Earnestly Seeking Edward

"Come on girls...

Do you believe in LOVE?

Well I've got something to say about it...

...and it goes something like this...."

Happy Friday to you!

(or whatever day you happen to be reading this)

Yep, you read the opening right....words straight from Madonna's infamous song "Express Yourself", or as many might recall it more recently from Glee's 'Power of Madonna' episode (definitely a fun one)...and perfect for today's post in more ways than one.

First, the song's TITLE...a perfect fit for blogs.

Expressing yourself is what they are all about.  Whatever topic you choose to feature or discuss is purely up to you, the blogger.  No one else pulls the strings.  There are no hidden agendas, just whatever you put forth. 

Second, the SUBJECT of the song in relation to love.

This week marked a significant event for many TwiHard fans round the world (*cough* GUILTY *couch*)...the release of the latest movie, Eclipse.  One movie marathon (so much fun) and midnight premiere (definitely the best of the three so far) later, it got this fan to thinking....where's my Edward?  (Sorry Team Jacob fans but this post is focusing more on the team I "vote" for...no offense meant....)

Okay, before you start calling for the guys in the little white jackets with the butterfly nets, let me explain.  I know the Twilight world is based in literature, that is to say, it's not real in an oh-my-run-from-the-red-eyed-vamps sort of way.  The characteristics however, the ones that readers and watchers respond to in the characters themselves (oh admit it...that's part of the draw...the characters and the bonds, or um, relationships, they form pull you into the story)....THOSE are real.  Finding the right mix of them in an actual person may be a bit harder, but it doesn't mean it's impossible (or at least one would hope not).  Let's review...

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Edward 101:  Truth Behind the Fiction

He would do anything for her.

(That's not to say that if she said jump off a bridge that he would do it, but if it was within his power he'd do his best.)

He loved her beyond compare.

(She was his treasure...his eyes never wandered for another.)

He accepted her need for independence.

(Together time is great, and sharing decisions can be as well, but the chance to do things on her own when needed, though not his first choice, made her happy....and that was what mattered to him.)

He respected her opinion.

(None of those one sided conversations with little to no participation from the other party.  He listened *gasp* and responded!)

He accepted her for who she was and who she wanted to be.

(In fact, when she wanted to change, in this case become a vampire, he tried to dissuade her not because he didn't want her to to something she wanted to do, but because he didn't want her to change for him.)

He protected her from harm.

(Though not everything could be stopped, he tried to end the bigger issues before they would affect her.)

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So you see....it's not really impossible traits that this particular literary character boils down to.  It's more a matter of finding the "complete package" that begs the seeker to take their time.  If you've already found your "Edward", congratulations!  Cherish the moments.  If you are one of my single-still-seeking friends, no worries!  This boat is shared in good company and you know...there's someone out there earnestly seeking you too....

The comments are open...feel free to share your thoughts!

Also, a quick reminder...one of the two contests currently running on the site ending this weekend so get your entries in before it's too late!

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For all of you heading to the theaters this weekend, enjoy the movie!

If not...have a great weekend anyhow.

Until next time....happy reading!

Eclipse Celebration: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Yesterday we had a great blog tour swing through featuring the wildly fantastical work of author Martin Chatterton and featuring his most recent book The Brain Full of Holes.  If you didn't get a chance to read the post, might I suggest pausing a moment to do so....there's a review, guest post....plus your chance to win a copy of the book!  Go ahead...check it out....I'll wait right here....  Oh, and while you're at it, don't forget that we have a contest from another great author, Nancy Holder, to win a SIGNED copy of Possessions plus a copy of the newly released sequel, Possessions 2:  The Evil Within...which just happens to be open internationally.  Once you return to this page, we shall resume..... ~~Theme music anyone?  Click here... ~~

Today's post is sort of on auto pilot....how so?  Well, let's just say that a certain Insatiable Reader (moi) might have attended a fairly long movie fest (Twilight and New Moon shown back to back in theater) followed by a midnight premiere (Eclipse...woo-HOO!) and still be sleeping at this hour (if not sleeping than definitely resting and perhaps reading)...ahem.  So, I give you the post today from my mind to the site featuring a novella from the infamous author herself, Stephanie Meyer....befitting no?  Today's book of choice is....

