 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
- By L. J. Smith
- Genre: Horror
Common Sense Media says
Sexually violent book is nothing like the TV show.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book, first published in 1991, has been loosely made into a TV show. It bears no resemblance to the vampire sensation Twilight (other than that a vampire poses as a new high school student and a local girl falls for him). In fact the TV show and Twilight actually seem more similar. The book is very dated and pretty sexist. It is much more a horror story than a romance with graphic violence, including descriptions of the vampire murders of people and animals such as a pet dog. There is an attempted rape of the main character and a brutal rape of another girl. Main characters have sex, barely described.The female characters are not strong, independent, or otherwise positive characters. Unlike more recent depictions, these vampires have no remorse.
What's the story?
A mysterious new student (Stefan) arrives at a high school and the most popular girl in school (Elena) becomes obsessed with him, especially when he tries to ignore her. She uses everyone around her to get him to notice her. Meanwhile murders of animals, pets, and humans start happening around town -- not the time to use the local graveyard as a hook-up spot. When tragedy strikes and Elena and another girl are assaulted it finally gets Stefan's attention.
Is it any good?
This is definintely not a Twilight wannabe. Instead of tons of pining and talk of handsome otherworldy characters and their allure there are almost lurid descriptions of vampires hunting and feeding on animals -- including beloved pets and humans. Gratuitous assaults and a rape do not enhance a story that is basically about life in high school 20 years ago; no cell phones, no Internet, no strong femal characters. And the main characters find true love but don’t find any self-awareness or gain any emotional maturity by the story’s end.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether reading horror or scary stories helps readers to face fear in real life.
How can you tell this book was written nearly 20 years ago?
Are vampires criminals?
Why do people let Elena treat them badly?
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AGE
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
I LOVE the Vampire Diaries! Its about true love but also has its dark side!!
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AGE
Really good but a bit inappropriate.
I actually really like this book. Read it its way better than common sense makes it sound. Just because the characters are more complex, and have good and bad sides doesn't mean they are evil.
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AGE
There is nothing wrong with these books. No sexual behavior at all except a few passionate kisses and when vampires share blood with a human and can sense their thoughts. This books violence is not bloody and described in detail.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 19, 2011
AGE
Vampire's Diary?
I always wanted to read a vampire's diary. It is just like those awesome twilight saga books.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 28, 2011
AGE
great books
i love the books i read the books these were based on and if you want to read some thing scary and really innapropriot read a seriese called the last vampire by christopher pike but still great book
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AGE
Great series!
The books are nothing like the show, at least as far as I know. But both the show and the books are amazing, but I would have to say the show is better, because I've seen all the episodes so far. I haven't finished reading the book series yet though. But since were talking about the books, I would have to say their amazing. "The Fury", which is the third book, is my favorite so far, because it has more action. But this first book, I would have to say is kind of boring, since I didn't find any real interest in it, but that's because it's introducing the characters. Most books are like that in the beginning of a series. But the book is really good. It's gets better and better throughout the series. I'm sure you'll like it. :)
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AGE
This was a light read and the characters were all straight forward, no complexities. As already mentioned Elena is incredibly self centered, it is pointed out to her in book, and shallow. Stefen who is supposed to be the good vampire, ie doesn't kill humans, in the end is just as selfish as Elena and goes on a killing spree. I agree that this is more of a horror-romance series than a straight romance. If you like the show you probably won't like the book, they are nothing alike. The show gives Elena many good qualities that are absent in the books.
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AGE
Perfect for ages 11+, but not kids
I love this book, and i have it. its not s violent as they say
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| Author: | L. J. Smith |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Publisher: | HarperTeen |
| Publication date: | September 1, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 253 |
| Paperback price: | $6.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 14 |
| Read alone: | 14 |
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