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madeofmatter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
punkassbookjockey84's review against another edition
4.0
Violet wants nothing more than to direct movies. Dressing in black she's angry and intense, imagining camera sweeps and images she dreams of bringing to the big screen. Claire is a fairy come to life--complete with wings made of gauze and glitter. She radiates love and wishes to be a poet. And though these girls seem like complete opposites, they are the best of friends. Until the realities of life threaten to split them apart.
Told in alternating narrative between Violet and Claire, their differences become even more pronounced. Where violet is dark and intense, Claire is light and fluffy (sometimes it's hard to believe anyone could be that sweet). This was my first Francesca Lia Block book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since my best friend and I are similarly opposite, I completely related to their difficulties in remaining together and took hope in the fact that they finally made things work out. Because of the sex and drugs aspects, I would recommend this for mid- to late-teens.
Told in alternating narrative between Violet and Claire, their differences become even more pronounced. Where violet is dark and intense, Claire is light and fluffy (sometimes it's hard to believe anyone could be that sweet). This was my first Francesca Lia Block book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since my best friend and I are similarly opposite, I completely related to their difficulties in remaining together and took hope in the fact that they finally made things work out. Because of the sex and drugs aspects, I would recommend this for mid- to late-teens.
jeslyncat's review against another edition
4.0
An insightful look at teen friendship from an inside point of view-against an ever-changing and imaginative backdrop, Block writes stories true to life and obviously in her heart.
amberhayward's review against another edition
3.0
There was a time where I would look back and be like, "Wow, did that book ever cater to 15 year old me. FLB sure had my number." But now I look back and think that anything is better and easier to identify with than Bella Swan.
lunaseassecondaccount's review against another edition
4.0
This book is like a dream.
There's a very mystical quality when reading it. The scenes meld into one another, which can be quite disjointing when reading it initially. Pages need to be re-read and at points, nothing is quite clear. The book is very short, however, (easily read in under an hour), and so it isn't quite difficult.
The love between Violet and Claire transcends sexuality, and Violet never makes any attempt to clarify their relationship. Claire relies more on Violet, that much is true, but in many ways, she opens Violet up and makes her recognise her innocence, her youth, her vulnerability. In many ways, Violet makes Claire stronger, but Claire doesn't quite reach it.
The Hollywood side to it baffled me a little, admittedly, and it didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the novel. I think it would have been easier if Violet had fallen in with a bad crowd (such as at the club she visits) than going straight to Hollywood.
There's a very mystical quality when reading it. The scenes meld into one another, which can be quite disjointing when reading it initially. Pages need to be re-read and at points, nothing is quite clear. The book is very short, however, (easily read in under an hour), and so it isn't quite difficult.
The love between Violet and Claire transcends sexuality, and Violet never makes any attempt to clarify their relationship. Claire relies more on Violet, that much is true, but in many ways, she opens Violet up and makes her recognise her innocence, her youth, her vulnerability. In many ways, Violet makes Claire stronger, but Claire doesn't quite reach it.
The Hollywood side to it baffled me a little, admittedly, and it didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the novel. I think it would have been easier if Violet had fallen in with a bad crowd (such as at the club she visits) than going straight to Hollywood.
willwork4airfare's review against another edition
3.0
What started out as a really cliche, goth/cutter book ended up being surprisingly good. It’s always interesting to me when writer’s write from two or more people’s perspectives in the same novel because you really get to see the depth of their voice, and Block really has one. The two girls are complete opposites and their diction really reflects that.
Violet’s narration was blunt and straightforward, mirroring her personality, and although it starts out bland and cliche, it develops into something much more interesting with relatively original events and unlikely outcomes. At times, unrealistic, and with a slow beginning, it does eventually pick up and leave you wanting to know what happens next.
Claire’s narration is a different story altogether. With her flowery, often beautiful writing, you can either get completely sucked in or completely turned off, depending on what kind of style you prefer. Her perspective on things is so innocent and contrary to Violet’s section and the contrast makes it a really interesting read. After such a compelling finish to Violet’s section, you’re also left curious as to what’s going to happen next.
The final section is a great blend of the two styles, representing both girls from a third person perspective. You feel compelled to keep reading because you want to know how the conflict resolves itself, but it does lapse into cliches and predictability a lot of the time. Overall, it’s a decent read, but most importantly, I gained a pretty healthy respect for Block as an author and I’ll have to look more into her.
Violet’s narration was blunt and straightforward, mirroring her personality, and although it starts out bland and cliche, it develops into something much more interesting with relatively original events and unlikely outcomes. At times, unrealistic, and with a slow beginning, it does eventually pick up and leave you wanting to know what happens next.
Claire’s narration is a different story altogether. With her flowery, often beautiful writing, you can either get completely sucked in or completely turned off, depending on what kind of style you prefer. Her perspective on things is so innocent and contrary to Violet’s section and the contrast makes it a really interesting read. After such a compelling finish to Violet’s section, you’re also left curious as to what’s going to happen next.
The final section is a great blend of the two styles, representing both girls from a third person perspective. You feel compelled to keep reading because you want to know how the conflict resolves itself, but it does lapse into cliches and predictability a lot of the time. Overall, it’s a decent read, but most importantly, I gained a pretty healthy respect for Block as an author and I’ll have to look more into her.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
4.0
Violent is the dark one, obsessed with film and the night. Claire is the bright one, in love with faeries and poetry. They are both outcasts until they meet each other and find contentment. They try to live their lives how they want and they push for their dreams, but the complexities of the real world get in the way that their friendship is threatened.
This book is quite fun as it's written as fantastical realism that Block does so well. I love this style dearly but this novel isn't my favorite of Block's. That could be because of the overall story, but it's probably just because Weetzie Bat has such a special place in my heart. The ending was so wonderful though that it made up for it.
This book is quite fun as it's written as fantastical realism that Block does so well. I love this style dearly but this novel isn't my favorite of Block's. That could be because of the overall story, but it's probably just because Weetzie Bat has such a special place in my heart. The ending was so wonderful though that it made up for it.