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Inspirational messages have become more popular than ever in these uncertain times. For example, the late Randy Pausch delivered a moving "last lecture" after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was able to transfer his life lessons into a best-selling book.
Recently, another author has been stirring people to action through a best-seller: Stephanie Meyers.
Her "Twilight" series of books about a helpless waif named Bella and her sparkling, statuesque vampire lover Edward has given hope to millions of would-be novelists and poets that they, too, can be published.
Previously, supernatural wish-fulfillment stories were generally relegated to online fiction forums like a pit and pendulum for compelling characterizations and coherent plotting. But Meyers has tapped into the motivations of others regarding change, and challenged other writers to undo her damage.
For example, one of the virtues of the Harry Potter series was its portrayal of parental love and sacrifice as a powerful force that can prevent corruption. It was a message that transcended the fantasy of going to magic school. Bella, on the other hand, regresses all who read it into a harlequin world of sacrificing one's soul to a pretty boy in the vain hope of becoming interesting. Late in the series, even her unborn vampire child can sense the imminent pages of fluff approaching and attempts to chew out of the womb.
Young readers benefit most from Meyers' fiction enterprise - her fans claim that the books aren't meant to be taken seriously and are pure enjoyment without critical thought. Hear that, readers of the world? Tales of spooning a magical boyfriend who is 90 years Bella's senior are fun! Hey, guys - ever observe a young beauty dating someone who looks like her dad and wonder what kind of Kool-Aid she drank? Grandpa warned her about his dangerous ways, and the rest is a tale for the grandkids.
Also, the new wave of feminism is just like the medieval wave. Women should rejoice at the portrayal of Bella, who, while in high school, possesses the resolve and strength to obey Edward's every whim. Bella should rejoice at how much enjoyment people derive from pretending to be her. Committing hara-kiri against a cold boyfriend's ego is "fun!" It's no wonder the series appeals as much to starry-eyed tweens prone to suggestion as it does to middle-aged housewives still yearning for that, ageless vampire hubby.
A new market awaits in November, though: the Twilight movie is due to expose theaters full of readers' daughters and sisters too young to read to the promise of being able to surpass her desperate romance. It will be the narrative equivalent of building a space shuttle after watching monkeys play tag with their feces.
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