Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Ah, Twilight. I was hoping to be carried away with the romance and forbidden love of Bella and Edward, but unfortunately I was left a little cold.

For those not familiar with this series, Twilight tells the story of Bella, an awkward teenager who leaves sunny Phoenix to live with her father in the perpetually overcast town of Forks, Washington. Bella is an instant hit when she begins school in Forks and is pursued by several of the school's most eligible boys, much to her surprise. Bella is not particularly interested in any of the regular boys and soon becomes smitten by the mysterious Edward, who we soon find out just happens to be a vampire. The attraction is shared by Edward, who finds the scent of Bella's blood strangely compelling. I enjoyed the storyline of Twilight and the cast of characters kept me reading but I couldn't enjoy the book as much as I wanted to.

The problem I encountered was that I really didn't empathise with the character of Bella. I just couldn't find much that I liked about her, and to be honest, found her a little whiny. (Phew - no instant lynch mob!) I realise that a lot of people really like Bella, but I just couldn't warm to her. If you disagree with me, there will be an opportunity to discuss Twilight at the Dubbo Branch Library during the summer holidays and you may be able to convince me otherwise!

'Jinx' by Meg Cabot

Jean Honeychurch hates her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just . . . Jean)but she loathes her too-appropriate nickname - Jinx - even more. Misfortune seems to follow her everywhere she goes—which is why she's thrilled to be moving in with her aunt and uncle in New York City. Maybe when she's halfway across the country, Jinx can finally outrun her bad luck. Or at least escape the havoc she's caused back in her small hometown.
But trouble has definitely followed Jinx to New York. And it's causing big problems for her cousin Tory, who is not happy to have the family black sheep around. Beautiful, glamorous Tory is hiding a dangerous secret—one that she's sure Jinx is going to reveal.
Jinx is beginning to realize it isn't just bad luck she's been running from. It's something far more sinister . . . and the curse Jinx has lived under since the day she was born might just be the only thing that can save her life.

I enjoyed Jinx, it was a good fairly light read and had a satisfactory ending. Loving the supernatural themes at the mo'...