Book Discussion: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

January's book discussion is on The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, which is a series by Heather Brewer. These books came recommended to us by a reader, and I can tell you right now that I am not disappointed by them!




The order of the series is pretty easy, as it follows Vlad's years in school:
1. Eighth Grade Bites
2. Ninth Grade Slays
3. Tenth Grade Bleeds

We'll be having our in-person discussion of books at the Tecumseh Branch Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana, on January 7th at 3:30 p.m. You don't have to wait 'til then to voice your opinion, though! Join in the discussion right now by posting a comment below.

For more info about Heather Brewer and The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, check out her website HERE.

Taylor Lautner to host Saturday Night Live on December 12

Score one for the Team Jacob people, because Saturday Night Live announced last night that our own Jacob--Taylor Lautner will host SNL with musical talent Bon Jovi! The episode airs next Saturday night at 11:30 p.m., eastern time.

Speculation has already swirled about whether Lautner will attempt a payback on Taylor Swift's Twilight spoof, "Firelight", which aired on November 7, when Swift hosted the show (see the video short below). Both Taylors have been silent about their status as a couple, but Swift did make a comment in song during her monologue on the show saying, "If you're wondering if I might be dating the werewolf from Twilight...(blows kiss, whispers, 'Hi Taylor!, and winks...I'm not gonna comment on that in my monologue~".


TONIGHT!!!!

New Moon Reviews!

OK...New Moon has been out for a week. If you're like me, you had to see it opening weekend, if not the very first showing at 12:01 Friday morning. It's time to share your thoughts. Did the movie follow the plot of the book? Was it everything you expected it to be? How did you like the wolf pack? Did you think Edward was in the movie enough? How much screaming was going on during the time you saw it? Did anyone switch over from Team Edward to Team Jacob after this one because I was tempted. Did you think the ending, borrowing from third book was OK?

Share!



*For those of you who haven't seen the movie, be warned: These comments contain spoilers!

November's Book of the Month: Thirst

November's book discussion is Thirst by Christopher Pike. It's actually three books in one volume. These books were written by Pike starting with the first story, The Last Vampire in 1994. The series of books contained six titles, and the remaining three books will be included in Thirst: Volume 2.

We will be discussing Thirst at our monthly meeting on December 3rd at the Tecumseh Branch Library at 3:30p.m. You are welcome to join us! If you can't make it, please read along with us and comment on the post that I'll place here on December 1st.

Ellen surprises Rob Pattinson with baby pictures...

MTV Shows

Bella's Book Club in the news!

Bella's Book Club members weighed in on the Team Jacob vs. Team Edward debate in today's Journal Gazette (Sunday, November 15). Read the article to hear their expert opinions on the topic. Check out the article at the Journal Gazette here!

Many thanks to JG reporter Emma Downs for a great discussion and a flattering article.

And, BBC teens in the article: Great job at expressing your opinions. I'm so proud of you!

BBC Grudge Match: Edward vs. Jacob

We are only days away from the New Moon premiere, so let's have a grudge match for old time's sake! Yes, we know how the story ends, but let's take ourselves back to the end of New Moon. Should Bella take Edward back? Should she explore the new relationship with Jacob? Who really is better for Bella--vampire or werewolf? Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Jacob or Edward? Weigh in on this grudge match below by clicking on "comments".

LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

Bella's Birthday : Behind the Scenes

I thought this was interesting, and I especially like how Jackson Rathbone and Rob Pattinson have a laugh after Edward pushes him away from Bella so aggressively. :-)

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New Moon on TV...

Two things to set your DVR or VCR for!

First, Stephenie Meyer will appear on Oprah tomorrow, Friday, November 13. This will be the ONLY interview that Meyer will do about her thoughts on the New Moon film.

On Monday evening, MTV will show back to back specials about The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

Looks like everyone's in full gear for the movie premiere next week!

Kristen Stewart Can't Distinguish Herself From Bella | Video | MTV

Am I the only one who finds this a little disturbing?

more about "Kristen Stewart Can't Distinguish Her...", posted with vodpod

Forks, WA, featured on Today Show

The little town of Forks, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest is the setting for the books we love by Stephenie Meyer. Because of the popularity of the books and now the Twilight Saga movies, this town has become a Mecca for many Twilighters. This morning, on the Today Show, there was a really nice piece on Forks, and how this town of just over 3,000 is coping with it's newfound popularity.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Bella's Birthday Party: Clip from New Moon

Another clip from the movie has been released. This one's from MTV's Ulalume: Howling at New Moon that aired on Friday night. Sadly, I missed it---did anyone see it? Comment below and tell me what else I missed!



