CCBC-Net Archives
FLB
- Contemporary messages sorted: [ by date ] [ by subject ] [ by author ]
From: lynnrutan_at_charter.net <lynnrutan>
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2005 21:35:10 -0400
I am mostly a lurker and have read with great interest the reactions to Francesca Lia Block?s work and can resist no longer jumping into the discussion. Someone earlier said that you either love FLB or dislike her work and I can understand that as she ha s always been controversial. But I would like to urge her detractors to look again
I, like so many, fell in love with FLB?s work the first time I read Weetzie Bat. As there is no one less slinkster cool than I (approaching 60 rapidly, quiet, shy and oh so conventional), I have often wondered what it is about her work that connects so solidly to teens and adults. I apologize in advance that I do have not her books at hand to refer to and am not an academic, just an ordinary working librarian. But here are few random thoughts.
First is Block?s use of magical realism. Block, through Weetzie, shows us the world from a different perspective. It is a perspective or viewpoint that allows genies to be real and mermaids to swim in hotel pools. It is a perspective that allows us to acknowledge the dark and ugly things of life and defeat them with angels and the power of love. Fear, racism, homophobia, AIDS, isolation and despair collide with love, magic, the beauty of the natural world and, yes, commitment and are defeated. Block?s perspective reacquaints us with the innocence and acceptance of childhood and empowers us to use that to cope with realities of life. Block is so wonderfully optimistic! While fully recognizing the terrifying problems we face, Block arms us with the redemptive power of love to conquer the dark.
Secondly, I think FLB examines themes that speak powerfully to both teens and adults. The theme of growing up, finding our place in the world and being comfortable with who we are is pivotal to teens and still important to adults. I use this quote when I booktalk Weetzie Bat, "The reason Weetzie Bat hated high school was because no one understood.? Is there anything more universal than that desire to find a place where we are understood? Block also speaks to the importance of taking time to value the pleasures of life whether it is a pastrami burrito or a great vintage dress or walking the beach. In our market driven culture, this is a theme that has resonance with teens and adults.
What happens to the beliefs we?ve build our lives on as we grow up? Block addresses that in all of her books, but most poignantly in Necklace of Kisses. What happens to our relationships as we grow older, meet adversity, experience sadness and loss? And all of these serious and thoughtful themes are explored in an utterly unique and lyrical style that is instantly identifiable.
Someone earlier mentioned that she would have Block?s books on the shelf because they were popular with teens and I am glad about that. But I think it is far more than just popularity that earns Block shelf space and multiple reprinting. Technically impeccable, utterly original, filled with beautiful images that shimmer and shine, Francesca Lia Block?s writing is graceful, unique, powerful and enduring. She speaks to so many of us, whether we are 16 or 56, exploring issues that are about what make us human.
Lynn Rutan Librarian Macatawa Bay School Holland, MI
Received on Thu 09 Jun 2005 08:35:10 PM CDT
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2005 21:35:10 -0400
I am mostly a lurker and have read with great interest the reactions to Francesca Lia Block?s work and can resist no longer jumping into the discussion. Someone earlier said that you either love FLB or dislike her work and I can understand that as she ha s always been controversial. But I would like to urge her detractors to look again
I, like so many, fell in love with FLB?s work the first time I read Weetzie Bat. As there is no one less slinkster cool than I (approaching 60 rapidly, quiet, shy and oh so conventional), I have often wondered what it is about her work that connects so solidly to teens and adults. I apologize in advance that I do have not her books at hand to refer to and am not an academic, just an ordinary working librarian. But here are few random thoughts.
First is Block?s use of magical realism. Block, through Weetzie, shows us the world from a different perspective. It is a perspective or viewpoint that allows genies to be real and mermaids to swim in hotel pools. It is a perspective that allows us to acknowledge the dark and ugly things of life and defeat them with angels and the power of love. Fear, racism, homophobia, AIDS, isolation and despair collide with love, magic, the beauty of the natural world and, yes, commitment and are defeated. Block?s perspective reacquaints us with the innocence and acceptance of childhood and empowers us to use that to cope with realities of life. Block is so wonderfully optimistic! While fully recognizing the terrifying problems we face, Block arms us with the redemptive power of love to conquer the dark.
Secondly, I think FLB examines themes that speak powerfully to both teens and adults. The theme of growing up, finding our place in the world and being comfortable with who we are is pivotal to teens and still important to adults. I use this quote when I booktalk Weetzie Bat, "The reason Weetzie Bat hated high school was because no one understood.? Is there anything more universal than that desire to find a place where we are understood? Block also speaks to the importance of taking time to value the pleasures of life whether it is a pastrami burrito or a great vintage dress or walking the beach. In our market driven culture, this is a theme that has resonance with teens and adults.
What happens to the beliefs we?ve build our lives on as we grow up? Block addresses that in all of her books, but most poignantly in Necklace of Kisses. What happens to our relationships as we grow older, meet adversity, experience sadness and loss? And all of these serious and thoughtful themes are explored in an utterly unique and lyrical style that is instantly identifiable.
Someone earlier mentioned that she would have Block?s books on the shelf because they were popular with teens and I am glad about that. But I think it is far more than just popularity that earns Block shelf space and multiple reprinting. Technically impeccable, utterly original, filled with beautiful images that shimmer and shine, Francesca Lia Block?s writing is graceful, unique, powerful and enduring. She speaks to so many of us, whether we are 16 or 56, exploring issues that are about what make us human.
Lynn Rutan Librarian Macatawa Bay School Holland, MI
Received on Thu 09 Jun 2005 08:35:10 PM CDT
