Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight - by Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Why does the Twilight saga--Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books, movies, and unforgettable characters--continue to inspire both passionate fandom and heated critique? In Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight, Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher unpacks the cultural obsession with Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and the supernatural love story that redefined YA literature and pop culture forever.

#1 Best Seller in Gothic & Romantic Literary Criticism

#1 New Release in Popular Culture in Social Sciences

Explore the Phenomenon That Sparked a Generation. Delve into the world of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series--the books, movies, and cultural whirlwind that have captivated and divided fans for over a decade. Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight examines the global sensation through a fresh, thought-provoking lens, exploring why it continues to ignite adoration and debate alike.

From Edward and Bella to Taylor Lautner's Werewolf Charm. This book dives deep into the Twilight Saga book set, from New Moon to Breaking Dawn Part 2, unpacking the stories, characters, and themes that have kept Twilight in the spotlight. Whether you're fascinated by Bella Swan's journey, mesmerized by Edward Cullen's allure, or just curious about the frenzy behind the movies, Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher offers insights for every kind of reader.

Inside, you'll find:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Twilight movies and their role in shaping modern YA adaptations.


• An exploration of the series' themes of love, identity, and power, and how they resonate with readers across generations.


• A discussion of the controversies surrounding Twilight, from its depiction of relationships to its influence on pop culture.


• Insights into the impact of the Twilight fandom, including fanfiction, conventions, and the rise of "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob."


• An analysis of how Twilight paved the way for other supernatural romance phenomena in books and film.

If you liked Midnight Sun, Life and Death, or Why We Love Middle-Earth, you'll love Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight.

Review Quotes

"Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight is an insightful, delightful reflection on Stephenie Meyer's romantic fantasy saga. Part beginner's guide, part fan confessional, this clever book looks back with adult hindsight on a series often dismissed as just for teenagers and finds a great deal there that still enchants, while also candidly calling out aspects of the story that haven't aged so well. Whether you're Team Edward or Team Jacob, or even if you've never seen a vampire sparkle before, Gallagher offers a valuable lesson to fans of all fantasy worlds, showing us that accepting the flaws in our favorite books doesn't have to lessen our love for them, and that celebrating our favorite authors doesn't have to mean venerating them."

--Shawn E. Marchese, co-author of Why We Love Middle-Earth

"Despite having never read Twilight or watched any of the movies, I could not have asked for a more thorough, humorous, or objective introduction than what Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher presents in Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight. Gallagher's claim that this book is for all audiences (lovers, haters, and everyone in between) holds true because the passion in her writing and the loving depiction of the Twilight fandom has made me eager to engage with the source material! If it could draw in this Twilight newbie, I can only fathom what this book will mean to long-time fans."

--Alan Sisto, co-author of Why We Love Middle-Earth and host of The Prancing Pony Podcast

"There is no person on this planet I would trust more to educate me on the world of Twilight than Sarah. Her addictive, colloquial voice, which makes her videos loved by so many, is used beautifully here to display not only the power of her knowledge of the Twilight world but the nuances that come from critiquing it. We are lucky enough to be treated to an extremely educated unpacking of the characters and the world that Stephenie Meyer created at the same time as being privy to a thought-provoking conversation on the power of the idea of what it is to be a 'fangirl.' The success of cinema, publishing, and social media in the late 2000s and the early to mid-2010s is in large part due to these fangirls and Sarah perfectly illustrates that this power is not something to be disrespected or overlooked. This book goes beyond that of a fan expressing their love and instead creates a perfect memoir for the fantasy world that we all couldn't help but sink our teeth into."

--Ieuan Cooke, popular content creator (@ieucooke)

"All hail Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher, reigning queen of the Twilight fandom! In Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight, Gallagher offers an incisive, academic look at the Twilight phenomenon, its enduring fandom, and its cultural impact, examining everything from the early heyday of the fandom to the aesthetics of Twilight and why the saga continues to resonate with audiences. Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight is proof that to love something is to hate it--and critically engaging with Twilight as a work of art, rather than continuing the tradition of dismissing it as drivel for teenagers--is the greatest show of love there is."