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

by

Stephenie Meyer

Bree Tanner.  Young girl with budding ambitions, seeking her dreams of life, love, and....joining the undead.  Umm, okay so perhaps it's not all candy and roses.  Let's set the record straight.  Bree Tanner was NOT the perfect angel (in more ways than one) before her unlawful rebirth into the world of 'the Cold Ones'.  Bree Tanner was NOT seeking an escape that would take her from the dark world she lived in....her thoughts were merely for the moment, the place most teens live.  One more thing....Bree Tanner may have been gullible and easily manipulated to an extent, but she was NOT stupid. 

In this companion novella to the Twilight series, fans learn more about the young girl vampire Bella comes into contact with in Eclipse.  From her life before and after the change, all leading up to that faithful day in which she...well, if you've read the third book you know what path her life takes (otherwise, NOPE...not gonna spoil it).  Here, we get a chance to see what truths and half-truths the newborns were told as the devious plan she (she being Victoria, though the newborns are never actually told that, with good reason too...) devised was being set into motion.  We also see that the Volturi's hands are not quite as clean as one may have thought in this instance, a fact that may or may not surprise you (when are they ever really, right?).  A disturbing aspect of Riley's relationship with her comes to light (so to speak) as well as a new character that managed to slip away....leaving this reader wondering what happened to them?  Are they still out there?  Where's their story?  Speaking of that...

Okay, so I've hinted and I've mentioned, but haven't really come out and actually discussed it.  Discussed what?  The bookish beasty (...meant totally in a good way like 'the Beast' in the movie with Belle, not the 'Wolfman'...) that is the world of Twilight.  I mean does anyone really understand the magnitude of the world Stephenie Meyer has created? Think about it. She could honestly go on fleshing out (pardon the pun) the characters she has created and continue adding on to her current success without ever having to create another fictional world...with fans perfectly content AND clammoring for more. There's not that many books or series that you could truly say that about....I mean, yes, there are others, but they are fewer rather than more, in numbers.  It just boggles the mind, or my mind at the very least.

Anywho, rabid fandom aside, one thing is certain about this book...it is NOT for the outsider; meaning if you haven't read the series, it's probably not going to make much sense to you.  You really need to have read through book 3 (Eclipse, just in case you didn't know...hey, there are some people that still haven't read it) in order to follow what's going on, otherwise it's too vague and Bree's tendancy to question things (no, make that everything) can be a bit grating.  Having read all of the books in the series (at least once), I can honestly say that I enjoyed slipping back into this familiar world and grandly welcome the next adventure this author brings our way.  Whether it be the much talked about and wished for Midnight Sun (basically Twilight but from Edward's perspective...the sample on her website....VERY GOOD) or the contiually pushed back Twilight Saga (may not be the finalized title, but it's the one this story was suppose to be a part of initially that tells the back story and more about this literary creation).  One way or the other we have things to look forward to from this series for future reads.

Highly recommended reading for fans of the series and for those that have yet to give it a try, seriously...what's holding you back?  For those that just haven't had a chance to pick this one up yet, you still have time to check it out online at the official site...it's available to read for free as a thank you to fans through midnight July 5th.  If you do decide to purchase a copy, the publisher is donation $1 for every physical book sold to the American Red Cross.  As for me....I'm still reveling in the movie release fun and contemplating how I can fit a re-read into my current schedule for this series (hehe).

Until next time....happy reading!

T-Minus 19 Hours and Counting...

Hello again everyone!  I just couldn't wait to get a post of this nature up and ready with the fun to be had later tonight and into the wee hours of tomorrow morning.  That's right!  This post is dedicated to the Twilight Saga, New Moon hype we've all been hearing about and participating in for the past several months.  The efforts are now reaching a stopping point because late tonight....TADA!  New Moon visual satisfaction.

