The song for this chapter is Where’d You Go by Fort Minor
[audio:https://twilightguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/wheredyougo.mp3]
Somehow, I have gotten hooked by New Moon within the first few chapters. When I should be working to cure my editingosis I am actually reading this book and wondering: have Edward and Bella really parted ways for good?
Time passes: the first two words of this chapter seem brutal and sharp in contrast to the flowing paragraphs Stephenie has written before. The thoroughness of Edward’s disappearance has left Bella’s life in that state. There isn’t a trace that he was ever there, as if all that happened in Twilight and in the first three chapters of New Moon were just something that Bella imagined. After paging through the months, I am reminded of the way Bella was at one time, in the beginning of Twilight. It is like taking a time machine. I remember this Bella: sullen, quiet, just as she was before Edward.
With the months that have passed, however, it feels like the pain of Edward leaving has turned into a numbness. It’s like a constant ache to Bella that is so strong eventually she might forget about it being there.
I shuddered when Bella pulls out that calculus book. What a misery. I’m taking calculus this next semester, and being one who absolutely abhors all things involving the mathematics (besides adding royalties and paychecks), I nearly fainted flat when I discovered I have two courses of it. Oh joy (oh rottenness). Bella sums up my thoughts exactly:
Reading math was even worse than listening to it.
For some reason, when Bella asked Jessica who she had recently been out with, my eyes swept across the page, and I thought that Jessica had said she was out with a Yankie, instead of Eric Yorkie. Weird. Then, lo and behold, they head on off to get some food, passing by One-Eyed Pete’s:
The struggle that Bella goes through to get over Edward seems torturous. While she knows she will never get over him completely, the only way she can move on with her life is to move past what is gone, and leave the memories of Edward behind.
But at the same time, I see that Bella is holding onto Edward still. Her memories of them together were so strong that I find myself remembering parts of it as well. It is rather concerning when you think about the condition Bella has been left in. She is withdrawn and antisocial, and now she is seeing things that are not there and hearing voices in her head.
Because the books are so popular, I’ve been slightly spoilered already, and I know that somewhere along the lines, Jacob Black becomes important (apologies if I’ve been spoiled wrong and I’m incorrect). So I would really like to hear from those Jacob-lovers if Bella’s intense withdrawal from Edward is one of the reasons you think Jacob is better for her? Do you think she is too obsessively attached to Edward for the relationship to ever be good for her?
It seems to me that by the end of this chapter, Bella is already doing much better than she was before- though I can still feel that glimmer of hope that Edward will return, and that things will go back to how they were before. But simply getting out and doing something appears to have brightened Bella future somewhat. I guess there is something fulfilling in zombie films after all… 😀
——NOTES——
– Again, I cannot reply to emails suggesting songs for New Moon. Please only submit them through the page linked in the right sidebar.
– Last week, I hit 1,500 subscribers on my Youtube! THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE! I am currently #17 most subscribed this week in Partners, which was my first Youtube award, so if you haven’t already, please subscribe so I can stay up there!
– Someone asked to see a photo of my writing notebooks- it’s on my other blog.
292 Responses
Good job getting through to the next chapter. Personally, I didn’t like the book without Edward. It just wasn’t the same. Keep Reading Kaleb, you’re doing great!
Bella will get better. So many ups and downs in New Moon.
Woo! You made it through the horridness of chapter three and kept going! I’m with Michelle… the book just isn’t the same without Edward… but I won’t go as far as to say I didn’t like it. It wasn’t my favourite, though, that’s for sure…
I’m so excited for you to be reading this book [:
I stayed up just to read this and it’s 1:13 in Indiana at the moment 😛
I didn’t like the parts with Jacob lol. As a whole, I loved the book, the end was amazing too!
Also, yay 1st comment!
You honestly don’t know what will happen at the end of New Moon? Everyone I know (including myself) frantically flipped to the end of New Moon after our hysteric butts saw also the passing months of nothingness.
Sorry, I never really make sense.
I will not express in detail my opinions on the Jacob/Edward situation, but I will say that I LOVVVEE Jacob and the the Jacob haters can stick it where the sun don’t shine.
