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 ๐
93 Responses
Wow, first comment!?
Kaleb, once again, an amazing post. After reading the whole series, what you wrote- although it may be what every single other person thought at the end of new moon- makes perfect sense.
I love Bella and Edward together, but as you will see in eclipse, he may not be the best thing for her. I know its not right to try and rationalize themes in novels, but in eclipse, I did a lot of that. I began to see things differently, and I’m sure you may end up seeing it that way too. Many people I know have had to think on the opposite end of the spectrum. I guess true fans over-think parts of the series…we’re obsessive like that.
But as for new moon, you’ve done a great job with the posts. Its a hard book to read, when in the beginning, Edward leaves and you just want to throw the book at the nearest wall or wash the words out, or even hack it up. You don’t want to accept it. But, new moon is important because it reintroduces you to Jacob, whom is a main character in eclipse. Without new moon, there would be no really good plot for eclipse. New moon is truly the middle section of the series. Without it, we would only have twilight and really, could we live with only twilight? I totally think not.
I’m glad you stuck with new moon. And I can’t wait to see what you have to say about my favorite book in the series, eclipse!!!! I know everything I’ve said has made no sense, but you will totally understand in time.
Thanks so much for keeping me entertained!!!! <3
well said kalebb (:
Is it just me or did you get done with New Moon much faster than Twilight? Lol.
That’s a great review, Kaleb. You picked up exactly what the book is about. It’s always been the hardest book for me to read, and you wrote down exactly why, in a much more articulate way than, “OMG EDWARD LEFT WHY WHY WHY!?”
I’m glad you could end your post with optimism, Kaleb. New Moon is by far my favorite Twilight book as far as endings go. It leaves you with such a feeling of hope for Bella and Edward. Personally, I think you will love Eclispe. It reaches in and pulls out some of the harder aspects of a relationship… But you will get to that later. Congatulations on finishing New Moon! I’m glad you’re feeling better.
I have to admit I’m disappointed in the song choice, but oh well, life goes on.
Otherwise… YAY! You finally finished New Moon and are onto the best book in the series IMHO. The only problem I can see you facing is that the epilogue in Eclipse has to have it’s own song apart from just the song that fits the series. I’m sure you’ll see why when you reach that point. It just wouldn’t work, it NEEDS it’s own song.
So when can we start submitting songs for Eclipse?
wow..u read in so deep…i never thought i would meet anyone who read so into it…expecially a guy!!! keep up the great work kaleb!! ๐
btw: that was a really fast end to the vote, last time the voting went on forever~!!!
Sheesh Kaleb, ever since I started reading your posts, I have unexpectedly become a major fan of yours and am now checking constantly for any new updates – almost as often as Stephenie’s own website!
Although the song works for the whole book, it was not my first choice… but alas, life must go on.
Anyways, I love your summary of New Moon: it definately describes what many of us cannot put into words after reading a book that has taken your breath away… And I also applaud you, not only for finishing New Moon, but for reading it thoroughly.
Many people (myself included) probably read New Moon and skimmed the book slightly to see if Edward came back or not, and once he was back we resumed our normal pace of reading, instead of reading like a crazed mad-woman. Stephenie herself recommended that we read New Moon twice, because she knew a lot of her fans would rush through the book in order to find Edward again the first time, and then look over the story and all its details the second time. However, you did it in one go, so yay you =D!
As you stated, Bella and Edward’s bond is incredibly strong, though it seemed to have weakened for a moment (I stress the word seemed). But the truth is, no matter what the two of them go through and no matter how far or long they are separated, and as corny as it may sound, their love really can overcome anything: that is the beauty of a true love.
But, despite this true love, there is a new problem in the midst: the love between best friends, and the otherworldy conflicts that arise with vampires and werewolves. Will Bella and Edward’s love be enough to overcome the conflicts that arise with Jacob?
.. You’ll have to find out later Kaleb, haha xD
Keep writing, and congrats again on finishing New Moon!
Wonderful post.
I love what you have said about truth, it’s so insightful. One of the best posts (for insight) ever? I think so.
Congrats on finishing book number two, I can’t wait for you to read Eclipse!
I’ve loved Near To You for a New Moon since I first heard it.
