediately ceased because we also didn't want to ruin it for her, but deep down inside, we were bursting at the seams to keep the conversation going.

With the Twilight series, I've noticed that once you read the books and find others that have read the books, you LOVE to talk about anything and everything about them. And now that the New Moon trailer is out, it's time to start talking about it again.

The day after the trailer premiered, a co-worker and I spent 15 minutes on our lunch break dissecting it, in fact, I left a lengthy comment on one of my favorite blogger's post about the trailer, commenting on everything from the level of Jacob's buffness to the werewolf morphing. It's insane the amount of effort I put into that comment. I used bullets.

Yes, I'm a member of the Twilight club. In fact, I'm tempted to go back and re-read the first and last book because I know I missed pieces.

So while I will not be seeing Harry Potter in the near future and joining that club, I'm more than happy in my Twilight zone, basking in teenage love, angst and hot men with no shirts on that sparkle.

Oh and now that Allie is part of the club, we gave her the official Twilight club initiation. Trust me, it only hurts for the first minute. Give into it :)

Do you find that you obsess about and talk about books or movies that you love with friends or anyone else who had read or seen it? It definitely is a good ice breaker!

Or if you had to pick between Harry Potter or Twilight, which would you choose?

55 comments:

Sunflowers said...

Harry Potter, though I haven't read the books. I love the movies though.

As for Twilight, well... I read the first book and couldn't STAND it. The writing is terrible, and the characters made me mad.

I don't hold your love against you though. ;) One of my good friends is also a member of the "Twilight Club" and dragged me along to stand in line at 6am to try to get an autograph from Robert Pattinson. (My demanded payment was a REALLY big double chocolate muffin and a chai latte. ;p)

Oh, and my impression of the movie... It was ok.

Honestly though, if you want an AMAZING vampire series, I would recommend True Blood! The books are not bad, but the tv series is AWESOME! :)

Sunflowers said...

I should've elaborated on why I thought the movie was "ok" and not terrible (like my opinion of the books).... Robert Pattinson is hot! lol. ;)

Pam said...

Ok, first of all, you HAVE to read Harry Potter. Seriously, they are the best books ever (and much, much better written than Twilight).

With that said, I'm definitely a member of both clubs. I love, love, love Twilight and talked about it for hours after I read the books and saw the movie. Edward is so hot. And when the New Moon trailer came out, I watched it at least 30 times.

But I can't deny my love for Harry Potter. The story is just so involved and twisted and amazing, I can't get enough. I saw the latest movie opening night and I'm about to reread the 7th book. Right now, I'm on a total Potter high (ha).

Wizards and vampires can totally coexist peacefully—in my world, at least.

Auburn Kat said...

I seriously could NOT put down the first Twilight book!!! The second one, I could put it down but not for long. The third book, I put it down all the time. The fourth, I haven't picked it off my shelf that I placed it on after I bought it.

I'm think it will make for a good fall read.

Erin said...

If I had to choose between Harry Potter and Twilight, Harry would win every single time. I love Twilight as juicy tween lit and fun movies, but Harry Potter holds a special place in my heart. Better story, ridiculously better writing, Alan Rickman, and British accents. Sorry, Twilight. I love you, but you're no Harry Potter!

Angela Noelle said...

Oh my God, Harry Potter hands down! The writing is so much better, the movies are so much more polished, and the storyline is so much more epic than an angsty love story. That being said, Twilight was good fun while reading it and I'll be renting the movies when they come out. There's a little angsty 13 year old in all of us ;)

LBluca77 said...

Honestly I never got into Harry Potter. The movies or books. Same with Lord of the Rings. It's just not my kind of movie/book.

No i never read the Twilight books either. I like reading but I have a habit of starting a book and stopping half way thru then weeks later finishing it. And aren't the Twilight books like a thousand pages? I would never finish it.

BUT I did see the Twilight movie and expected to not like it and I LOVED it. Especially when Edward sparkled!

Lilly said...

I believe you can enjoy both, Harry Potter and Twilight can live in harmony. But on a more real note- Twilight is a quick/easy/fun/romantic/addicting read.
Harry Potter is an intense/romantic/long/thoroughly planned out read.

Overall- Harry Potter is much much much much much better... but I suppose if I had to start reading ALL the books right now that would be a bit overwhelming.