Emmett, you are such a big goof! Jasper, stop it with the staring...it creeps everyone out.

5 Questions with Deb Newspaper Article

Hi everyone! If you didn't see it in Sunday's Journal Gazette, I was interviewed about vampire fiction on the opinions page as this week's "Five Questions" person. I mentioned several of the books that you have put on the "Bella Recommends" list, and our site was mentioned in the article.

You can read the interview here at the Journal Gazette website.

Also, the above picture is NOT the newspaper that I was featured in. Just a funny picture that I had! :-D

New Moon Clip: Aro, Marcus and Caius

...and a fight scene between Edward and Felix!

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New TV Spot Commercial for New Moon

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November Book Discussion: Companions of the Night

Our book to read for the November discussion is Vivian Vande Velde's Companions of the Night. First published in 1995, Companions takes place in the span of a few short days, and follows the story of 16-year-old Kerry Nowicki. Kerry saves the life of a handsome, but mysterious young man named Ethan Bryne.

In-person discussion will take place at the Tecumseh Branch Library (Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA) on November 5th at 3:30 pm.

Online discussion starts NOW! Post your comments below...

New Clip of Wolf Transformation in New Moon!

This clip is just awesome...it really shows how these computer-generated graphics are going to work out. I was worried that it was a little too cartoon-ish from the glimpses that we've seen before, but this looks okay to me!

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Guess what I got?

Be sure to check out this week's special edition issue of People magazine, out on stands THIS Friday. It features Rob and Kristin and promises more photos and a sneak peek into The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Here's a preview from the magazine:

Director Chris Weitz on the mood of New Moon: “Twilight is about first love; New Moon is about heartbreak. That requires the actors to go to some very dark places. There is more Edward in the film. Viewers will see him more often than Bella sees him in the book.”

Taylor on representing Team Jacob: “I get nervous trying to represent Team Jacob in the right way. This guy [Robert] is some pretty good competition. The fans would love anybody who played Jacob. I’m just lucky to be the one who got the chance.”

Robert on playing god-like Edward Cullen: “When I read Twilight, and there are these moony descriptions of Edward as a godlike figure, I thought there was no way I could play him. But when I got in the room with Kristen, there was a certain chemistry. She’s basically the reason I did the movie.”

Ashley on the Twi-fans: “Kellan Lutz and I look at each other and go, ‘What is going on? This is so insane!’ It’s very different from anything that I’ve experienced. But the fans are so passionate. Seriously, this is the coolest job in the world with the best fans.”

Kellan on Breaking Dawn: “We’re all crossing our fingers, and we all want to finish the series. And we want Stephenie [Meyer] to write more books if she could!”

The New Moon special edition of People hits stands THIS Friday, October 16 and you can even get a $1 off! Just log onto People.com and print out this coupon!

Three NEW, New Moon posters!

What more can I say besides this: Click on the picture to see a larger version. Enjoy!

New Song From New Moon Soundtrack!

Here's the song, entitled, "Satellite Heart" by Anya Marina. Marina, apparently a Twilight fan (like the rest of us!), reportedly said, "This one's for Bella", on her Twitter page.
Check out these lyrics:
"I'm a satellite heart/lost in the dark/I've spun out so far/You stop, I'll start/but I'll be true to you/no matter what you do."
Yep, sounds like Bella to me...

House of Night News: Tempted 1st Chapter!

In one awesomely clever move, St. Martin's Griffin has posted chapter one of the upcoming House of Night book entitled, Tempted. Fans of the series have been waiting anxiously to see what happens next in the saga of Zoey Redbird. Tempted is scheduled to be released on October 27, 2009.

Click HERE to go to the site and read the first chapter!

Preview of Stephenie Meyer Comic

MTV has an exclusive preview of pages from the new Stephenie Meyer comic book. It's called,
"Female Force: Stephenie Meyer" and will be available in two different versions: a standard comic and a limited-run, 32-page version featuring an illustrated history of Forks. The comics will hit stores in November.
Click HERE to see the preview pages on MTV.com.

New Moon Soundtrack List

Here it is, hot off the press!

* DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE — MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX
* BAND OF SKULLS — FRIENDS
* THOM YORKE — HEARING DAMAGE
* LYKKE LI — POSSIBILITY
* THE KILLERS — A WHITE DEMON LOVE SONG
* ANYA MARINA — SATELLITE HEART
* MUSE — I BELONG TO YOU (NEW MOON)
* BON IVER & ST. VINCENT — ROSYLN
* BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB — DONE ALL WRONG
* HURRICANE BELLS — MONSTERS
* SEA WOLF — THE VIOLET HOUR
* OK GO — SHOOTING THE MOON
* GRIZZLY BEAR — SLOW LIFE
* EDITORS — NO SOUND BUT THE WIND
* ALEXANDRE DESPLAT — NEW MOON (THE MEADOW)

Vampire Diaries: It's like Twilight for TV!

So far, I've really enjoyed new series, The Vampire Diaries on the CW network. I think it has potential to really go far. It's got talented actors, and the writing works well. I don't mean to complain, but even in just the first two episodes, I've noticed similarities in the costuming, hairstyling, and camera work that makes Vampire Diaries seem more "Twilight-esque". I have high hopes for this series! It has good storylines and a strong cast. There's really no need to emulate those films, CW...

The pompadour hairdo and that "troubled" look...The classic black shirt...


Not to mention the ourdoor dance...

New Moon 2010 Calendar

As expected, a new calendar has been produced based on the New Moon film. It's chock full of images from the movie, and it was just made available online at Barnes & Noble. Here's a preview from the back of the calendar...

New Moon rated PG-13

The Motion Picture Association of America has given New Moon at PG-13 rating "[f]or some violence and action." There was much debate over whether it would deserve an R rating or not.

Jacob talks about Eclipse

Could Taylor Lautner be any cuter? He's so NOT FREAKISH, completely normal, pleasant, and friendly. I'm so glad they didnt dump him for New Moon. He has got a really nice part in Eclipse, and I think we will see great things from Taylor.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

New Moon trailer

Brand new New Moon trailer from last night's VMA's

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

The Vampire Diaries: What did YOU think?

Last night, the library hosted a Vampire Diaries Premiere Party! There were squeals of delight, and screams all around when certain characters entered the storyline. What did you think of the first episode? Will you watch the show? Did you like Stefan, Elena and Damon?
Let's dish! Comment by clicking on "Comments" below...















By 7:30, there was a line at the door to get in!










We talked about vampire books, and got ideas for more great reads!










We snacked on cookies, chips, popcorn and punch.










The bean bag chairs were the most popular spot to watch from.

Death Cab for Cutie on New Moon Soundtrack...

Here's a clip of 'Meet Me On The Equinox' by Death Cab for Cutie. It's one of the tracks on the upcoming New Moon Soundtrack.

Vampire Diaries Premiere Party at the Library!

Next Thursday, people!

If you want to share the moment with other vamp fans, come to our Vampire Diaries Premiere Party this Thursday night, September 10th, at 7:30!!! We'll have snacks and pop, and we'll watch Elena and friends on the big flat screen.

You are invited!!!

Here's a preview:

Vampire Diaries Promo

Okay, so watch this and tell me...who wants to get together at the library on September 10th to watch the premiere on the library's flat screen? I could bring snacks and make it a Vampire Diaries Premiere Party! If we have enough interest, I'll book the room.



I love this one. Check out the very last scene...
Stefan: I'm Stefan.
Elena: I know, we have history together.

Leah Clearwater and other cast for Eclipse!

Unfortunately, for all those who sent in their pictures and links to be cast as the lone female wolf in the pack, Leah Clearwater has been chosen. It's actress and Gap model Julia Jones. Jones has appeared in the films Hell Ride and California Indian, as well as playing Dr. Kaya Montoya in 4 episodes of NBC's ER.

In other news, Leah's little brother has also been cast. Up and coming teen actor BooBoo Stewart will play the youngest in the wolf pack. Stewart is best known for a role in 2006's The Conrad Boys, and in a wild coincidence, has also appeared in an episode of ER--in 2005 as a Power Ranger!

Finally, former child actor, Jodelle Ferland will play Bree, the newborn vampire that meets a grisly end.

Pics from the New Moon Trailer...