Wonderful post.
I love what you have said about truth, it’s so insightful. One of the best posts (for insight) ever? I think so.
Congrats on finishing book number two, I can’t wait for you to read Eclipse!
I’ve loved Near To You for a New Moon since I first heard it.
Ah, sorry!
Oh, and I can’t wait for the Eclipse design x]
Great and insightful review. =)
That song wasn’t one of my choices too, but it works just as well.
OK. Moving on to eclipse now.
My least fav. book.
….
The first part was ok, the sort of ending bit shattered me. If I tell you why, that would spoil everything. So I’m going to shut up now.
^_^
The whole book in general was fine, though. New Moon still rocks. ’nuff said.
That was a great and amazing review, Kaleb.
I could describe their relationship (bella, edward and jacob) through a simple analogy: the sun and the moon and the earth–they are all technically in one place.. but somehow, they are all apart. Just like and Eclipse.:)
Keep it up. I can’t wait to see the new layout!:)
God bless.
Congrats on finishing another one! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Eclipse!
YAY! I love your blogs about the book. You’re halfway there!!
Very well written. Can’t wait for you to start on Eclipse!!
Well done, you’ve finished another book! But technically, page-wise, you’re not quite halfway yet… ๐
Wow. You’re already going to go on to Eclipse. I remember when you were reading Twilight… it seems like so long ago. Good Jobs on another book done, only 2 more books in the series! Can’t wait for Saturday!!!!!!
Excellent review, Kaleb! This is why we love you, because you understand Bella and Edward’s relationship so well. Can’t wait for The Journey: Part 3!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA8opx-d44c
AWESOME twilight-themed music video to the song…
Okay Kaleb you wre spot on with this one. I was moved by how deceptively you saw their relationship. I agree that the climax is that moment where they both realize that they have taken the other’s deep affection for granted. They seemed to be underestimating each other on the most important aspect of life: love. I truly love New Moon, now granted I did throw the book down when he left her, but I quickly began to realize it was important to their understanding their feelings. Most people don’t like Eclipse as a favorite in the saga, but it is mine. I hope you will enjoy it.
This was actually my third choice for the song, but I still think it’s gorgeous. Great review, Kaleb. I love that you get the series so completely,and you GET why they’re so amazing. I can’t wait for Eclipse!
Oh, and is it just me or when Kaleb says, “Bella and Edwardโs bond is unbreakable, and that is the nature of their love” does anyone else think of the Princess Bride…”Wesley and I are joined by the bonds of love and you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords…”
Maybe its just me ๐
Wonderful post!
*Woot* Well said Kaleb! Can’t wait to see the new design!
Aren’t you fantastic?
En Somme, this is the best book review I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot of book reviews. I am most certainly impressed, and I have the strangest feeling you could write the perfect love letter.
My, my, I can’t believe I just wrote that. Sorry if I scared you, I have that effect on people :).
Aah! I just realised we need to find something for you to read after BD, ’cause you are NOT going to dissappear.
By the way, does anyone else think Bailey (nomoremarbles) looks and speaks just like Sarah Silverman? Or am I just being weird.
PS. Don’t judge me, I’m heavily sleep deprived and jet lagged.
I love, love, love reading your blogs. Keep up the great work! ๐
New Moon is my favorite book in the series! I loved your review. You really know how to wrap things up! I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Eclipse!!
i cant wait until you read Eclipse its one of my favorites! its amazing!
MY FAVS ARE
1) Twilgiht
2) Eclipse(but Twilight&Eclipse is basically a tie
3)New Moon
4)BD
That.
Was beautiful.
Excellent review! Completely perfect for summing up the book.
I wish every fan, especially those die hard Jacob ones out there, would read this passage and accept it:
“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, Edwardโs love for Bella was never really gone, but had been there all along, waiting for them both to uncover the truth. Bella and Edwardโs bond is unbreakable, and that is the nature of their love.”
NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM APART. Sorry, Jacob, that means you can only be friends with Bella. Ah, but just wait until Eclipse =)
this is beautiful. simply beautiful.
