Title: The Art Of Being A Vampire
Author: Kate Karyus Quinn
Publisher: West 44, Rosen Publishing Group
Release Date: 1st August 2023
BLURB from Goodreads
With an addict mother and deadbeat dad, Shelby truly hopes that blood does not define her. She discovers a passion for photography, hoping to make something of herself through art. But when her mother dies of an overdose, Shelby finds herself in a dark place. Taken in by her aunt, she rebels in school and turns away from everyone, except a mysterious classmate named Brandt. Shelby doesn't realize that Brandt is a vampire--until it's too late. Overwhelmed by new cravings for blood, Shelby must decide whether to abandon her values to satisfy her hunger--or fight for the life she's always wanted.
REVIEW
I love the quirky cover which comes across quite comedic for a book that in my opinion does contain an important message of overcoming g addiction. It was the cover that first attracted me to the book and the upon reading the book description encouraged me to read the book.
Great short story told in verse. Definitely gives off a message of 'be careful what you wish for'.
The main character is Shelby Ann, the result of an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. Her parents got together and basically weren't very good for each other with her daddy introducing her mama to drugs and getting her hooked on them. Shelby Ann doesn't have a lot of possessions or money. Shelby's dad abandons them and it's just her mama and Grams in her life. Her mama is heavily addicted to the drugs so its Grams that keeps Shelby on the straight and narrow attending school regularly. It's at school Shelby discovers her love of photography. I guess you could say she is somewhat addicted to taking photographs. Even without a camera she constantly views life as if through a lens , seeing everything as a snap shot photograph.
Grams moves on in her life and moves away with a new partner leaving Shelby alone with her mama until one day Shelby comes home to find her mama dead. Grams can't take Shelby in as her new partner is ill and she needs to care for him so it's an Aunt Clara that Shelby has never met that takes her in. Aunt Clara is more well off, has a decent job and home so she buys her nice new clothes, even a camera but Shelby is not used to kindness and still grieving for her mother so Shelby rebels. When she meets another 'loner', a boy called Brandt she is attracted to him. In Brandt she has found a friend and he is someone she skips school with and literally becomes obsessed with. She becomes addicted to him, to being around him, craving his acceptance and love. However Brandt isn't human he is a vampire addicted to drinking blood, though he isn't totally up front and honest with Shelby she soon finds herself agreeing to anything to be with Brandy forever. Shelby soon realises being with Brandt all the time and doing whatever they want is not what she wants.
I really enjoyed reading this short book told in verse. I aren't a big poetry reader but i have found that I really enjoy this type book. The books theme is addiction, Shelbys mama's to drugs, then Brandts and her own to blood. However, Shelby Ann discovers she is stronger than her mama and she can overcome addiction and with some help from Aunt Clara have a future beyond addiction.
Summing up, perfect short, thought provoking read!
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