Reading New Moon: Chapter 3 (The End)
July 22nd, 2008 by Kaleb Nation
The song for this chapter is Lonely People by America
Due to some research by Maureen Johnson, I realized that my busyness is quite common this time of year: nearly every writer I know is undergoing revisions, and is getting behind on everything else in the process. But, I managed to sneak away and tackle the dreaded Chapter 3 in New Moon…
I have never had a chapter that carried so much warning. In fact, my last chapter post had more comments on THIS chapter than on Chapter 2. You people have left me filled with dread of what I’m going to find in here.
First off, Bella’s caught the I’m-better-than-you-because-I’m-a-vampire disease:
It seemed strangely childish. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for normal human behavior today. Those pitiful, weakling creatures, sniveling like worms…
But then, things immediately get serious. I notice that Edward is different in this chapter, so much that I’m beginning to feel early on what could be coming. He seems indifferent and unaffected, as if he’s walking in a daze and really isn’t feeling anything. There is a numbness in his voice that seems to tell me that something is bothering him very deeply. I feel that it is the growing pressure on him that every moment he is near Bella, he is putting her in more danger. Seeing what happened in the chapter before, with Jasper, only seemed to strengthen this in Edward’s mind: not only him, but his entire family, is different, and dangerous to Bella.
Edward is in turmoil. Part of him wants so deeply to stay with Bella, because he loves her. The other part feels that if he really does love her, then he would leave, and let her have a normal life.
This chapter is so sad. It is different. I remember a Bella and Edward in Twilight who loved each other, and who were talking all the time: it just never seemed to end, their dialogue through the whole book. You can tell a lot about two people from the way they talk to each other. It seemed endless, the sweet words they exchanged for no reason, the jokes between them about vampires and humans. Their conversations were really what made them who they were.
But suddenly, Edward seems to have become a brick wall. He is no longer the same person, but brooding and depressed, even around Bella. I feel as if all the love is gone.
And then, it all comes down to Edward’s three words:
“Bella, we’re leaving.”
Through all the time of reading Twilight, I did not realize how attached I had become to the idea of Bella and Edward being together. This book, as you’ve read in my bio, is my first vampire romance novel. So I am not one to become attached to two characters being together.
But for some reason, there is a deep and vast connection between Bella and Edward that left me very down as I sped through the rest of the pages in this chapter. It was like a deep gloom had settled over my room.
I realized that I did not pick up the second book in this series to read about Bella, the main character. I didn’t pick it up to read about Edward either. I picked it up to read about Bella and Edward. To me, they were so close, they were nearly one. I wouldn’t have read this book if there was only one of them, going off on adventures as a vampire or a human. And now that one of them is gone, it is like half of the main character has been split away as well.
I hope you’ll forgive me for not posting anything funny this time. It’s really hard to find something funny in a chapter that leaves me so sullen. I will be honest and say that by the ending of it, I was beginning to feel very down; and also uneasy, as I realized I had become attached to these characters when I had tried so hard to keep a sane mind about me.
Somehow, right after Edward left, I really did start to care even deeper about what happened to Bella, and had a deep urge to want to comfort her; while the rational side of me roared in my ear: It’s only a blasted book! Sometimes, we do not listen to our rational sides; or more commonly, do not want to listen to our rational sides.
I don’t think I have ever read a chapter as long as Chapter 3. After thirty-one pages, it would be very easy to rationalize stopping. However, when I got to the last page of the chapter, and instinctively began turning the pages again, I realized that I was literally paging through the months, skipping ahead in time after Edward disappeared from Bella’s life.
Because I’m rambling already, and I’m still in the middle of Chapter 4, I will be posting about it very very early tomorrow (think 5 minutes past midnight again). And to all the commenters: you were right. I really couldn’t stop at the end of Chapter 3 this time.
—ADDED JULY 22, 1:13PM: I absolutely abhor self-promotion, but I just reached the #17 most subscribed in Partners on Youtube, and if anybody hasn’t sub’d me yet, please check out my channel, as I’d really like to stay up there! And thanks so much to everyone who got me that high.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
I KNEW IT!!!!! Can’t wait till the next post. I think I might just cry…
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
The saddest chapter I have read in all my life
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:10 am
Yay First comment! I know how you feel about Bella and Edward being together. I threw my book at a wall.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
Nevermind about the first comment…oh well another day…
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
You aren’t the only who felt that way when they read that chapter for the first time. I felt as if there was really no more reason for anything at all…
Then my phone rang. lol
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
i have been waiting soo long for you to read this chapter. i really wanted to see what you though, and how you felt.
p.s. i dont think anyone will blame you for not being funny on thins one, i know i dont
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
Basically my reaction..except not quite so eloquent.
I did cry for an endless amount of time.
It really is amazing how attached you can become to some characters and to one particular story.
It still blows my mind.
