Vicky Davis of Lafayette is an avid fan of the "Twilight" saga books and movies.
"I love the story," said 53-year-old Davis. "I just fell in love with it."
Instead of assuming the nickname Twi-hard like most fans, the grandmother calls herself a Twi-nanna, has hearthrob Robert Pattinson as her computer wallpaper and watches the movie "Twilight" almost daily while she exercises. She even has tickets to see the midnight premiere of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which opens Friday.
"You know it's really weird to be my age and be obsessed with something," she said.
Although the books and movies are aimed at a young adult audience, the appeal of the "Twilight" saga spans generations, especially among women. The attraction is simple -- romance and danger. Local fans are drawn to the chemistry and unshakable devotion that the main characters Edward Cullen and Bella Swan have toward one another. They are also intrigued by Bella's human struggle of falling in love with a potentially dangerous vampire.
Janet Alsup, associate professor of English education at Purdue University, said the books and movies are appealing because they touch on universal human struggles such as romance and the clash between good and evil.
She said the books and movies also offer the audience and reader the ability to live vicariously.
Purdue sophomore Samantha Gephart found Edward and Bella's relationship worth living out in reality.
"Every girl wants an Edward to treat her like that," the 19-year-old said.
Her sister, Molly Gephart, also enjoyed the romance.
"I love Edward's dedication to Bella," the 16-year-old said.
The Gephart sisters are psyched to see the "New Moon" movie and bought their tickets in September -- two months before the movie opening date.
Davis' daughter and granddaughter are also "Twilight" fans.
"The storyline is just so captivating and it's just been so long since I felt like that," said Davis' 30-year-old daughter Tarrah Cooley.
Davis' granddaughter and Cooley's 12-year-old daughter Payton Cordell-York found the movie, "Twilight" appealing for much simpler reasons.
"It's about a vampire and a human," she said. "It's a love story and the guys are hot."
However, Davis has a deeper connection to the "Twilight" saga. She finds the intense attraction between Edward and Bella quite compelling and the desire for that type of love universal.
"I think every person just wants to be loved and accepted for who and what they are without all of life's other complications getting in the way," Davis wrote in an e-mail.
for more http://www.jconline.com/article/20091115/LIFE/911150319
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