No, you have not been spoiled wrong..and I strongly dislike that. Team Edward! 😀
In New Moon, most people tend to ignore Jacob and focus on looking for Edward….please don’t be one of those people! Keep an open mind….and notice how good Jacob is for her in this time. It is necessary for everyone (and Bella) to see what it is like for Bella without Edward and to see if she can function without Edward. Though this book is incredibly sad, it’s necessary!And awesome, in it’s own right. ;]
Eclipse is my personal favorite, but New Moon probably has my favorite adventure in it. =D
Keep reading!!=]]
This chapter was hard for me, because I was still feeling the pain of the previous chapter. However, seeing her wake up after those months was very refreshing. Like when you come up for air after your head has been underwater. The pages with the simple placing of the months was a brilliant move on Stephenie’s part, because you feel the emptiness within those deserted pages. And about the Jacob thing, I would say that people are Team Jacob partly because of the fact that he’s there when Edward isn’t. Although your reasoning has some hefty merit to it, as well. He seems healthier for her than Edward. Edward is a soda, and Jacob is water. When the soda is taken away from Bella, because it is unhealthy for her, she doesn’t know what to drink, and starts dehydrating. Then in comes water, and Bella is starting to feel refreshed again. It’s healthier for her, and makes her thirst go away. But she will always remember the sweet taste of the soda, and believing she can never have the soda again makes her stomach ache for just one more taste of soda. Haha I’m rambling on about beverages. But keep reading and writing, I’m happy you’re sharing your journey with us : )
hey make sure you dont speed through the next few chapters waiting for something to happen. you do a really thorough review of each one, its amazing actually, and it would suck if you stopped reading deep like that because of what youve gotten used to reading. just some advice =] you might have to read it twice to like it!
Don’t worry, you were not spoiled incorrectly. Jacob does become a big part of this book, and like Bella says herself, he helped her come out of the darkness, acting as her own personal “sun”. Even though I’m a total Edward/Bella supporter, I won’t put Jake down. He was a great friend to Bella.
Let’s hope he makes it to the wedding!
#11 Continued: Also, even though this book was my least favorite of the series, it has my favorite ending adventure. I think you’ll enjoy it!
I totally felt Bella’s pain in this book. It almost killed me when Bella wouldn’t say the names. It felt like she thought that Edward was now “the ‘E’ word”.
I was at my mom’s work when I read it and the whole time I was practically screaming “Edward, his name is Edward. Say it!!!!!!”
Such a sad moment in their life.
It actually took me a really long time (for me, I mean, it was probably only two weeks) to finish Twilight, even as obsessed and captivated as I was. I don’t know, maybe I wanted to draw out the simple joy reading of it; I didn’t know there were going to be sequels to savor too. Anyway, then I got New Moon. Just like you, I was immediately hooked. I read the entire thing in about eight hours. Do you know how impossibly hard it is to sit through church on two hours of sleep? I do not recommend it. Pews, wooden and hard as they often are, do no make decent pillows. Keep on flipping those pages!
Brittney H: That is the most bizarre and strange analogy of Edward/Jacob I have ever heard, and yet it makes perfect sense. I love it!
Hmm…I don’t hate Jacob, but I don’t love him either. It’s always been clear to me that Bella is meant to be with Edward, even after the Dreaded Chapter Three (which I just finished reading to my 13-year-old brother). But I was glad that Jacob was there to pull Bella out of her zombie state. After reading Eclipse, though, I’m not so terribly fond of him anymore, but not to the point of hating him. Just mild dislike.
Anyway, keep on with the awesomeness. I’m looking forward to your next post!
I’m glad you made it through chapter 3.
personally new moon was not my favorite book (Eclipse is). I do think that jacob is good for her yet he’s not the same as Edward. I’M NOT A JACOB LOVER! BUT he is very important to the series no matter what. so i always tell people who read new moon to “Keep an open mind.”
the best is yet to come…
😉
you are soo right Angela, I know alot of people who read New Moon just to search for Edward and I gave them the same advice, so I agree:) and also Brittney H. I couldn’t have said it better myself, aven if it did involve beverages:)I personally LOVE Jacob and every scene with him in it, but I was also sad about the fact that Edward left because I also had grown attached to them as a whole. I’m glad you found some humor in this chapter & I’m glad you haven’t given up on B/E.
Keep up the fast reading please;)
Kaleb. Please Do not be one of those obsessive Edward fangirls who can only focus on Edward coming back in New Moon.Keep an open mind for Jake. He’s not perfect. He makes mistakes. But he really is an amazing guy. I can’t explain to you why I’m a Jake lover right now cause you have to read Eclipse first and I WILL NOT spoil you!
I can’t believe how fast you’ve gotten through this. It still takes me a good 2 days before I can move on to chapter 4 and I’ve read New Moon like 15 times.
You’re right, Jacob does become important. I think he’s a great character, it’s just what he winds up doing later, mainly in Eclipse that ticks me off to no end.
