Rating: 
Summary: The Return of Poppy
Review: "The Value of X" is Poppy Z. Brite's first novel since "The Lazarus Heart" in 1998. Brite is known mainly for her superb work in horror fiction, including the novels "Lost Souls," "Drawing Blood," and "Exquisite Corpse," and the sublime short story collection "Wormwood." For the past few years, Brite has been moving away from darker themes, publishing the novella "Plastic Jesus," and the essay collection "Guilty But Insane." Many of her fans are probably wondering if she can make the transition gracefully and still remain the hugely original writer she is. Rest assured, she has done it beautifully. The plot of "The Value of X" concerns two teenage friends who fall in love with one another, and their respective families machinations to separate them, if they don't separate themselves first. In this story, Brite writes about her beloved New Orleans more vividly than she has ever done before, also giving us a glimpse into the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of restaurants. The only fault in this novel is that it feels somewhat rushed, and may be too short to fully satisfy her diehard fans (like myself) who have been waiting for another novel for years. But "The Value of X" is the first in a trilogy, and the second, "Liquor," which takes place ten years later, will probably be published sometime in 2004. Personally, I can't wait to read it and get to know Rickey and Gary a little better. One of Poppy Z. Brite's strengths as a writer is creating characters that you fall in love with, and this is no exception. In addition to all of the strong characterizations, there are several scenes of power, the most potent of which is Gary's confession to a prejudiced priest. Don't be afraid to read Poppy Z. Brite's new novel. She may have moved away from horror for good, but you would be foolish if you didn't take the journey with her.
Rating:
Summary: The Return of Poppy
Review: "The Value of X" is Poppy Z. Brite's first novel since "The Lazarus Heart" in 1998. Brite is known mainly for her superb work in horror fiction, including the novels "Lost Souls," "Drawing Blood," and "Exquisite Corpse," and the sublime short story collection "Wormwood." For the past few years, Brite has been moving away from darker themes, publishing the novella "Plastic Jesus," and the essay collection "Guilty But Insane." Many of her fans are probably wondering if she can make the transition gracefully and still remain the hugely original writer she is. Rest assured, she has done it beautifully. The plot of "The Value of X" concerns two teenage friends who fall in love with one another, and their respective families machinations to separate them, if they don't separate themselves first. In this story, Brite writes about her beloved New Orleans more vividly than she has ever done before, also giving us a glimpse into the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of restaurants. The only fault in this novel is that it feels somewhat rushed, and may be too short to fully satisfy her diehard fans (like myself) who have been waiting for another novel for years. But "The Value of X" is the first in a trilogy, and the second, "Liquor," which takes place ten years later, will probably be published sometime in 2004. Personally, I can't wait to read it and get to know Rickey and Gary a little better. One of Poppy Z. Brite's strengths as a writer is creating characters that you fall in love with, and this is no exception. In addition to all of the strong characterizations, there are several scenes of power, the most potent of which is Gary's confession to a prejudiced priest. Don't be afraid to read Poppy Z. Brite's new novel. She may have moved away from horror for good, but you would be foolish if you didn't take the journey with her.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensitive, Insightful, Realistic, & True
Review: Critics of Poppy's recent work who take her to task for her evolving writing style and subject interest willfully miss valuable, important points made by some of today's most relevant literature. PZB is a significant commentator on social issues more important than vampires, comic books, and underage drinking. I've seen no lucid criticism on Amazon of her recent work -- nor have I seen any anywhere -- that is not shrill, adolescent disappointment over Brite's subjects. Her work no longer occupies itself with the undead, serial killers, blood-bathing, drug use, or alcohol abuse exclusively. This, it would seem, is unforgivable. It also seems to bypass the sensibilities of these wronged readers that Brite has by dint of work and long experience forged herself into a practiced and accomplished young author still well ahead of most writers at this stage in her life -- a place when most writers (among them her loudest "critics")have yet even to see print, much less critical acclaim, recognition, and achievement of significant of social statement in their most personal work. PZB has seen each and maintains both. She doesn't need a campaign of perpetual apology to her horror readers for growing up as a paid artist, nor for changing her style, her substance, and not for having done so in full view of her readership. It's a load of lousy nerve who holds forth that an author ought to. To them I'd suggest they write their own florid horror, and leave PZB's new work to those who understand and appreciate its demonstrations of talent. Brite's abilities and her range of thought have expanded as her skill has matured. Her creative touch is still among the most unique, unpretentious and authentic in fiction. THE VALUE OF X tells a story of the experiences of 2 families and 2 young people in love, all of whom must reach terms with homosexuality. It's a pervasive, touching story, one of hundreds that happen every day in modern times. It hasn't been told before as it's told here. The events and experiences of these main characters are graphic examples of realities most of us will never know. Their entire families are torn apart by simple sexual orientation differences. The love of two young boys for each other tests every other relationship they have and touch, including that between the characters themselves... and this not least. A poignant, powerful tale, and an important one. For the reader who is a thinking adult, not a thrill-seeking juvenile. 4 stars only because there's always room for improvement.
