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New Moon A - Z

When not spending time with mythical creatures, Bella does have human friends at school. While popular boy Mike Newton crushes on Bella, friend Jessica crushes on Mike. There is also Eric (the nerdy one), Angela (the good friend) and Tyler (the funny, cocky one), among others. These characters ground the book, and along with Bella's dad Charlie, give Bella an escape from her sometimes crazy life.

When not spending time with mythical creatures, Bella does have human friends at school. While popular boy Mike Newton crushes on Bella, friend Jessica crushes on Mike. There is also Eric (the nerdy one), Angela (the good friend) and Tyler (the funny, cocky one), among others. These characters ground the book, and along with Bella’s dad Charlie, give Bella an escape from her sometimes crazy life.  (Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Los Angeles Times, Alberto Rodriguez ©Berliner Studio/BEImages)

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Sink your teeth into ‘Twilight’ with this basic A-to-Z guide to author Stephenie Meyer’s vampire-related universe. If you haven’t yet been seduced by the pop-cultural prowess of the ‘Twilight’ book series (and subsequent film re-telling), it’s not too late. The saga’s second movie, ‘New Moon,’ is out Nov. 20. But take note: There are minor spoilers ahead.

By Sally Dadisman McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Mind-reading

All vampires have incredible speed and heightened hearing, but some also gain a special gift -- an enhanced version of an existing gift from their former human life. Edward can read people’s minds -- except for Bella’s, which intrigues him; Emmett is unbelievably strong; Alice can foresee what will happen if you make certain decisions; and Jasper can manipulate people’s emotions, to name a few.  (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

Obsessed

Fans are obsessed with Edward. Fans are obsessed with Jacob. Fans are obsessed with wanting to be Bella. Edward is a little obsessed with Bella. Bella is a little obsessed with Edward. We could go on...  (Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Robert Pattinson

We would be remiss not to mention the pop-culture phenomenon surrounding “Twilight” that is Robert Pattinson. His tousled locks send teen girls into a tizzy; even though he has mentioned in media interviews his lack of hair hygiene -- sometimes going days, weeks without washing. Hair aside, fans love pondering rampant Stewart-Pattinson dating rumors. Life imitating art?  (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Stephenie Meyer

Let’s not forget who created this world. Meyer, who lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons, has said the idea for “Twilight” came to her in a vivid dream. The author provided input into the movie versions of her books, even making a cameo in “Twilight.”  (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Zeitgeist

Love it, hate it or don’t understand it, the “Twilight” phenomenon has contributed greatly to the recent vampire-loving cultural zeitgeist. While you can argue it started with Anne Rice and “Interview with a Vampire,” the blood-suckers have become unavoidable on the pop-culture landscape.  (HBO/McClatchy-Tribune)

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