Vampires, Hearts, & Other Dead Things

Plot Summary
Vampires came out to the world ten years earlier, but they quickly went into hiding after facing persecution. Victoria knows that at least one of the publicized vampires lived in New Orleans, and she sees an opportunity. She planned to visit New Orleans with her dad as a graduation gift, but Victoria's dad is now dying of cancer. Her dad kept the tickets, and her parents are already encouraging her to take a trip to get her mind off her troubles. If she can pretend to be a tourist, no one will keep her from her true intention of saving her dad. But can she find a vampire in time, and will they be nice enough to turn her into a fellow vampire and not a midnight snack?

Critical Evaluation

    I loved this book more than I expected. It does lean into Romance more than Fantasy, which is usually the opposite of what I look for in a book, but the writing is so delicious that Fantasy and Romance lovers alike will bond over this book. It was surprisingly grounded in a realistic fictional narrative, for the premise being about finding a vampire. And the references to other fictional vampire narratives was a true love letter to the subject by the author. Buffy, Underworld, The Lost Boys, Dracula, The Little Vampire, 30 Days of Night, Interview with a Vampire, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, What We do in the Shadows, Moms Got a Date with a Vampire and many more books and movies highlighted the character's obsession with the subject. 

At the same time, we see Victoria shift from idolizing vampires to confronting the imperfections in their existence as she comes closer to her goal of becoming one. Her rocky relationship with Henry highlights how Victoria is so focused on her father's recovery that she has not allowed herself to think about who will be in her life if her dad does pass away. The trip to New Orleans tries to save Victoria from diminishing her passions and happiness. She does so with the belief that any joy is betraying her grief for her father. Two grief books in one collection! I am sorry I did that to myself and the readership, but I promise they are worth it. 

Creative Use for a Library Program

  Scavenger Hunt: Victoria has a series of tasks to complete, similar to a scavenger hunt. While a library scavenger hunt may seem geared to a younger audience, try to make hiding places harder for teens to find. Pick age-appropriate prizes, such as movie theater tickets or passes to a local attraction, for first prize winners. Other participants can win smaller prizes like snacks and soda. You can hide objects or a picture of your library mascot. For increased difficulty, have riddles that connect to each hiding place. Limit the hunt to your branch or include all branches. 

Book Talk

  Victoria has always wanted to meet a vampire, but now that her dad is dying of cancer, she needs to find one. Off she goes with her former best friend Henry to the "Big Easy," New Orleans. Not everyone's convinced that vampires are real, but Victoria is placing all of her hopes into one gothic basket. 

Reason for Inclusion

Fantasy romances are very popular with young adult readers, but I did not choose this book for popularity alone! Mixed into this story are lessons on grief, broken friendships, abandoned dreams, and growing apart. Victoria starts this story at the absolute bottom, feeling like the only person who understands her is about to die. In her journey, she relearns how to experience joy and reconnect with loved ones she withdrew from before her father's illness. Victoria shows that she can get back to the girl before the grief, but she has to choose that path without feeling guilty. 

Potential Challenges and Defense Preparation

 This book does not have a history of censorship but does discuss mature topics such as death and grieving. The best defense for any library is a strong reconsideration policy.