It’s going to sound funny but when I first read New Moon, I was like Bella for some reason. I was upset when Edward left and mad at the fact that Jacob was then trying to hone in on her >:( But then I got used to him just like she did and then I even started to really like him, but one word about the vampires and I forgot all about him… Unfortunately I raced through these pages, because I wanted to read more about Edward and Bella. I didn’t really keep an open mind but if you do you’ll get a lot out of it. I know I did the second time around. Just keep reading and I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.
Looking forward to more posts!
im teamedward all the way but i dont hate jake its just that he never made her happy enough to leave the past in the past he did make her happy but not enough also i feel bad for him ..in a way bella is using jake…so idk i just dont think they belong togeth…..i hope that made sense its 1:46
I agree with Fallow. . he was alright in New Moon. . but he just pissed me off so much in Eclipse >:[
He became soo annoying . 😐
& My personal Fave is Twilight . =]
Keep those funny pictures coming – especially during “New Moon.” We’ll need the comic relief during these sad parts!
I’m not a Jacob-lover (Go, Team Edward!), so I’ll politely give the floor to those who love the guy.
But I’m curious as to what team you’ll be on, Kaleb, by the end of this book and/or series. Team Jacob or Team Edward? Hmm…
Honestly, that’s why I hated Eclipse (not the book, exactly -I loved the book! Hah).
Because it made me think of all these coulda-would-shoulda-mighta(but didn’t!) situations.:/
In Eclipse, Jacob does mention something to Bella that I think would answer your question almost exactly on why some people prefer him to Edward. However, since you’re only at New Moon, I won’t write it.:)
Oh POO Edward! He’s a butface for leaving and I will never ever ever ever forgive him. I HATE EDWARD CULLEN!!! yes, i just said that (and in case you haven’t noticed, i’m a team Jacob… DIE HARD)
Let’s move onto Jacob shall we? Kaleb, please don’t skip to the end, it makes it soooo much better if you don’t know what happens (of course I know you probably wouldn’t so it would be all the more surprise to you when you get there)…
but just a little ending comment about jacob….
JACOB PWNS EDWARD!!!!!
I like my men with a pulse thanks.
Yes, i do hate edward cullen (but I love robert pattinson 🙂
I agree with those who said the book isn’t the same without Edward…
Edward and Bell together are what make the books irresistible to me.
*GASP!* Is that a typo I see?
“But simply getting out and doing something appears to have brightened BELLA future somewhat.”
You mean Bella’s? ^^
also, how can Jacob’s little 5-pages [starting on page 525 of eclipse] of gloriousness be “horrible” to any of you??? I mean, he is so much better at “that” then Edward is. haha.
You team edward people are so odd. I don’t get how you can still like him after chap. 3
he’s just, soo, annoying!
I’m team Edward, but I have to admit, I do like Jacob.
Jacob is very observant and exciting. You’ll see why.
But Edward is right for Bella. I’m not sure how to explain my reasoning without spoiling anything. The best explanation I can come up with is that Edward is very thoughtful and considerate, whereas Jacob doesn’t always think things through.
Though this was a depressing book, it was very crucial. And I actually enjoyed most of it. I’m Team Edward, but I do like Jacob, too. He was there for Bella when she needed him most, and you get to see different sides of him (some good and some not so good).
Well done for getting past the dreaded chapter 3 … and not crying (unless there’s something your not telling us).
I read New Moon in 1 day, like I’m sure lots of people did, and finished at 2am in the morning. By that time, I was officially Team Edward. I can understand what people mean when they say that Jacob is healthier for Bella, but do these people forget what a powerful and undying love B&E have!?
Don’t lose faith Kaleb, and try not to skip to the ending like I did to try and find a glimpse of the name ‘Edward’. The ending is also my favorite adventure, so I have to say the pain of reading through Bella’s heartbreak is worth it in the end.
=)
All you twilighters know what I’m talking about … page 452 anyone?!?!
New moon was very difficult for me to read because of Edward leaving. I was one of those people who very distractedly labored on through the rest of it. In the New Moon FAQ, Stephenie recommends reading the book for a second time to really get to know Jacob. I did, but after the second reading, all I can say is that it was easier to read it now. Jacob is a wonderful friend for Bella, but she really does belong with Edward.
Kaleb, you put it perfectly when you wrote that you now come into New Moon wanting to read about Edward and Bella together. With him gone, we really have lost half the main character.
Melanie, I love that part in Eclipse when Jacob describes himself and Edward and their effects on Bella. Reading that though, it makes so much sense about why we’re all so stuck on Edward.