Here are some stills from the New Moon Trailer that I hadn't seen before, including our first look at Dakota Fanning as the scary Jane. If you click on a picture, you can see it in a larger size.

Harry Potter Theme Park set to open in Orlando

I know, I know, it's not really Twilight or vampire-related, but many of us are also HP fans, and I thought that this was a big enough story for our little blog. As you may or may not know, Universal Studios Orlando is building a "park within a theme park" called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Several attractions including rides, shops and restaurants are being planned. One interesting rumor is that a custom MagiQuest is in development for the park. MagiQuest is an interactive game you play using a wand that sort of operates like a remote control. In this application, kids could buy a wand, and would be able to point and cast spells on anything that had a small lightning bolt on it. I've played Magiquest in Tennessee--it's pretty clever. For example, you point and cast on a chest, and it magically opens and lights up. In another, you point and cast at a screen to battle a dragon, or to free a fairy. I can see this as a really amazing attribute to a Harry Potter themed park.

An exclusive video was aired in Florida about the progress of the parks that are to be opened in 2010. They're in two parts below for your viewing pleasure!

Tomorrow is T-shirt day! Don't forget to bring your t-shirts or something to put an iron-on transfer on.

Black is more vampire-ish, but any color will do. Alice says to bring something black!

Book Discussion: Maggie Quinn, Girl Vs. Evil

Here's where to post your thoughts about Maggie Quinn!

If you haven't, but want to read them in order, here's the series (so far!):
1. Prom Dates from Hell
2. Hell Week
3. Highway to Hell

New Moon Sneak Peek at Comic-Con

Here's two clips that were shown exclusively at last week's Comic-Con convention. They are not top-quality, but it's still fun to see a bit of the upcoming movie!

Eclipse Movie News!

Yes, this news is about Eclipse, the third movie, even though the world has not yet seen the second movie, New Moon. As you may already know, New Moon is set for a November 20, 2009 release, and Eclipse will be released just a short seven months later on June 30, 2010. (Which, by the way, I think is super-awesome! Thanks Summit Entertainment for NOT pulling a Warner Bros. and holding back the third film to suit your own needs!)

Long time rumors were confirmed that 30 Days of Night director David Slade will be the director for Eclipse. Also, it was revealed that there is a casting call out for three characters: Riley, and the Clearwater sibs, Leah and Seth. It was also revealed that shooting for the film will take place in Vancouver from August 17 through October 31 (I guess many of the cast will be vampires for Halloween!).

And finally, we have a new cast member to announce: Xavier Samuel (pictured above) has been cast in the role of Riley. Riley was the vamp from Victoria's army who have targeted Bella. He should have a juicy role in what we hope will be an awesome fight scene between Riley and Edward.

Taylor Lautner interview

For you Jacob fans, here's a cool interview with the seriously nice-guy Taylor Lautner:

Book Discussion: Mortal Instruments Series

July's discussion was on the Mortal Instruments series of books by Cassandra Clare. If you want to read them, start with the first book, City of Bones. I think we all agreed at the Bella's Book Club meeting that this series was a really good one. The books keep you going, with it's thrilling ups and downs.

Here's some comments that I picked up from the discussion. Feel free to post your own comments below.

"There were a lot of surprises in this book and I didn't see things coming!"

"We know that the City of Bones is a reference to the place that the Silent Brothers live, and we know that the City of Glass is Alicante, but what is the City of Ashes?"

"I was really mad at the ending [of City of Bones] to find out that [two unnamed characters] can't be boyfriend and girlfriend!"

Guinew Moon

It features a guinea pig...don't ask, just watch.

New book selection for August discussion

There was some confusion at the Bella's Book Club meeting on July 2 about the next book discussion. Originally, we selected Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side as our August selection, however, DUE TO BOOK AVAILABILITY, we have postponed that book until September.

Instead, we have chosen Rosemary Clement-Moore's Maggie Quinn, Girl vs. Evil series. There are three books in the series, which is really quite good. Start with Maggie's high school book, Prom Dates from Hell. Maggie Quinn is a fun, multi-dimensional character who really becomes your best friend on each book's adventure. The books are spiced with supernatural suspense, laced with romance, and sprinkled with humor. Enjoy them!

The Maggie Quinn series, in order:
1. Prom Dates from Hell
2. Hell Week
3. Highway to Hell

Here's some pics from New Moon filming in Italy! It's just how we imagined it!
Click on the image to see a larger version.