"Block is the genre-defying angel of the literati who breathes magical life into even the most mundane events in her character's lives. [She] is the mistress of crafting incandescent poetic prose, tales of pain, loss and the healing redemptive powers of love that transcend gender, time and even reality." —Staten Island Press
HOUSE OF DOLLS
"House of Dolls is a tender contemporary fairy tale, with the magic of Hans Christian Andersen and the wisdom of Oscar Wilde. Francesca Lia Block shows us that at the heart of every doll story lie the complex and poignant relationships of the humans who give life to the dolls." --Laura Godwin and Ann M. Martin, authors of THE DOLL PEOPLE
"Block is one of my favorite writers, and McClintock is one of my favorite illustrators. Together, they've made a book that is more than pretty and sweet, though it's both those things. House of Dolls is tragic and hopeful and strange and lovely." --Emily Jenkins, author of TOYS GO OUT and TOY DANCE PARTY
"Grief, inhumanity, redemption and several layers of metaphor--what heavy lifting Block does in just 80 pages! ...The overall impact is tremendous. Young Madison is growing tired of her dollhouse and its residents: Wildflower, Rockstar and Miss Selene, and their boyfriends Guy (a G.I. Joe type) and B. Friend (a teddy bear). Increasingly abandoned by her mother, Madison begins exercising a capricious cruelty that starts by sending Guy off to war. Then B. Friend is pronounced MIA. Then all of the ladies' gowns are stolen. The reality/unreality of any of this is a tightrope Block toes with precision--when necessary, readers will happily shield their eyes so as not to break the breathless artifice. What at first seems to be about the perennial war between familiar generations is expanded into a message about the global forces of pride and avarice that plunge innocents into devastation. This is powerful, haunting, and--just when you don't think it's possible--inspiring, too." --Booklist (STARRED review)Journal
PRETTY DEAD
"In Pretty Dead, Block takes what has up to now been the norm among vampire novels for teens and attempts to turn it on its head. This is a startlingly original work that drives a stake deep into the heart of typical vampire stories, revealing the deep loneliness and utter lack of romance in eternal life."–School Library Journal
"Known for lyrical, intoxicating prose and magical realism, Block delves into the vampire mythos with a racy story that sizzles and satisfies."—Publisher's Weekly
"The dramatic narrative blends elements of gothic romance with the lighter, fairy-tale setting of Weetzie Bat's LA: hot clubs, cool beaches, sushi and burgers. Offering sex, love, glamour, and danger, the book will be gobbled like candy by teen readers."--Horn Book
"…Block takes what has up to now been the norm among vampire novels for teens and attempts to turn it on its head. This is a startlingly original work that drives a stake deep into the heart of typical vampire stories, revealing the deep loneliness and utter lack of romance in eternal life."—School Library Journal
How to (Un)Cage a Girl
"Francesca Lia Block is a Los Angeles writer with a unique voice that blends lush imagery, hip fairy tales and punk poetic lyricism. She is best known for her "Weetzie Bat" books, which premiered in 1989 and drew critical acclaim and a rapturous fan base while helping to revolutionize young adult literature."—Los Angeles Times
"In what appears to be a semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Block skillfully articulates the insecurities and emotions of a girl growing up in Hollywood. Divided into three sections, the first chronicles life from thirteen to nineteen, the hell of junior high school, cruising the pink scene streets, wondering about what makes a girl popular, and the first sexual encounter. The second section expounds on the uniqueness of Los Angeles and the glamour life of Hollywood, how it can suck in and spit out the likes of Winona and Sofia. Finally, in the third section, a more mature Block muses on life—love, marriage and divorce, children, the death of a father from cancer, and the insecurities that plague adults. One underlying theme is that the culturally defined image of beauty is warped and individual beauty is a treasure.
