I put this book aside for ages after reading it, because I wasn’t sure what to say about it. I’m still not entirely sure. It’s an engrossing read, yes. Interesting, certainly. But did I even like it? I’m still not sure! I loved Francesca Lia Block’s Weetzie Bat books. And this is certainly written in a similar style–that odd, haunting, lyrical prose that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. It’s like something out of a dream. It’s like Salvador Dali in book form (surrealist).
Blood Roses is a collection of short stories. Some are kind of connected, but they are all stand-alone stories. And they are very intriguing. Very mind-bending sometimes. Thought-provoking. Lots of words come to mind about this book. None of them are bad. I think I enjoyed it; it certainly stuck in my mind. I’m not sure it’s for everyone, though. But I liked it. I think.
February 27, 2008 at 11:45 am
oops, sorry about that above. Do you think it’s a teen book or an adult book?
February 27, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Teen. At least, according to the publisher (HarperTeen) and the ages of most of the characters. Which I guess are the commonly used criteria to define YA as opposed to adult.
February 27, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Thanks!
March 3, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I haven’t read anything by her yet but i have a few waiting to try out. I think I might even have this collection. Good to know that I should start with Weetzie Bat.
March 5, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I just finished Blood Roses as well – you hit the nail on the head when you compared it to the surrealism Dali. Out of all the stories my favorite one was Skin Art. All in all like you I liked it. I think.
March 26, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I totally agree with you, I read it almost 2 months ago and its still hard to figure out what to say about the book. :) I’ll have to check out her other one you recommended!
October 26, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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