Unlike some of the other conventions that are very actor appearance based (not that there’s anything wrong with that), the Summer School in Forks convention really deals with the books. It’s not a camp, it’s not a place where you can take algebra, it’s a convention right in Forks being held at Forks High School, La Push, and other local locations. The movie does come into play, but on discussion panels. If you want to really get into some great discussion on the book, this is where it’s going to happen.

Just some of the topics happening that weekend presented by Alphie and Pel are:

Vampires, Werewolves, and Humans! Oh, my! The men of Stephenie Meyer’s books (Alphie)
Who ever said a good man is hard to find? All anyone has to do is simply open one of the books written by Stephenie Meyer. From the “Twilight” Saga to “The Host,” Meyer has left women of all ages swooning over fictional men. But even though they seem perfect, they each have flaws and difficulties to overcome. “Twilight” fans have forever debated the qualities of Edward verses Jacob. But here we can go further to include Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett and even look as the possibilities Sam and Seth. Additionally, we can reach outside of the “Twilight” saga into the world of mere human men fighting off an alien invasion and consider Jared Howe and Ian O’Shea. From the supernatural to the completely human, discover what makes these men tick and why are we drawn to them so deeply.

Bella Swan: Nobody’s Wilting Parrot Tulip (Pel)
The character of Bella Swan Cullen has been much maligned as “anti-feminist” “weak” “incapable of asserting herself”. Whereas Bella isn’t going to give Lara Croft a run for her money any time soon in the school of action hero assertiveness, neither is she the simpering wallflower some reviewers would have the public believe. Rather, she is a believable teenager still discovering who she is, and how to make her way in a world that she was never prepared for. Various accusations regarding the character of Bella will be explored and looked at in the larger context of the novels, not as isolated incidents. In the end, hopefully what is achieved is a look at how Bella progresses in strength(inner and outer) from teen to young woman and from human to vampire.

Twilight Saga Archetypes: Chiseling away at the marble façade. (Alphie)
The literary use of archetypes allows readers to connect to the universal themes certain characters and situations represent. Many of these character types and themes work their way into the Twilight saga, often times in unexpected ways and means. Which character exactly can be classified as the “hero” or the “outcast,” and what is the “quest” that they are on? Who is the “savior” and what sort of “sacrifice” was made in the process? From the “shrew” to the story teller,” from the “angel” and the “devil,” an examination of these themes shows that the Twilight saga is more complex than it seems on the surface.

Twilight Saga Literary Influences: Brit Lit Was Never This Much Fun (Pel)
Each of Stephenie Meyer’s novels is partly inspired by a classic piece of British Literature or Drama. Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, and the Bard of Avon all play a role. Plot parallels, character traits, and homages will all be explored.

Other groups appearing include:

Kaleb Nation: The Twilight Guy

The Bella Cullen Project: music

The Bloodsuckers aka The Girls Necks Door:podcast