I personally dislike Jacob, but I thought he was a pretty nice guy before Eclipse. Edward was really stupid to leave Bella, but they belong together and I couldn’t imagine Bella with anyone else.
Whenever I read this book I always spiral down into depression until I finish it. My friends ask me why I reread it if it depresses me so much and I honestly don’t know why I do either.
I’m glad you seem to have not sunk into a deep depression reading New Moon. Yet anyways…
It’s so hard not to spoil everything! Read fast or I might crack 🙂
I’m a Jacob-lover and New Moon is one of my favorites. I too was sad when Edward left because he is a fantastic character and Bella has been exposed to him and is now completely consumed by that extremely rare type of love. That predestined, my world ends without you type of love and there is nothing that says that type of rare love is rational, irratonal, healthy or unhealthy. I do believe, that type of love isn’t supposed to be purposely ended by either person involved (no matter how noble the intentions) and that happening can destroy a person.
With that said I just don’t see it as a question of whether or not Jacob or Edward is better for her because it doesn’t matter. Jacob and Edward can both be dangerous in my opinion(and I’m talking emotionally)Besides Bella is past that point now she simply needs Edward, he is a crucial necessity. I love Jacob because he does the impossible. He does for Bella what she and most readers of the story are convinced will never happen.
Alright I think I miss my lit classes at Thiel 🙂 I hope that made some sense cause it’s possible it doesn’t lol. Happy Reading!
Congrats on getting past chapter 3! That was a hard one for me to get through. A word of advice about Jacob…when I read New Moon for the first time, a lot of the book had already been spoiled for me. Because of this, I was able to look at Jacob and his role in the book in a different light. A lot of people, when they read New Moon, resent Jacob just because Edward isn’t there anymore. Be careful not to let that cloud your judgement of Jacob. Personally I think Jacob is a great guy, and that he is able to help Bella makes him even better. Still…Edward rules!! Keep posting!
Definitely team edward. I do like jacob in new moon and twilight, but by eclipse i have to agree, I really got annoyed.
To me, the best is still the first book. Second best is new moon, third is eclipse.
i know Edward left Bella, and some people got so angry, (and probably even switched to team jacob) but its not that he wanted to actually leave her. Plus, it hurt him too. I wonder how everyone will find it if they read his POV. Him leaving made the story all the better. The ‘favorite adventure’ mentioned wouldn’t be there if Edward didn’t leave. It made us cry, but that’s what made it an effective book, right?
This book was the most emotional for me. At this point, I’d simply put Edward in the back of my mind. And enjoy the wonderful Jacob Black… you might even find him more to your liking!
The intense withdrawal isn’t why I like Jacob more, it has more to do with their kind of love for Bella, but that will be discussed much later. I don’t hate Edward and quite honestly being Team Jacob for me doesn’t mean I think Bella and Jacob will end up together. I’m team Jacob because he doesn’t make Bella question herself in regards to whether or not she’s worthy of his love. Which is what bothered me the most, the idea that Bella actually could believe Edward when he left. Oh and I’ve officially convinced a guy friend into reading Twilight it’s quite exciting!
Personally, I love Edward as a character, and if he existed and didn’t see me as nothing more than a lowly mortal I might make him my best friend forever. *But* as a boyfriend, he’s kind of scary. Everything he does is done with the best intentions, but he’s sort of stalkerish and pretty damn controlling. He tells her who to hang out with, what to do, treats her like he always knows better than her, he even tells her when to eat. Again, all with the purest of intentions, but still controlling. Especially since Bella made him her whole world. No one should have that much power over someone else, no matter how good they mean it.
Jacob on the other hand (without giving too much away), treats Bella like an equal. He might act like an ass sometimes, but he respects her. He doesn’t tell her how to run her life, he just wants her to be happy.
And if you look at how her life would have to be to stay with Edward — constantly lying, possibly becoming a vampire herself, leaving behind all her friends and family just for the sake of Edward — Jacob could be the healthier choice.
From a literary standpoint, I think Bella belongs with Edward. If Bella were my friend, I would say go with Jacob and don’t look back.
This book was my least favorite in the series, but I loved the ending action.
I’m a complete Edward/Bella supporter, although I… understand where the Jacob lovers are coming from. Jacob was a good friend, until he became too pushy with his interest in Bella as more than a friend.
I HATE U! U PUT SOMETHING FUNNY AND THIS IS VERY DEPRESSING!!!
Oh! Another note on the Edward vs. Jacob debate I forgot to mention.
