Rating: 
Summary: Heartbreaking and magically beautiful.
Review: "The Hanged Man" is somewhat of a loner in Francesca Lia Block's bibliography. It's not connected to her most famous series, the Weetzie Bat books, by anything other than location. The protagonist is Laurel, a seventeen-year-old girl whose father has just died. She flirts with death and anorexia in the dark magic of the LA that is her world, of devils and flowers, voodoo and fairies. When I first read this book, it made me cry-- somthing very few books have done. Block's writing is a very true approximation of a sensitive yet jaded teenager trying to come to grips with her life. The descriptions in the book are amazing-- one that stands out is this one, describing the voice of a man Laurel meets in the hospital where her father is dying. "His voice cracked the way ice does when you pour liquor over it." Your heart cracks, too.
Rating:
Summary: Heartbreaking and magically beautiful.
Review: "The Hanged Man" is somewhat of a loner in Francesca Lia Block's bibliography. It's not connected to her most famous series, the Weetzie Bat books, by anything other than location. The protagonist is Laurel, a seventeen-year-old girl whose father has just died. She flirts with death and anorexia in the dark magic of the LA that is her world, of devils and flowers, voodoo and fairies. When I first read this book, it made me cry-- somthing very few books have done. Block's writing is a very true approximation of a sensitive yet jaded teenager trying to come to grips with her life. The descriptions in the book are amazing-- one that stands out is this one, describing the voice of a man Laurel meets in the hospital where her father is dying. "His voice cracked the way ice does when you pour liquor over it." Your heart cracks, too.
Rating:
Summary: A Tragic, Poetic Mystically Beautiful Work
Review: After her father dies of cancer, Laurel is haunted by a legacy of family secrets, hidden shame, and shattered glass. She hopes to purge herself from his years of sexual abuse.Immersing herself in the heady rhythms of a city that is like something wild, caged, and pacing, Laurel tries to lose herself. She becomes anorexic and gets involved in a frightening, destructive sexual relationship.But when she tries too much to escape the past, she discovers a feeling so powerful, it brings her eye-to-eye with the demons she has tried so hard to avoid. The tone is ever so incredible and intoxicating. This is not a book you'll want to put down.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT for FLB Beginners
Review: Although superior to Violet & Claire, this book lacked the magic of her other books. If you're a longtime fan, then absolutley read this, but don't start with this. Start with Girl Goddess #9 or Dangerous Angels.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as some of her other books
Review: Basically my main complaint with this book was that it wasn't long enough. I thought the characters were really interesting, but I wanted to learn more about them. The book could have been much longer.
Rating:
Summary: Good book ... not long enough
Review: Block has definately done it again. She is a wonderful author and has told another vividly beautiful (in a sense) story of a young girl's sufferings. I think this book could have been longer. Because of the way it was written, it would have probably taken up only 80 or so pages of a regular book. But other than that, the book is amazing and I suggest it to girls who want to see the "other side" persay.
Rating:
Summary: earth angel
Review: Block's words flow like honey and wrap themselves around you. By the time you realize you can't escape, you don't want to anyway. This book follows a fragile main character through an oddessy of sex, starvation, and the supernatural. Stunningly human, the girl is also quite celestial, a combination which Block pulls off very well. If you can find this book, by all means, read it
Rating:
Summary: INTOXICATING...
Review: Block's writing style in this book was very different and sort of "weird" (compared to her other writings). But the story of 17-year-old (old beyond her years) Laurel who lives in the Hollywood Hills is captivating and emotional. I couldn't put it down. The words are put together in a way that makes you feel warm, and confused, but in a subconcious way, you feel like you've been in her shoes and can understand her problems and feel her pain. The story swirls around in a way that makes you feel drunk--in a good way--like you've been sipping on champagne all night and realize you've drank the whole bottle. It has strong, disturbing issues and may not be suitable for younger readers, but is a must read for anyone 17+ whose ever felt LOST. It left me feeling warm, confused, alone...and yet better.
Rating:
Summary: deep and beautiful
Review: For anyone who's ever felt the pain of the loss of a love one, felt the haunting sting of a secret you cannot lose, or just wants to slide into the vibrant world of Francesa Lia Block: read this book. Block's poetic language helps describe and relate to many subjects in teen life which are often considered taboo or too difficult to discuss. This book easily deserves five stars. Pick it up and be prepared to enter another world.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating and heart-wrenchingly beautiful
Review: Francesca Lia Block is, in my opinion, one of the best authors of our time, and she does not underestimate herself one bit in The Hanged Man. Although it is sad and at times, depressing, Block portrays a touching and true-to-life story in the persona of the main character, Laurel. I found myself relating to her many times. Through the symbolism of Tarot cards, and how they can relate to, and even be responsible for, the consequences of actions we take in our daily lives, Block has weaved yet another tale of depression and ultimate despair, that is actually a tale of hope and promise, in disguise.
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