I personally loved the Twilight Series books, flaws and all. I, for the first time, recognized and admitted something in myself that I had left unnoticed for a long time. My desire to write. After reading the first three books in three days–no, I didn’t sleep much–I sat down and started writing. So, I will always love these books for opening up something to me that I’ve always done in secret.
But, I digress, as the reason for this post is because of how so many women responded to Edward Cullen. And this is not exclusive to Stephanie Meyers’ hero, but to many of the heroes in books. Over the years, I have witnessed women’s anger at their husbands or boyfriends because they weren’t Edward-esque.
Hello!
Edward Cullen, nor any hero worth reading about in a novel, is the perfect man. I loved him as a fictional character, but let’s get real, he’s made up. EDWARD IS NOT REAL. There are no perfect men, or women either, for that matter.
And trust me when I say, when it comes to reading, you don’t want them. Can you imagine reading a novel with perfect characters. Someone who handles everything perfectly, who doesn’t have any trials?
BORING.
It’s the challenges and the mistakes that makes us love the characters. So the next time you read a novel, especially a romance, pay attention to the flaws of the hero. You may realize you’re married or dating a hero yourself.
And enjoy the book for the fiction it is.
My daughter was 12 years old when I let her read Twilight, and then we examined it. We discussed Bella’s immature reactions and the deep depression she suffered. We went over the good and the bad about the characters. It was a great way to teach and to learn from my daughter about life. And fiction reflects life, so use novels to relate to your children.
My daughter didn’t see any of the characters as perfect, and as we discussed the book and the flaws of human nature, we drew closer. Bella was spoiled and sometimes very stupid, but she acts like many girls do, and I believe that’s the point. As we talk to our kids about the characters and actions from the books they enjoy, you have a chance to grow closer, teach and learn.
And for me, I now get to read my daughters novels and help edit them, and one day, help her get them published. And it all started with reading and discussing.
And who knows, as you read the books your kids love, you might just find all kinds of new and exciting worlds open up into your mind.
Sarah K. Jensen 