– Now I know I had an opinion or three about the Southern Living magazine re-design (and I’m getting better with it, I really am…it’s starting to feel like home again). But I have always loved SL recipes – they are consistently go-to classics. And when I rediscovered this recipe, I vowed and declared that it would make an appearance at our Thanksgiving dinner, oh praise the Lord.
– Okay. I totally caved. Because I just finished this book. And I’m about to start this one. And I was all prepared to be ambivalent and maybe even roll my eyes a little bit but DADGUMMIT, I JUMPED STRAIGHT ON THE BANDWAGON, y’all. So if all goes as planned, I’ll finish the whole set by the weekend.
– And then I’ll see the movie. Not that I’m obsessive or anything.
I’m first, can’t believe it!!
These books are really great, aren’t they? My daughter and I are going to the movie this Friday night! Karen Smith’s friend, remember.
I read the books this summer, one right after another and had sleep deprivation for a week after. I’m gonna join all the teeny-boppers for the movie this weekend! PS–I’m gonna try that recipe for my Txgiving dinner. It looks Yumm-O
Dang it if I didn’t read books 2 and 3 this weekend. I’m productive if nothing else. I’m taking my 13 year old (son!) who read the book to the movie asap. :-)
I’m frustrated. Read books 1 & 2 (just finished #2 last night) but #3 is sold out everywhere I go.
PANIC IS SETTING IN!!!! :-(
Okay, so my 19 year old daughter has been going on and on about these books and I’ve been giving HER the eye roll…should I cave? Is it worth it?
I held off as long as I could on reading the books (I’m an admitted book snob) but my friend kept bugging me to read it. I read Twilight in like two or three days and then completed all FOUR in the month of August. That’s a record for me. The last one, which is about 700 pages…it only took me from Wednesday until Saturday to finish and I’m a very slow reader. I don’t know what in the world is so hypnotic about the books, but it’s like you can’t quit!
I’m totally going to the movie Friday night. No shame. Me and my bestie who is turning 30 the next day. We’re obviously channeling our inner 18-year-old…
Those books are so fun! And romantic (blushing).
My daughter and I are hoping to go this weekend.
Okay, so seriously, about these books…is there any thing anti-religous about them. Other than the fact that we are dealing with vampires of course. I haven’t read them and don’t intend to, but my 12 yo niece is reading them and it makes me nervous. She’s Obsessed with a capital O. I guess I have this feeling that maybe they are straying too far out of what a good little innocent christian girl should be reading. I know I could read one for myself to check it out, but I just can’t imagine forcing myself to read about vampires.
That’s too funny about Twilight!! I have 3 young kids and I never finish books quickly anymore, but I flew through those books. I was sad when I read Breaking Dawn and it was over. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only 30-something that loved the books.
I had the same raction to the Twilight series. Finished them all in a couple of days (and was so surpised and angry when I realized that the last book was the final book!) Enjoy them!
So I delurking for the first time in a really long time to ask the same thing Mary @Simple Things is asking…my 12 yr old daughter has been BEGGING me to read these and I’ve been so reluctant to let her. I usually push Christian fiction, not fantasy. What do you think? Just your opinion, of course… :)
OOOOOOOOO!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I have totally been in the closet on my Twilight reading. I have read through the entire series twice in a row, just finished again today, and it’s all I can do not to pick it right back up.
I am so obsessed.
I read the Twilight SAGA because one of my 8th graders BEGGED me to. She brought it to me and said, “You have GOT to read this.” So I read the first one. . .then I read the last one. . .then I read the two in the middle. I am glad I did it in that order, and I will not watch the movie right away, because I have Edward all Greek god-like in my brain, and the one they picked is handsome and vampirish. . .but he’s not MY Edward.
I’ve been reading the comments and am asking the same questions as some of the others. Is this a good book/movie for Christian young people/adults? I went here http://www.crosswalk.com/books/11582544/
and read one review. I’ll have to do more research before I would actually commit to reading them myself. I have to admit, watching the trailers make me want to read the books and see the movie. How romantic! But something within me is bucking it.
Let me tell you, us “50 somethings” have read the entire series. Yes we have. And we totally loved it.
I have to tell you, you gave me a good inadvertant giggle. I went to the recipe and read the title quickly (as I am obligated to bringing a second veggie dish to Thanksgiving this year) and thought, Oh, yay, a two-squash casserole! But where is the second squash?! And then I thought, oh, right, it’s from SL. It’s two CHEESE, one squash. Got it. And it sounds awesome! Thanks for the site and the giggle!
Edward or Jacob? That is the most important questions of all!! Can’t wait until you have read them all and can answer. HURRY!
I, too, have jumped on the Twilight bandwagon and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
For Southern Gal and the others who were concerned if these books are appropriate, I would heartily suggest that if you have any doubts you should read at least the first book and decide for yourself.
I read the review that Southern Gal linked to, and although I have great respect for Prison Fellowship Ministries, I have to disagree with his assessment of the books. I do not think Bella is weak. She has typical insecurities that all teenage girls have, but the point is stressed strongly not only through dialogue but through her actions that she is strong and mature for her age. Edward does go overboard at first with his protectiveness of her, but he realizes his error fairly quickly and backs off. He is in no way abusive or controlling– he acts out of love and concern. (And it’s only one person that he is concerned about her interacting with– not all “her friends” as the article states.)
