Throwback Thursday: Twilight

Throwback Thursday is a new feature at Reading Lark. We'll still be doing some Book Boyfriend Posts and Book BFF Posts on Thursdays as well, but the Larks wanted a little variety on Thursdays. Throwback Thursday will allow us to throwback to some of the reads we've loved -- whether it's a book reviewed last year, a book we hid under the covers to read as a teen, or a picture book from our childhood -- we hope you'll enjoy reliving the memories as much as we do!

Twilight

By: Stephenie Meyer

Release Date: 2005

I know that a lot of people roll their eyes when the mention of Twilight happens these days, but for me I always get a swirl of nostalgia. I wish that I could bottle the way I felt the first time I read this series. After four years of college, I had forgotten what it felt like to read for pleasure. I was so used to reading nonfiction tomes for my history major and literary classics for my English minor that I didn't recall how joyful I felt when I lost myself in reading purely for enjoyment. In some ways, I think I had forgotten that reading could be for more than the pursuit of knowledge and literary critiques.

I still remember the moment when Twilight hit my radar. I was bored and trying to figure out how to pass the time during Thanksgiving Break. I happened to see an ad for Eclipse in a magazine. Vampires had always intrigued me so I decided to learn more about this series. I headed off to the bookstore for Twilight. The moment I opened that novel something magical happened. I remembered how much fun reading could be and I lost myself in the town of Forks. I felt deeply connected to the characters and couldn't imagine not knowing right away what would happen next. One more shopping trip later and I had New Moon and Eclipse in my possession. I devoured the entire existing series in three days. The moment the last sentence of Eclipse was done I reached for Twilight to reread them all again.

Twilight isn't the great American novel. It has flaws. Ultimately, I choose not to care. I loved this world and these characters deeply. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year was the first one that I didn't reread the series or listen to the audiobooks. I missed them so I think this Thanksgiving I will revive my tradition.

Not only did this novel rekindle my passion for reading, but it also led me to so many awesome people who shared my passion. In fact, Reading Lark probably wouldn't exist without this novel. I met each and every Lark reviewer because of this novel. I wouldn't trade my memories, friendships, or experiences for the world.

Goodreads

About three things I was absolutely positive.

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part might be - that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

In the first book of the Twlilight Saga, internationally bestselling author Stephenie Meyer introduces Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a pair of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship ripens against the backdrop of small-town suspicion and a mysterious coven of vampires. This is a love story with bite.