New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

The Basics
Book Info: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. This is the second in the Twilight series (now 4 books, with a movie coming in a few months).

Genre: Young Adult, Vampire Lit

Plot Overview: New Moon continues the story of Bella (you’ll remember she moved to Forks, WA to be with her Dad in the first book).  She’s fallen in love with Edward Cullen, who also happens to be a vampire.  After putting her in a lot of danger in the first book, he’s decided to move away with his family and that although they’re in love, it’s better for them to be apart. 

Jumping In:

Importance of the Title:  Meyer has commented that the new moon is actually the darkest phase in the lunar cycle, and refers to the time period in this book being the darkest of Bella’s life.  I also thought of the discussion of werewolves, and how “new moon” might apply to them as well.  In Meyer’s story, werewolves can come out any time (not just the full moon), but “new moon” also seems to refer to the new person who’s important in Bella’s life.

Point-of-View/ Style: Again, this 2^nd book in the series is told in 1^st person from Bella’s point of view, and we’re able to see exactly what she is thinking and feeling and how her mind works. The limitations of this perspective are that we only know as much as Bella knows, and we often don’t see what other characters are really thinking or feeling.  Because of this, we’re clouded by Bella’s mood or judgment.

Themes: In my review of the first book, I wrote about sacrifice, and how I felt that was the most interesting dominant theme.  I continue to see that shine through in the second book of the series because in large part it’s about how Edward has sacrificed by leaving and staying away from Bella, whom he loves.

However, I also think that this book is about endurance and persistence.  Sometimes we’re forced to endure things that prevent us from leading happy and normal lives.  For example, Bella must endure her separation from Edward, and she’s forced to keep on living, but she longs to do it recklessly and often makes irrational decisions.  Jacob is forced to live with his genetics (which you’ll read more about in the book), and while in some ways he’s happy and has found a new family, in other ways it’s taken away his life and freedom (both of these are things that Bella doesn’t have much of either).

My Notes:

Likes & Dislikes: Again, I thought that this book was very well written and a quick (and obsessive, I might add) read.  What I found myself liking less and less was the character of Edward.  Now I know this is a very unpopular view, but I really have to say it.  Edward, while obviously beautiful, brilliant, and funny, really left Bella in a depressive state and didn’t finish out their relationship well or honestly.  I’m in the middle of the third book now, and my opinion of him isn’t changing much (I find him incredibly controlling and parental). I find myself rooting for Bella’s relationship with Jacob to grow.      

What questions I’m left with: I really don’t have any major questions in this book (besides my original one regarding Bella’s real intention to move to Forks). However, I am curious to see how Bella’s relationship with Jacob changes, and how she deals with being caught in the middle of two people that dislike each other.  Because of these, I immediately picked up the third book.

What this book makes me think about:  I have a friend that compares our friendship to an old comfy chair.  I actually agree with her.  No matter how long we go between visits or how we change, or how our lives evolve, our friendship still always seems to fit just right.  We ease into our old patterns and talk comfortably, just like we always have.  I imagine Jake and Bella’s friendship is much the same way, and that they will be able to make it through any strain or growing pains.  I, for one, am staying tuned!