Can’t wait to read more.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
The chapter is so sad, there are no funny pictures/ cartoons this post! A true test for readers on how attached we have become to Stephenie’s characters. However, what goes down must come up in this case, and just keep reading. Don’t be discouraged by a sad portion of the book. It’s still amazing - what makes the series so incredible is the fact it can BE so sad at times, and yet you must read on to see what becomes of the characters, our beloved Edward/Bella being.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
Ugh, it was awful when I read this chapter. I was at school and listening to Everything Changes by Staind on my iPod. I started crying. It was embarassing, but I was just so darn mad at that over-protective vampire!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 am
I cant wait to see your reaction to chapter four. Bella is somewhat really….different. But im not spoiling it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 am
Well said, Kaleb.
I feel sad just reading about you reading it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
When i read that chapter i started crying like so hard. i know thats probably really gay and all but Bella and Edward are supposed to be together and when he suddenly leaves it breaks my heart for Bella.Then i realized that Jacob would make a move on her and now he should die
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
God i read this chapter today and tried really hard not to blubber over the characters but it is SO true. you get attached to them and when i first read it i almost threw the book at the wall because i was so sad. anyway it’s one of the saddest chapters ever. thank god there is only one like it :))
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
I couldn’t say it better myself about losing 1/2 a person…”half of the main character has been split away as well.” The middle of New Moon; although good, was so difficult for me not to skip forward to if/when Edward would come back.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
Reading your thoughts on the chapter reminded me just how depressing it was to read it myself. Carol, you aren’t the only one about to cry again… Yeah, the book does get better, it does get interesting… We all know it happened for a reason, but it still stunk that it had to happen at all. New Moon is definitely my least favourite book of the three out so far.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
I started crying when I read this chapter. And i’m glad you said the thing about not listening to our rational sides. Which I don’t when i’m reading a good book.
Good luck with the rest of the book.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
Awwww….
It’s amazing how attach you become to fictional characters. So much that you refuse to believe they’re fictional. lol. Unlike most, I didn’t cry. I was waaaay too mad at Edward leaving for me to cry.
By the way, I was on your site since 11:50 waiting for you to post this and I still didn’t get first comment. Oh well.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
It is refreshing to hear a guy say exactly how I felt when I read this. It means that it is a normal human reaction, to care and connect with Bella & Edward, not just us girls being overly girly.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
and also, there will forever be a mark on my copy of New Moon…
i threw it against the wall..hard
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
i agree. we all come to the point where we feel like we are practically a part of their relationship. we really do see them as one character and we feel for them. for the next several (and i really mean several) chapters, i didnt even want to finish the book.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
i literally started crying while reading this chapter! every time i read it. even though i know everything is going to be ok in the end.
i really wanted to skip through the book until i found Edward again. but i didn’t because i knew if i did that i would miss really important things. like Jacob coming into the story more.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
While reading this chapter (and some of
its following chapters) I went into
depression. I never realized I could get
so attached so characters in a book.
I still think you should have chosen
The Moment I Said It by Imogen Heap.
It just fits the chapter so well. Ah,
oh well.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
This was one of the hardest chapters in a book I have ever read. I think I was close to shouting when Edward left. It’s strange how emotionally attached you can become to fictional characters. But it’s really a testament to how tangible Stephanie has created her characters to be. I did really want to crawl into the book and give Bella a hug. Keep reading!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
My dear Kaleb let me tell you why this post is so wonderful.
For some reason I’ve had a hard time verbalizing why I was effected by this chapter of the book and now here you are laying it all out for me
It’s true that you begin to look at Bella and Edward as a whole and when you remove one you find at first you don’t really know what to do with that. I also think that SM’s idea of giving the months their own seperate pages was absolutely genius.
Anyway keep up the great work
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
some*
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
I think we all felt that way when we read this chapter. It really is amazing how attached we get to (fictional) characters.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Just remember, as depressing as this chapter was for all of us, we’re still in love with it. There’s (obviously) good things to come.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 am
sorry to say, but you are going to feel very humorless for awhile in New Moon. It caught me by surprise how much this affected me. When it was over I felt it like it was kind of happening to me. But I promise it does get better!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 am
I cried when I had read this chapter, and it only gets worse before it gets better in this book. At least in my opinion.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
…and now you truly understand the pull of these books, because if one character is missing or hurt or suffering, the reader suffers along with them. I cried at the end of Chapter Three, not knowing what was coming.
New Moon is a different book. And vital all the same.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Ah, everybody’s “What I did the first time I read the third chapter of New Moon” stories are coming out. I personally locked myself in my bathroom until I recovered enough to keep going…
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
I’m with you, the first time I read the book through this whole chapter before he left I was wondering what was up, it was so un-Edward to be like that to Bella. After reading it a couple more times now I can’t help but want to know what would of happened if Bella would of talked to him all the times she thought about it instead of just letting him work through it. I don’t know, the first time I read it I was so mad at Edward and sad for Bella, but now I just wonder what could of happened…I guess I get a little to involved with the characters sometimes and I know this chapter need to happen for the rest of the story to be as good, but it’s still disturbing.
Ok, sorry for the long post, just been wanting to see what you’d say about it for awhile and it’s amazing how you see it like most people do, losing half the main character.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 am
Just reading your post makes me down. Don’t worry about being attached to the characters, it’s like impossible not to.
