My Qualm

Let me tell you a story. Last year around Christmas time, I began to hear a lot of talk amongst the females in my life, family and friends, about a series of books that told a vampire love story. I, being one who loves to read good books, found myself torn. On one side, I love vampires. Always have, always will. On the other side, the females in my life absolutely loved them. This is normally a bad sign, since up to that point, the only other books that were of a mutual liking were the Harry Potter books. Normally, said females try to get me to read mormon fiction and books about lost diamonds and stuff. Yuck. I’m a predominately Fantasy and Sci-Fi kinda guy. Then Christmas came around and my sister got the first book in the series called Twilight. Since I like to read a book before I decide I dislike it, I asked her if I could read it. It took me about two days and I loved it! After the first book, I went to the store and got the next two installments. About a week later, I was uber sad because the fourth book wouldn’t be out until the fall and I was left with many an unanswered question.

Now, for my qualm. Judging a book without reading it isn’t fair to the book, the author, or the people that enjoy it. Honestly, if you read a book and dislike it, that’s one thing. It has happened to me a lot in my life (i.e 97% of the books they made me read in school)! However, basing an opinion about something in ignorance is nigh unto the best thing you can do to make yourself look like a complete idiot! Over the past eight months I have heard a plethera of insults directed at the series by ignorant people, especially males. “It’s a chick series, what kind of guy would read it?” “It’s really just a stupid girls book.” “I would never, ever read them.” “Dude, I can’t believe you read those chick books.” “Do you want to marry a vampire now?” There are more, but you get the picture. Now, all of the above quotes were made by different males that I know. And there is one thing that they ALL have in common.

NONE OF THEM HAVE READ ANY PART OR PORTION OF THE BOOKS!

That’s right, not a single word. Now, I can understand if you don’t want to read them. There are a million legit reasons. You don’t like to read. You don’t like books written in first person. You don’t have time. You have a million other books you’re trying to read, etc… But for some reason, they see it fit to attack the books rather than simply pass. Maybe they think their penis will fall off if they read them. Perhaps they can’t bear the thought of anything infringing on the manly man image they hold onto for security in their minds. Honestly, I have no idea what the real reason is.

Really, the books are very well done. I normally dislike books written in first person, but these are amongst the very few exceptions. The story is intriguing and well plotted. The character development is fun and interesting. Even the suspense is superbly done. Stephenie Meyer really is a gifted author.

So please, stupid males, stop judging the books in ignorance. If you wish to judge and attack after you’ve read them, be my guest. But until you read them, stfu and go eat a rare steak.