--Vee Elle, viral Alice Cullen cosplayer (TikTok: @MaryAliceBrandon, Instagram: @mary.alice.brandon)

"This should be required reading for every Twilight fan. Sarah beautifully and humorously navigates you through not only the roller coaster that is being a Twilight fan, but through the wild ride that is to exist in a fandom at all. From in-depth character analysis to the joys and perils of forged community, to the countless frustrations and the heartbreak, Sarah laughs alongside you and holds your hand through it all."

--Tyler Gaca (a.k.a. Ghosthoney), author of Gentle Chaos: Poems, Tales, and Magic, viral content creator, and visual artist (TikTok: @Ghosthoney, Instagram: @TylerGaca)

"Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight is an insightful, delightful reflection on Stephenie Meyer's romantic fantasy saga. Part beginner's guide, part fan confessional, this clever book looks back with adult hindsight on a series often dismissed as just for teenagers and finds a great deal there that still enchants, while also candidly calling out aspects of the story that haven't aged so well. Whether you're Team Edward or Team Jacob, or even if you've never seen a vampire sparkle before, Gallagher offers a valuable lesson to fans of all fantasy worlds, showing us that accepting the flaws in our favorite books doesn't have to lessen our love for them, and that celebrating our favorite authors doesn't have to mean venerating them."

-Shawn E. Marchese, co-author of Why We Love Middle-Earth

"Despite having never read Twilight or watched any of the movies, I could not have asked for a more thorough, humorous, or objective introduction than what Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher presents in Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight. Gallagher's claim that this book is for all audiences (lovers, haters, and everyone in between) holds true because the passion in her writing and the loving depiction of the Twilight fandom has made me eager to engage with the source material! If it could draw in this Twilight newbie, I can only fathom what this book will mean to long-time fans."

--Alan Sisto, co-author of Why We Love Middle-Earth and host of The Prancing Pony Podcast

"There is no person on this planet I would trust more to educate me on the world of Twilight than Sarah. Her addictive, colloquial voice, which makes her videos loved by so many, is used beautifully here to display not only the power of her knowledge of the Twilight world but the nuances that come from critiquing it. We are lucky enough to be treated to an extremely educated unpacking of the characters and the world that Stephenie Meyer created at the same time as being privy to a thought-provoking conversation on the power of the idea of what it is to be a 'fangirl.' The success of cinema, publishing, and social media in the late 2000s and the early to mid-2010s is in large part due to these fangirls and Sarah perfectly illustrates that this power is not something to be disrespected or overlooked. This book goes beyond that of a fan expressing their love and instead creates a perfect memoir for the fantasy world that we all couldn't help but sink our teeth into."

--Ieuan Cooke, popular content creator (@ieucooke)

"All hail Sarah Elizabeth Gallagher, reigning queen of the Twilight fandom! In Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight, Gallagher offers an incisive, academic look at the Twilight phenomenon, its enduring fandom, and its cultural impact, examining everything from the early heyday of the fandom to the aesthetics of Twilight and why the saga continues to resonate with audiences. Why We Love (And Hate) Twilight is proof that to love something is to hate it--and critically engaging with Twilight as a work of art, rather than continuing the tradition of dismissing it as drivel for teenagers--is the greatest show of love there is."

--Vee Elle, viral Alice Cullen cosplayer (TikTok: @MaryAliceBrandon, Instagram: @mary.alice.brandon)

"This should be required reading for every Twilight fan. Sarah beautifully and humorously navigates you through not only the roller coaster that is being a Twilight fan, but through the wild ride that is to exist in a fandom at all. From in-depth character analysis to the joys and perils of forged community, to the countless frustrations and the heartbreak, Sarah laughs alongside you and holds your hand through it all."

--Tyler Gaca (a.k.a. Ghosthon