(and thank GOD the best song won.)
love from nyc,
katie.
ummm…i have a feeling that i’m the only guy other than you who puts stuff on this site, lol ๐ but whatever.
i totally agree, Kaleb, New Moon is very much about truth and probably the most “deep” of all the books (although it is still my least favorite, it semmed like ages before i finished it…)
Josh
As Ms. Paranoia said, I too have become a BIG FAN of yours, Kaleb. And I am never disappointed in your summaries. I check your web site often and ALWAYS find a smile on my face as I read your thoughts on the books (or whatever posts you leave). Thank you again for setting this site up and sharing your talents with us.
You Rock!
Nice job Kaleb!!! As always, you do the greatest job of bringing out the main points of the book! Loved the post! ๐
Kaleb, you have done it again! I’m really looking forward to reading your thoughts on Eclipse!!!–second only to Breaking Dawn in my own personal list of favorites ๐
WOW! I don’t think that could have been summed up any better, unless someone who had read the whole series had written it.
I cannot wait to read what your thoughts are of Eclipse, which I think almost everyone claims as their second favorite book.(I disagree, but thats too complicated to explain)
I’m sorry – but this post is a little upsetting. I mean, yeah, you have great insight, its an awesome post, full of meaning yadda yadda yadda… breaks my heart.
but WHERE is the giggle-worthy picture I count on? I read your blog at work. I NEED those graphics, Kaleb. Now give me a picture of your head on a bear or something, before my brain explodes.
You’re lucky that you can start on Eclipse right away, and don’t have to wait 7 months for the book to come out (Like I did)…LOL. I guess that’s one of the advantages of being a latecomer to the fandom.
As always, love your insightful commentary. In a lot of ways, I think that Jacob is better for Bella, but love doesn’t work that way. Bella and Edward are hopelessly in love with each other, for better or for worse. The “Bella-Edward-Jacob” situation only escalates in Eclipse. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
PS: Congrats on finishing New Moon! And good luck with your fundraiser. I have yet another reason to be jealous of you: People who don’t know you will give you money (Not gonna lie, if MY website had a million+ hits, I’d probably steal your idea). I really hope you get to go to the premiere, because then we’ll get to read about your experience, which will be almost as good as actually going, and a lot cheaper (and you better take LOTS of pictures, or I’ll want my $5 back!).
Yay for “Near to You” PERFECT NM song, in my opinion!
Eclipse was my 2nd favorite book after Twilight… I hope you enjoy it!!!!! ๐
thank you again for a wonderful post. I enjoy your analysis,and insight. (and your vocabulary and sentence structure- thank you, it’s a breath of fresh air) Happy Reading! on to Eclipse!
Great summary of the first two books. Personally, I can’t say that any one book is my favorite – you have to read and enjoy all 4 books together to come to the completion of the story.
Keep going!! I’ll keep reading and loving your posts.
I can’t wait for you to read eclipse, it’s my favorite book in the series!
And secondly. OMG you were able to summarize New moon in two words? holy crap. summarizing is not one of my strong points, but omg…. i didn’t think it was possible. I would be like umm… 2 words to describe new moon? how about new moon? lol.
Wow Kaleb. That was great. I love reading your posts, and i think they will be very interesting in Eclipse, because with Twilight there was som much that was new and NM was so much focus on Bella’s heartache, but Eclipse is different from either one, so it should make for really good posts. I hope you start soon. I’ll be here. I can’t wait!
Kaleb, omg. i luv u. lol. seriously, u look farther into this book than i do. you see the little actions and remarks that are just bare hints to what lies ahead. You delve unbearably deep into the meaning of everything and everyone. That was an AMAZING post. kudos to you! ๐
i can’t wait till you start eclipse ๐ i’m sure that you’ll love it ๐ waiting paietently for the next adventure to begin,
Alice.
Waiting excitedly for Eclipse!!! That’s my second favorite out of the whole series. ๐
Great review, Kaleb! ๐
Fantastic as usual Kaleb! I love following your journey through the Twilight Saga. You catch every important aspect and explain things so eloquently. It is very enjoyable to read your posts!
Now to my second favorite book in the saga, Eclipse….WOOT! I can not wait to read your posts on this one! (Breaking Dawn is my favorite; Iโm REALLY looking forward to your posts on it!!)
Kaleb, your writing never ceases to amaze me. Wonderful.