Customer Reviews

Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I'd read the whole Weetzie Bat series before purchasing this book, but the problem was that no-one I'd loaned my individual copies of the stories to ever returned them. (Which may, in and of itself, be a testament to the kick-butt slinkster coolness that is intrinsically a part of this book.)

So anyway, as I was falling in love with a girl with whom I go to college, I read her Weetzie Bat. It was really cool. Especially the part in which My Secret Agent Lover Man expresses his undying love for Weetzie (I liked the part about "You are my martini..."). Since that time (about a month ago), however, this person has emotionally crucified me, and started dating an extremely goofy-looking boy.

Alas, that's the life portrayed in Ms. Block's novellas: hartbreaking and inspiring, exhilirating and melancholy. Read as modern day fairy-tales, they are wonderfully crafted pieces of fiction. Not surprisingly, however, I've read many scathing reviews of this series on Amazon.com. I think that for people to review it poorly, they have to miss the point--that these are fairy-tales. I wouldn't want a 13-year-old kid reading this as an instruction guide to life, but then again, how many people take fiction that seriously? (At least a few people do, as evidenced by the reviews.)

As with all fairy-tales, there is a moral behind the narrative: that love and universal acceptance goes a long way to make people happy, to heal hurt, and to generally make the world a better place--but also that things that some people take for love (that is, sex) can be devastating and hurtful. Love *IS* a dangerous angel. On that level, this book is not only a beautiful piece of prose, but of perhaps immeasurable value to a world torn by conflict, hurt, and hate. I just wish that more people would see the good in this book, instead of the bad.

(Good for high-school aged and up readers, but I'd probably have it tempered by parental guidance for anyone younger than, say, 15.)

This book has become my bible. I think I've read it 8 times in six months. It's almost become an escape for me. When life depresses me, I read about Weetzie & Co., and I see that they go through hard times, but things turn out all right if you have love in your heart. I always feel rays of hope throughout my soul after reading it. I remember that although the world is full of pain, there is so much good in it as well. I've recommended it to about a million people, because it is the best book I have ever read. I wish I could move into their house in the canyon and live in the place where it's hot and cool, glam and slam, angels and devils, Los Angeles.

I loved this book. My grandmother bought it for me on the 16th and I was done reading it on the 17. I read the entire book in two sit down sessions. The story is very realistic with just the right touch of fairy tale for it to be wonderful. I know this is a bad reviev but I'm only 13!!

A tiny cramped mind is trying to get this book banned from the curriculum at Mascenic High here in NH. The "parent" (I use the term in its loosest sense) says it's "disgusting". Sounds like a sure reason to read and recommend a work of literature to me.

When I first set eyes on this in a mid-town book shop, I put myself under the impression that it was going to be a mystical fantasy type book. I bought it. A few pages in and i'm thinking "What have I gotten myself into?" but I continued on and next thing I know i've read the first two Weetzie Bat books and am in awe. It's a strange world Francesca Lia Block creates for us. It's a mixed scene of retro 80's punk glam and spiritual awakening. Very odd indeed. Not only that but she has an amazing way of describing things that at first make you go "Who the hell speaks like that?" and then you re-read and think "My God! That makes perfect sense". There is one particular description of the first time Weetzie Bat kisses My Secret Agent Lover Man that really just made me sort of melt and laugh at the same because really is that not how kisses are? I don't know how she does it but she manages to find the words that you would never think of to say and describe things.

My only small complaint is the lack of timeline. With each new book time has passed between since the last one but yet we are never told how many years, months or whatever it has been. We're only given a vague idea. That made it somewhat frustrating and confusing.

I have read in some places of the suggested reading age being 12 and up but I think I would probably raise it more to somewhere around 14-16 as a good starting age for Weetzie Bat books. Not graphic or anything but there still is sex, drug abuse, self-mutilation and other things that I think make it more appropriate for teenagers than pre-teens. And though designed for young adults I do think anyone older could read these and still be just as thrilled with the world of Weetzie Bat.

First of all, this book was intended for young adults, so OF COURSE it may seem like simple language. As an avid reader of 14 years old, i discovered this book & of course fell in love with it. Now, at 17, i own it & still read it. Why? Because it's an escape. It makes me feel happy, & hopeful, & like there's some meaning left in the world. It is written in Block's own unique style, so don't be surprised when the sentences "don't relate" to each other. Her style is like beat poetry, with a some fairy tale/street life tossed in. The books are very childlike, & manage to deal with "mature" subject matter in an innocent way. For instance, they are pro-safe sex & anti-drug use. Of course not everyone will like them-there has never been a book that EVERY SINGLE PERSON liked. I'd recommend buying it for your teenager, especially if it's a girl because they tend to be less cynical about "magic".

If you haven't enjoyed these books yet, I urge you to stop whatever you are doing and get to it... I don't even have to think about it, this is the best collection of stories ever. EVER. I mean it.

These books are just pure magic. Filled with images of magic lamps, ducks, punk boys, smart girls, music, adventure, jane mansfield obsessed witches, true love, oki dogs... oh my gosh. Just everything and more...

Remember when you use to believe in Santa and you'd sneak downstairs at like 5am? That magical amazingly rad feeling you got? These books make me feel the same way.

Another really great thing about this book is that it covers some really difficult subjects honestly and without blinking.

There are gay characters who arent defined by their sexuality or just a side kick to provide laughs. There are characters dealing with the death of a loved ones. There are Step Parents and Step Children who are learning what makes a family a family. There is the eternal quest for love and truth and happiness...

The characters in these stories aren't perfect, and are far from being unflawed. But they are who they are, no excuses, no appologies.

This book is 5 amazing stories that you shouldn't spend another day without. I couldnt say enough good things about it. Buy it today. In fact, buy two copies and give one to your best friend. They'd do the same for you I'm sure...

Block writes in a world entirely of her own, and that's wonderful. She is the prose equivalent of an early Joni Mitchell album, full of radiant images that make us perceive the world around us in an entirely new way. I am a big Young Adult fiction nut, and I think these books are as good as any. They merge real issues into a fantasy fabric with everything else, and the result is astonishing.

Block also shows how there are many ways to feel different and isolated from the world around us, and the nature of love and acceptance. I can't say I am too crazy of her depiction of New York as cold and ugly, that's just too easy. But that minor poinr aside, I think these books have a lot to say to everybody about life in this crazy modern world, and how there really is such a thing as magic. Of note to me was the last book, "Baby Be-Bop" which successfully takes on every other YA book about coming out, and leaves them in the dust. Imagine a world in which gay people are told that their love is valid and wonderful! And even better, nobody dies in a car accident. If I saw Block, I would give her a huge hug for the contribution she made into my life with this book. I was in tears by the end of Be-Bop, because, after 28 years, i finally heard that it's perefctly fine to be who I am. Thank you Francesca. The 4 other stories are quite wonderful as well. Enjoy everybody.

This was on of the most beautiful pieces of art I have ever indulged in. At first, I found it hard to let go of reality, and float into a world of feathers, genies, and people with names like My Secret Agent Lover Man, but I'm so glad I did. The author's wistful, unique style stirs up the senses and ultimately makes you more aware of everything around you. Let your feet leave the ground, throw convention out the window, and pick up this book now!

admittedly this might not be the best written book ever. or the most plausible story. that's not the point. the point is i read this book when i was 15, in high school, and the only gay kid i knew of. my friend gave me her copy of weetzie bat and i read it all at once then went to the library and got the rest of them. it was one of the most reassuring things. people who loved each other beyond the conventional perception of what family is, or what love itself is even. this book didn't "save my life" but it certainly gave me something to look forward to.