New Moon on the Shuttle

Travelling between ASU campuses for work is not only time consuming but can also get very boring. Added to this, the reciprocal parking lots are not near the buildings I visit. I therefore began using the ASU shuttle services. The shuttle bus is usually almost empty, reasonably comfortable and the drive itself is relaxing. Especially so, if what I am reading is interesting. This brings me to my  current reading. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. I still remember the first time I saw “Twilight”. I say first time because, I subsequently watched it a few more times along with my wife and by myself on the DVR. The movie remained in my thoughts for several days following my first viewing. I felt that it was one of those movies where everything just fell into place, and I mean EVERYTHING. But most of all, I liked the first person narrative of the movie. Kristen Stewart fit the role perfectly. The chemistry between her and the hero of the film is undeniable. This was a few months ago.

During a recent visit to London, I was pleasantly surprised by our friends when I was presented 3 of the 4 paperbacks in the Twilight series. As I read the New Moon on the shuttle, I cannot but help recount the characters from the movie. Bella Swan for me is Kristen Stewart. And so are all the other known characters. As I read the book, my visualization is like a movie with the real actors. This is the first time I am reading a sequel after watching the movie made from the first.

Stephanie Mayer’s writing itself is not particularly poignant. When building a scene or describing a character she stops short in such a way that the reader can fill the gaps to complete the missing pieces. I don’t know how it was in Twilight, but I am sure that there may be some who would be irritated at this kind of writing.

I an currently on page 140, beginning the chapter titled “Repetition”. It’ll take me a few more bus rides to complete the book.

BTW, has anyone noticed that I am not talking about my doctoral studies. I need a good shakedown pretty soon.