I did not perceive anything anti-religious about the books. The author is Mormon, and she brings up topics such as Creationism and whether vampires have eternal souls or a chance at Heaven. (As well as the abstinence message, which is pretty well documented everywhere.)
I’m looking forward to the movie!
I don’t think I could make a blanket recommendation in terms of age-appropriateness. I would suggest that any mama with questions borrow a copy from a friend and read it first.
Totally awesome books!!! My husband is taking me to the movie on Friday. Yippy Skippy!!!!
I can’t for the life of me figure out why I love these books so much….or why I’m painting my nails the color ‘vamp’ on Friday to go to the premier…..or why I’m half embarrassed to admit all that. Glad I’m not the only 30-40 something who’s hooked.
My 13 year old daughter *LOVES* this series and has read & owns all of them. Naturally she and I hope to go see the movie this weekend. As yet I’ve not read them, but probably will want to after seeing the movie!
okay YUMMO on the casserole! what time did you say thanksgiving dinner was? Umm hmmm… gonna make that too.
twilight… i haven’t read it. what’s that about? isn’t it about vampires or something. i don’t really do vampires. i scare easily :(
I want to chime in and say, read the books first yourself, then make your decision. I was skeptical about my daughter reading these, but after reading them myself, changed my mind.
It is a personal decision for each individual, my daughter is mature enough in her walk with the Lord to read them, so I am comfortable with it, but again, ONLY after reading myself first and making that decision.
P.S. for the record, I really enjoyed them.
My daughter loves those books. I haven’t caved yet. But I’ll probably at least try one but not right now. I’m just now reading Skin by Ted Dekker. I’m always a year or so behind everyone with books.
Ok..I haven’t heard jack squat about these books until the last couple of weeks and they are EVERYWHERE! So…I guess I follow the gang and read too.
Any recipe that begins by using FOUR POUNDS of something *has* to be good.
And when you finished the books, let’s talk. Trust me, you’ll need to talk. And also perhaps take a cold shower.
I totally get what you are saying. I wasn’t going to read them either, but my niece (usually very mature and level-headed) convinced me. I’m half way through #3,,,,,which to me drags in the middle,,,,,but I know it picks up.
Of course I will also see the movie *sigh*
Recipe looks wonderful – thanks! Not into the whole vampire as hot boyfriend’s thing – am reading Velvet Elvis.
Love the Twilight series!!! I stayed one book ahead of my 12-year-old daughter just to make sure it wasn’t inappropriate. Totally hooked! I love the old-fashioned romance–handsome hero continually rescuing damsel in distress. I think in our culture of feminism and equality that girls (and women) are secretly longing for that. I think that’s why we’re so captivated by the series.
I’ve asked for the 1st in the series for Christmas, and hope to get it. At this point I feel like the only one who hasn’t read them.
I am, aren’t I.
I knew it.
I just finished the series – I started two weeks ago and basically was consumed with them and had to finish so I could reclaim my life! I’m going to see the movie on Friday and probably will be the oldest one in the theater with all the 13 year old girls!
Oh girl you won’t be able to put them down. I read all 4 books in 7 days last week. Enjoy them! Haven’t decided whether or not they are appropriate for teens, yet!
Pam
Oh Geez Louise! Forget the books! That recipe has butter, parmesan, cheddar AND sour cream!! Good gravy, I am all over that one!
I haven’t had any squash casserole since 1984 when we moved from NC to IN. They don’t MAKE it up here – – – – mostly because you never even see yellow crook necked squash in the grocery store!!!!
I used to LOVE that stuff. Think you could ship me a serving????
Hehehehehehehehe
Don’t be embarrassed by your love of the Twilight series! ;) My girlfriends kept raving over them, so I skeptically borrowed the first one to read. That was last Thursday. I am about halfway through Book 4 right now. And I have two kids under 3…so they HAVE to be good for me to spend naptime and after bedtime reading instead of sitting in an exhausted stupor! ;) Can’t wait to see the movie!
Ok, I was never more shocked to hear you say you had read these! Surely, I can’t add these to my Faulkner, Fitzgerald reading list. My 12 year old son asked to go to the movie this Friday, and I did the eye roll, said “maybe your Dad will take you; he loves that stuff!” So, really? Read them? I don’t know, Soph?
Welcome to the deliciousness that is The Cullens. If you need a sounding board, I’m here. (:
Oh, Boo Mama! How I am with you on the Twilight books!! Love them, love them, love them.
For those that are concerned or not sure about reading them here’s what I can tell you. There is a little violence (at the end of the book), but this book is mostly about the relationship between Bella and Edward. She’s trying to figure him out and he’s trying to protect her. Some may say she’s insecure and he’s creepy. I didn’t see it that way. There is some kissing & hand holding, but that’s it on the physical side. All in all, it’s a love story–though not your typcial one!
