First-time author, unassuming cover and a title that didn't reveal much of anything. When it was published on October 5, 2005, Twilight was already at a disadvantage. But within several weeks, Stephenie Meyer's nearly 500-page supernatural tale - introducing the tension-filled romance between Bella Swan (human, age 17) and Edward Cullen (vampire, age 104) - had made its way onto The New York Times bestseller list. It's no understatement to say their love story defined a generation (while also putting rugged, rainy, forest-covered Forks, Washington, on the map).