The book may get harder for you to read, well it did for me. I needed moral support from my friends not to throw the book out my window. I’m glad you jumped into chapter 4, can’t wait to read your post tomorrow.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 am
I know that after I read this chapter, unfortunately I had to stop, due in part to the fact that I want atleast three hours of sleep before work, but also because Bella’s pain was so real to me, and not from personal experience just from how well written it was, that I couldn’t read on, and I actually felt depressed for the day until I was able to read on.
I know this possibly means that I am officially insane because it is just a book, but I don’t even care.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 am
I loved the way you put what you felt when you read the chapter. When I read it the first time, I had just found out earlier that day that my drama teacher was leaving and so I was already crying and upset so this chapter just sent me farther into depression (excuse my wording) Just rereading the book and knowing what was coming up had me tearing up again and, yes, I did cry. But hang in there. The book gets so much better.
Thank you for the wonderful post.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 am
Whoa now, hey Kaleb! I don’t think I’ve ever actually written a comment on your site, but I definitely need to reply to the post for this chapter!
Okay, let me start by saying…Is it insanely stupid that I accidentally began to type “www.newmoonguy…” into my browser, when you already explained that the site would have the same name? Ha ha, because I totally did.
Okay, in response to something you wrote, I have the teeniest and tiniest of spoilers, which honestly isn’t much of a spoiler because I’m pretty sure it’s impossible not to have heard at this point, but in case you don’t want to see it, feel free to skip this next part haha…
“…and had a deep urge to want to comfort her…” My friend, meet Jacob Black.
haha
“Sometimes, we do not listen to our rational sides; or more commonly, do not want to listen to our rational sides.” Okay, I know you’re just on Chapter Four, but this is /such/ a perfect description of New Moon.
As always, awesome analysis, and best of luck getting through the sad parts!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 am
aww kaleb…i know, it’s so hard when edward leaves :/ and it’s nice to know that it’s not just us girls who were bothered by him leaving, that a guy can feel some sympathy too.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
ps. maureen johnson ftw!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 am
I can’t find anything to say to tease you, either. I know exactly how you feel. It’s insane how close we’ve all become to our favorite couple, isn’t it? When the relationship that gave us all hope ended, it was like a million hearts breaking at once. It was a horrid feeling to go through that chapter because I know how that feels. To have the other half of your soul ripped out of your chest…. It hurts.
When you flip through those months, you begin to wonder about what truely happened. Did someone die? Did they become a completely different person? This is my absolute favorite book of the entire series because of the feeling that it introduces to the readers. Stephenie Meyer admitted to crying while she wrote it. She didn’t want Edward to go, but he wanted to. He had to for his love’s safety.
This is the most painful chapters of the entire series, and yet, it’s in my top five of favorites simply because of the raw emotion. The way you tore the chapter apart and analyzed each piece was brilliant. It’s the one chapter all of us Twilighters have been dreading for you, but now that you’ve read it, I really do believe that you’ve seen why we love this book. It isn’t just words to the fans. Bella and Edward are real, and we love them. Oh, by the way, please don’t doubt your sanity. That makes me feel like a total nut-case. lol
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 am
this chapter had to be the hardest thing i have gone through in my entire life. (no joke) stephenie writes it so well, that its like i’m living it. after i read it and started looking at the pages with the months on them, i had to put down the book, grab twilight, sit in my closet, and cry. i just sat there bawling with twilight tucked up against me for a couple of hours. i swear, i became so attached to these characters that it hurt so much to see my beloved edward go away. i couldn’t function. after a while, i started to think “gal! this is just a book! who freakin gives a crap what happens?! its not real!” but you are right, when you get so attached, you tend to forget about your rational side.
i almost didn’t read the rest of new moon, but my friends encouraged me, and so i did. i’ll tell you this, sometimes things have to get terribly bad just to get good again.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 am
It’s interesting how attached we become to these fictional characters. We care about them, so when something so devastating happens, it’s real. I was sooo upset when I read this the first time. And I still get upset. This chapter definitely sets a new mood for the whole story.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
I didn’t want to like Twilight. I don’t like Rowling and I went into the Twilight series completely intending to judge it rationally. I was a little embarrassed at first how much the characters affected me, too, but New Moon really does make you connect with Bella and how broken she feels.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
I know exactly what you meant about becoming sullen after this chapter. I was depressed for a full three days before realizing it was because of New Moon. I didn’t want to keep reading, but I had to..You know what I mean.
We really don’t realize how attached we become to fictional characters.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 am
I know what you mean. I so cried when I read those words. I hated Stephenie for doing that to us– to them. Bella and Edward are so amazing together you can’t help but feel for them and all they go through.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 am
I know exactly what you mean! I was so sullen after this chapter, and I hated that I had become so attached to the book that it made me that sad.
I still don’t understand why these books make everyone so obsessive, and i fight it like mad, but its true. I am obsessed with twilight, thanks to the emotional turmoil these books put me through.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 am
Edward is gone
Best.
Part.
Ever.
Of the series, I mean.
Why does everbody like Edward??
I just don’t get it.
Does that make me less of a girl?
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 am
I remember after I told my mother that Twilight had a sequel, (she was so happy, but pissed that she started dreaming about vampires :D) that she came down the next morning after I gave her New Moon looking startled. That deer in the headlights look, ya know?