There is something for everyone in this short, beautifully written collection...Having two daughters on the cusp of adulthood, "FortyFive Thoughts for my Daughter" and "My Virtual Daughters" made this reviewer teary-eyed. Interestingly the emotions described by Block are not solely the domain of girls. Boys, too, feel the insecurities about being popular, the heartache of love gone awry, and pain caused by the death of a loved one. Block's legions of fans will devour this collection. Poetry lovers or not, readers will find a wonderful read". –VOYA Starred Review
"This three-part collection of forty-five autobiographical poems is Block's most personal and revealing work for young adults yet... Teens in the throes of adolescence will especially appreciate that Block's poetry embraces the dark and the light: her heartfelt advice acknowledges both roses and thorns, and her use of archetypal fairy-tale motifs gives her writing more credence, speaking to something elemental in us all. Uber fans of FLB, privy to all the details of her personal life online, will get the most from this collection, but even the more casual readers of Block's novels will find much to linger over."—Horn Book
"These poems traverse the steep climb from girlhood to womanhood while unearthing the hard truths hidden within this journey...Teenage girls, especially sophisticated, angst-filled poetry readers, will devour this insightful and powerful collection."—School Library Journal
"In this collection, Block once again mixes characters from fairy tale and myth—vampires, mermaids, fairies—in urban poems that contrast menace and beauty; innocence and heartbroken experience; despair and bold confidence. As in her recent story collection, Blood Roses (2008), the works frankly discuss body image, sex, and love, and the subjects stretch into adult life, with poems about marriage, divorce, and motherhood. Luxuriant imagery of roses, feathers, and glitter contrast with dark, menacing scenarios of girls and women threatened by men and by their own brutal judgment, with vibrant, sometimes cruel Los Angeles as a constant backdrop. Eating disorders figure into many poems, as does advice on finding joy. There is hope in the beautiful title poem, which speaks about the limitless freedom that can come with self acceptance, and young women will easily relate to the many selections about teen naïveté and restlessness... A stirring exploration of female suffering and empowerment, this will attract Block's adult readers, too."--ALA Booklist
BLOOD ROSES
“Block’s latest book… explores female sexuality with wild poetry and a sense of vulnerability….Block combines elements used in her previous books—predatory adults, threatened girls, a natural world that both harms and heals, and the terrifying, infinite power of the imagination—to create strange, evocative scenes filled with archetypal fantasy characters, L.A. teens, and sly social commentary….As disjointed as nightmares, the stories will startle, provoke, and fascinate many older teens, who may find reassurance in one character’s raw, closing message: “You are not fucked up. . . . Your world is fucked up . . . and you are just responding normally to its psychotic vibe.”—ALA Booklist
The queen of magical realism is back with a vivid collection of short stories....The vivid imagery in these short stories is memorable and powerful....unforgettable.--VOYA
“The prose is lush as ever”–Publisher’s Weekly
“Block is known for her fantastical, edgy, and highly feminized stories of young women, and this book fits neatly into that mold.”—School Library Journal
THE WATERS AND THE WILD
"Awash in a bruised and aching adolescent sensibility, Weetzie Bat author Block's new novel doesn't waste a word… Haunting and thought provoking."—Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"Block's latest is short enough to be read in one sitting, but nonetheless has an impact that will be felt much longer.…the spooky mood she conjures is what will stay with readers—that and her gloriously grotesque descriptions of everyday objects. …many will be inspired to reach for Block's back catalog of other dangerous angels."--ALA Booklist
OPEN LETTER TO QUIET LIGHT
A Poetry Foundation Poetry Bestseller
"There is a definite voyeuristic pleasure to be had in reading these poems, so clearly addressed to a specific individual. Her vulnerability is contagious and painful, insinuating itself under your own skin." - LibraryThing.com
"...As a complete story, when read all together, it's a moving epic of love and loss. I really felt like I knew them, could picture them alone and together, the rush of passion, the fear of separation, and the horror of emptiness." - GoodReads.com
RUBY
"... fairy tale simplicity combined with wrenching emotional realism, served with a hefty side of over-the-top romance..."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review - read entire review.
NECKLACE OF KISSES
"Necklace of Kisses is the most lustrous gem in the necklace of Weetzie Bat stories. I read it on the plane and had to hide my tears from the woman seated next to me."
—John Cameron Mitchell
"The self-parody is as wonderful as ever -- Weetzie doesn't have to save the world; she can just go shopping -- and, as always, the magic is in the detail: wearing her raspberry snakeskin sandals, dipping her roll in olive oil and basil, surreal stuff happens... the celebration of the silly and the magical in a scary, sad world will appeal to all those once-teen fans who remember Weetzie and, just like her, now need a rewrite."
—Booklist
"Weetzie's many fans will most appreciate this reunion...but those just meeting Block's whimsical entourage and sparkling prose will also appreciate the book's message: that magic can be found in stolen moments and, in Dirk's words, though 'love is a dangerous angel,' it's well worth the risk."
- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
READ A REVIEW and Q & A with Francesca from Publisher's Weekly where Necklace of Kisses received a starred review. [you need Adobe Acrobat to open the file]
"Lovely language and ambitious ideas..."
- Kirkus Reviews
"With vivid imagery, Block has conjured another enchanting and lyrically surreal journey of love and self-discovery."
- Library Journal
"Block's fairy tale of personal transformation succeeds as a great summer read -- a fizzy cocktail of Joseph Campbell, Sex and the City,and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, filtered through the blunt-edged poetry of rock lyrics. Necklace of Kisses is a welcome reminder that midlife is still ripe for magic."
- Time Out New York
"Block uses the fairy take morif as a vehicle to convey the tangled-up truths that girls face on the road to becoming women. Through Weetzie and other characters, [Block] explores both societal and personal fears surrounding sexuality, power, food, death , drugs, love, creativity, depression, and lonliness in ways that are as inspiring as they are transgressive."
