Source: Karin Westman, 785-532-2171, westmank@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/english/westmank
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
UPCOMING RELEASE IN BEST-SELLING 'TWILIGHT' SERIES SUBJECT OF JULY 31 DISCUSSION AT K-STATE
MANHATTAN -- Fans awaiting the Aug. 2 release of the next book in the popular "Twilight" series of teen vampire novels can channel their anticipation during a an upcoming discussion led by faculty and students of Kansas State University's English department.
"Breaking Dawn" is the fourth book by Stephenie Meyer to track the romance between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a "vegetarian vampire" who hunts wildlife rather than people. Meyer's first book, "Twilight," spent a year on The New York Times bestseller list. The third in the series, "Eclipse," knocked J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter from the top spot on many lists.
The discussion, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Room 212 of the K-State Student Union, has been organized by the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, a group of K-State English students, and faculty members. It will cover such topics as choice and destiny, selfishness and self-sacrifice, literary references to Jane Austen and the Brontes, and, of course, love.
"I'm very excited to hear what Meyer's fans have to say in anticipation of the final novel's release," said Rachel Parkin, co-president of the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community. Parkin, Olathe, is a graduate student in children's literature. "Avid fans of a book or series so often have valuable insights and theories."
Karin Westman, head of K-State's English department and faculty adviser to the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, agrees.
"'Twilight' fans, like Harry Potter fans, bring energy and passion to discussions of the series, as online forums demonstrate," Westman said. "We look forward to welcoming all Twilighters, from 'Twilight' moms to 'Twilight' guys, for an engaging conversation in advance of 'Breaking Dawn.'"
The event is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact chalc@k-state.edu or English@k-state.edu