A guy reads Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2009-2011)

New Moon: The Epilogue

The song for New Moon is

NEAR TO YOU by A FINE FRENZY

[audio:https://twilightguy.com/music/neartoyou.mp3]

The votes are in: in the midst of over 4500+ total votes, holding hundreds more than the second place (Hate Me by Blue October), the song Near To You by A Fine Frenzy was chosen as the song for New Moon by Twilighters from around the world! With this also is marked the day on which I have finished the epilogue of New Moon, and reached the halfway point in the Twilight Saga.

As with Twilight, I will keep my final review of New Moon short so as to not spoil it with my own comments. This is the review I will be posting in my library and on Amazon.com, so it contains a bit of backstory weย  know already:

When reading Twilight, the prequel to New Moon, I was introduced to the story of a human and a vampire who fell in love despite all odds being against them. For a vampire, Edward had more heart than many humans. For an ordinary girl, Bella was more beautiful to Edward than anyone in the world. Their bond seemed unbreakable — and with this assurance, I began New Moon.

I started the second book in the Twilight Saga with a question: if Edward leaves Bella, can either go on living? It is one that I feel many Twilighters asked themselves as they read this book, and one that the story seeks to answer.

Despite what the storyline and action led me to believe at first, I came to the conclusion that the climax of New Moon, to me, wasn’t really when Bella saved Edward from killing himself. Though this was important, and a huge defining moment of the book, it didn’t feel to me like the root of the story. The main essence of the book seemed to come to a peak in Chapter 23: the one called The Truth.

‘The Truth’ are two very hard words which by definition can cause a variety emotions. Some truth is good, and can make us happy. However, another kind of truth is one that brings some type of pain to the person it is told to. Truth can be hurtful, and sometimes many of us would rather go on not knowing what the truth is in favor of an illusion where everything is perfect, when in reality, we are denying what is really going on.

Why did I find this so pivotal to the story of New Moon? Because most of this story is based on truth: or rather, a fear of it.

Since he first saw Bella at school, as far back as Twilight, Edward has been fearful that he is not good for her: that his love will only corrupt her into becoming something as horrible as he is. Since she first stepped foot in Forks, and perhaps even before, Bella has lived with the idea that she is clumsy, normal and undeserving of the type of love that Edward shows to her. It is almost as if Edward only awaits the day that Bella grows up and leaves him; as if Bella only awaits the day when Edward realizes he is better than she can ever be, and leaves her as well.

The truth, however, became evident the moment they were away from each other. It was as if by pulling them apart, each was slowly ripping at half of the other, tearing more with each day they attempted to live in the lie that they could ever be without each other. In the words of Edward Cullen:

“Why can you believe the lie, but not the truth?”

Edward has believed since he first saw Bella, months ago, that by staying near Bella he only continues to draw her further and further away from any hope of keeping her soul untarnished. He all too often sees himself not as a person whose fate is determined by his actions, but as a soulless body whose fate will come no matter what he does.

But does he really believe it? Deep down, does he feel there is no hope for him and Bella to ever be together? We know it isn’t true: Bella tells Edward it himself. If he thought there was no redemption for a vampire, he would never have expected to see Bella after his death.

If there is a epitome of a best friend, then Jacob Black would fit the mold. As a werewolf, the blood enemy of all vampires, he is the farthest, most unlikely place for Bella to find a friend after Edward has left. But despite her previous connection with the Cullens, Jacob holds her through while Edward is gone, hardly asking for anything more than Bella’s love in return. How can Bella attach herself to Edward so much when it seems to everyone else, even her best friend, that he has truly gone?

The truth, however, is that nothing can separate Bella and Edward: no matter how far Edward may go to hide in the self-deceptive hopes that Bella will forget him, she will not. No matter how often Jacob tries to distract Bella from the memories of the vampire family who left her behind, he can not. Like the CD and photographs Bella thought Edward destroyed so she would forget him, Edward’s love for Bella was never really gone, but had been there all along, waiting for them both to uncover the truth. Bella and Edward’s bond is unbreakable, and that is the nature of their love.