Do yourself a favor and read the Harry Potter series. Seriously! =)

Lilly said...

Oh yeah, and Robert Pattinson is a hottie... and guess what- He is in the Harry Potter movies.

Who noticed he was a hottie first? Harry Potter fans.

=)

Sara said...

Betweem Twilight and Harry Potter...Harry Potter! Definately! No hesitation, no questions, no second thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Twilight books. I read them all and was anxiously awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn with all the teeny boppers. But, there is no way the Twilight books even remotely compare to the awesomness that is Harry Potter. Seriously, you have to read Harry Potter!

Anonymous said...

Hells yeah I'm a member of the Twilight club! Although, I'm a member of the Harry Potter club too and I refuse to choose between the two because I believe they are on two highly different levels. AND - tonight at the Harry Potter movie, none other than the New Moon trailer was second in line. Who let out a squeal? This girl. :-)

Rina said...

TWILIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to first say that I fought it and fought it, I thought it was ridiculous the way people were behaving about Twilight and Rob Pattinson.

Then I figured I'd better read at least the first book so that I wouldn't feel left out when friends and other blogs started going on and on about it!

The writing is a bit juvenile, but I'm a very avid reader (I've read the dictionary and War & Peace-in Grade 7).

Edward and Bella's relationship is pretty dysfunctional, if you really analyze it - but who wouldn't want someone to be totally and completely infatuated with them?

I found myself TOTALLY sucked in and read the entire series in 4 days. Haven't seen the movie yet but I've got it on my Zip list!

...um...

How does one get to be a part of the Twilight Club? ;)

bianca said...

I'm not a member of the Harry Potter club. The boy and all of my friends are obsessed and I just couldn't get into it.

It took me forever to give into Twilight. I kept saying "I'm too old for those books, vampires are silly, etc." But once I started...it was over. LOVED it!

I have seen all the Harry Potter movies and they're fantastic, but after the New Moon trailer (um, hi Jacob...) I have to say I think I'm more excited for that than any of the Harry Potter flicks.

Anonymous said...

HP, hands down! They are just so much more intricate and well written - the superior book, hands down.

They really aren't all that similar, so I don't get why they've been pitched up against each other, and why people debate between the two. They are totally different! IMO all they have in common is the fantasy element.

Not that I hated Twilight, or anything. It's just like, the difference between camping out in a cabin, vs staying in a five star hotel. Just on a totally different level; I wouldn't even compare them.

Anonymous said...

Harry Potter all the way.

I have only read tiny snippets of Twilight. But the writing, and the obsessiveness of the relationship, and the vampires - I just don't see myself enjoying it!

Harry, on the other hand is well written, and exciting, and awesome, and I can't wait to see the new movie (even if the books are about 1000 times better than the movies!)

pinkie said...

woah! You're gonna make me choose?! I just only became a member of the Twilight club. And while I do love the book(I've only read the first so far...) I'm much more attached to the Harry Potter series. They've been with me for almost 10 years now and I know they'll be with me for awhile. I read them to kids when I babysit, re-read them before a movie, and one day I'll read them to my future kids. So, potter it is for me, but I will still be looking forward to the Twilight series

Health, Happiness and Heart said...

I've read both the Harry Potter and Twilight series and I honestly can't say which I love more. I never wanted to read Twilight because I thought it was silly that every one was so obsessed..then I read it and it was amazing!! By the way I'm a Edward fan...I hate Jacob especially in the 3rd book!

Harry Potter is equally amazing so if you ever get the chance to read them you should!!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I never got into anything remotely related to fantasy or science fiction. And I definitely don't jump on mainstream bandwagons just because it's all the rage. So, with that said, I haven't read any of the Twilight books, nor seen the movie. Same goes with all that is Harry Potter. Maybe I'm missing out or maybe I'm better off for sticking to my chops. Who knows...

Anonymous said...

Apparently I am in the minority here but I have neither read Harry Potter or Twilight nor have I seen any of the movies. I don't do fiction. I read only non-fiction and if a movie gets too implausible for me I will quit watching. I guess my feet are firmly planted in reality, I only wish I could let myself get lost in fantasy, it just doesn't work for me.

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

i haven't read ANY twilight books or ANY harry potter books.