As you may know if you are a frequent reader of my blog, I am definitely Team Edward girl.....but we're talking more book wise than movie wise.  Don't get me wrong, I like the movies, but I simply LOVE the books.  Earlier in my web surfing adventures, I came across a rather interesting post in support of Team Jacob.  While the postee made several good points for her team choice, I felt compelled to do a counter post if you will to shine a brighter light on the Team Edward benefits and attributes. (Hey friendly "competition" has always been welcomed....let's just lay the cards on the table, shall we?) I'll try to address the previous post point for point (TJ = Team Jacob statement, TE = Team Edward view point), but I may add a few in for good measure.....here we go!

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TJ:  Jacob is alive and warm versus cold and "dead" Edward.

TE:  Okay, first of all, he is technically un-dead....and as Casper once said of the living bit, "Big fleshy deal."  While you may save on heat in the winter, who really wants a personal space heater ALL the time?  Besides, the shedding ALONE would add to your days work and take away from the time you have with your chosen literary catch.  Anywho, the cold factor just makes you have to be more creative in the staying warm department... (okay, calm down all you Team Edward fans....breath a bit and catch your breath....ready to continue?)

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TJ:  He can have children,while Edward's miraculous offspring will claw it's way out.

TE:  See, not all the facts are really present.  How do we know what a wolf baby would do?  They could be just as volatile as the vamp baby...which of course makes this TJ point, moot.  =0)

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TJ:  Jacob is hot literally (the wolf bit) and actor wise with or without the wig.

TE:  As far as the literal hot factor...we've come full circle back to the space heater bit.  In regards to the actor, I'm gonna refrain from commenting since I'm more book fan than movie.

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TJ:  Wolfish nature means he will be naked quite often.

TE:  Okay, how to approach this without getting into a raunchy post....it seems our TJ fan is a little obsessed with this factor as a few of her points center on this general theme.  May I remind you that leaving something to the imagination is very beneficial whether you are a female or male.  (Come on, seriously, who's with me on this?)  That said, may I also point out the serious increase in "indoor activities" mentioned in Breaking Dawn (Book 4)....yeah, I'll leave this counter answer at that point...(for those of you that don't know what I am talking about....you really need to read the book.)

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TJ:  He's not old enough to be your great grand dad nor have met yours.

TE:  Now that's hitting a bit below the belt....and forgeting some keys factors once again!  He's older mind-wise which the last time I checked is a good thing with guys since they seem to mature more slowly in this area than gals.  Body wise, Edward is your average (okay, not-so-average) teenager which puts him in his "prime" so to speak.  Plus, don't forget....one day Jacob will be older, balding, and perhaps have a ponch from too many puppy treats....Edward will always look this good.

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TJ:  He doesn't want to drink my blood.

TE:  I can concede on this point a little as yeah, the thought of someone wanting to drain my blood doesn't really appeal to me (had enough of that as a child with medical tests, thank you very much)....but remember, the Cullen clan is made of "vege vamps" and if you remember in the books, they tend to hunt what's in season, thus acting as a natural predator to keep populations in check.  I don't want "Bambi" on the menu either, but you also don't want their numbers to get out of hand and have to dodge many "Bambi's" on your daily drive.

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TJ:  He never left, Edward did.

TE:  Touche....but not exactly! (HA!  Thought you had me huh? )  It is true, Edward leaves her, but it's not like he's cheating on her or something.  He leaves to save her life and it's hurting him just as much as it's hurting her (remember his attempt on his life?).  Technically Jacob leaves Bella too....when he is trying to figure out the whole wolf thing before Bella knows his secret.

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TJ:  He can sleep and eat.

TE:  Well aren't we grasping at straws now?  Personally I like both as well, but Edward's lack of doing both, doesn't stop him from being with Bella when she is participating in these daily activities.  Plus, food wise, there is never the un-ending conversation of "What do you want?".  "I don't care, what do you want?"  (Yeah, those can be unending mini-battles....especially if both of you are trying to please the other.)

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In close, they mention a lot of folks "hate" Team Jacob.  Well, I can only speak for myself (but you can weigh in via the comments), but I don't hate them....he served as a really good friend.  It's not either of their faults that she was meant to be with Edward.  (Again, reference back to Book 4, but Jacob is meant to be with someone as well, and it's not Bella either!)

Go TEAM EDWARD!  Whoo-HOO!