At the ending of New Moon, I felt as if a chapter had ended in the story of Bella and Edward; but now, there is a new character in the story. Edward, Bella, and Jacob are together, and yet split apart by the animosity between werewolves and vampires. It has an air of finality that leavesย  unresolved anger between the best friend and the true love. As I read on into the third book in the Twilight Saga, the question remains: will the love of Bella and Edward be strong enough to withstand the troubles that lie ahead? Now that they have accepted the truth, I feel it shall.

I will be continuing on to Eclipse shortly, with more craziness and Photoshopping yet to come. Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me so far, and I hope you stick around for the second half of the journey. Now, on to Eclipse!

NOTE: Be sure to check back early Saturday to see the new design for Eclipse ๐Ÿ˜€

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

93 Responses

  1. Beautifully done, Kaleb.
    I love what you said about truth and how it ties into Bella and Edward’s story. It was very insightful. Now, onto Eclipse!

  2. well, it’s certainly better than any review I could have written after first reading New Moon. Because mine would have been like “OMG Edward left!? WHY? And Jacob Black is a werewolf?? But Edward came back again! Yay!” yeah… review/summaries aren’t my strong point, lol

    but anyways sooo glad you’re starting Eclipse, its my second favorite book in the series! Can’t wait until your post on some of the things that happen. Especially the tent scene… I love that part.
    but anyways, this was as insightful and well written as always.

    ๐Ÿ™‚ have fun reading Eclipse!

  3. I am SO excited for you to move on to Eclipse. It’s my favorite out of all four hands down. I love your insights and the connections you draw. I can’t wait for Eclipse!

  4. Wow. Just wow. You wrote that so well, my friend! You’re amazing! I almost cried when you started to say how strong relationship Edward and Bella have (yes, i’m a sap), because its all so true. Their bond is unbreakable.

    I can’t wait for you to start Eclipse!! So exciting!

  5. I listened to Near to You on youtube and it made me cry…keep going with Eclipse! You’ll love it, pinky-promise! =)

  6. Fantastic synopsis of “New Moon”…Chapters 23 and 24 are basically my second or so favorite “Twilight” passages. I thought I was alone in believing these are the pivotal moments in “New Moon.” Can’t wait for you to start “Eclipse” (my favorite) and seeing your Photoshop creations…”Eclipse” is actually quite funny!

  7. *squeal*! Can’t wait for you to move on with Eclipse.
    In my opinion, it shows a lot of Edward’s playful side. ;P

    How’s your flu?

  8. holy!!!! you had me blubbering the whole time!! i havent read new moon in so long and you brought so much depth into thyour thoughts. but it is so true!! ๐Ÿ™‚ kudos to you. i am so glad you think their love will last the hard trials ahead and i cant wait for you to start eclipse. its a new story, but a new plot that is so sophisticated and just plain amazing!!

  9. Kaleb, you are now my hero.
    I’m officially obsessed with checking your site for new posts.

    I just love how unbiased you are in making judgments about the characters. You see all of their different sides, and that makes me really grateful, because I’m part of the minority that absolutely loves Jacob Black way more than Edward Cullen (even if he’s pretty cool [literally] )

    I’m glad you can see that Edward and Bella obviously belong together, like I have, but I’ve NEVER been able to stand people bashing on Jacob for no reason, which you have not done.. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Probably cause you’re a guy..

    THANK GOODNESS!

    P.S. LOVE the song choice!

  10. Excellent recap, Kaleb.

    I’m convinced your lying about your age and you really suffer from Dick Clark syndrome because you continually show a maturity and insight into what you are reading that is far beyond most young 20 year olds.

  11. So, you’re pretty much super. Just so you know. I can’t believe your finished with New Moon now… so, you should re read the part after Edward leaves. You know, right before Sam saves her. You know you want to…
    Anywhos, I am really excited to read your take on Eclipse. So… you should read the first chapter. Soon. ๐Ÿ˜€
    Happy reading!

