BY SOPHIA
In our first inaugural episode of PPG Book Club, we read and discussed Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer. For those who are unfamiliar, Stephenie Meyer wrote the hit Twilight book series (that later were turned into a super successful movie franchise!) and her latest book, Midnight Sun, is a retelling of the first book of the Twilight series except retold from the perspective of the main male protagonist, Edward.
We also spent some time girl-chatting about birthdays as September is my birthday month! On the podcast, we discuss all things birthday, including the usual traditions we have for our birthdays each year and how this year changed everything. At one point, we also referenced a delicious wine Jensine brought to share during my birthday dinner and for anyone who is curious, that wine is the Petit Reserve Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc (available at Trader Joe’s).
Other non-book club reads from Jensine this month included Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver. I was busy getting back into the rhythm of distance learning with my 4th & 1st graders and entertaining a full-time-at-home preschooler so I didn’t have any book reads to share other than the book club pick.
Speaking of which, here were our thoughts on Midnight Sun!
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT!
Overall rating: 4/5
What we liked:
- Whether you’re new to Twilight or are a true Twihard, the story is still just as entertaining. Yes, if you’ve already read the first book or watched the first movie, you will know the basic plot and certain elements of the story will not come as a surprise which is why one star was knocked off the rating. But the unique perspective Edward brings as he shares his side of the story makes the read worth it.
- We also loved the extra context and details readers were given into the backstories of the Cullen clanl I especially loved hearing more about Rosalie & Emmett’s love story.
- Knowing Edward’s thoughts as the first story unfolded and ended also gave unique insight into more of the “why” and “how” of New Moon (Twilight Book 2).
- Let’s be honest, reading about Bella & Edward falling for each other is swoon-worthy no matter how many times you’ve already heard the story.
What we disliked:
- The start of the book was slow … if you’re not tenacious and determined to get past the first 1/4 of the book, it could be easy to get bored and give up. DON’T GIVE UP, THOUGH!
- Even though we knew the whole point of the book was the love line between Bella & Edward, it was still slightly abrupt to read Edward’s shift from wanting to avoid Bella to suddenly being all-consumed by his love for her. The transition didn’t feel as smooth as it could have been.
Agree? Disagree? Drop a comment down below with your thoughts!