The song for this chapter is Better Together by Jack Johnson (suggested by M.L.)
[audio:https://twilightguy.com/music/bettertogether2.mp3]
I know this chapter came in a day late, but I just couldn’t wait off on reading the next one, especially since any progress towards catching up with everyone would be wonderful, knowing What Happens Tonight. Finally, the day that everyone has been looking forward to for so long: I think Stephenie deserves a toast, for this evening she has her sure-to-be awesome tour kickoff in New York, and later, the release of Breaking Dawn!
Even The Old Masters Have Been Waiting
On to chapter six of New Moon!
It is a joyful sound to hear Bella laughing again, seeing how depressed she has been all this time. Again, Edward is not mentioned once, as if the remembrance of him has been pushed into the back of Bella’s mind to be only a distant memory. In fact, I don’t think I saw his name a single time in the entire chapter, now. It’s almost as if she’s really moved on. Bella’s happiness seems to also be visibly shocking to Charlie as he comes in to find her not sullen for a change.
I really like to see Bella with Jacob, even though I don’t know enough about him to really swear allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob yet. When you put Edward and Jacob side-by-side, there are so many noticeable differences, many of them far opposite. While Edward seems to be quiet and inward, Jacob is this bouncy energetic person who does lots of the talking when he and Bella are together. It’s almost as if Jacob is making up for all the happiness that Bella is currently lacking after Edward left. Jacob could be the best thing for Bella at the moment, because he is slowly drawing her back from her sullen sadness.
Where Edward, also, seemed to be so dangerous to Bella, I see that Jacob is a relatively ‘safe’ friend. I am guessing that there are probably vast things that I have yet to see (I can’t imagine Bella with someone who could be deemed completely ‘safe’). Does anyone agree? Are there other major things that seem to be different between Jacob and Edward that I am overlooking?
And then, yet another black bear, sighted by Angela. After already reading a book by Stephenie Meyer I know to keep an eye out for things like this, and anytime something is mentioned twice it means it’s especially important. The funny thing is, I have not yet been spoilered as to what part the black bears play. Are they really bears? With Emmett and Edward not hunting them, have the bears suddenly overrun the woods? I’m not really certain but I have my suspicions.
Looking For Clues To The Bears
The entrance of Sam Uley as a character of importance was something I picked up on when he was acting odd, that first time when they found Bella left in the woods. It was as if he knew what had really happened somehow, and like the others, he didn’t trust Edward. There’s something fishy going on…
Ha! How fun. There is a Seth in the book. I wonder if this Seth was named after Seth the Famous Webmaster 😀
I had an odd thought while I was reading this chapter. I started to wonder what Edward was doing during all this time away from Bella. I see how much it affected her, and if she reacted in this way to Edward leaving, how much more so is it painful for him? I’m hoping to find out what’s been going on with him later on in the book.
I also have a question for the Team Edwards in the comment box: do you think that Jacob at least plays a good part in bringing Bella up while Edward is gone, or do you loathe him completely and think he’s taking advantage of Bella’s loneliness by jumping in Edward’s place?
——NOTES——
– The site just passed 1 Million Hits! Thanks everyone who helped twilightguy.com reach that enormous milestone just in time for Breaking Dawn!
– I’m going to be online tonight watching the Breaking Dawn event on iClips.net! While I’m waiting anxiously for the link to go live, I will be participating in a talk with the Washington Post and two other Twilight bloggers from TwilightMoms and HisGoldenEyes. You can join us live today at 1:00 PM US eastern time or send in questions early if you won’t be able to make it!
– I recently appeared as part of a cool slideshow for BusinessWeek. You can check it out here.
– If you missed Stephenie on Good Morning America, check it out here.
– The Chat Page is tenatively scheduled to launch on August 4, though if you’re sneaky the link will probably show up a little before midnight depending on your time zone. I will be popping in there often so hopefully I’ll get to talk to everyone!
216 Responses
I can’t wait for the chat page!
As much as I dislike Jacob Black, I am glad that he was there for Bella during her tought times and helps her get back from her depression. I bet poor little Edward is somewher far away probably moping around, makes me sad just thinking about it :(.. Yay only 23 hrs!!!!
OK, I am 100% Team Edward, but I still like Jacob. I come to like him more and more each time I read the series. I couldn’t stand him at first, simply because he wasn’t Edward. But I do see the value in his friendship, and he does play an important role in Bella’s life. I do not see him as taking advantage of Bella, I feel it’s the other way around. Bella uses him. The story wouldn’t be the same if there was no Jacob, and I can honestly say now that I dislike Bella more than I dislike Jacob.
