I have not read this series and the only reason I went to see this movie because my teenage daughter was dying to see it. So, we went together and while we were eating dinner beforehand, she filled me in on the backstory. It sounded intriguing enough but I still thought there would be too much teen drama for someone who is forced to deal with it on a daily basis. Turns out, I was wrong. Yes, this is a movie about people in the teenage bracket but the characters are interesting and this story works better because of Bella's youth. I was enthralled the entire time and want to see it again. Luckily, I have a willing participant but I think I will pick up the book as well!