"Help me to be happy"

"It's easy enough to smile when life goes along with a song....but the one who's worth while is the one who can smile when everything goes dead wrong."
This quote used to be an all time favorite quote of mine. I thought its poetic words touched the very essence of truth. I venture to reason that I grasped such a theory was because, up until recently, I seemed to have an uncanny way of wading through the trials of life with a smile on my face (or at least I felt that I was deep down able to smile during those times).
Well, I have chopped that saying out of my “favorite” quotes pile. I have axed its truth from my life because it has labeled me as a worthless individual. If its words are truth than I am a not “worthwhile.” That may be true, but the more I ponder the quote I come to realize there are some moments in one’s life where one should not, nor could not, smile. I would venture to say that if one did smile during certain moments it could and would be most offensive.
Now I am not saying that I am in a predicament, nor that my life is full of woes (at least right now—)…..I have just realized over the past 5 years of my life that, at least for me, when life hands you lemons…making lemonade isn’t always the correct or most plausible option. Sometimes puckered mouths occur, a sour face emerges, repulsion, the desire to spit out ….happens. Does this make me a “worthless” person because I see a “lemon” as a “lemon” instead of a beautiful sweet Clementine or potential lemonade? Maybe, but the Pollyanna syndrome that I tried to uphold for so long ended up strangling me and caused me to stagger in my own progression. It was when I heard a mother tell their child the words to say while praying that my life truly grasped the correct response; “Help me to be happy.” Jackson’s mimicking of Ilene’s simple, yet oh so profound sentence, “help me to be happy,” rang through every piece of my soul. “Help me be happy”….not help me “smile” through all situations but rather help me to BE happy or find happiness again.
Oh, I lack the ability to express what it is I am really wanting to say…..Maybe an example would help…..please forgive me for sharing such an intimate and intense experience but I think it hits the “nail on the head” better than I am in succeeding at grasping the English language in hopes to convey my sentiments.
For those of you who don’t know, I was married in the year 2002. I was 28 years old and within the community in which I dwelt this was considered “middle age.” My chances to raise my children at a “normal age” were viewed as almost out the window (I can’t even imagine what the thought is now) and since my whole life I dreamed, desired and thought about having my own children (shoot, I even centered my career around being able to touch, inspire and teach children)......waiting too long to have children was not even an option .
Thus, a few months after marriage my ex and I decided to have a child. How funny to look back and think how naive I was….. deciding we would have a child NOW. Well, months passed, doctor visits occurred. Years passed, we learned nothing could be found that would indicate why 2 years had past and we were still not able to become pregnant. Temperatures, pee sticks, saliva swabs, graphs, etc. started to plague my life. A move to Michigan, which put us in contact with the “best of the best” fertility doctor in the nation, confirmed that nothing was “wrong” with either one of us (the medical profession puts things so quaintly sometimes). I definitely wasn’t smiling too big at this point in my life.
Well, in the process of being “tested” I became pregnant---a miracle in itself since it was only my second visit to the office and we were just doing blood work. I was not only shocked (since I had taken a pregnancy test a few days before and it came out negative) but that after 3 ½ years of prayer, faith and trying the actual reality of hearing the words “you are pregnant” wasn’t even a conscience thought (obviously I had lost my Pollyanna syndrome in regards to this subject).
After phoning my ex, and leaving him in utter shock, I found a hope start to bubble up inside of me, a "smile" if you will (in this aspect of my life) returned. My dream of becoming a mother, counting little fingers and toes, teaching about life, putting them to bed as I hum a lullaby were so very real (you would understand perfectly why I wrote hum if you have ever heard me sing out loud!!!). I was very humbled (those of you who have ever been pregnant I am sure can understand why I chose the word “humbled.”).
Well, times passed, ultrasounds were given, pictures were placed on my blog, a baby crib was bought, clothes were purchased, the cradle was assembled, doctor visits continued, daily internet calendars on the development of the fetus were read, books were purchased, during difficult times of my marriage…hope lingered…..then I woke up spotting. I immediately asked my ex for a blessing. I was panicked; I knew but refused to know. I was not given comfort. I laid on my bed and sobbed. My ex became extremely angry with me. He asked me why I had to be so “damn pessimistic!” Was I?????? I wasn’t…..At least I didn’t think so. I didn’t know why I had even thought the thoughts that I did…..maybe it was truth hitting before my mind could grasp the reality of it. We quickly called his sister, who is a deliver nurse. She asked lots of questions and told me to take it easy. The spotting continued. Phone calls to the local hospital occurred (it was a Saturday). We went to a ward picnic and I stayed in a chair. On the way home I wasn’t feeling well. When I returned home my spotting seemed to have worsened. I called my ex’s sister again. She told me to get to the hospital, despite what the doctor’s at the hospital had said over the phone.
I will never forget walking into that emergency facility. We had been there before so it felt quite familiar. They asked me to undress, put on a robe and then lay down on a stretch in a curtained area (there were no rooms just stretchers lined up against walls with curtains in between them). The first nurse to assist me came in happily and asked me many questions. She then put me on an IV and left. When she finally returned she had a machine with her to find the heartbeat of the fetus and to "see" what was going on. The quick pulsing sound we had already heard about 2 ½ months prior didn’t blare from the machine. She was getting frustrated and my prayers were getting more and more elementary (please, please please….I believe were about all that I could mustard in my brain). I definitely wasn’t smiling!!! Then the nurse said the machine she was using was very hard to work (about 20 minutes had passed and nothing) and she would go get another one. The doctor on call finally entered after the second machine was obtained and pushed the nice nurse aside and continued the process of trying to find the heartbeat. She gave up and left the area. My hopes seemed to be deflating a bit and my mind started to go numb.