I am neither “team edward” or “team jacob,” I do, however, believe that Bella should be with Edward. I love both Edward and Jacob and think they are both great in there own ways. Also, I don’t know how Bella would have survived if Jacob had not been around. I have love for both Edward and Jacob!! =)
Ahhhh…can’t wait for Saturday, must have Breaking Dawn.
Ok, it is nice to see Bella being more human at this point and I love Jacob for being there for her (Team Switzerland) as do others, but you find that out later. Jacob “safe”? Hahahahaha, later Kaleb, later. Anyways, I think another big difference between Jacob and Edward is Jacob let’s Bella be young and stupid (I mean come on, he’s rebuilding motorcycles for her, the danger magnet) when Edward was always trying to keep her safe. The black bears, huh. Yep, they are important and you will hear much more about them a little later, just wait. (Love the pic btw) Again, the Sam thing is something you need to worry about later, Jacob and Bella sure do, so just wait. Seth was not actually named after webmaster Seth, but once you finish this book you should go read stuff from SM’s site to find out what’s up with that. Oh, with the Edward thing, that’s something else you need to read on SM’s site after you’re done in the “Extras” part of the New Moon page.
Congrats on your millionth hit, may you get many, many more. Sorry for the long post, wide awake waiting for Breaking Dawn and really liked commenting on this post.
Jacob is great! He’s the perfect friend for Bella. But he doesn’t want only friendship, and Bella can’t give him what he wants. Everyone should love him, because he’s awesome. He’s just not Bella’s lover like Edward is. I love him. Of course, I love Eddie more. ^_^
I am completely Team Edward where it concerns who Bella should be with. I only started hating Jacob when he said . . . oh, that part is in Eclipse. Nevermind about that. I love Jacob in New Moon. He didn’t try to force himself on her in this book and respected her decisions and her space. I agree with Jen, that Bella uses Jake in New Moon. Jake is actually a great friend for her at this point and I’m not sure that she would have made it without him there.
I surely love Edward much more than Jacob, but do feel bad for Jake. I’m sorry for him and how he just….. deludes himself. Arrgh, that boy makes me mad sometimes. But just F.Y.I. punching a werewolf isn’t the best idea.
And I almost fell off my chair when you mentioned the bears….. Haha. You will find out soon enough!
AND Jacob isn’t really “safe.” He’s probably just as dangerous as Edward. And more immature.
But all in all, if I couldn’t have Edward I would certainly be just fine with Jacob. (yummy!) haha 😀
Though I love Edward, Bella really needed Jacob when Edward left and he was more than happy to be with her. And I agree with Jen – Bella is using Jacob, not the other way around. This will cause a lot of heartache later. But I don’t hate Jacob. He really is a key character that would be missed if he wasn’t in the series.
Team Edward all the way no question. I don’t think Jacob did any good to Bella ( you’ll see why i think so later on). Sure it’s nice not having her depressed but Jacob has always hated Edward and is just trying to take his place.
jacob is great. he’s a good, caring, loving friend.
but he should only be a friend. i appreciate him being there for bella. i love him for it.
but he needs more from bella than she can give. and he needs to accept that.
bella belongs with edward, in my opinion.
Haha! there are so many things that I wanna say but I won’t cuz it’ll give stuff away…so keep reading! lol. I’m really surprised all this stuff hasn’t already been spoiled for you!
I like Jacob, and I’m really glad Bella had him at this point in the story. However, later on he gets on my nerves. A lot. So I’m torn lol. Overall I like him though…but I’m still a hundred million percent team Edward =D
I think that Edward and Bella are obviously ment to be together, but I think Jacob is such a great friend to Bella, and I agree with everyone when they say she is using him. She is taking her friendship with him for granted, and it’s not fair to him that she’s leading him on in some ways. I love Jacob, he deserves better than Bella.
ahh yes…the black bears. well, i am EXTREMELY against anything even relatively spoiler-related, so i’m just going to let you keep reading! 🙂 I am 200% Team Edward. I don’t know why, but I really LOATHE Jacob! No offense to any Team Jacobs out there, I just really don’t like him! Edward’s so perfect!!! And he seems more romantic and genuine. I dunno, maybe I’m going crazy. Anyway, enjoy the rest of New Moon! And I have a feeling that all your suspicions will be taken care of soon…;)
I think that yes, Jacob does play an important role in keeping Bella alive, as you will see later on, but I also think that he expects too much from her as the story progresses. He wants so much more then she is capable of giving and it makes her guilty.