Now we can't let me have all the fun....time for YOU to weigh in!  Which team are you and why?

(The Team Jacob post is linked near the beginning of this post in case you want to check out the points shared first hand.)

* Just in case it wasn't abundantly clear, this post is purely in the fun spirit of all that is Twilight.  We all know that they are only fictional characters in a great series, but why should that stop us from using our imaginations and creativity to "duke it out" for who should get top billing.  =0)

Current Cultural Phenomenon: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Before you drag out the pitchforks to run me out of town...I definitely believe to each his (or her) own in regards to literature. I mean, come on folks...there are SOOO many books out there. You will never find one that absolutely everyone loves, it's just not possible. However, there is one current cultural phenomenon going around that most people have read or at least heard of in some fashion, which leads me to today's choice.....

Twilight

by

Stephenie Meyer

What? You've never heard of it? Oh, I see...you've been living in a cave for the past some odd years and avoiding bookstores, movie theaters and shopping centers with great success, right? Guess what...I don't believe you and most of the current population won't either. If you haven't read the books (guilty!), seen the movie (guilty!), or bought the merchandise (alright already, guilty again!), then you have at least seen the displays of product or heard the random whispers of strangers passing by...henceforth my bestowed title of "cultural phenomenon". Very rarely does a book (or anything else for that matter) come along that can be read and ENJOYED by almost anyone. Young and old, females and males (don't deny it, you read it too)...it doesn't matter who you are, the story will whisk you away.

Twilight is written in Bella's voice...that is to say you see her world and experiences through her mind's eye. After making the seemingly simple decision to move to Washington and live with her father while her mother is on the road with her new husband, Bella's world is turned upside down. She's the new girl in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone...or so they think. The Cullen's family is presented as a doctor and wife dynamic duo, taking in four foster kids without a second thought. Things are not always what they appear to be though as discovered by Bella through a near fatal accident. I won't continue with the details of the story (hey, there are some people that haven't read it yet!) but rest assured it has all the elements for a fantastic ride. There's love, action, fear, happiness...you name it, it's probably in there.

When I first read this title, I had actually picked it up after hearing some of the whispers as I mentioned before. I was looking for a new book, both cover and title were intriguing so I figured, why not? I am now definitely a Twilighter (it's just one of the many fan titles claimed by supporters of the book) and will highly recommend it to one and all.

On a side note, I will have to say that her writing style was very reminiscent of another author I had read several years back. If you are looking for another book to satisfy your needs, I'd look to L.J. Smith. She has several series to choose from but I would definitely look for The Forbidden Game. It is a little harder to find, but if you liked Twilight, you'll more than likely love it.

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!

An Oldie but a Goodie - The Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith

Hello, there!
First of all, I would like to thank you for stopping by my new blog! I will try to keep it updated as new works cross my path, so that you might be able to enjoy them for yourself!

To start this off right, I invite you to consider a title from the past...okay, so it only dates back to the early 90's but that's kind of far, right?

The Forbidden Game

by

L.J. Smith

In this young adult series, you have a collection of three books entitled The Hunter, The Chase, and The Kill. Sound too ominous for a teen series? Not really (consider the evening news for one). Jenny (main character) is trying to stage the perfect birthday party for her boyfriend, Tom. Solution? Finding the perfect party game to keep it interesting. During her search, she stumbles across a store hidden within a mural on the not-so-perfect side of town and acquires a board game that seems to fit the bill. Little does she know that the gorgeous "young man" that sold her the game is really part of an ancient race of beings from the Shadow Lands and evil is not all he has on his mind. Julian has his sights set on making Jenny his one and only, and he is not one to take no for an answer. Will Jenny be made an unwilling pawn in his "forbidden" game? Or will love, friendship, and selflessness prevail?

Author L.J. Smith has a distinctive writing style...in my opinion, it places the reader in the main characters point of view so well that you can experience each situation as it occurs. The emotions, the surroundings, and the inner turmoil are all described with a true passion for the pen. In fact, in reading a newer favorite, Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer, I was reminded very much of L.J. Smith's "voice". She is echoed very well by this newcomer, allowing her past publications to be shared by a new generation.

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback.

Until next time...happy reading!