OK, I'm replying to both deka9 and TheBigG.  For TheBigG--though I personally am somewhat of a Twilight fan, I do agree that it shouldn't have been the crazy hit it was--and I also enjoy it when a female can think and do things for herself.  The novel I'm writing right now has a woman who is very capable of protecting herself, and I'm thinking of writing a sequel from another character, a girl's, perspective, and she is the one who saves the day:)

For deka9--personally, while you do make a good point there, I'm completely Team Edward(sorry).  I know that the way you said it is the way they're described, but Jacob acts like such a jerk at the end of New Moon, all of Eclipse, and the beginning of Breaking Dawn, that I simply can't be Team Jacob.  Although I have to admit that his view in Breaking Dawn is refreshing--the chapters aren't, like, first sight, or death, or whatever--it's like, you know things are bad when you feel guilty for hurting a vampire's feelings or something like that.  He's not so serious:)Still, have to admit my allegiance is to Team Edward.

Both of you, could you possibly check out and comment on my work, especially my novel?  I'd really appreciate it.

I agree.  I hate stories where the woman is weak and helpless, and can't defend herself.  Twilight was well-written, I suppose, but the plot and the characters are somewhat ridiculous.  In the novel I'm writing, my female main character is far from helpless--she has a very strong magical power, and while there is a "man" that helps protect her, they fight together.  I think this was excellently written and you made a good point.

Btw, anyone who sees this, will you check out and comment on my work?

I agree with some of the things you say. But I should point out that when Edward left Bella, he was also depressed and when he thought she had 'died' then he was also about to kill himself. I guess that shows that men cannot live without women ;)

Also, Bella left her Mom in Phil's capable hands NOT because she is a woman, but because she is incapable of taking care of herself. That was clearly written. 

Edward always saves Bella because she IS a magnet for danger and because, lets face it, she needs someone to save her. 

However, I do agree that Bella went a little overboard with the whole depression thing, but it can be said to be so because Edward knew she still loved him, but she thought he didn't love her, that's why life seemed useless. If it had been the other way around then I'm sure Edward would have suicidal. 

But, I do agree that many girls are now looking for their Edward Cullen. Let's face it, everyone believes that they are the princess and their prince will come for them one day. That's basically what Twilight is, with a few twists and turns. 

Nice job on the article though!

I somewhat agree with the fact that Bella is always in need of distress...but I don't think the books are saying that women are inferior to men. Personally, I think Bella is an idiot...I mean she really does go to extremes on a lot of things, but sexist? The whole idea of that sounds pretty crazy to me. What about all of the other female characters in the book? I think someone mentioned Alice, but also Leah and her whole fight with the werewolf pack. Isn't that kind of the opposite of your view? How women can do what men can too? Anyways, I respect your view I just think its going a little far.

Personally for me, I don't like the books persay, but I like how they make you imagine a different view. They make you think.