BUT i've seen all of the HP movies thus far and love every single one of them, and i've seen the twilight movie and loved it.

movies > books

(in the world of alexa)

Anonymous said...

I love both series. Right now, I'm a bigger Twilight fan, but when I was younger, HP was my life!

Heidi Renée said...

I haven't read any of the books, HP or Twilight, nor do I care to. I've only seen snippets of the HP movies on TV (and not on purpose). I guess I've been too busy worshipping New Kids on the Block in the past year?

Kyla Roma said...

Okay I missed not only In and Out Burger but ALSO that conversation?? What was my problem??

There was a Twilight Saga trailer before Harry Potter and when it came on I almost leaped out of my seat. I crushed Mister's hand and started hyperventilating.

And then almost died I was so embarrassed. He laughed pretty much until Harry's credits started rolling.

Katie said...

Oh man, I didn't even know the trailer was out yet. I'm so out of the loop - Thanks! I'll go watch it now.

Not sure which I'd choose though: Both Harry Potter and Twilight seem to have loyal and devoted fans, casts, producers, etc., so they are both great in my opinion.

Andhari said...

It's not just like a club, it's almost like a sorority since we all got the twilight secrets and all that initiation you invented LOL

But i heart harry potter too!

S said...

Definitely Twilight. Love it.

jenn said...

i loveeee twilight (read all 4 books in about 5 days) but never got into harry potter. i'm not sure why i ended up liking vampires more than wizards but i just did! :)

thatShortchick said...

I have not read nor seen any of the books&movies of either series!

I know, I'm a freakazoid.

But, truthfully, from the descriptions that I've read of Harry Potter/Twilight I would not be interested AT ALL.

Although I had many an exhausting conversation with my (almost 30-yr-old) cousin throughout my vacation last week about how weird I am for not even giving the Twilight series a chance (she is a major Twihard) and that if I just read one book, I would change my mind. blah blah.

but I know I would be bored to tears if I read any of the books. And I'd just rather put my energy elsewhere.

Stevie said...

I'm not a member of the Twilight Club, and not sure if I ever will be. I read her "adult" book The Host and thought the writing was terrible. I love everything vampire, though, so I may have to read them. Except I saw the movie and was not really impressed...

I love Harry Potter!!! I've read all the books and I love the story and JK Rowling has a very similar writing style to my favorite author, Roald Dahl. I highly recommend them, even if you don't like fantasy or wizardry or anything like that.

And yeah, if you like vampires and angst and romance and hot men...TrueBlood is DEFIINTELY the way to go. But start from the beginning!!!

erin said...

I've read both. The writing in the Twilight series isn't even in the same universe as the writing in Harry Potter.

Also, I am on Team Jacob and therefore cringed my way through the last three books. (Sorry, don't hold it against me! I will say that the series was highly entertaining and easy to read and the scenes between the werewolves and vampires in the later books had me laughing out loud. On airplanes. The people next to me were annoyed.)

I've read the entire HP series (all 8 of 'em) three times. I'm already looking forward to next year when I will allow myself to read them all again. You should give them a try!

Sarah Alway said...

I am right there with you! I'm totally a member of Team Twilight but haven't read even one of the Harry Potter books. I tried, but just couldn't get into it and I walked out of the first HP movie because I was so bored. Need to finish up with the Twilight series though, I've only ready the first two so far...

Ali said...

Oh, Twilight...

I started the books thinking I'd hate them.

I was so wrong.

The writing is certainly not my favorite - Harry Potter, to me, is MUCH better literature. But the actual story SUCKED me in! So I'm a fan too, I admit it. And I'd gladly have a discussion about anything and everything Twilight with you any day!

Pretty Unfamous said...

I'm NOT a member of that club... I'm one of the few that's never read it.

Kimberly @ Bookmark To Blog said...

I've read both series and enjoyed both. However, I feel that the Harry Potter movies were much better done. I liked the Twilight movies but I didn't think they were amazing. Although, if I had to choose a club, I'd choose Twilight. Have you read Stephanie Meyers other book The Host?

Joy @ BigTimeFancy said...

HARRY POTTER.

I read a chapter of Twilight over someone's shoulder on the train once and was both bored and annoyed.

Anonymous said...

I tried to leave you a comment earlier so if there are five now, please disregard.