The doctor returned and informed me that I was to have a vaginal ultrasound. She explained that the emergency room we were in was only a “satellite” facility and that gynecology services were “called” out. She had just finished talking with the gynecologist at the “big dog” hospital and that an vaginal ultrasound was required.
Hours passed. The hospitals was packed. Each stretcher had a patient to uphold. One older group of individuals were chatting loudly while waiting for some sort of cancer results for the patient they were there supporting that occupying a stretcher close by. I remember a child's cry but not the reason behind it. Commotion seemed to be all around me except inside of me. I forced myself to be "positive" to have a "smile." I started to demand myself to plead all the more to my maker.....but all that would come out were weak "pleases" and a few sacred words that only I and my Father will know. I was exhausted. Time continued to pass very slowly.
Finally, I was placed in a wheelchair and wheeled to an open hall area outside a small office size room. After about 45 minutes of sitting, freezing, silent next to my now mute ex, I was called in to the exam room. The nurse asked me to lie down on the table. Then her friend came by and she stepped out to speak with her. She wasn’t tactful enough to shut the door so I was able to hear her friend asked her why she hadn’t left. Apparently, her shift was up that minute, her visiting family was waiting for her, and she was not too pleased to have to deal with me. She finally returned and proceeded to do the ultrasound. I looked at her face and saw no expression. I cranked my head and tried with all my might to see what was on the screen. I asked her questions but she said she could not answer them. I think that was almost a confirmation to me that the baby was gone…..I thought, if there was hope she would whisper something or give me some kind of encouraging something….wouldn’t she?
I wasn’t "smiling" but I couldn’t give up hope--I couldn't not have faith and hope! What was wrong with me I argued in my head! My pleading “pleases” increased….if that was even possible.
After returning to my “oh so private” curtained room and having hung up the phone with my ex’s sister (who didn’t really have anything to say after I walked her through everything that was said and done….except “just wait and see.”) the doctor returned. She stepped in and said the results were sent to the “all knowing doctor somewhere out there in space” and that he said there was no heartbeat, the baby was dead and that I was to go home and let things pass natural. I was dumbfounded. She then bluntly said that she was sorry and that I was free to go. I just stared. She then, without any emotion, turned around and left my curtain cubical.
I began to cry/sob/bawl….whatever it was that escaped from my lips…only to be hushed by my ex, who was standing at a distance from me, telling me to stop because others would hear. Life wasn’t going along like a song and I WASN’T smiling. A different nurse walked around the curtains and exclaimed, “Oh, you are still here. You can go.” I looked at her bewildered. My ex snapped at her that I still had an IV in my arm (he wasn’t smiling). That was quickly removed and I was sent walking out of the now foreign emergency room as if nothing happened.
When I returned home my ex dropped me off and told me he had to go get something. We both were not smiling. I was alone! The walls of my house were screaming at me. I plopped down on my bed and begin to sob…then I saw The Book of Mormon on my side table. I remembered that President Hinckley had just asked us to read it and promised peace….and some other things….but at the time peace was the only one I could remember. I picked up the book and sarcastically said out loud…..something to the extent of…..”well, let’s see if your promise works because I need help!”
Fortunately, God does talk through his mouthpieces on earth because the promise was/is real. It did work! The first scripture I read was a reminder that God was there and that everything would work out…..and then the peace that came over me for a brief moment was/is indescribable. It was so powerful that it left a numbing aura about me….. yet, I know I wasn’t “smiling” but that I was “worthwhile” in the eyes of my Father.
That night I woke to the worst cramping I have ever felt. I raced to the bathroom to find myself in labor. I found a child, still attached to me, facing me with all 10 fingers and 10 toes. I immediately started to scream, “It’s not fair!” over and over again. My ex entered and, seeing me the way he did (I think out of shear fear…he was never good with blood and such), became angry and started to yell “what the hell am I suppose to do!” I wasn’t smiling and neither was he….the peace was gone!
Luckily, we were able to get a hold of his sister, who after chastised me for being home in the first place (still not smiling), proceeded to walk me through the rest of the ordeal. I then returned to bed….the most alone, saddening, tired, deflated feeling I have ever felt crept over me. My dreams, hopes, future were crushed and yet I could not fall too far into the “depths of despair” (love Anne of Green Gables!) because I could remember the peace that came when reading the scriptures earlier on . The knowledge that God was there, that He knew me, He knew my hurt and hurt with me, that the child was His first and that His Will should (and would) be done haunted my hurt. I fought with myself…..not in these exact words but basically questioning….. ”where was my smile????” You know truth Winnie, you have felt the peace why aren’t you being “worthwhile” and “smiling.” Why, when I had such knowledge and peace, couldn’t the Pollyanna smile not kick in and drowned out the massive pain that filled every square inch of my body??? I was at odds with myself, and my spirit. I never felt anger, just deep sadness….the deepest of sadness. Anger came later, but only for a brief while. Which brings me to my point……was I not worthwhile? Am I not really “worthwhile” because I couldn't "SMILE" when everything went DEAD WRONG!!!
Of course not….at least I don’t think so! That is why I am now taking the quote out of my favorite file section of my brain…..oh, I will use it when it is in the right contents; I do think there is great wisdom in being optimistic during difficult times….but I have come to believe (for myself) that the one who’s really worthwhile is the one who is able, not only to get down on their knees and say, “help me!” but, when ready, get down on their knees and then ask, “help me to be happy” (or "help me to feel happiness again").
Thanks Jackson! The words of a little boy who, while mimicking his mom, has taught me such a profound truth. My life, hopefully, will never be the same! Worthwhile with or without a smile…..but always asking, “Help me to BE happy!”

