LAYTON--When Linda Thomas first heard about the "Twilight" books from friends and family members, she had no idea the series would bring her already tightknit family even closer.
As soon as Thomas began reading "Twilight," she was hooked. She read the three books, all that was available at the time, finishing them within a week.
She soon found herself caught up in the "Twilight" fervor; joining storyline and character discussions with her four sisters, four daughters and 12 granddaughters.
"It's wonderful to have something we can all do together. They all love 'Twilight' as much as I do," Thomas said.
She's read and reread the books more than 10 times and enjoyed 75 viewings of the first movie in the theater.
When "New Moon," the movie based on the second book by Stephenie Meyer, premieres this week, 42 of the audience members will be from Thomas' family. She's had the tickets since last December.
Thomas's daughter, Nicole Turek, said she's enjoyed watching "Twilight's" popularity blossom.
"Since we were hooked from the very beginning, we've had to wait for each book to come out. We've watched it explode into a big sensation. People can latch onto this and talk about it. It's great because every person can relate to the characters. The vampires aren't evil or scary. They're accessible to an audience because of their challenges with relationships," she said.
The teen fans
Turek's five daughters include two sets of twins -- one pair is 16, the other is 15 -- and a 13-year-old.
Madison Randquist, 16, said "Twilight" is special because it's rare to find something multiple generations can enjoy.
"I like how 'Twilight' brought all of us together. It doesn't just relate to a certain age group. Bella (the main character) has so many relationships that appeal to everyone; her relationship with her father is awkward and her relationships with her friends are complex. This is more than a vampire's human love story, it's a life story, a family story and a friendship story," Randquist said.
Abby Randquist, 15, said the series first attracted her because it included so many novel ideas.
"They're not typical vampires who sleep in coffins and avoid the sun. The characters in 'Twilight' are new and different," she said.
An escape
Turek's husband, Glenn, attended the first movie with the family.
"While nothing beats 'The Lost Boys' when it comes to vampire movies, I did enjoy 'Twilight.' I hadn't read the books, so I had far fewer expectations than anyone else. They oohed and ahhed over the differences, comparing the movie to the book, but overall, I thought it was pretty good," he said.
Thomas' sister, Lorraine Roundy, is another of the family's many "Twilight" devotees. Her daughter-in-law and two granddaughters are also big fans.
Roundy and Thomas' mother passed away last August. Prior to her death, and since, reading and watching "Twilight" has provided a short respite from the sadness associated with the loss of a loved one.
"The movie's images and the score are hauntingly beautiful. The stories just suck you right in. We went so often that we got to know people, employees and other fans, at the theater. One lady's son had just died and she went to 'Twilight' as an escape from sadness, too," said Thomas.
Family time
Thomas added that she saw many groups of multiple generations attend showings.
"We're not alone in our repeat visits to the theater; there are lots of people who've seen the movie with several generations of family members. It's a great way for older and younger people to have something in common to do and to talk about," she said.
Turek agrees.
"It's about so much more than a book or a movie. The best part is that everyone's so excited about getting together and sharing an experience," she said.
Thomas, head secretary at a local high school, readily admits she's a "Twilight" fanatic. She's amassed quite a collection of "Twilight" memorabilia -- all of the items were gifts she received from students and faculty who know how much she loves the series. She says her excitement over the upcoming movie is the family time it will bring.
Thomas has already secured tickets for her family to attend the premiere of "Eclipse," the third movie, next June.
"This whole thing has just been so darn much fun. When I'm driving on the freeway and see a 'Twilight' sticker on someone's car, it just makes me smile."
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