This weekend the Seattle Public Library is hosting a debate on Harry Potter vs Twilight as part of a teen reading program. Hot damn, I wanna go! Anything that gets people reading is a success, even if it’s a novel with only moderate literary eloquence. *ducks flying tomatoes*
Teens debate “Harry Potter” vs. “Twilight,” 4 p.m. Saturday, The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Microsoft Auditorium, Level 1; free (206-615-1410 or www.spl.org).
FYI: I’ve read the entire Harry Potter series (twice) and the entire Twilight Saga. We are discussing the BOOKS, not the movies.
There is, of course, no real debate. Harry Potter is leagues more advanced than Twilight. One teen interviewed in the Seattle Times article hit the nail on the head with this observation: “One major reason I prefer “Harry Potter” is the character development: “Twilight” characters develop minimally or not at all, whereas in “Harry Potter” characters grow and mature along with the reader, bringing him/her deeper into the story.”
Jacob is the only character who changes in the Twilight Saga. Bella never saves herself. Edward to the rescue! Bo-ring. Harry, on the other hand, has realistic growth from an 11 year old boy to a man. He follows the hero’s journey, forged in the fires of his trials to emerge stronger, smarter, and braver. That said, if we were comparing only HP books 5-7 with Twilight, we wouldn’t have as much character growth to share.
The same teen makes another great point on the stylistic triumphs of HP over Twilight: “Stephenie Meyer’s style is very straightforward; the vocabulary is basic, there are almost no hidden clues concealed in the writing to foreshadow future events.”
Foreshadowing? I don’t think Meyer knows the meaning of the word. Twilight, book 1, is filled with mundane details: Bella wakes up, gets dressed, brushes her teeth, goes to school. Nothing much happens until the very end. The style in book 2 is noticeably tighter and more interesting, but once again the events in the climax are almost completely separate from earlier events in the book. Same in book 3. Where’s the buildup?
Don’t get me wrong, I liked the Twilight Saga. I liked reading a book set near me in settings I’ve been to (Forks, Port Angelus, the Olympic Peninsula). I love being able to chat about books with other people. I love passing people wearing tee-shirts that say “I ONLY DATE VAMPIRES” when I’m out around town. I love how many people have read Twilight, because of the buzz, and love being able to connect over something so important to me – reading!
IMHO, teens love Twilight for the romance. As a voracious romance reader I completely understand the lure of eternal love. However, Twilight isn’t the best paranormal romance I’ve ever read. Not even close. I can recommend a ton of books you’ll like even better. I’m truly appreciative of Ms Meyer for giving me the opportunity to do so.
Let the debate rage on! Who do you think will win? Who do you think should win? You don’t have to agree with me, but please construct a logical argument. Swearing, insults and unintelligible comments will not be approved.
Saturday, May 2, 11:30am–2:30pm