Here we have the 658-page retelling of the first part of the Twilight saga, told from Edward Cullen’s point of view. Fans will remember that the author had started work on this a long time ago but reportedly someone prematurely and without authorization uploaded part of the work to the internet, squelching the author’s desire to continue. As with the previous books, there is violence of the vampire variety, some threatening situations involving females, and a little mild profanity–nothing that should be a problem for stable-minded teenagers or adults.
Stephenie Meyer has developed into a very fine writer. If you started with the Twilight books from the beginning you will remember the style was rather simple and (pardon my saying so) unimpressive. By the time the series finished, the writing had evolved substantially. [In this respect, to my mind, she followed the progression that Jo Rowling did in the Harry Potter series.] In MIDNIGHT SUN, the author shows herself to be an assured, competent writer who, along with constructing an entertaining, suspenseful narrative, addresses thoughtful issues such as human potential to subordinate “natural,” destructive impulses in favor of higher moral behavior, and the ability to appreciate the fruits of living according to personal ideals. She beautifully achieves this through the storytelling and not through some ham-fisted didacticism. She presents a wide range of developed characters and makes many a perceptive observation about them and their relationships. Primarily the focus is on the young adults in the book, who are making their own decisions about life but who are generally watched over and guided by involved, caring adults who serve as stable role models.
You may, like me, wonder why you should bother to read this book if you’ve read the earlier books, but I can tell you, if you liked the other books, you will find this an interesting read.
I suggest you increase Stephenie Meyer’s net worth by buying and enjoying this book, both for yourself and for your libraries, if you are making purchases for collections.
Categories: Books We Recommend, Differently Abled, Diversity, Parent Conflict, Peer Relationships, Supernatural/Occult, Violence
Before You Buy YA 
Leave a Reply