I'm a Potter fan, personally. I love the books and the movies. That being said, I wish I could be in the Twilight club too. I tried to read the book but I still have 90 pages left and it's been five months.

Joy @ BigTimeFancy said...

PS: RPattz was in Harry Potter before he was a vampire. We've got dibs.

LWLH said...

I am the loser of all lames.
I have not read or seen any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books and have no desire to.
Go ahead throw stones at me if you will : ) lol

Jamie said...

Harry Potter all the way and I love Twilight.

But HP is an amazing series. It really is. Or I definitely would not have go to midnight book and movie releases! You need to read it and join the HP club!

Lacey Bean said...

HP all the way. Have all the books/seen all the movies.

Kendall said...

Like quite a few people on this list, I fully recommend you pick up at least the first Harry Potter book.

Around the time the Twilight movie premiered, curiosity got the better of me and I borrowed the first book from a friend. Deciding to see if it got better as the series went on, I read New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

I was pretty well disgusted by the end.

Laiza said...

For now I'd choose twilight! But of course Harry Potter is absolutely a must-read book maybe some other time I'd pick it up if I have more time just to thoroughly enjoy the book, for now I'm into vampires...:)

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Molly said...

I, like many others here, love to dish on favorite books, movies because it's so fun to find others to discuss something you enjoy. I am definitely part of Team Twilight. And why haven't we talked about this yet? I want to hear your bullet points!

Cheryl said...

Harry Potter hands down. They're a better quality of writing and story-telling. And I like t he storyline better too. I never felt like reading Harry Potter was a chore. I felt like reading the last Twilight book, was.

Lauren said...

Harry Potter. And don't get me wrong, I'm a bit Twilight fan. I'm actually reading the leaked Midnight Sun right now. And although the books are addictive and fun, they're NOTHING compared to Harry Potter. Harry Potter has a lot more depth, and the books are written so much better. Meyer is a good writer...but she's no Rowlings.

Anonymous said...

I heart Twilight.
I also heart the trailer. I can't wait to see it and I don't care how silly that is!

(and yes, I realize that Twilight isn't the same as HP in terms of authors but we're allowed to indulge in a little tweeny vampire romance, aren't we?)

maggie said...

HP hands down!! I've read both series and nothing compares to Harry Potter.

I can't even compare the two because Stephenie Meyer's writing is nowhere on the same level as J.K. Rowling's. and the subject matter is completely different too. Plus I started reading the Twilight series after I knew Kristen Stewart was playing Bella and that kind of ruined it for me.

Allie said...

Hahahaha I'm just catching up on posts after my weekend away. Ah, yes. I'm hooked. I'm already trying to track down the second book...

Anonymous said...

Now, this is a tough comparison for me as I've only read the first book of each series (for real).

However, even just based on that, I'd choose Twilight. Why? Because after reading Twilight I actually wanted to read the next book (which I'm still attempting). But after the first Harry Potter, I was less interested in running to the bookstore for #2.

With that said, looking at just movies, I'd pick Potter any day. I *hated* the Twilight movie.

CIP said...

Hahaha, we had a Twilight club in Rome and finally my one friend broke down and bought the book because she was so sick of hearing about it!

I'd definitely choose HP though!

Jen said...

I'm definitely a member of the Twilight club. I recruited my entire neighborhood and most of my girlfriends as well. We have had a lot of passionate discussions about Edward, Bella and Jacob. I love that a book can bring people together that way.

The jury is still out on the whole HP madness. I just started listening to the cd with the kids this week. So far it is ok. I think I will prefer the sexy, sparkly vampires to a geeky wizard but that is just my initial impression.

Anonymous said...

I am totally a member of the Twilight club. It's funny, my co-worker started reading the books the other week, so we all started talking about it. This led to me re-reading most of the series - I skimmed Twilight and New Moon, but read all of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Then I re-watched the movie - it's still goofy, but I hated it a little less the second time around. My fingers are crossed that New Moon is better!

Kate said...

Whenever a new season of Top Chef, ANTM or Project Runway comes on, I have a good friend on the West Coast who I dish with constantly. We even have a pool going for each season of ANTM -- after the first episode, we pick three girls (plus a wild card) who we think might win.

I have never been able to get into Harry Potter. My husband rented Twilight and we both thought it was so awful that I'm almost certain I'll never read any of the books.

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