Annette Curtis Klause’s 1997 novel “Blood and Chocolate” is a tale of a teenage werewolf and her struggles to fit into suburban American society. From page one, the novel appeals to readers’ appetites for action, mystery, and romance in its depiction of the conflicted life of 17-year-old Vivian Gandillon, a high school student who is part of a secretive werewolf pack in suburban Maryland. Vivian’s world is convoluted by her burgeoning sexuality as well as the tug-of-war she experiences between the expectations of her family and those of her peers. The book’s frank discussion of Vivian’s sexual desires, as well as her experiences with grief, loss, and loyalty to family, have made it a popular if controversial title for young readers in the decade since its publication.
Though its sexual content has made it a divisive title (and its literary merit is of questionable quality), “Blood and Chocolate” is in many ways properly suited to the interests of young adult readers. The novel’s strength lies in its adherence to the issues young adult readers look for in fictional works. Teens traditionally look for books that help them better understand the world around them, and whose characters’ tribulations mirror teens’ own issues and problems. According to “Connecting Young Adults and Libraries,” issues related to four common themes appeal to teens of all backgrounds: independence, excitement, identity, and acceptance. “Blood and Chocolate” hits on all four of these themes throughout the book, though the underlying message of self-acceptance and identity seems to be the largest facet of the book.
1 comment:
I think you did a great job identifying why this book appeals to teens; like you said, "Blood And Chocolate" very successfully explores the themes of independence, excitement, identity, and acceptance. I feel that excitement and identity are particularly strong throughout: the excitement that comes from reading a fast-paced (and extremely sexual) suspense novel, but also the excitement of playing with identity. The idea of "trying on" new identities can be thrilling and scary for teens, so what better (and more relatable) heroine than an actual werewolf?
I'll agree that the book is of questionable literary quality, but that's a tag that's been applied to many extremely successful YA novels. I've definitely heard people scoff at J.K. Rowling's prose, and as we've seen on the YALSA list, the 'Twilight' series is extremely divisive. Clearly, literary quality isn't a priority for most YAs. Instead, what keeps them reading are the qualities you've identified: issues they're grappling with; a hero whose struggle strikes a chord with them. Throw in some violence and oodles of sex, and I'd say Klause has written a very appealing novel for her young adult readers.
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