A favorite quote:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
The above speech by Nelson Mandela was orignally written by Marianne Williamson."

How does your toilet paper go?

Demanding that the toilet paper roll be place on the dispenser so that the center cardboard tub turns in a counterclockwise fashion is absolutely silly, ridiculous, asinine and crazy…..at least that is what I thought when a former roommate of mine (while living in the Elms Apt. south of BYU campus) dragged me into one of the two bathrooms we had and tried to explain to me the importance of doing so. She was upset and found it annoying that we were not sensitive to this very important aspect of living. While in the bathroom she preceded to “sale” me on her idea of how toilet paper should be placed on the dispenser. She explained why it was/is absolutely necessary (if not more advantageous) to place the toilet paper roll on the dispenser in such a way that the paper always dispenses from the back to the front, top to bottom, instead of from front to back…bottom to top (an aspect I could honestly say had never entered my mind prior to this dialogue). She not only showed me in great detail how much more difficult it was/is to pull the toilet paper off the dispenser when it is placed “incorrectly,” (the toilet paper having to be pulled from the underside) but also how easily the toilet paper unrolls and touches the ground when dispensed “improperly” as well. I remember her indicating to me how feelings of anger would actually occur when she would enter the bathroom to use the facilities and find the paper dispensed “inappropriately.” I (more out of shock than anything else) sat and listened so intently to her “sales” pitch that I was not only convinced that she truly believed she was correct but that, to this day, she thinks that she “sold” me on the idea. I told her I didn’t particularly have a preference of how the toilet paper roll hung and that I would try to keep that in mind the next time I found myself replacing the toilet paper roll (just to appease her).
Well, she ruined me. I have to say her “sales” tactics worked….or the fact that all year I had to “think” about how I was placing the toilet paper roll on the dispenser. I now am unable to place toilet paper on the dispenser without thought. It has to be placed “correctly” or…I don’t know what…it just has to be that way. So, in my home you will ALWAYS find the toilet paper roll turning in a counterclockwise fashion (unless replaced by someone else and then I find myself “correcting” the situation).
Please know I really don’t mind visiting others’ homes and finding their toilet paper dispensed contrary to my roommate’s (and now my) preference, but I have been known (only to myself…I think) to switch the toilet paper rolls in my mother’s and siblings homes as well….scary I know! I think I might need therapy!
Have you ever adopted a former roommate’s habit, that has stuck with you over the years?