  12. i give you two thumbs up for this: ‘The Truthโ€™ are two very hard words which by definition can cause a variety emotions. Some truth is good, and can make us happy. However, another kind of truth is one that brings some type of pain to the person it is told to. Truth can be hurtful, and sometimes many of us would rather go on not knowing what the truth is in favor of an illusion where everything is perfect, when in reality, we are denying what is really going on.

    veryveryvery well said! and, eclipse is quite possibly my favorite out of the entire saga. have fun!:)

  13. when i got on this website there were TWO comments. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE WHAT TEAM YOU’RE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! URG!!!!!!!!! HURRY UP!

  14. Finally! i’m so glad that you finish New Moon, i recently read it (for like the seventh time), and realize how much i love it! Your final thoughts were beautiful and true! Good luck with Eclipse it’s my favorite after BD! XD

  15. Ome, Kaleb, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You are one of the only people I know who understands the series as deeply as I do. I completely agree with ALL your opinions on the books and am so glad that someone of the male gender has these opinion too. I cant wait to hear what you think about Eclipse and wish you luck on your book!
    xoxo

  16. Wow. That was the best recap I’ve ever read of New Moon! New Moon is an awesome book, but consequently my least favorite (I’ll agree with the other poster way above who says you can’t really have favorites – the series as a whole is just awesome). Very astute comments as usual, and I totally agree with you regarding the climax of the book. I’m very excited for you to start Eclipse!

    PS – 1. We neeeeeeeed to know how you’re coming along on fundraising! 2. Because of your wonderful adeptness at reviewing these books, it has made me anticipate at a new, higher level the debut of your novel next year ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. The truth, however, is that nothing can separate Bella and Edward: no matter how far Edward may go to hide in the self-deceptive hopes that Bella will forget him, she will not. No matter how often Jacob tries to distract Bella from the memories of the vampire family who left her behind, he can not. Like the CD and photographs Bella thought Edward destroyed so she would forget him, Edwardโ€™s love for Bella was never really gone, but had been there all along, waiting for them both to uncover the truth. Bella and Edwardโ€™s bond is unbreakable, and that is the nature of their love.

    — Hear, hear. You just summed it up in a nice nutshell ๐Ÿ™‚ NO matter what, their love is just unbreakable.

  18. Wow. You truly captured the essence of this book which is my favorite out of the four. The Truth. The inability to hide from what you know is real is very present in the entire storyline. Amazing, Kaleb. I can’t wait to read your book and how you factor in your little quirks, hilarity, and your true way with words into it.

  19. It’s amazing that you’re able to analyze this book while keeping our attention! Although we fans already loved the book (obviously) it’s wonderful to be able to see it in a different way. You’ve pointed out to us so many things that we missed the first twenty times through the series. (Although we didn’t have legions of fans staring at every word we’ve ever posted on the internet…) Great job, and I’ve got to say…you’re right. Especially with New Moon’s epilogue. The heart of the book isn’t when Bella saves Edward from death in Italy, but when she saves him from themselves. From leaving each other. When they admit the truth, and are immeasurably relieved that it didn’t hurt.

    Thanks for being so great! Can’t wait for your book – you’re a talented writer.

  20. Well… this caught me on a bad day.
    Near To You? Honestly? *rolls eyes* I’m trying not to be rude to Kaleb or anyone else out there, but I was in a pretty bad mood before this. Ah well, I’ll try to be diplomatic, but there’ll probably be someone out there who’ll think I’m being unreasonably biased.
    It just doesn’t have that… energy, or maybe I should say desperation, that a few of the other choices had. It’s just too… defeated? I mean, sure we all want that in the song for New Moon, but there’s such a thing as too much. To me it seems like a very weak song.
    Anyway, go ahead and argue with me, fellow Twilighters. I’m always up for discussing music. ๐Ÿ™‚

    But about the review. You really captured what New Moon was all about, Kaleb. Loved it, as always. Hurry up and get to Eclipse!

