Junior human development major Amanda Kinser was supposed to be studying for a class on family relationships when she started reading the first book of the "Twilight" series. Kinser learned more about family relationships, just in a different way.
Her sister, mother and grandmother have read the books and have become enthralled with the international saga.
The "Twilight" series focuses on the relationship between vampire Edward Cullen and teenager Bella Swan. Edward is one of the "good vampires" who only drink animal blood, never imbibing the human variety.
"I never thought I would like a book about vampires," Kinser said. "I found out that I love vampires."
She is not alone. About 17 million copies of the books have been sold worldwide.
Kinser was perusing through Facebook bumper sticker's last spring, when she stumbled upon sticker that read, "Cedric Diggory died and came back as Edward Cullen." The sticker refers to actor Robert Pattison who portrayed Cedric in the Harry Potter films and is now taking on the role of the lead male character in the "Twilight" movie, Edward Cullen.
Kinser said Edward is one of the characters who made her love the series.
"You fall in love with Edward Cullen. You really do," she said.
Kinser said "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer writes Edward "with a lot of passion."
Besides the romance between Edward and Bella, Kinser said she likes the humor in the books -- which Kinser sees in Bella's sarcasm and one-liners -- as well as the depth of Meyer's characters.
Kinser said she thought the fourth book in the series, "Breaking Dawn," was bizarre at times and hard to get through.
While on their honeymoon, Bella becomes pregnant with a baby who is half human and half vampire.
"Oh my God, Stephenie Meyer, what are you thinking?" Kinser said of how she reacted when she reached that part in the novel.
The film "Twilight" opened today at midnight and while Kinser is anticipating the film, she said she realizes it will probably not be as good as the book.
Kinser said if the movie turns out to be not what she expected, "I'll be OK. I'll just re-read the books a few times and everything will be fine."
Freshman history major Hunter Davis was the first one to introduce the "Twilight" series to his family. His mother, sister and aunt have all read them.
Davis is a self-described "Twihard" or a die-hard fan of the fantasy novels.
He was looking at movie Web site imdb.com and found something about the "Twilight" film. After he saw that, he put the books on reserve at his local public library. After waiting five weeks for the novel, he read "Twilight" in two days.
"I was shocked at how good it was," Davis said. "Each chapter has its own climax -- a profound moment of suspense that always provides enjoyment."
While some of the novels' critics say that author Meyer's writing style is too simple, Davis likes Meyer's conversational approach.
"You feel like you're in the conversation itself," Davis said.
Meyer's style sometime hides things about the characters, and sometimes brings out unknown facts, he said.
Davis said he liked reading about Edward and Bella's relationship and appreciates the complexity of Edward's character.
"He has a lust for Bella's blood, but he loves her," Davis said.
For Davis, the relationships the characters have mirror real-life pairings.
"(The books) have proven to be a great influence in my life. They've proven to be very helpful," Davis said. "It tears in the soul."
Reading the "Twilight" books has made him want to expand his literary horizons. After reading the fantasy series, he re-read "Fahrenheit 451," and explored "The Grapes of Wrath" for the first time.
Davis said he has no real complaints about the books, but sometimes finds that physical relations aren't well explained. For example, the vampires are able to drive their cars at incredibly fast speeds without crashing.
Davis said he is excited to see the film and hopes it rivals the book in terms of quality.
He attended one of the midnight showings of the film at the Regal New River Valley Stadium 14 Christiansburg, wearing a "Twilight" T-shirt as opposed to an elaborate costume.
For sophomore accounting major Mandy Grivnovics, the "Twilight" series was introduced to her by her younger sister. Grivnovics gave into her sister's pleas and read the books.
Except for a little trouble getting through the first few chapters of the first book, she was hooked.
The element that kept her reading was "The amazing romance that I think any girl in the world would love to have in real life."
Grivnovics said Edward is "the perfect male specimen."
While she said she enjoys the complexity of Bella and Edward's relationship, their bond is too simple and easy at times.
Grivnovics said she didn't like how Meyer switched points of view in the fourth book, from Bella's to another character's at a pivotal moment in Bella's story.
"There are so many stories about vampires," she said. "This is a more humanistic approach. They can go out in the sunlight and they don't sleep in coffins."
Grivnovics attended the midnight premiere in Christiansburg last night.
However, she had a different actor in mind to play Edward because "his hair is too big," Grivnovics said. "It's ridiculous."
She also said that because Edward isn't human and is described by Meyer as perfect, it's difficult to find someone like that.
Grivnovics said she has never been to Washington, where the majority of the story is set, and is looking forward to the film's scenic takes.
"I'm sure they'll be many people that hate it and people that love it," Grivnovics said of the film. "At least give it a shot."