Sugar Rush

The Twilight craze has elicited varied reactions from different people. Some like it to death that they would defend their addiction to just about anyone who criticizes Stephenie Meyer’s masterpiece. While others hate it to the point that they would pick a fight with just about anyone who admits to like this “lousy series.”
Honestly, I didn’t know which side I was on. I can read a book in the Twilight series until four in the morning and talk with just anyone who’s willing to admit that they like it. While I can also point out what I don’t like about the series to anyone who’s bashing it. But I’m through pretending that I am caught in the middle.
I admit that I love the series so much that I finished reading all four books in the series in a span of two weeks. During that time, my daily schedule consisted of my classes and staying in my room to read the books. Obviously, I don’t bring the books to school because my addiction puts me in danger of not paying attention to the lessons. Yes, I am that addicted to it.
I decided to read the Twilight to satiate my curiosity. I was wondering why a lot of people, mostly girls, are talking about it. I have never seen such a phenomenon since Harry Potter. But I am not going to compare the Twilight to Harry Potter or to any other story, so chill.
The first time I heard of Twilight was around this time last year from a friend who really loved it. She kept on telling me to read it but vampire and love stories never really appealed to me so I was content with listening to her tell me the story. The next thing I knew was that everyone was talking about it. I told myself that I would never get infected with this new craze so I stayed away from the books as much as I could. I was even one of those people who would proclaim their hatred towards the series. But curiosity got to me in the end and I just had to know what made the story so famous that people would actually take the time to read the book just so they can criticize it properly.
Ever heard of the saying that goes something like, “Huwag magsalita ng tapos”? I had to eat my words after reading the first book. Yes, it’s really nothing great. The words are simple and, more often than not, you have to stop reading once in a while to roll your eyes because of its cheesiness. The writing style is not rave material. I feel like I’m reading a Baby-Sitters’ Club book that I collected when I was 10 years old. But we have to understand that the book was intended for tweens in the first place. Why compare it to something Shakespeare wrote? And, of course, you can’t expect all the guys to appreciate it in all its cheesiness. People have different tastes that are determined by the longings of their hearts.
I like the series because it’s an easy read. After reading heavy stuff in newspapers or books, wouldn’t it be nice to read something really simple and light once in a while? I don’t have to pretend to be all-intellectual and force myself to read more “worthwhile” books just to keep my brain cells working. I appreciate an effortless story to truly relax and just dive into the fantasy world where vampires are good-looking statues who have special abilities. After all, a little wonder doesn’t hurt.
Another reason why I like the series is that Meyer gave a new angle to the mythical creatures. The vampires don’t melt under the sun, sleep in coffins, or die when a stake is driven into their hearts. I admit that I have never read a vampire story before so I’m no expert when it comes to these creatures. But where else can you read about vampires glittering under the sun? Obviously, this is a work of fiction and the author is given full control over the world he/she creates.
Because of its readability and the I-just-can’t-put-it-down factor, the Twilight saga has made it to my list of guilty pleasures. You may love it or you may hate it, you’re entitled to your own opinion. But for those who are quick to judge, give it a little credit. It’s written in a particular genre that you may not like. You don’t have to like it if you really don’t like it. But some of the harshest critics are those who are just reacting to the craze in order to be different. Myself included.