So, back to the question: What genre is Meyer's Twilight series? It's a paranormal romance for teens and those ubiquitious [sic] Twilight moms who seek a mostly chaste romantic thrill in middle age.

"Twilight" clothing, jewelry, accessories and other merchandise have been a mainstay at Hot Topic stores; more can be now be found in exclusive lines at Nordstrom and Kohl's. Even the corner drug store now has candy, trading cards and games. One of the most anticipated toys of the upcoming holiday shopping season: "Twilight" Barbie dolls.

Overkill? Perhaps. But for a "Twilight" mom like Mary Rozler, there is a benefit. "Victoria is now really easy to shop for," she laughs about her daughter.

Citing Shakespeare and Jane Austen as greater influences than Anne Rice or Stephen King ("I’m too much of a chicken" to read King, she says), Meyer noted that she already has some older readers, "'Twilight' Moms," she calls them.