101 things that I love.....

1. Finding the perfect gift for someone
2. Reading a good book, a great book and life changing ones!!!
3. Traveling….somewhere, anywhere
4. Seeing my mother's creations
5. Listening to my dad give me advice
6. When I know I made the right choice
7. Fresh flowers in my home
8. When the toilet paper rotates counterclockwise on the dispenser
9. Learning about something new
10. Visiting with family
11. Being held
12. When I am able to get a child to understand a concept
13. The smell of bread baking in the oven
14. Finding the perfect lipstick
15. Shooting for the moon and falling amongst the stars.
16. Find out that the moon I was shooting for never gave off any true light (but the stars do)!
17. Seeing Christmas decorations
18. Feeling the sun beat on my skin after walking out of a cold building
19. Water Skiing on perfect "glass" water
20. The feeling AFTER a good workout (definitely not before)
21. Being an American
22. Seeing my siblings be sealed
23. Seeing my nephew and niece be sealed
24. Getting to ride on a four wheeler over the hills of Idaho
25. Seeing the ocean, listening to the waves hit the beach and feeling the sand between my toes
26. Watching a lightening storm in the middle of July
27. Hanging a piece of art in the perfect place
28. Friends not having to say anything yet through their silence say everything that is needed
29. Putting on a pair of jeans right after they have dried
30. Walking the streets of Europe
31. Scoring well on a test
32. Seeing my sister being an amazing mom
33. Watching my brothers play with their kids--they are great dads
34. Feeling the Lord near when everything else seem so far away
35. Driving fast (legally of course)
36. My dog Bitzy greeting me at the door and remembering how she would licking my tears off my face during difficult times
37. When a student comes back and tells me how much I meant to them
38. Realizing I am starting to sound like my parents
39. The pulling feeling when a plane is just taking off
40. When I get to eat real Belgium chocolate (preferably Galler)
41. Watching all types of movies (as long as they aren't too scary--or crass!!)
42. Seeing truth prevail, whether in a book, movie or in real life (down with The Scarlet Letter!!!)
43. Going to a musical
44. Driving a wave runner and feeling my hair flapping in the wind
45. Smelling the air right after a rainstorm
46. Hitting a ball just right and watching is soar exactly where you intended it to go
47. Making a great meal and watching others enjoy it
48. Singing (alone....so as not to make others frown!)
49. Going to humanitarian with my mother
50. Hiking on a mountain path far away from all noise
51. Making quilts for my nephews and nieces
52. Holding a baby and watching it smile
53. Watching fireworks
54. Listening to my grandparents' childhood stories
55. Finding a pair of shoes that match perfectly a newly bought outfit
56. Lifting weights
57. Sitting in a little chair outside of a cafe watching people pass buy
58. Knowing prayers are heard
59. Watching the sun come up over Mountain Timpanogas
60. Swinging on a swing (especial at night under the stars)
61. Growing tomatoes
62. Driving a motorcycle over dirt roads and hills
63. Looking at pictures (especially wedding pictures)
64. Going to a concert
65. Walking out of the hair salon after having my hair done
66. Finding something perfect that is on sale
67. Having a picnic
68. Throwing a perfect party
69. Riding on a roller coaster
70.Trying a new restaurant
71. Being held
72. Shopping with my mother
73. Sharing new discoveries
74. Meeting new people and learning about them
75. Biking through tree covered paths or down mountain sides
76. Being able to inspire others and others who inspire me
77. Making and eating homemade ice cream
78. Listening to moving water (rivers, streams, brooks, waterfalls, fountains, etc.)
79. When a car moves over to let you in
80. Watching Pride and Prejudice, North and South, and any other sappy love story
81. The first moment I smell the scent of cows....because it reminds me of my grandfather's farm and the comfort and love I felt there
82. Eating fresh veggies
83.Watching movies (as long as it isn't too scary!!)
84. Going to a live sporting event
85. Watching the World Cup
86. Going to Revinia and hearing beautiful music out in the fresh air
87. Seeing the church history sites
88. Watching Late Night
89. Having a great date
90. Owning or encountering little things.....like little pens, dogs, books, European cars, etc.
91. Eating great food, especially authentic foreign foods
92. Eating fresh tomatoes right out of my garden
93. Going on a road trip
94. Listening to great music
95. Seeing a good looking man dressed in a nice suit
96. Having dessert...ice cream, cheese cakes, brownies, etc.
97. Teaching
98. Going to Costco and walking up and down every aisle
99. Reading scriptures
100. Being able to sleep soundly through the night!
101. Having a happy dream.....unfortunately this doesn't happen too often because I sleep so soundly--#100