Rating: 
Summary: X = Not Much
Review: I have deeply loved each and every one of Poppy's previous stories, both long and short and couldn't wait to get my hands on "The Value of X". Sad to say, I was very disappointed. This book reminded me of nothing so much as poorly written fanfic. The characters are sweet and engaging but their dialogue is wooden and artificial sounding. Whereas the jacket promised an in depth look at the "pirate crew" culture of the restaurant world, I felt that I was getting a mere glimpse. Overall it seemed like this was "Poppy-lite", nothing dark, nothing dangerous. It felt like it was written for adolescents. Maybe that's because she was trying to capture the mindset of her young protaganists but I think she did a much better job with Nothing, Steve, Ghost, Tran and my favorites, Zach and Trev. I'll definitely still read anything new of Poppy's but have my fingers crossed that it'll be a lot better than "X".
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing per usual
Review: I just finished reading The Value of X. Poppy Z. Brite is totally holding on to her spot as one of my favorite writers. I don't particularly enjoy the whole gay love story aspect of it not that I'm against it so much just that I don't "get it" or relate to it, but the story and the setting in which it takes place really is told in such a way that a little part of me lives in that time and space. That's the kind of writing I dig. I am looking forward to getting my paws on Liquor, her latest book and a continuation of the story of the characters I feel like I now know.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing per usual
Review: I just finished reading The Value of X. Poppy Z. Brite is totally holding on to her spot as one of my favorite writers. I don't particularly enjoy the whole gay love story aspect of it not that I'm against it so much just that I don't "get it" or relate to it, but the story and the setting in which it takes place really is told in such a way that a little part of me lives in that time and space. That's the kind of writing I dig. I am looking forward to getting my paws on Liquor, her latest book and a continuation of the story of the characters I feel like I now know.
Rating:
Summary: Poppy does it again!
Review: I've been awaiting a new book by Poppy for a long time. I've been a fan since her vampire days and her writing just keeps getting better. I ripped through The Value of X at record speed. The descriptions of New Orleans were vivid, really taking you into the setting of the story. I fell in love with the characters and got totally wrapped up in their struggles. I love how she blended her own love of cooking in with the plot of the story. I don't have the words to say how much I loved this book. I can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I've read this book multiple times since I first bought it. While I started reading Brite's horror books back in my teenage years, I am thrilled to see how her writing has changed and matured over the years. Her books just keep getting better and better.
Rating:
Summary: Fiction, not propanganda
Review: One of the reviews here suggests that The Value of X is an anti-Catholic novel. I think this is a serious misreading of Poppy Brite's intentions. I was fortunate enough to hear her read from this novel at an ACLU benefit in New Orleans. She said a magazine editor had canceled an interview with her after reading Value of X because he considered it to take a "pro-Catholic position!" I guess you can never please them all. However, the cited "Church position on homosexuality" in The Value of X is simply one priest's take on the matter, as Brite makes clear later in the novel when Gary talks to his sister, a devout Catholic. She says "He (a different priest) told us not to judge. He told us it wasn't our place to decide what God thought of you." Interested readers may also look up Brite's short story "Bayou de la Mere," (in her collection The Devil You Know), another look at Gary's sexuality and Catholicism. I don't know anything about Poppy Brite's upbringing, but I was raised in the New Orleans Catholic Church, I know there is room there for more than one view on sexuality, and I think she has done a fine job of expressing that in The Value of X. I enjoyed the book and only wish it had been a little longer; the ending seemed abrupt. I hope she continues in this direction.
Rating:
Summary: Weeding out the kiddies one at a time
Review: Poppy Brite is a good writer, but she's always had silly fans. She started out young and goth, and lots of people still wish she was writing "Lost Souls" over and over, as seen in some of the reviews below. If you only liked PZB because she was "offensive" or "controversial," you never understood what she was all about anyway.....give it up and go back to your Anne Rice books. I commend her for having the guts to do something different (and risk the wrath of the stupid). I thought "The Value of X" was charming and well-written, without the overblown prose that marks much of her early work. I look forward to "Liquor."
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