Bella always feels inadequate when she’s with Edward. Like he’s so much more than she could ever deserve. This not only adds to the power he has over her, but it makes her that much more insecure in herself. Doubting all the time that he could really love her as much as he said he did and always fearing that he would get over her and leave are not seeds for a healthy relationship, or a healthy self-concept.
That’s not the way it is with Jacob though. She can act her age, have fun. She genuinely likes him and she knows that he genuinely likes her. She’s never afraid that he’ll just leave,and she doesn’t look at the him as if he’s so far above her, placating her by allowing her lowly self in his presence.
I prefer edward over jacob for many reasons…i cant say my reasons, else i will fully spoil the whole novel…GO TEAM EDWARD~!!
congratulations on getting past Chapter 3, i was slightly worried you would stop like my friends did (then i forced her to keep on reading)…
i love jacob, i really do, but i just like edward more than him. (which is the nicest i’m going to probably ever say, because i started out hating jacob…) but you’re not far enough to debate on that, so anyway, good job:D when edward left, i actually had to skip through the book to see when i see the name cullen again, so that i would have a purpose to keep reading, ahhaa. oh and i totally agree with the entry before this. saying that they were more like one character than two seperate ones with the way they gew on each other.
Good job on reading the next chapter. I promise it will get better. So keep reading 🙂
Also, your reading speed is getting faster. Keep up the pace!
Kaleb, I’ve loved reading your thoughts because of how much you remind me what it was like for me to read the books the first time through, There’s a thrill and anticipation that comes the first time reading a book that can only come the first time through. And I want to thank you for giving that to us, even though you have to suffer through people spoiling and hinting and trying to tell you what to think or do or not do. lol. I feel very sorry for you especially if you’ve read the comments like I have. I’m sorry and I hope we don’t ruin the story for you. Or take away that first-read rush 🙂 I hope you know what I’m referring to because I don’t think I can express it in so many words. Just allow yourself to feel what you do without worrying what anyone else will say or tells you.
Having said that, since you asked, I’ll tell you that while I am completely and totally 200% team Edward, I do love Jake’s character.
Let me try to explain… let me say first that my reaction to chapter three was too feel absolutely heartbroken, for Bella of course, but even more so for Edward. I had (still have) no anger and no hatred for him for doing what he did. For me it only showed the depth of of his love, that he would do something so completely self-sacrificial. He is voluntarily giving up his claim on her heart. And giving her the right to hate him (as some readers have come to) based on our natural, human demand for fairness.
On the one hand, Jake gets a good rap because he’s normal. He wouldn’t hurt Bella by choosing to leave her. He’s much more safe for her in that sense. because he doesn’t control his emotions and force himself to be as strictly rational as Edward.
However, on the other hand Jake gets a bad rap because compared to Edward, he looks bad. In his defense, let me say that compared to Edward, most adults would seem like brats, monks gluttons, and mother Teresa positively selfish.
But on the other hand (yes, I realize I have three hands now. lol.)Jake’s character is frustrating and it’s hard not to take it out on him for the trouble he causes. I don’t hate him, but I do hate that others hate Edward because of him. If that makes any sense…
Love the pirate pic, good to see you in good spirits again!
About Jake, I don’t loooove him but I don’t dislike him either…
Can’t wait for you to read on so I can tell you exactly how I feel about him ^^
BTW… very apt song choice for this chapter. i’m bummed i didn’t think of it….
<>
hell-friggin’-yes!!!! and i’m not a Jacob lover per se… i favor Jacob after pondering over specific things Jacob and Edward do and say over the course of these books… and deemed Jacob slightly better for it. Bella is a needy lil’ girl and we don’t realize this until Edward is gone, that she has been obsessively and unhealthily hooked to this guy so much so she’s annoying. i felt her pain of loss but 4 months of this is ridiculous!
but then again… with no trace of the Cullens ever having been there, there’s that notion of insanity – that she could dream up a family of vampires, and she couldn’t talk to anyone about it… i can see the torture in that respect.
when Jacob’s in the picture, her inhibitions and guard is let down…; and i honestly think that Jacob is good for her, because Edward -with his chivalry and ‘sweet nothings’- just hurts and overreacts.
“Do you think she is too obsessively attached to Edward for the relationship to ever be good for her?”
That, and the fact Edward is a poetry-writing, piano-playing, lyrical-waxing douche.
Jus’ saying.
don’t worry both edward and bella are going to go through ups and downs and jacob is just a rebound kid that bella needs to pass time til her love returns(: team edwarddd