So yes, I do think he helped Bella keep her sanity, however I do think there was some advantage taking on his side.
However, in his defense, Bella was using him as well.
I can’t say anymore without spoiling the book for you.
I absolutely love Bella’s Jacob, but I’m definitely on team Edward.
Edward is more respectful overall of Bella’s pursuit of happiness.
That’s the best way I could explain it without spoiling anything.
you know, I used to hate Jacob SOOO bad. But after reading some things on Stephenie’s website, I grew to like him more. But that doesn’t mean I’m on team Jacob…
ANYWAY, I do appreciate what Jacob does for Bella in New Moon, but he does some things later on that make me mad at him. Overall, I am totally an avid member of team Edward. But Jacob is definately essential to this story, especially in New Moon. So thank you for being there Jacob.
Just fair warning Kaleb, I think that you may get seriously annoyed with him later on in the book/series! 🙂
GO TEAM EDWARD!
I have to be honest that when I was reading New Moon, I didn’t like the presence of Jacob. I was really Team Edward and I still am. But I realized later on that Bella would not have survived the days without Edward without the help of Jacob. He happens to have the same good intentions as Edward. They just show it in different ways. I hate to admit this but if there was no Edward, I would go for Jacob too. He’s a good guy after all.
Keep being suspicious. It’s a good quality to have when reading. And before you pick a side, read the whole series, then pick one.
Also Seth is named after Seth the Webmaster. A lot of the people in her book are named after people she knows.
I like both Edward and Jacob, and I actually think that’s Bella who’s taking advantage of Jacob’s kindess… poor warm and joyful Jacob! 🙂
I am TEAM EDWARD all the way but I just finished re-reading New Moon for the “I’ve read it so much I’ve lost track” time and I’m really starting to like Jacob. I like the fact that Jake is a good friend to Bella and that he knows what not to do or say in front of her to make her feel sad. Jake is just a ball of energy and it’s kind of rubbing off on Bella which is a good thing because she needs to feel real again. I mean, Edward is gone, so I guess Jake doesn’t necessarily want to take Edward’s place but he wants to mean something to Bella even though his actions may mean something more than what Bella wants. Jake doesn’t understand the attachment Edward and Bella had and he is still learning about that side of her.
Jake just never grasps the concept that Bella’s heart belongs to someone else and he took that with him when he left.
In New Moon he didn’t piss me off so badly…
KEEP READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Oh and I think all of Steph’s sibling’s names are in this book.
I’m Team Edward. But I do agree that Jacob helped Bella get out of her depression. BUT!!! I do think that Jacob took advantage of her when she was weak and looking for something to fill the void. Jacob helped, but also hurt.I like Jacob, but as with Bella. Edward will always have my heart. (HI!! Kaleb!! Thanks for the CD!!!)
Yes – the bears are important…don’t want to spoil it so just read on. Let’s get something cleared up…Jacob has had a crush on Bella since he met up with her in Twilight. They are both using each other, but it intentional by either one. Just wait… Jacob makes me mad in Eclipse, but it’s mostly due to his immaturity. Lest we forget that all three are teenagers but Edward has been a teenager for decades, therefore he is MUCH more mature. He does his own bit of manipulating later also. But I am team EDWARD all the way. Jacob fills a need, but Edward is the right guy for her.
OH! Forgot to add that the name Seth comes from Seth the Webmaster. Seth is one of Stephanie’s brothers. She uses many of her siblings names. It will be good for you to go on her sight after you’ve read all the books.
All has been said, but I just wanted to add that there is not only Seth, the webmaster (and brother) but also Seth, the son !
And I also just wanted to add the Hurray for TEAM SWITZERLAND. I know we are underrepresented. Although I think Bella will be happiest with Edward, I have a weak spot for Jake too. Maybe because Jake reminds me so much of a lost cause and the way my best friend behaved after our initial brief romance ended. Now the best friend I could ever have, but he also kept up the effort of trying to win my heart. Very sweet 🙂
totally Team Edward!
I must say Edward was a bit of a shit to leave her that way but I think it was an important event as it sparks the friendship with Jaccob and some other things which i wont mention.
Later on Jaccob does abuse skills and that is why i disklike him. The story wouldnt be the same without Jaccob .
Also it is totally unfair that I have to wait for like ages to get the new book. stupid new zealand.