She said that those pages, where you turn and the months fly by … were so emotionally surprising and deep and … she couldn’t finish the sentence. I nodded understandingly and kept eating my cereal purusing through Twilight, which I had desperately missed in it’s 2 day absence.
For the record I would like to state that I, unlike half the world it seems, was never a Twihard from the start. Oh, I knew OF the books, seeing them on shelves, but just thought they were another teen romance and walked on to better books, or so I though. I only discovered the series this past February after reading about the movie online. (I’m a fan of Kristin Stewart) I read the first book and then the other two over the course of 3 days. I literally locked myself in my room and read one entire weekend.
Going back to New Moon … I, however, was not told what to expect from the second book because my friend who lent them to me did not really LOVE the books, she just liked them. (How sad) So I had no warning about the fact that Edward leaves. I am proud to admit, I did NOT skip the pages where he’s gone. I got teary eyed, and plowed on through, hoping to see him again. Along the way, however, I found myself falling … again. I happily consider New Moon to be my favorite because it introduces a whole new set of characters to love and forces Bella to grow and realize just how MUCH she loves Edward. Oh, you read about it and as the reader you can feel it, but it’s only when the love is not THERE, beside you, do you, I think, realize how much you care about them.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:05 am
I kept waiting for you to reach THIS chapter. Saddest chapter in the entire series so far. I cried. My friends cried. Basically anyone who was not a boy CRIED.
It’s funny, actually, because when my best friend was reading it, she called me on the phone when she as in the middle of chapter two.
“Have you cried yet?!” I asked.
And she scoffed. “No. Why would I cry?”
Later, I left my phone at home, and she called it back. She was crying, and calling me to tell me this.
I still laugh at her for that. =]
But anyways, I won’t tell you anything about the book. Just all through that book, I was wondering…
Will he come back?????
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 am
You felt the exact same thing that most of us did. Becuse Edward really was a huge part of Bella. When i read this chapter i cry like you have no idea, and i felt like my world was crashing so badly, exactly as what was happening to Bells. I have become so attached to the book that Bella’s depression also had an affect on me.
P.S. I woke up from a really nice dream just to come to my computer and comment!! You have a power Kaleb!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 am
Aww…. what did we tell you? I’d like to say… something… but I can’t give anything away. I know how you feel, though. (We all do.) And each time I read it, it’s the same. Really. Being sentimental (and a girl) I’m always positively bawling (it’s a bit embarassing, really) and your analyzations intrigue me- I’d never thought of it that way, but now that I do, I realize you’re right. Bella and Edward are an entity of their own. (And that’s why we’re so obsessed with these books, even though the ‘nonbelievers’ are screaming “IT’S JUST A BOOK!” Pshh. They probably told people the end of Harry Potter, too.)
I hope you read New Moon quickly, but, a word to the wise, first-time readers: take your time too. (I know, I’m contradicting myself) Just don’t skip over parts, read them and learn about the *ahem* new characters. Kay, this has gone on long enough.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:12 am
PS. Do you realize how devoted we are? you’ve gotten 50 comments in what, two hours? And a lot of us stayed up late- it’s 2:12 AM here- just to… comment, I guess? Anyway…
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 am
Even reading this several times later and as a quote in your blog, it stills take the breath out of me and makes me want to beg Edward to stay. And don’t worry about not having any jokes. It would feel sort of wrong for you to do so in such a tragic chapter.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
And I cry every time i read it…Now, when I read New Moon, I cry many pages before because I know what’s coming.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 am
Wow it was so emoitional for me I cried and cried and cried. I never threw my book at the wall, I just kept reading and crying and reading and crying. And I never skiped to the end of the book to see if edward came back I just felt bellas pain throughout the story.:( just keep on reading
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
I really hate this chapter when I read it the first time because… because… Arhg! When I read this chapter I really hate Edward and… I can’t hate Edward either because I know why he did that and that was so frustrating!
Anyways, I’m a girl and I don’t cry (well my friends says to me that I’m not a normal girl because I don’t cry when Bambi’s mother die or Simbas’s father die either XD), I really want to, but the rage was higher.
New Moon is not my favorite book, I love the beggining and God know how much I love the end, but I don’t know… the middle part is not my favorite and I think that’s because something you say: I really see Edward & Bella as a one, not only Bella or only Edward, maybe that’s the reason that was so hard to me read this book.
Great blog!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
my godness, i’ve been waiting/dreading for you to get this chapter. Dreading because i figured you’d be, as you said, “sullen” and i feel a bit bad for that. I remember as i first read it, a sinlge tear rolled down my cheek and i was shocked because i hardly ever cry. I thought “It’s only a book!” But then as you also said : “Sometimes, we do not listen to our rational sides; or more commonly, do not want to listen to our rational sides.” Anyway, i hope your “down” mood lifts as you read on
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:19 am
Honestly, We Cried, HARD After This Was Said
Edward: “I don’t want you to come with me”
Bella:”you dont want me?”
Edward:”no”
One word put us in TEARS!