It’s your call–but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! : )
I am de-lurking to say that I live in Port Angeles-50 miles east of Forks-where the story is set and the tourism this book has created is awesome! :) I haven’t read the books, but ladies I have been to Bella Italia (where apparently a date between Bella and Edward took place) and to the Lincoln Theater (part of the same aforementioned date). You all need to come! :)
Me, TOO. I read the first one, because I was all, “What’s all the hype about? Sheesh. It can’t be THAT good.” Yet it was so compelling. I read all four in less than a week. I can’t decide what that says about me.
Are you kidding me? Soph and vampires? What?
I’m on the Twilight bandwagon too, and like you, I was prepared to be under impressed. I’m a Harry Potter fan, and I still don’t think Twilight is better than Harry, but I’m a fan none the less.
I just bought “Southern Living-40 Years of the best recipes.” It chronicles the 70’s, 80’s, etc. (all the good ole days) The best cookbook from them yet!
Oh, you are so my friend!
I have them all in a stack, passed on to
me from another friend, waiting for a time when I know all I will want to do is
read….and read…..and read….until they are all finished. I know better than to even look at the first page!
I’m commenting for the first time on your blog only to give the 4,000th “I like Twilight, too!” thread. At first my sister and I were embarrassed to be reading a “vampire love saga” (as it is described in the book jacket), but we have since embraced our passion for all things Edward and are putting the premiere on our calendars IN INK. It’s serious.
You should also know that your blog speaks to the Southern portion of my heart. While truly a Northerner (now living in the Chicago area and wishing for goodness’ sakes I were back down South because it’s snowing…), my husband and I lived in Oxford from June 2005 until this past December so that he could get his masters at Ole Miss. I know, I know. Just rest assured that, being affiliated with the graduate school, we really had no allegiance to the school itself. And because he was surrounded by foreigners and other Northerners in said graduate physics program, I was the only one actually exposed to the real South–I taught high school English (!!) in the Lafayette County School District for two years. Lands. Yes, you surely speak to me.
I teach a sophomore girls’ Sunday School class and they’ve all read the books so in order to “keep up” with my girls – I read all four books in 5 days and I’m taking them to see the movie Sunday after church. Just file that one away under “selfless service.” ;-)
For those who are scared of vampires or scary stories in general, these books are not scary at all (at least not in my opinion). These are not your typical vampires, a la Anne Rice. And take it from me, an English major who does not read pop fiction AT ALL, the books are THAT good. Give ’em a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Despite all of the controversy, I am officially a SL subscriber for the first time (Thanks Mama!) It’s kind of a rite of passage ’round these parts!
I was planning on making Miss Paula Deen’s squash casserole for Thanksgiving, but I may have to go with this one! Have you tried it yet?!
girl! welcome to the CLUB! I am seriously considering going to the midnight showing on thursday night!
Oh, the books! Such a wonderful love story featuring a true gentleman hero (or two). Yeh, you’ll read them all :)
I too was wondering about the message from these books. Vampires?? Ewww!! and I have not read the books, but know people who have. Anyway I think I might of read the same review from crosswalk..but I also ran across these blog posts that were quite good… the first is the initial post and the second link is the follow up from all the comments… it may or may not help the ones who are on the fence…
http://www.virtuousreality.com/blog/2008/11/vampires_anyone_1.html
http://www.virtuousreality.com/blog/2008/11/vampires_take_2.html
I can’t tell you how many ladies I know who have jumped into the Twilight series in the last week or two. Including ME. Like you, I’d been rolling my eye about the whole thing, until I decided to pick Twilight up last week on a whim. I finished it in just over 24 hours. Same for New Moon. I am now half-way through Eclipse. It is rare that I am completely sucked in like this, but there must be something about these books as every single person that I know whose read them has had the same experience. Stephenie Meyer hit the jackpot big time!
Oh my Gosh! I just started reading the first one! I can’t put it down. I’m actually sitting at my desk sulking because I won’t have time to read any tonight! UGH!!
When my nieces talked about this book, I couldn’t figure out why! Now… I’m just HOOKED! WOOHHOOO!
Since this is an old post (I’m a little behind on my blog reading) I’m going to ask you a really honest question and hope that I don’t offend….why read these books? They are about vampires…I honestly just don’t get it…are the vampires supposed to represent outcasts in society or something? Do they have Godly qualitites that will challenge my lifestyle? I’m an avid reader and have heard about these, but not so much in Christian cirlcles…I made a promise to God years ago that I would not read anything fiction that did not have redeeming qualities…so I am HONESTLY trying to understand…please know that. I am trying to understand why a Christian would read a book about vampires….hope you can set me straight :)
Sophie,
Oh, the Twilight series…
I loved the first one. Edward Cullen was my sparkly vampire boyfriend. After that, my enjoyment of the series decreased with each successive book. One Enlish Lit. girl to another: I really, really want to hear what you think of “Breaking Dawn.” (I kept wondering if Stephenie Meyere let Stephen King take over there for a while. You’ll see what I mean!)
That said…you better believe I’m going to the movie this weekend. I’ll just try to pretend I’m one of the little fangirl’s moms and blend in as best I can.