  21. That was awesome, Kaleb; I’ve never heard it said so deeply and wonderfully as you put it here. Good job! And now that you’ve finished New Moon, it’s off to Eclipse! You will love our wolves, by the way. :]
    Didn’t like the song choice but hey, you can’t have your kayak and heat it too. Love ya Kaleb!

  22. hey kaleb,
    i don’t want to seem impatient, although i admit that i really am with the movie being a MONTH away! Anywho, i was wondering when you were gonna tell us who won the edward hoodie and the book thing?
    you rock! can’t wait to hear what you think of Eclipse.
    thanks, Ashley

  23. I love New Moon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. When I first came onto this site, I was already done reading all 4 books. However, reading your summaries brought a new light to the chapters that I’ve never noticed before so… I ended up reading the books a second time around to see if I could match up your opinions to mine.

    New Moon was not my favorite at first. Obviously I was leaning towards Team Edward. But reading it for the second time while reading your summaries brought on a whole new perspective. Jacob still isn’t my favorite character but I found myself to warm up to the 2nd book of the Saga.

    I truly admire the way you write and way you put things into perspective. I can’t wait to read your summaries of Eclipse.

  25. question remains: will the love of Bella and Edward be strong enough to withstand the troubles that lie ahead? Now that they have accepted the truth, I feel it shall.- the truth will set you free indeed.. and make you stronger.. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    One thing I love about Edward is that although he is stubborn, he learns from his mistakes, and he is not afraid to admit them.

  26. Hey kaleb! =D i love your posts!! Xpp
    it’s amazing to know at least one guy who reads the twilight saga…xD

  27. Kaleb- you cleared that one obnoxious question in the back of mind from the chapter’s about the voltri…
    if edward was really dead, he wouldn’t have seen bella in his arm’s at his death sentence. he would have been alone if he REALLY didn’t have a soul… so he thought.

    so thanks a bunch for that sum up.. and i agree with Minah, it is satisfying to know that there is AT LEAST one guy out there who isn’t afraid to say they read twilight… i hate closet readers=/

  28. Amazing post. Again. Again, my comment is very late, only a few months.

    Well, now you’re done with my least favorite book in the series and on to my favorite.

    Correct me if I’m wrong, but here’s New Moon in a nut shell:
    -Heartbreaking scene in the beginning.
    -Depressing, boring, anticlimactic Bella/Jacob scenes for 12 or so chapters.
    -A happy, lovey-dovey scene where they reunite in one of the worst case scenarios.
    Believe me, I’m a die-hard Twilight fan, but not a whole lot happens in this book. Can’t wait to read your posts on Eclipse!

  29. It’s really bad that I found this website ,when you (Kaleb) had already started reading Eclipse. *Sigh*
    First of all — because I missed so much and for second I didn’t get to choose songs ,because for New Moon (which is my favorite) I like Avenged Sevenfold – Dear God.
    And the epilogue is very good and thought through ๐Ÿ™‚ .

  30. Just want to say that I loved reading your insightful commentary! Can’t wait to hear what you think of Eclipse!

  31. The best part of the book for me really starts whith chapter 23, and all your comments where quite near with what i thought when i first read the book, i cry lot’s with this book, and your final comment resumen quite exactly how i felt and what i thought about the book, the best book of the saga is eclipse at least for me, so i’m going to see what’s your opinion of the book

  32. The song should have been thinking of you by katy perry! i know im late like 4 years lait but oh well just thought i would peek my opinion! ๐Ÿ™‚

  33. Wow I absolutely adore her! She is gosh darn beautiful plus a really good actor. I dont think the show V is all that good, but I watch it anyway just so I can see Morena Baccarin. And I dont know if youve ever seen her do an interview but she is also rather comical and its all so natural for her. I personally never even heard of her before The V, now Ill watch anything shes on.

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Funny Video: The Twihard Journey

I was sent this hilarious video by Christine Riccio. I love the mini history of every fandom freakout moment over all these years! Get ready