It was horrible, we were sitting in the middle of math class:(
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 am
I love you, and I LOVE that you freaking GET IT!! *sigh* You read past the facade and saw Edward for Edward, and saw his behavior for what it really is. It’s about his love for her, which is the kind of love in which the other person is truly all that matters to you. I think, since you seem to get the whole point, unlike some people, who just skimmed the top layer of this book, you’ll like NM. I reread the beginning and end all the time.
NM made me love Edward and Bella even more than Twilight did.
Thank you for existing. Muah!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
Yes we are devoted, I have stayed up to read this since 11:30. We have all been waiting so anxiously for it. I’m so glad that you finally read this chapter, and the way you regard Bella and Edward as one makes so much sense to us all. It is as if we all have felt this way but we need you to spell it out for us, so we can feel it all over again. I must admit I got teary eyed as I read your post and some of the comments made as well. I too felt gloom for days after reading this chapter, but fear not my friend this had to happen so we can meet other characters that are substantial to the story.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 am
I know how you feel. When I read Chapter 3 and Edward left i was so mad that i threw the book and my sister yelled at me for doing so lol. But hey it gets better.. towards the end
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 am
I was at school when I read this chapter. I threw my book at the board at the front of the class. then I started to cry. Hard. I made my mom come pick me up. the entire time that bella was depressed so was I. the empty pages that were months went through me like a knife. i was crying do hard. everyone was asking “who died?” i just ended up crying even more…..
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 am
I will be perfectly honest in saying that I absolutely bawled when Edward left. B-A-W-L-E-D. I’m not the type who ever ever cries during any sad scene in any book or movie, no matter how sad it makes me feel, and how much I sympathized with the characters. I’m generally not a very outwardly emotional person like that. But New Moon really did me in. It wasn’t until the third time I read New Moon that I didn’t cry. Now, though, I just cheerfully skip past that part.
It took a lot to just read New Moon, and I skipped ahead, to keep myself reading.
ANYWAY. I would say, that upon your first reading of New Moon, you will most likely not appreciate it -if you’re like me. Maybe because of the stand point that you’re reading this in, you’ll have a more reasonable perception of it.
The fourth chapter is also pretty discouraging by way of Bella’s emotional status and all things happy in the Twilight world.
Just wait and see. It should start looking up. Marginally, at least
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
OMGosh! I think i just fell in love with you. You are like the coolest guy ever! I felt the same way as did every other girl about chapter three, i love that your a guy and can admit it affected you. Most act all macho and scoff at our twilight ramblings!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:35 am
Reading this chapter, even just thinking about it now, causes an emptiness to open inside of me. It’s so painful, that I can’t even feel the pain, instead I am consumed by an ache and a hollowness. So amazing the power of words on a page.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 am
I’ve been looking forward to reading your reaction all day!
I read New Moon for the first time this past May and I was utterly anxious all through then end of chapter 2 and when chapter 3 continued to show a distant Edward I had a dreadful feeling for what was about to happen.
When Edward left Bella I fell into the depths of despair for rest of the afternoon. I tend to get too involved with the characters of the books I read. This scene in particular forced me to relieve a painful break up I went through in high school. I could feel Bella’s pain and flipping through the months brought back a flood of memories from that void of a summer where it was a struggle to get out of bed and function.
I have to agree with what you said about when Edward leaves we loose 1/2 of the main character. It’s true - they are a package deal.
While New Moon is third in line I do have a serious appreciation for the book, which grew stronger during the second read. Of course, I still have trouble reading chapter 3 –it remains painful.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 am
Kaleb,
Just reading your post made me cry again. I’ve read Twilight and Eclipse countless times but, whenever I try to read New Moon I get stuck here. In fact, I’ve been stuck at chapter 3 for a couple of weeks now, knowing I’ll be a basket case for days because it rips me apart every time. For me it has meaning that goes well beyond Bella and Edward. This is only about the fourth time I’ve tried to get all the way through it.
You describe the sadness and the reasons for it eloquently and I’m glad you didn’t try to make something funny out of it. I think this chapter is one of the reasons we become so attached to the whole story. The raw emotion touches the hidden places of our soul and reminds us of our own losses or fears, either way the pain and sadness are real.
I think this is also where Stephenie shows her true genius. Having been a voracious reader all my life, I’ve been touched by other writers but never as deeply as I have by Stephenie’s writing.
Hopefully, some of that made sense… I need sleep, now…
Keep up the good work, Kaleb!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:41 am
And yet people say that this book is unoriginal and a piece of crap… how many books have you ever heard of that have made young men attached and upset about a couple breaking up in a sappy vampire teen romance novel!???? I’ve heard of none…the only thing that has gotten my boyfriend upset in regards to a book is that he has to read it.
Well done! As many others have I cried like a little OINK! when I read this WHOLE book :[
I became so distraught over every little thing after Edward told her he was leaving and that he doesn't love her anymore.