I was totally Team Jacob after New Moon (although Eclipse turned me back to Team Edward). I think the way that Bella is able to be a humanizing influence on Edward in Twilight – how their relationship helps him rise above his instincts in regards to her, Jacob is also able to be a humanizing influence on Bella. There is a lot of talk of souls in these books, and I think the key to all of it is the very human emotions unleashed in these loving relationships. It’s what sets the Cullens apart from other vampires who are content to be animals. And here in New Moon its how Jacob helps Bella return to the land of the living, to help her figure out how to be Bella again. One of my favorite things about New Moon is how it made me remember what I’d blocked out now that I’m happily married – how much break-ups suck! And Jacob here reminds me very forcibly of my too-good-for-me best friend who helped me through them even though I was completely crazy (although thankfully not for even one tenth the time that Bella was). And that’s what Jacob is good at. And that’s why I love Jacob (but as a best friend ONLY).
Hey Kaleb! 😀
Great post as usual!
I’m Team Edward all the way and in answer to your question, I am unable to hate Jacob. Jacob was Bella’s anchor, her one constant in that sad stage of her life in which she may not have been able to pull through without his help. I must add though that Jacob is highly annoying at times!
I agree with exactly what Kathleen said, minus the marriage part, for I wouldn’t know, haha. But yes, especially at this point. Jacob is …healthy for her. He’s the perfect person for Bella at this moment, and she needs him.
I’ve created a new team…. I’ll tell you later.
Seth the Webmaster is Stephenie’s brother. So yes, it was named from his name 😀
Does anyone else love that name? I just really like it for some reason 😀
Also, I love Jacob. Edward’s just better XD hahaha
I’m not exactly Team Switzerland, but Jacob was extremely caring and nice there.
Dianne,
I also love the name Seth. I think I have liked every character I’ve ever read about who had the name Seth as well.
And even though I am a sworn Jake-hater, I do admit that in New Moon, he was probably the only thing that kept her from becoming a permanent zombie.
And, also, Kaleb, I would keep an eye out for those bears, you know. They’re very… spontaneous.
I think Jacob is okay in New Moon, but by the time you read Eclipse, well, I’ll voice my opinions on that when we get to it.
i liked jacob a lot in new mooon. in eclipse, not so much. jacob is ruined for me in eclipse. team edard all the way.
About the Team Edward question… I liked Jacob in these chapters of the book for keeping Bella sane I grew to hate him later in Eclipse. He does some un-forgivable (this is my opinion) things in Eclipse.
I’m Team Edward in the because I want Bella and Edward to end up together, but I love Jacob. When I first read Twilight I didn’t just fall in love with Edward but Bella too. I want for her what makes her happiest and that seems to be with Edward. There are many good points to Jacob though; seems easier to talk to, for Bella that seemed to be a problem around Edward. Plus there have fun together but are also cool to just hang out. Oh and Jacob is definetly not just trying to jump in because Edwards gone, he’ll keep trying and Bella grows to want/need his companionship. Jacob not a bad choice, just different.
I am Team Edward, my husband is Team Jacob. Part of me doesn’t wonder if he’s doing that to drive me crazy but he seems to really hate Edward. It’s frustrating! But as Team Edward, I still love Jacob. I found his presence in Bella’s life, like she does, he’s her sun. He helps balance out the bad/sad. But she belongs with Edward. 🙂 Without Jacob, we don’t know what path Bella’s life would have taken. More months like October, November and December? Zombie Bella?
And you are right, Edward has his own story to tell. It is easy to think that this must be so easy for him, since it was he who left. Bella believes that he is off being ‘distracted’ and going on with his life so it is easy for us to think like her as well. You will just have to wait and see 🙂 Or read I guess 🙂
Yes, Seth WAS in fact named after Seth the Famous Webmaster. 🙂
I am all Edward through and through but over time, I’ve started to like Jacob a little more. I certainly don’t loathe him, he was there for Bella when Edward couldn’t be. I don’t think Jacob gets enough credit from us. After all, he kept Bella from losing sanity. That’s gotta count for something, right?
Though i am all for Team Edward i also have a softness for Jacob. I love him too but i just choose Edward. i dont know why i do.
Jacob is an important part of bella’s life because he does help her alot through this bad time.
But i still love Edward more..
only just.
lol
I am completely Team Edward, though probably not as vehemently opposed to Jacob Black’s very existence as some seem to be.
