My friends, who are the same age as me and who have also read the books, and I loved the story. SPOILER ALERT: Most of the time you don’t even notice that Edward and the Cullens are vampires because they are good and, from what I’ve read, are mostly repentant for the murders that they have committed (only because that’s the natural instinct of vampires – to kill). Edward’s father Carlisle has instilled in all the Cullens a respect for human life. Carlisle’s father was a priest in the Medieval era if I remember correctly, and this is where Carlisle gets his belief from. Carlisle believes that by being “good” vampires by trying not to hurt anyone, but instead help save people’s lives (Carlisle’s a doctor), maybe there is a chance for vampires if their time comes to an end (vampires can be killed but in very rare circumstances). Anyway, Edward would do anything to be human again so that he couldn’t hurt Bella or anyone else for that matter. He sees himself as being pathetic and dangerous and filthy (for being a killer), but, by Bella believing that he won’t hurt her and believing that he is stronger and can overcome his natural instincts, Edward comes alive and starts to believe in himself again too. Okay, sneaking into Bella’s room and spying on her may sound a little freaky, but because of him being protective, he saves her from stalkers and from getting killed (not only from other sadistic vampires.) I don’t think edward is a “bad boy”. He has always been charming and polite – it is only his vampire traits that make him dangerous.

The main element in these books is LOVE. How true love can withstand (for want of a better word) anything. It is Edward’s genuine love for Bella and Bella’s love for Edward (although I must admit, sometimes it’s like an obsession) that makes him seem more human than vampire.

My favourite thing about the whole story though is the message of abstinence. In this day and age, lots of young people (even people my age) are experimenting with sex. But it’s not only because he is a vampire that Edward doesn’t want to “go too far” with Bella, but Edward is a true gentlemen (he was born in 1901, if I remember correctly). SPOILER ALERT: In book 3, Bella wants to have sex with Edward but Edward says no, not only because he could hurt her (his vampire instincts could take over him and he could lose control), but because he doesn’t want to “steal” her virginity and innocence from her. He says that he will only have sex with her, on the condition that they get married first. Now, that’s what I call true love and respect. That is what I love about Edward – he is a true gentlemen, who will wait until marriage to get his sexual pleasure. Now, no offense, but there are not many young men who will do that in this day and age, are there?

Wow, I’ve written heaps!! Hope this clears it up for some people out there who are hesitant to take their children to see the movie or read the books. But, before I go, I must also admit that the movie is more sexually inclined than the book. In the book, I don’t even remember them even doing any passionate kissing scenes like that one in the movie.