Also, I think it is incredibly hard to understand where Bella is coming from if you have never been in love with someone as truly as she is in love with Edward. I can honestly say that I have found that love in my life and to put myself in her shoes was excruciating. Thanks for the brilliant reviews, and no biggie about the lack of hilarity. It would have only stood out awkwardly because there really isn't anything funny about this chapter at all unless you are a heartless twilight-hating sad sack of a person. :]
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
everytime i read this book i get an odd feeling in the very pit of my stomach. I just can’t explain it, it’s the weirdest thing. Even just reading your review on it brings the feeling on. its almost like im going to be sick kinda thing but not to those extremes. I tear up when i read this book so many times, and my mom keeps telling me its just a book and i know that but i just don’t know what it is. its like when edward leaves there’s really no more point to the story anymore. its about a girl falling in love with a vampire. take out the vamp and all you have is a very depressed girl and that kind of depresses you knowing that someone is hurting (even though they don’t exist) i still have the need/want to go over and give her a hug and tell her it will all work out somehow! it’s totally irrational and probably very unhealthy to be so attatched to a couple of fictional characters, but it’s kind of late for that now. These books should come with a warning lable or something hahaha. anyway i guess thats all i have to go re-read the end of new moon to make this feeling go away hahaha. XD
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 am
Also, the empty pages with the titles of the empty months literally made me jump. My hands shook and I loved your description…I have goosebumps right now just thinking of it…
it’s just incredibly brilliant and heartbreaking to go through…sorry to be such a sap, but darn!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:47 am
Normally I tell my friends the absolute worst parts of the book, just because it’s kind of funny. I promise I won’t do that to you, buddy. Have faith, and good luck.
I didn’t cry. I was in shock I didn’t really react much; numb, I guess. I couldn’t quite believe it. Then I saw the months passing by and it all went downhill. Oh, the pains. (Now I do end up crying, though.)
I, for some reason, really want to know what your take on Jake will be… Will you be Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Switzerland? Hmm….
And at some point in my Twilight-Obsessed life I have read that New Moon is best read twice. This is because the first time, you read anxiously; you’re constantly wanting to get to the page where Edward miraculosly returns. You manage to bypass some things blindly… The second time you know that everything will be okay in the end.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:52 am
Aren’t words amazing? How they
can invoke such strong emotions?
Just think, some paper and ink made you feel this way.
It was the same for me, after having read this chapter I pretty much went into a temporary depression. It felt like it was ME who was Bella, and that the love of my life was leaving ME.
The moment i said it by imogen heap is a really good song for this chapter. download and listen!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 am
wow kaleb.
your post seriously made me cry.
everytime i read new moon i lose it multiple times. i dread getting to that chapter and then i force myself to go on.
i can’t even read it at school cause i cry and cry and cry and ive read it 20+ times.
you truly know the connection of the characters and the way you wrote this post was beautiful.
and i promise it gets better
can’t wait to see what you say next.
your amazing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
By the way, if you think THIS is sad. Wait til you read The Host (the end part)
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
You said everything perfect, especially the part about how Edward and Bella are so close that they are basically one person, and then that you felt like half of the main character was missing. This chapter was SO depressing!!! I love how you already in chapter four…YEAH…and then how you said you couldn’t think of anything funny to say about this chapter=[
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
This was quite heartwrenching.
And now I can’t wait for you to turn the page and meet new characters!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:13 am
when i was reading the beginning of chapter 3, i skimmed ahead to see how long the chapter was. i saw the pages that read, “october”, “november”, “december”, and “january” and i turned to look at my younger sister (who had read the series months before i had) and she told me, “so… edward left already, huh?”. all i could think of was, “wow. that was the worst spoiler in the history of the world.” lol. anyways… i’m glad to see that you’re really getting attatched to these great characters whom we all have secretly obsessed over. hehe =D
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 am
okay so first off i just want to say. WOW i can’t believe that just reading your post made me like start crying again. Y_Y
But yes this was a very sad chapter and all i can say is KEEP READING. And most importantly pay attention!!! Because i know (from personal experience) you really miss a lot of the actually story trying to get back to Edward. Ugh!! It’s so sad, i hate to think about it. T_T
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:24 am
man kaleb, when you write a post that like that, i just wanna like scream and yell ans shake you really hard and FORCE you to just read the whole frigging book and then write your posts…honestly my irrational side is telling me to tell you wat happens…but its taking all my willpower not to!!! i cant wait till tommorow!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 am
I don’t like thinking about this chapter because you’re right. We read these books to read about Edward and Bella. I know I do. So when I read this chapter for the first time, I just kept repeating the words “he’s gone” in my head for a couple of minutes, until it finally sunk in. I didn’t throw the book because it was my friend’s (and I don’t want to eternally scar it) and I didn’t cry, but I know some of my friends did.
The only thing that kept me from stopping reading was the fact that I thought that Edward really didn’t mean what he said and would come back. Because I certainly knew that Stephenie Meyer would be smart enough to know that if Eclipse did not have any sign of Edward in it, then people would probably not read it at all. Because everyone really does read these books to hear the story of Edward AND Bella. Which is why everyone is anticipating Breaking Dawn to hear the end of Edward and Bella’s story.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:45 am
It’s good you didn’t stop at the end of this chapter. I think you lose the effect if you read the end of 3 and the beginning of 4 separately. Actually, that’s the most powerful part of any of the twilight saga.
