Rating: Summary: I loved this book! Review: I read this book back in 1995 and I fell in love with it. Since then I have read just about anything that Brite has been involved in (even when she just edits). My two favorite books by her are this one and Drawing Blood since Exquiste Corpse was a bit too gorey for me. I loved the tale of Nothing (Jason) and Steve and Ghost in this book and it fit so well with how I was feeling when I read the book the first time. I also was probably not as open-minded before reading her books as I am now. So everytime I go to the bookstore I always look in the B's to see what new thing she has. This book should not be missed!
Rating: Summary: Lost angels or demons, so hard to tell.... Review: At the age of 22, I am still caught up in a bit of my teen angst, but I was never so reminded as when I stepped into the whirlwind of PZB's, "Lost Souls". Whether you were a tragic outcast or not, you will be able to understand that nuances of a small town and how it feels to be misunderstood. It's easy to fall in love with Ghost, simple yet complex, sensitive and mystical. To lust after Zillah, beautiful, passionate, green eyed, and brutal. To care so much for Nothing, to take him into your arms and show him that the world is not as fake and cruel as it seems (though it may well be sometimes). Even though I knew the ending (unfortunately read a review that spelled it out for me), I enjoyed every moment of the book. It was at times confusing in it's madness, yet it was littered and sparkled with magic at every turn of the page. I have not been able to get this book out of my mind. It's sensuality and overwhelming contrast of light and dark make this book an amazing read for anyone who isn't afraid of something that's a bit different. The only problem is with letting go of the book when one is finished reading :).
Rating: Summary: We all are Lost Souls. Review: Poppy Z. Brite has made one of the most horrifying creatures in our history to be a romantic, gothic,and beautiful creation. Nothing truly shows the way adolesence is in today's society. The fact that she uses New Orlean's in this book makes it just 10 times better. She has really shown me that we are all lost souls searching for a meaning in this confused place we call life. She has a deeper understanding for the gothic society. Thank you, Ms. Brite for writing such an outstanding masterpiece....it inspired me to start reading again.
Rating: Summary: Read it...Nuff Said! Review: The first time I read this book,about 7 years ago, it was passed reverently from hand to hand in my little group of friends. Since that time I have read it about 20 times and had to replace it twice. Stupid as it sounds, the book captures the essence of innocence lost. Whether it be Ghost finding out that the world isn't all rainbows, Ann finding out that her love has forsaken her, or Nothing discovering his true family. It illustrates the desires that motivate young people and the great lengths some will go to, to be accepted and feel that they are part of something. A definite must read for anyone interested in the darkersubcultures, even if you're not into vampires. (as I'm not)
Rating: Summary: Well Writen and Depressing! Review: If you want to feel bummed out and disillusioned then you will want to read Lost Souls. The book is well written in every way. Unfortunately, the moral of the story seems to be the following: no matter what, people will always suck you dry. Not the most uplifting theme. Art is not always supposed to be uplifting or happy. But, it would be nice to see something more productive from an author with such immense talent. If you are thinking of buying Lost Souls and you already have The Cure, Bauhaus, and Joy Division's Closer CD in your collection, then DON'T buy it. Instead, buy Oasis' Morning Glory CD or Steve Miller's greatest hits '74-78.
Rating: Summary: Excellent book Review: The book lost souls was an interesting story. I think it still would have been and excellent book regardless of the vampires, but it was still an incredible read. Brite captured the feel of the goth subculture to an incredible extent. The story line was also incredible until the last quarter of the book. It slowly became to esoteric and difficult to be interested. The introduction of several new characters put the main story into a subplot and made the book some what boring towards the end. Even so, it is not to disuade a person to pick up the book and read it.
Rating: Summary: Gothic Underground Review: I've read a few books, and this one definately...touched me. There's something about the goth subculture, the rich flavors of New Orleans, the backwoods truths of Missing Mile, something that can be captured in perhaps a Type O Negative song, something in the lyrics of Bauhaus, a reason we dress as if we're mimicking the Cure. Its not perfectly laid out in some neat little package, but rather thrown around in pieces for us to discern and learn, and at the same time be entertained. My perception of this novel was that Poppy Z. Brite was not just writing for money, but writing for herself, and not caring who liked it, and who didn't. These characters (well, except for the vampires) when pricked, will bleed, and they manage to get through the cold exterior put up by the cynical yet apathetic group of people commonly known as "goths" to make them feel more accepted. Because that's all anyone wants-to feel accepted. Even as Nothing longed to feel accepted and fell in with the vampires...this book delivers, although it is up to the recipient to take the full usage from its words.
Rating: Summary: Great Book Review: I loved this book! Poppy Z. Brite creates great characters and plot to get you into the story. I highly recommend this to book!
Rating: Summary: Poppy at her Best Review: Definatly the best of Poppy Z Brites book. The story is great and she describes her charectors so well i felt as if i personally knew them.
Rating: Summary: shameless goth plug Review: Although the story itself was quite interesting a well-written, I couldn't help but be annoyed with all the direct references to goth culture - i.e. Bauhaus t-shirts, listening to the Cure, etc...to me it felt as if it was some sort of literary commercial for goth culture/products. Compared to other books I've read by Poppy Z. Brite, this one seemed really amateur. The second time I read this book I was able to appreciate the story more, but I still can't help but feel that someone has found a unique sub-culture and made an attempt to put it in a shiny digestable package.
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