GENRE: Fantasy; GLBT Themes
HONORS: ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Parents' Choice Gold Award
REVIEW: Weetzie Bat is a subculture classic that takes place in the mystical town of Shangri-L.A. where surf and glam reign supreme. Weetzie is an eccentric, charismatic character who isn't completely enthralled with the southern Californian city (sometimes she calls it 'Hell-L.A.'), but with the company of her best friend, Dirk, they are able to have the best adventures and take joy in the simpler things in life. This is the first book of the series, where Weetzie is granted three wishes and is ultimately in search for "My Secret Lover Agent Man" and a "Duck (a love) for Dirk. Reader's see that Weetzie has a lot of love to give and share as her family grows.
OPINION: The book features a lot of themes that break many conventional ideas about love, family, and what brings happiness. Weetzie is a charming girl with a punk-glam edge, and the book confronts heavy issues in a mystical, dream-like scape. Weetzie is almost fairy-like, but has to deal with the death of a loved one and a broken family. Other topics, such as AIDS, homosexuality, and birth out-of-wedlock (dated term!) are not conveyed as negative aspects, but as issues that one accepts as a part of life. This is an offbeat story that is still as progressive, as it was twenty years ago!
IDEAS:A great book for reluctant readers and teens who are in search for a story with an alternative edge.
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