All through Twilight and even the beginning of New Moon you’re with Bella nearly every minute of every day. Then all of the sudden you have something like 5 months of nothing. And the first page of chapter four — the one paragraph — is maybe the most heart-shatteringly honest thing I’ve read in a long time. I don’t think I was really a twilight fan until this part.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:50 am
oh man, some of your reviewers are totally dropping spoilers! Don’t read them! It’s like chemistry — you won’t get the right effect if certain things come in in the wrong order.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 am
This was the hardest chapter for me. Seriously, I was bawling. I’m very enlightened by your take on it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:59 am
Wow, Kaleb.
I think this one and only post where you are actually serious about these characters and even to empathise with them. I bet this chapter has made you opened up your mind of why we loved the book so much.
Anyway, just keep on reading and they stay too sullen, there’s will be someone to comfort you/Bella. You’ll just have to read and see…
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:59 am
geez.. i was going to cry just reading your blog entry! shows that i’m such a baby.. haha
sadly, after reading that, i’m waiting for chapter 4
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:06 am
This chapter made me cry..
it was so weird..
like i was literally HEARTBROKEN!
and seeing those months afterwards made me feel so much worse!
lol
i cant believe a fictional character broke my heart!
hahaha
i felt like such an idiot.
xx
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:16 am
“Somehow, right after Edward left, I really did start to care even deeper about what happened to Bella, and had a deep urge to want to comfort her; while the rational side of me roared in my ear: It’s only a blasted book!”
- This is a testament to Stephenie Meyer’s talent in suspending reality by telling her stories. That’s why her characters are so well-loved. While a lot of people may argue that Bella is so melodramatic, only a few can say that she isn’t real.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
The first thing that comes in mind about this post was, that I was deeply impressed and surprised a bit. But then again, I saw it coming.
This chapter completley caught me off guard, and had me rereading the words to make sure I read them right.
I was sad. I was mad. I was worried.
And when the months came, I had my mouth hanging open at only the first month, but then the OTHER months came in, I couldn’t breathe.
I totally didn’t stop their. And I could totally see why you didn’t too [:
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 am
That’s exactly how I felt!! I didn’t throw my book (well, technically my borrowed book at the time) at a wall or cry, but I did speed-read through an entire day of classes just to see what happens. I really did see Edward and Bella as a single entity, and it just seemed wrong to have one without the other.
It’s frustrates me how I’ve grown so attached to fictional characters. Even Harry Potter didn’t do this to me. Well, I guess it just goes to show you that there are some really great writers out there. . .
Okay, enough with my rambling. . .
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
Wow. That is all I can say. You just explained why I was so depressed reading New Moon. Face it, Bella and Edward are one whole character. You take one away, you’re missing half a person! I usually never read this chapter (or the whole book anymore) Because, honestly, it’s heart wrenching. I’m glad you understand Edward. It makes it easier to see him with his actions. I am always defending him from my friends (Jacob lovers) who don’t see how much he hurt. Just like Bella. I can’t wait until you get further into the book because honestly (after you have read the gut wrencher chapter) I am extremely curious on what team you’ll be on. Because you get Edward so well! Hmm maybe you can help me understand Jacob! (Not my favorite)
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
Wow. That was really long. *sigh* Writers curse I guess
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 am
So, I unlike every girl that posted a comment, Didn’t cry at that chapter. I was shocked that edward would be for some crazy reason gone for who knows how long!?!?! But then the rest of the book was like a race to get back to something with edward in it. I ended up rereading New Moon because I never really got into the middle part of the book. After re-reading I discovered this is my favorite book from the saga. I love ALL the characters in this book. Anyone who has read New Moon already knows who I’m talking about. Anyways I just thought I’d post my thoughts. I really do love the way stephenie Meyer really makes you feel what Bella is feeling. She’s a magical writer in that her words really come to life in our minds.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:09 am
Kaleb- I am crying as I enter this post. I am on my 13th re-vamp of the saga and an half way through NM, you’d think by now I would be over it. NOT, my hands were shaking and sobs took over my breathing before I opened the cover.
This story is so real, as you now are beginning to understand, that EDWRAD and BELLA are like family or even sometimes like ourselves. They become part of us. Either we re-live the pain due to our own past experiences or we feel a new pain, something unfamiliar that we don’t know how to deal with.
So now maybe you see why the TWILIGHT fandom is as intense as they are. STEPH- has a way with her characters, they are real. In each of our minds, hearts and souls, they are REAL.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:24 am
I remember after finishing this chapter, I was heartbroken. Kind of silly to be over two fictional characters, but I couldn’t help it-it was so sad and tormenting! and since I didn’t have anything to do the day I finished that chapter, I just moped around the house all day and crawled into bed at night and curled up into a ball. I had to remind myself that this wasn’t my breakup.. it’s Bella and Edward’s. It’s so realistic, it’s a little frightening.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:27 am
I really appreciate the somber tone of this entry. I also appreciate you admitting that these characters have connected with you emotionally - even though you tried hard to resist! That is absolutely how I felt.