If you’ll recall, back in Twilight, part of the reason Jacob likes Bella so much is because she was flirting outrageously with him in order to get more information about the Cullens. Granted, Bella felt ridiculous doing it, but Jacob really did take a shine to her after that (in Twilight, upon learning of Bella’s attempt at flirting, Edward laughingly says something to the effect of, “Poor Jacob”). So I can’t really blame Jacob for his actions later on. He likes Bella, and he’s had evidence from her that she likes him back.
That said, he’s a fifteen-year-old boy whose crush has just, in effect, been dumped. It’s only natural for him to try and step in and put the pieces together. Even if his intentions are only the best, it’s typical behavior for a kid his age.
I think that if it weren’t for Jake, then if Edward ever came back, he would have nothing to come back to. I think Bella and Edward should stay together, but I just love Jacob! If I had to choose, I wouldn’t know who to pick. Bella and Edward’s love, however, is stronger I think.
I am completely Team Edward. I would consider Jacob important for her, but he tries to take advantage so much later on that I’m not quite sure.
While he does help her throughout most of New Moon, I really don’t think she quite needs the help. As you see with the first few months of Edward’s absence, she does survive. And if you recall, Alice would see if Bella was driven to commit suicide… she would see it in time to come stop her, because that’s the path she’d be on. And Alice knows that even if Edward did stop liking Bella, it would still hurt him to know she’d jumped off a cliff or something…
I believe Edward is better for Bella. I mean, Bella gets herself into plenty of trouble, she’ll just get into more with Jacob’s assistance and without Edward’s protectiveness.
I hold no love/pity for Jacob, and I enjoy dreaming of the end of his life with my friends.
do you think that Jacob at least plays a good part in bringing Bella up while Edward is gone, or do you loathe him completely and think he’s taking advantage of Bella’s loneliness by jumping in Edward’s place
That is an excelent question. So many “team edward”s see the later part in Jacob. I for one don’t. Don’t get me wrong I am a Team Edward but the role Jacob plays in Bella’s life is so key, not only for bringing Bella back from the land of the Zombies, but for ultimately shaping a new part in her character. There are of course other impacts and consequences but you’ll get to those eventually. 🙂
Aw, Kaleb, you seem to be in Team Switzerland at the moment (the neutral team). Rare people are we :]
I don’t really feel any hatred to either Jacob nor Edward, but I sometimes end up rooting for Jacob more (so I can’t be completely neutral). They can’t expect everybody to be like Edward in the story.
Bella and Edward are definitely perfect together, though. I can’t say anymore than that, though. I have my reasons as to why Jacob and Bella will never work out, despite all the wishes of those who want it to.
Yes, you will see why Edward’s fangirls hate Jacob when you get to Eclipse…
I’m pretty much with everybody else: Bella and Edward belong together, but I have to feel sorry for Jacob. He’s a good guy, and at this point he’s really the only one who can keep Bella sane. I think he might realize that Bella will never belong to him, but he doesn’t care. He’ll take whatever he can get. I can definitely relate to that.
The main difference for me between Edward and Jacob is that Edward and Bella have this passionate, all-consuming love and Jacob and Bella have an easy, natural friendship…
To conclude this long note: Bella and Edward belong together, but if I were to wake up and find myself in Bella’s place…I might pick Jacob.
FIFTEEN HOURS AND FORTY-SEVEN MINUTES!!!
as much as i hate jacob in terms of the twilight saga, i would probably hang out with him if he actually existed.
he just does some things later in new moon & eclipse that i just think are totally out of line and mean. so i’m totally an edward girl.
but, i’m not going to say that i completely loathe him with every fiber of my being, because i feel that he’s essentially a good person, but he just needs to back off.
;]
Ok…I’m a proud Team Edward!! But I have to admit it, Jacob did a great job, he’s an amazing friend for Bella, and he’s a great character, I love him!!
First of all, let me answer your question: I do think Jacob helps bring Bella out of her depression, but, I mean, he’s a guy who’s infatuated with Bella, so I think he’s also sort of trying to take Edward’s place. But it’s only to be expected.
As I’m sure many girls have already said, the real reason Edward-lovers hate Jacob is in Eclipse.
I have a question: how can you be reading all of this stuff about Breaking Dawn in the news and stuff and *not* have read Eclipse or even New Moon?! I mean, it must be ruining a few things for you…
Corinne!
I’m absolutely Team Edward, but Jacob doesn’t bother me in New Moon (in Eclipse, however, he really gets on my nerves). He really tries to help Bella out and doesn’t have too many expectations.
That said, I really find the whole middle section of New Moon to be exceedingly depressing. Bella is so deeply unhappy and while Jacob does make her feel better, I don’t think it goes nearly as deep as her wounds.