Okay, first of all – I just noticed NOW that I had been spelling Stephenie Meyer’s name wrong. Haha thanks for clueing me in guys! You all were probably laughing at me. 
Finished Eclipse in 24 hours and I can definitely understand why it’s a favorite amongst so many (among or amongst – I feel like I should know this).
From Amazon.com …
“Jake, the werewolf met in New Moon, pursues Bella with renewed vigilance. However, when repercussions from an episode in Twilight place Bella in the mortal danger that series fans have come to expect, Jake and Edward forge an uneasy alliance.”
I loved the love story between Edward and Bella – I finally started to understand it. I feel like Eclipse was honest and outright about the relationship, something the other two books lacked.
I fell more and more in love with the Cullens. I loved that Eclipse told us more about them – like Rosalie and Jasper’s story. I thought Rosalie was evil – and I found myself sympathizing with her. And Jasper, like previously mentioned – I’m completely in love with him, especially after reading about how he came to be a vampire. I really liked that Alice, Jasper, and Rosalie had bigger parts to play in this novel.
And then there’s Jake. I find myself drawn to him – more so than Edward – simply because of his attitude and how he’s not always brooding and upset. But I think he’s too good for Bella. Really.
Also, it got better – not perfect. But I felt like Stephenie Meyer wasn’t shoving it down my throat that Bella is a klutz, something that’s bothered me since I started reading the Twilight Saga.
Edward got better – considerably. Not making Bella choose and all that jazz. I’m warming up to him.
I loved the situations between the vampires and the werewolves. Especially when Edward would go to drop her off. Really great stuff.
Now for things I didn’t like. Bella. She’s weak. Even when she thinks she’s being all brave and strong. She’s weak. I think I’ve said this before, but her sole purpose to the book is to be the damsel in distress (and you can quote me on that). It’s exhausting – I don’t think I’ve seen such a weak female character before, or recently at least.
Hm. I’ve been thinking for like five minutes and I can’t think of anything else that really bothered me. Haha! This is great! For once my “like” list out weighs my “don’t like” list.
SPOILERS: No really, stop reading.
I think Bella’s reasons for not wanting to marry Edward are crap. Complete crap. A boy like that, not wanting to risk my ‘virtue’ and begging me to marry him – I’d do it in a heart beat (pun). Complete crap.
Fiona August 5, 2009 at 4:12 am
Love reading your experience as someone 'new' to the Twilight saga. I have Eclipse on my bedside table at the moment (as a re-read) for just before I go to sleep.
Fiona
Nicole August 5, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I agree, Bella is weak! I've seen hordes of Twilight fans rush to her defense on other comment boards and natter on about how strong she is, but I just don't see any strength in her character at all. She's completely co-dependent, has no self-esteem, pins all of her self-worth and happiness on the love of one boy, and pretty much transforms herself and her entire life to become a part of his world. What a terrible role model for teen girls! (But I can see why they love her–her actions would seem to justify their own single-minded obsession with that boy from study hall… "OMG I'll DIE if he doesn't notice me!")
And yet, I do love the series. Read each of the books in pretty much single sittings, staying up all night in some cases. Got to the end and cried out for more. *guilty shrug*
Miss Remmers August 6, 2009 at 1:44 am
Nicole we are in the same boat. It's so frustrating to see the book from this perspective but still totally love it. Makes me feel slightly literately shallow!
Leslie September 2, 2009 at 6:39 am
lol! haha i did like this novel =) way better than breaking dawn though =P completely agree with the jacob thing i think i was secretly rooting for team jacob right there and then