One of the questions I am asked most frequently now that the Twilight-craze is in full effect is what do I (or what does my kid) read after Twilight? The obvious answer is Anne Rice, but I'm not too certain that the age range Twilight tends toward is necessarily the proper age to start on Anne Rice. Personally, the most appealing thing about Twilight is the romance, vampirism is secondary to the romance between Bella and Edward, so why not one of the classic romances.
Here's a few suggestions:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a somewhat obvious choice, seeing as it is mentioned numerous times in the Twilight Saga, but it is an epic romance full of beautiful language and heart-breaking longing. It's deals with more adult emotions than Twilight, as there is more of a sense of duty and propriety struggling against desire and longing, but it's still appropriate for the teenagers that Twilight tends to appeal to.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
An epic novel (as well as an epic movie) it's romantic and epic, it's adult but not too adult. Sure no one is sucking anyone's blood, but the backdrop of the civil war carries the same sort of timeless romanticism that hundred year old vampires possess. Though it may be a longer novel, it's still shorter than the four Twilight books.
Pride and Prejudice and Emma by Jane Austen
Both novels focus on a young female protagonist, both are told in sympathy with said protagonist, and both are epic romances. Aren't Elizabeth Bennett or Emma Woodhouse just precursors for Bella Swan anyway?
Happy Reading,
Julia
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