Rating:  Summary: inspiring Review: This is such a beautiful book. Francesca Lia Block appeals to Y/A in this book, and demonstrates the growth of a girl and self-confidence with her vivid use of the english language and symbolism. If I was ever to have a daughter, I would want her to read this book.
Rating:  Summary: Gritty and modern yet beautiful Review: This gritty novel isn't quite like Block's other books. It's still fantastic and a definite for any Block fans, but it's more real and harsh. It's the story of Barbie, the daughter of a has been model whose life is suddenly turned upside down when the "crocodile pedophile" Hamilton Waverly gets a hold of her, and her father leaves. It's the story of Mab, the pinkie sized fairy who is Barbie's only friend. With Mab by her side, Barbie can find the courage to go on. It's also the story of Griffin, another victim of the crocodile, and his actor friend Todd who loves Barbie. This sweet yet sinister (at times) story is fantastic, but can be hard to read if you don't like the subject. However the scenes aren't all that graphic, as in some of her other books. I highly recommend this book to any die hard Francesca Lia Block fan. It's a winner all the way!Also read: Dangerous Angels, Violet and Claire and Girl Goddess #9, all by Francesca Lia Block.
Rating:  Summary: A unique story Review: Unlike Francesca Lia Block's former offerings, most notably the Weetzie Bat books, this story has a realistic plot, although the sparkling poetry/prose that is her style still remains. It's a fantastic work of literature, with shining characters who drive their stories home. Setting? LA, of course. Barbie Marks is a young girl who flails to be herself as her mother vicariously molds into a supermodel lifestyle. Coupled with the fact that she was abused by a photographer as a child, it's no wonder that Barbie begins to retreat into herself. As her situation begins to seem hopeless, a winged psychiatrist named Mab decides it's time that Barbie is fixed up. Then there's Todd (who's last name escapes me), a kindhearted movie star, and Griffin Tyler, his reluctant, careworn roommate who's head over heels for his male best friend. There's also the fact that the "crocodile pedophile" photographer molested him also. As the three humans grope for their bearings (and Mab makes choice comments), their stories intertwine. The story climaxes in New York City, where everything falls into place - - or utterly collapses. Mab's clever sallies and hilarious terms (I've started interchanging "biscuit" for "cute guy" myself) snatch at the reader's attention. Griffin's plight is heartwrenching; the character is so utterly vibrant and brimming with his own tale that isn't ever really fulfilled. One of the reasons the story didn't get five stars is because of the . . . I suppose not undevelopment, but the skimming over of his story. My only other gripe with this book was the rather inconsequential, seemingly rushed ending that didn't measure up with the rest of the story. However, this book is definitely worth more than a casual read. Pick up a copy and dive into Block's world! :)
Rating:  Summary: Fairies or Reality? Review: I absouliutly LOVED this book! It combinds fantasy and reality, but in a weird way. At the beginning it describes San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles as two different women, that gets you into the book. Francesca Lia Block show the secrects behind a perfect looking model. It shows you that even if life looks easy for them... its really not. I think girl/women from the ages of 13+ should read this book.A little note: Life is filled with many suprises
Rating:  Summary: A modern, realistic fairy tale Review: This was the first book I have read by Francesca Lia Block, but definitely not the last. I admit, it was the cover that initially drew me to and encouraged me to buy the book, but once I began reading it, I felt I couldn't stop. The tale of the fiery pixie named Mab and the sullen model named Barbie pulled me in like a tornado, swirling me around and around in a mass of vivid images and descriptions. Block complimented all teenagers by including real-life issues in the book that other teen books leave out because the issues seem "inappropriate." "I was a Teenage Fairy" told of Barbie's maturization into her own sexuality and the overcoming of cases of sexual abuse. I only have one critism of this book, and that is that the ending was filled with too much "fluff", as my English teacher would say. There was so much grit in the book, real-life problems and such, but the end wrapped everything up by Barbie formulating this unrealistic strategy to finally get revenge on the pedophile photographer who molested her as a child. It didn't make much sense to me, I guess. A better way to have ended the book could have been to have more of a reconciliation between Barbie and her mother, but I'm not Block, so it's not up to me. Overall though, this book was very entertaining and a worthwhile read. Go out and buy it today
Rating:  Summary: The Best Book I Have Read... Review: this book was the best one from all books I have read..It's about a girl named barbie who..NOOO im not telling what's it about..you go get it..you'll love it..really..trust me.. :) READ IT!! you'll really enjoy it..
Rating:  Summary: I was a Teenage Fairy Review: 'I was a Teenage Fairy' was a really good book. It's a really good book and the little fairy in the book is cute.The fairy is 13 years old and has an attitude, but changes it through the book.Francesca Lia Block is a good writer and she makes me want to read another one of her books!
Rating:  Summary: I was a Teenage Fairy Review: 'I was a Teenage Fairy' was a really good book. It's really adventurist and the little fairy in the book is cute.The fairy is 13 years old and has an attitude, but changes it through the book.Francesca Lia Block is a good writer and she makes me want to read another one of her books!
Rating:  Summary: Weaving A Web Of Magic..... Review: i absolutely love Francesca Lia Block, and i absolutely love this book. Barbie describes every teenage girl out there: lost, afraid, confused. it was like F.L.A. was reading my thoughts, my feelings, and writing them down magically in her book just as i was reading it. she spins a magicical protective web around me, and i wish i had a mab to talk to and be my free psychatrist. or maybe i once did have a mab when i was little, and just forgot. well i think it's time to remember. for all of us to remember the magical mab we once had. we all should look within our selves to find our strength, our own pinkie-sized mab. and we should never forget. i will never forget this book.
Rating:  Summary: An Awesome, Can't Put It Down, Imagination Running Wild Book Review: This book is really great. As usaul Fracesca Lia Block blew me away with her imagery that absolutely transports you to wherever you could want to go. You know every character and the writer gives you an indepth understanding of each of them. Even the most detestable characters are given a background and history that can move you to understand their actions. The best part of this book is the way the setting is described. You feel like you're there. I can't tell you about it..... you have to read it. The pictures that it created in my mind are beyond beautiful.
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