The Gates of Paradise and Ravinia

July 28, 2007 was such an exciting day! My father took Ilene and I to The Art Institute of Chicago to see The Gates of Paradise: Lorenzo Ghiberti's Renaissance Masterpiece and then my mother joined us later that evening to go to Ravinia to hear A Night in Vienna: The CSO and tenor Nikolai Schukoff. It was a wonderful day, to say the least!

The Gates of Paradise:
WOW!!! The Gates of Paradise!! We walked into the museum at just the right time! We ended up running into the very first tour of the exhibit, guided by the director and overseer of the entire project. He gave an amazing guide and showed us the three door that panels (Adam and Eve, Jacob and Esau, and David and Goliath) were on display. Out of the three I think the Adam and Eve panel was my favorite. It was amazing to see the different depths created by Lorenzo Ghiberti, the beauty of each piece and the amazing size of each panel. It was a very fun experience and I was so grateful for the chance to see them up close.
Apparently, as stated on the website (as well as from our guide) "For the past 25 years, Ghiberti’s gates have undergone extensive conservation, which is now nearing completion. To celebrate the conclusion of this arduous project, three relief panels from the Gates of Paradise and sections of the doors' frieze have traveled to North America. This exhibition affords viewers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe Ghiberti’s work up close before the individual elements are reintegrated with the rest of the doorframe and put on permanent display in a hermetically sealed room in the museum of the Florence Cathedral (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), never to travel again." And according to our guide---"the panels will be placed on the doors and the back will never be revealed again." So, if you are in the Chicago area in the next couple of months I would HIGHLY suggest going and seeing these pieces of art! I have to say I stood in awe as my eyes glazed over and drank in the beauty if the figures, the details, the story, etc. found on the panels. I can't even imagine having the talent, nor the skills to be able to create such beauty!
It was even more enjoyable to attend with Ilene and dad. Dad helped us understand the chemical elements and aspects that were involved in creating the panels and Ilene with her knowledge of art history added to the whole afternoon!
I am so grateful to my parents for providing such an opportunity, my dad for taking us and my mother for taking care of Ilene's children so that we could both go an enjoy the experience!

Ravinia: A Night in Vienna: The CSO and tenor Nikolai Schukoff.
After Ilene was able to arm the babysitter with everything she possibly could need and more (Ilene is such a great mom!), we left to go to Ravinia. We first stopped at Panera Bread for dinner and enjoyed soups and sandwiches. After which, we bused over to Ravinia and staked out a great spot fairly close to the pavilion and listened to an amazing concert. I thoroughly enjoyed the concert but have to say that it was background music to the book I was reading. Ilene had purchased a book called "Austenland," by Shannon Hale and I was hooked. I read it to the music and couldn't have asked for a better evening!---well maybe if there was a man there to give me a back rub as I read....but that is a whole different posting! We then returned home. What a perfect day! Some days are just like that!

love walked in

"love walked in," by Marisa De Los Santos is a FABULOUS book. I cannot recommend it to anyone due to the language content (way to many "f" words and the Lord's name in vain) and a few sexual stuff but if anyone wants to borrow my "edited" version (that means Winnie using a black ball point pen and crossing out those words that are offensive) you are more than welcome. I passed this book on to Ilene to read, because I loved it so much---the ending is SO GREAT!!!----and she even thought it was GREAT (unfortunately, she also felt the same about the few things that were off colored!!).
So, once again....you have been for warned....but DANG IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!