And do not despair! I don’t normally condone the people who comment talking about parts of the book you haven’t read yet, but it was a comfort to ME to receive this knowledge when I was where you are: It will get better. You just have to keep reading - but I didn’t have to tell you that!
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:31 am
You made me cry again.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 am
i have never cried so hard for a book chapter or until twilight. plus i was playing clair de lune when i was reading that chapter. So i cried harder. it was so beautifully written and it was so heart-breaking. the words will forever affect me
“it’s as if i never existed”
just the idea of edward not existing would cause billions of heart shattering sounds across the globe.
i cried for a good 2 hours for this chapter. And I cried yet again when i re-read it. I almost threw the book in anger. I felt so gloomy. I was even tempted to skip the book :))
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:10 am
I really love the “Months” passing by effect. Instead of saying “now it’s january” you can see them pass by whit a movie effect.
Lovely.
I almost cried when Edward said
“I don’t want you”
I read “Eclipse” before “New moon”,(Stupid library didn’t have new moon) so I knew he left, but not how he left.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:13 am
Hey Kaleb I think this is your best post so far. I won’t add anything, ’cause everything has been said.
Looking foward to your next post…
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:18 am
The saddest part is having to flip through the months it takes her to even slightly come back to life. After crying through most of the chapter each month was like another knife in my heart.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:35 am
And thus you have come to the point where I believe every Twilighter out there is suddenly hooked. Stephenie Meyer writes this chapter so well. When I read it, I felt lie i was torn apart and broken. I cant describe it, but you certainly did. You hit the nail on the head, as us Aussies would say. Its ridiculous to get so attached to 2 characters in a book, but thats the thing about this story, you do. And you dont even realise it happening. I cant wait to read your next post.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 am
Kaleb, I’ve read New Moon four times already and it doesn’t get any easier reading chapter 3. I dread it every time I read that book. I guess it shows what a wonderful writer Stephenie Meyer is. If she can bring out soooo much emotion in her characters and to make us feel this way, WOW!!!!! Those blank empty month pages were the worst
Enjoy chapter 4!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:38 am
Your post made me realize! Yes, i read the book for Bella AND Edward-together… This chapter is so sad and you realize how emotionally invested you are in the characters…
waaaahhhh!
I thought the page/months were VERY effective… i still cringe when i think of this chapter
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:38 am
you are a genius!!!!
you captuered the essence of this chapter. i felt the same way when Edward left!!! New Moon is of all the Saga the hardest to read…
I can’t wait for your thoughts on the next chapter!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:46 am
The dreaded chapter.
Im glad you made it through and are still reading, after this chapter I was so upset about it that I didnt pick the book up for a week.(Pathetic, i know)
But just keep reading. It gets better, I promise!
And in the end once your though with it you will come to realize just how important this chapter is.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
You get this these books!!! I keep saying it, but you do and you word everything so perfectly. This chapter was very sad. I was sad for both of them.
I was sad for Edward too. We know how much he loves Bella and how hard that must have been for him. We hurt even more for Bella, as we remember what it was like to have our hearts broken for the first time.
Kaleb, I think of Edward and Bella as one. I think we all do.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:59 am
You are so insightful. Your comment about half of the character being ripped away - please remember that when you read about how Bella copes. Your review of this chapter is amazing, and it doesn’t need anything funny, as there is no humor in this chapter.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 am
omg. i just reread new moon this weekend and that part still made me cry. and ive read it like 5 times too! its way sad…
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
Yup. It’s depressing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 am
Come on, Kaleb! Didn’t you cry?!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
It’s amazing how all of us have grown attached hasn’t it?
When i read chapter three, the magic words, “It’d be as if i never existed”, i felt so much pain that i couldn’t even listen to happy songs after i read it. hahahaha
I tried reading it again and i figured out that i just couldn’t. hahahaha. I still feel the pain.
I can’t wait till your next post.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
When I was reading the conversation Bella and Edward had right before he left, I was in denial. I don’t think I breathed that much, and as I read I just kept thinking “No, no, no, no!” Then I just sat there in stunned disbelief at the end of the chapter.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 am
When I got to this chapter my reaction was doubled of yours. I felt no need to read on, for what was the use if there was no E&B? Its what made me love Twilight so ferociously that I now check every fan site daily. In chapter 3 I felt like I was part of some cruel sick joke. That one of my friends who worked at Borders had it in for me and jacked the real book. All 39 pages now are tear stained.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
awww…
this post is sad.
it brought back how i felt when i was reading this chapter
i was really surprised when edward left bella, i never imagined that it could happen… but then it happened and it was really depressing. i just love how stephenie meyer considered all these complications, it’s so real.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
I completely agree that the story just doesn’t seem right unless Bella and Edward are together. My stomach went sour and I completely lost my appetite when Edward left Bella in this chapter, and I too was heartbroken while flipping empty pages of the next few months of Bella’s life without him.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 am
Isn’t it amazing how when you read the chapter you start to feel your chest getting heavier and heavier until it come to the end and all of the sudden you can not breathe? It stays there. For me many chapters went by before I could finally start to breath right…Even while I read your thoughts I could feel the pressure. I feel so bad for you I don’t know if I would ever want to read that chapter for the 1st time ever again.