Title: Twilight and Philosophy: Vampires, Vegetarians, and the Pursuit of Immortality (pdf format)
Author: William Irwin
Pages: 273
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis (Goodreads):
The first look at the philosophy behind Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight series Bella and Edward, and their family and friends, have faced countless dangers and philosophical dilemmas in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels. This book is the first to explore them, drawing on the wisdom of philosophical heavyweights to answer essential questions such as: What do the struggles of "vegetarian" vampires who control their biological urge for human blood say about free will? Are vampires morally absolved if they kill only animals and not people? From a feminist perspective, is Edward a romantic hero or is he just a stalker? Is Jacob "better" for Bella than Edward? As absorbing as the Meyer novels themselves, Twilight and Philosophy: Gives you a new perspective on Twilight characters, storylines, and themes. Helps you gain fresh insights into the Twilight novels and movies. Features an irresistible combination of vampires, romance, and philosophy Twilight and Philosophy is a must-have companion for every Twilight fan, whether you're new to the series or have followed it since the beginning.
My Review:
Awesome! I've never read any philosophy books before except some of Biodiversity/ Botanical Species and Taxonomic Philosophies. But a philosophy of a fiction book, never! A friend gave me her eBook copy to me last few weeks and I thought, this is a new feeling of peeling the secrets of Twilight Saga. The Saga will always be one of my favorite and well-kept on my bookshelf.
I know I am a twilight-die-hard-fan and I could list 100's of good reasons why we should read it. However, in certain circumstances, a lot of people hate or loath The Saga so much indeed. I've read their reviews some times before (sorry if you are one of this minority group) and a lot of perspectives or ideas came up of why they loath it so much. But I don't blame them. Bella could be so annoying and well, who will be not jealous when Edward adores her?
I read reviews on Goodreads and I can analyzed a review pattern of this book. Anyone who loath/hate/dislike Twilight gave better reviews than people who is a fan of Twilight like me. They even said it as rubbish or crap. However, as a fan, I love the philosophy highlighted in the book.
Trust me, it discussed a lot of fun facts of each characters, plots, conversations, thoughts, actions and the list could go on. Each chapters provide a new fact, or maybe a combination of made up and facts to make it sounds interesting and amusing. But does it worth? The philosophy's contents mesmerized me how he analyzed and peeled the actions or made up fact gave a big impact to make us believed the story is true and believable. He not only compares on significant facts, but also a lot of simple/little facts that you might missed while reading the twilight saga. The philosophy also discussed based on every book in the series.
Privacy and Mind Reading
I ’ m glad you can ’ t read my thoughts. It ’ s bad enough
that you eavesdrop on my sleep - talking.
— Bella, Twilight 9
Mind you, this is not a summary of all the series, only some perspectives of a few person on the book. I would recommend all of twilight fan/non-fan to read the philosophy. I promise you that both parties will appreciate and welcomed to have better understanding of the Twilight Saga. Maybe you'll have better idea; love it more or hate it less =)I ’ m glad you can ’ t read my thoughts. It ’ s bad enough
that you eavesdrop on my sleep - talking.
— Bella, Twilight 9
The Giveaway:
As the movie of Eclipse and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner will be released in June, I think this book is a pre-welcome to celebrate both fascinating occasions.
Now you have a chance to win a copy of this eBook (pdf format) Twilight and Philosophy by William Irwin! It's OPEN, anyone can enter as long as you are my blog follower. Old and new is welcomed.
Leave a comment with your email address and answer of the question =)
Are you a fan of Twilight Saga?
If yes, who is your favourite secondary character (in any book of the series) and why?
If not, why?
The giveaway is open until May 31st, 2010. I don't know how many winners will win this. But, half of the commenters of this giveaway post will have a chance to win a copy. Yeay! So, the more the merrier and bigger chances! Any twits and links are appreciated even they wont give any extra entries. The winners will be picked randomly.
Winners will be announced on June 1st, 2010.
Good luck!