Because I didn't like writing about books I read in HS either, I will go the "literary criticism" route and quote one of the reviews below (Heather) 
 "This is an addictive series, with as many detractors as fans, and with as much hoo-ha as Harry Potter. They're not as well written as the Harry Potter books, but they're nothing to cringe over either - you don't read them for the prose, but for the story, which is emotionally intense and very, very addictive. It's a classic love story, it's just that the circumstances are a little different." 
 back to me: 
 I feel a little silly having loved this series so much, but it was pure escapist reading. Neither of my children went hungry while I devoured these novels, although my house is a bit of a mess. Oh, and I hated the girl's name too. Bleh.