TWILIGHT: Published in the Gazette June 21, 2009

When the reality program “Survivor” is in season, it’s easy finding my family every Thursday night: we are sitting directly in front of our television. This fact usually surprises people acquainted with the Millers, because we otherwise watch very little television compared to most people and consciously avoid the kind of backstabbing immorality demonstrated regularly on “Survivor.” However, I think viewing “Survivor” with my children presents a great opportunity to casually discuss bad behavior and good choices. While I don’t constantly interrupt the program to lecture my children, I do talk to them during commercial breaks and immediately following the program about contestant behavior and actions. I recognize this parenting tool isn’t for everyone, but it’s working for us.

One of my reasons for recommending Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” is consistent with my approach to “Survivor.” Reading the book with a young person in your care provides a fabulous opportunity to discuss risky behavior. No, I’m not suggesting you tell your daughter to stay away from pale young men who never eat hamburger; I realize there’s no such thing as vampires. Probably. Rather, I’m suggesting talking with young “Twilight” readers (I’ve seen girls as young as 11-years-old hoisting around the book) about the negatives of driving over 100 miles per hour, allowing young men to sneak into bedrooms, and being drawn to people who are dangerous in general.

Of course, there’s another reason to read “Twilight.” It’s called sheer entertainment value. While “Twilight” is certainly not the best book ever written, it keeps most readers engaged. The story follows high schooler Isabella “Bella” Swan, who moves away from sunny Arizona to the overcast Olympic Peninsula. Once there, Bella quickly finds friends among her fellow students. But one student--hunky, mysterious Edward Cullen--seems thoroughly repulsed by Bella. Eventually, Edward’s initial reaction to Bella turns into something deeper and sweeter. You guessed it, the two fall in love. And when a human and vampire fall in love, there’s going to be issues.

If you think dealing with human/vampire issues isn’t interesting to most readers, think again. There are three subsequent books in the “Twilight” series, an existing movie and more to come. Book sales alone are around 50 million copies. If one of those copies belongs to a young person in your life, I recommend you read it, too. While the premise of “Twilight” might not appeal to you, don’t worry. The book won’t bite. Probably.