- Bust Magazine
"Lyrical...Weetzie is something like the hipster step-child of J.K. Rowling and Judy Blume...Necklace of Kisses offers Weetzie a chance to come to terms with who she was and who she has become, and the result is a heartfelt work of adult fantasy that sings in many voices....Necklace of Kisses also reinforces what a lyrical but economical writer Block is. One of the best books of the summer
- Salon.com
"Great read"
- People
"The punk rock loving, thrift store dressing denizen of Los Angeles' West Side is back among the colorful, smog-filtered sunsets and brightly painted boulevards that have long inspired the muse of her creator."
- Associated Press
"Shot through with doses of magic realism, this ethereal novel looks at the life of a middle-age woman through kaleidoscopic glasses."
- Chicago Tribune
"Block's California-style magical realism makes for a fantastical trip....Her richly descriptive language and gift for mixing fairy-tale elements with universal themes will make you an instant fan."
- Redbook Magazine
GUARDING THE MOON
—L.A. Times Bestseller
"... incredibly intimate and intensely spiritual. It is a unique contribution to parenting books a
nd an important one. Block does not speak for all new mothers but shares her story in such a moving way that makes it highly readable and recommendable.
—Book Reporter
Read entire review
"... A lyrical, poetic vision of the early moments and months that are so precious and hard to describe... Block illuminates the myriad ways in which her child has transformed her vision of the world, in language that sings.
—Publishers Weekly
NYMPH
"... a tour of a tragic, dreamy LA; it's [Block's] dirty urban fables book, and it manages to be wry, apt and hot enough to light my fire."
—Kirkus Reviews
"... Block's tales feature her distinctive simplicity and sweetly sleazy downtown dreamers..."
—Publishers Weekly
ECHO
"[Echo] begs not just to be read, but to be reread and savored"
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[Block] is the sorceress of iridescent language."
—Kirkus Reviews
QUAKELAND
"Quakeland takes a number of risks. Some are stylistic, some structural, some tied up in character and content. For its characters, for Katrina’s story, Quakeland is not to be missed." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"Quakeland is ultimately a novel about the prevailing spirit of female love." -- ForeWord magazine
"Readers who enjoy metafiction or other experimental works will appreciate the liberties Block takes with narrative voice and marvel at her interpolation of dreams, reality, fact, and fiction." -- Library Journal
THE ROSE AND THE BEAST
"Intoxicating... Heady... The darkness of these conflicts and subjects proves the strength of the magic [Block] describes: the transfiguring power of love."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[Block] uses language like a jeweled sword, glittering as it cuts to the heart."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
An L.A. Times bestseller
GIRL GODDESS #9
"Stories that radiate empathy, pithiness, and vibrant irreverence."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"These small dazzlers explore enduring values and provide a diverting take on facets of contemporary teen culture."
—Kirkus Reviews
THE HANGED MAN
"Though its cast is new and its tone considerably more somber, this intoxicating if painful work shares with Block's earlier novels a magic-tinged Los Angeles setting... Disturbing but ultimately exhilarating."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
I WAS A TEENAGE FAIRY
"The prose sustains steady crescendos of insight."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
VIOLET AND CLAIRE
"Block's writing is as lush and luminous, as hip and wise as ever."
—Publishers Weekly
WEETZIE BAT
"... Always hip without ever losing her bracing naivete, way cool without a cynical bone in her body, she careens across a shimmering '80s Wonderland of futuristic diners and retro-martini lounges and exotic hot dog stands that's half Hell-A and half Shangri-L.A., where love is the most dangerous angel in a city full of them."
—Salon.com--Five great contemporary novels about Los Angeles.
DANGEROUS ANGELS: THE WEETZIE BAT BOOKS
—L.A. Times Bestseller
"Transcendent."
—The New York Times Book Review
"A poetic series of books celebrating love, art, and the imagination, all in hyper-lyrical language.... Tenderly intoxicating."
—Spin
"Lyrical, resonant fables, which always point back to the primacy of family, friends, love, location, food and music. At once modern and mythic, her series deserves as much space as it can command of daydream nation's shrinking bookshelves."
—The Village Voice
"[Block's] extravagantly imaginative setting and finely honed perspectives remind the reader that there is magic everywhere."
—Publishers Weekly
“[Block] deftly weaves myth and magic into scenes from contemporary life, viewed through a shimmering prism of the very hip.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Riveting and brilliant, this is a must for most YA collections.”—School Library Journal “
A sort of fevered dream [written] in Block’s unique, darkly evocative style.”—KLIATT “
Vignettes of urgent free verse make for a fast read . . . . Block raises the edgy question: ‘Is beauty monstrous?’”—ALA Booklist “
An illusory, though emotionally realistic, world that is both ethereal and edgy.”—Kirkus Reviews