Books, Books and more Books

Another day in Chicago, another book read....
I am not sure what has possessed me lately, I have always enjoyed reading a really good book, but lately I cannot seem to put a book down! I have read over 16 books in the last 3 months. I am out of control!
In Provo, while I was staying at Paul's home, I was a member of the Ward Classical Book Club. We read many of the old classics. I was excited to have the chance (and the peer pressure) to read them. In high school my English teachers often focused in on very contemporary pieces or very depressing books (like Farewell to Arms, etc.) and I never had the opportunity to read the "regular" classics that most have encountered growing up. I enjoyed this chance and was pleased to find myself really loving many of the books (there were some very boring ones in there however ;-).
During this time a friend of mine, Heather, suggested reading a book called, "These is My Words," by Turner. I read the book and absolutely fell in love with it! I found myself relating all too well to Sarah and loving the way she expressed herself so honestly. The love story was also a plus! I immediately bought the sequel and read it (it was very good but I have to say the former was my favorite!).
After "These is My Words" series I picked up "The Secret of Bees." It was not an ABSOLUTE favorite but it was very good, well written and quite insightful!
My sister-in-law Nicole recommended "The Memory Keepers Daughter." It was a very unusual book. It gripped me and I found myself finishing the book in one evening. It definitely is a serious, depressing book that makes you think about the consequences of choices and lies. It was a good book and I would not hesitate to suggest to someone to read it.... just be prepared to walk away sober by the contents!
Heather again suggested I pick up "Twilight." She told me it would not win any literary awards but that it definitely was an amazing love story. I believe it was after the 2nd time of encouragement.... mixed with the fact that I really liked "These is My Word" that she suggested, that I decided to purchase the book. Well, you can read about "Twilight" on my other posting. I have loved that series and am dying for number 3 to come out!
"Digital Fortress," by Dan Brown came next! Wow, was that a suspenseful book! Unfortunately the book has quite a few swear words.....but if you are into gripping "Bourne Identity" type books you will love this book! A bit of sexual content as well (I am extremely sensitive to those things so hesitate to pass on this book to anyone who feels as I do).
Of course, by the suggestion of Ilene---although, I came to find out later that I bought the wrong book, I found "Mr. Darcy's Diary," by Amanda Grange. This was an easy read that followed Pride and Prejudice perfectly through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. I thought it was fabulous, but I find all things relating to Pride and Prejudice fabulous!! I would suggest this read to anyone who likes Pride and Prejudice!!!
At this point I think I finally took a few days off...well that wouldn't be honest...I just ended up rereading, These is My Words, parts of Twilight and New Moon and a personal help book. Sometimes one just has to stop and reread those books that they have come to love!
More postings of some of my favorite books I have read over the last few months to follow......

Twilight and New Moon

Twilight and New Moon are written by Stephenie Meyer who is a graduate of BYU. She is a stay at home mom of three and lives in Arizona with her husband and kids. She is a sap like most of us women (which I really like about her).
Twilight is Stephenie Meyer's very first book (A New York Bestseller, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, An Amazon "Best Book of the Decade," An American Library Association Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults) and New Moon is its sequel (A #1 New York Times Bestseller). The third book is coming out on my birthday (Aug. 7th)...and I cannot wait. To be honest I do not know where I have been on these books. Twilight came out in 2005 and the rights to make it a movie were immediately bought. When I asked others if they had read Twilight..... 9 times out of 10 they said yes, that they lOVED it and are dying for the 3rd to be out. I would suggest reading it before seeing the movie.....because it is such a fun read!!!!
I would suggest these books to anyone. At first I was a little shy about doing so........I mean it is a "young adult" book and has an amazing sappy love story throughout.....but I've decided to suggest it anyway.......after handing it over to my 50 year-old co-worker, my mother, my sister, my sister-in-laws, girlfriends, as well as seeing a 14 year old boy and my older male doctor all pick Twilight up and read it within one day then immediately buying (or borrowing) the sequel I thought I would pass on this review about the "new Harry Potter" young adult book. It is considered young adult because there isn't any sex or "F" bombs. IT is a gripping, fun, exciting, suspenseful, wonderful adventure....or course with an amazing love story throughout the entire book :-) (a plus for me)...it is full of twist and turns you will never suspect. As a matter of fact, my mother spent yesterday reading the whole thing and then came up at 10:30 to get the sequel. It is definitely a quick easy fun read that will grip you tell the end...due to all the twists and turns. So, if you thought North and South was a great love story.....move over......here comes Edward and Bella!!! But don’t blame me if you find yourself reading the day away……..as it has for many others (including myself!).