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A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls: Your Favorite Authors on The Vampire Diaries
The Vampire Diaries, the television series based on the iconic books by L.J. Smith, has already managed to captivate millions of viewers with its unique mix of immortal romance and very human drama.
In A Visitor’s Guide to Mystic Falls, YA authors—led by Red and Vee of premier Vampire Diaries resource Vampire-Diaries.net—take a closer look at Mystic Falls: its residents (both alive and undead) and its rich, inescapable history.
• Claudia Gray delves into the events of 1864 and how they’ve shaped not just Mystic Falls but the success of the show itself
• Sarah Rees Brennan tells us what it takes for a girl to hold her own against a vampire boyfriend (or two), placing Elena squarely between fellow vampire-daters Buffy and Bella
• Jennifer Lynn Barnes takes Mystic Falls to task for poor treatment of Caroline Forbes
• Jon Skovron examines the male-female vampire dynamic, in history and in The Vampire Diaries
• Plus a guide to the book series for tv fans looking to visit The Vampire Diaries’ literary inspiration, and more
Whether you’re a new visitor or a long-time fan, you won’t want to continue your tour of Mystic Falls without it.
In A Visitor’s Guide to Mystic Falls, YA authors—led by Red and Vee of premier Vampire Diaries resource Vampire-Diaries.net—take a closer look at Mystic Falls: its residents (both alive and undead) and its rich, inescapable history.
• Claudia Gray delves into the events of 1864 and how they’ve shaped not just Mystic Falls but the success of the show itself
• Sarah Rees Brennan tells us what it takes for a girl to hold her own against a vampire boyfriend (or two), placing Elena squarely between fellow vampire-daters Buffy and Bella
• Jennifer Lynn Barnes takes Mystic Falls to task for poor treatment of Caroline Forbes
• Jon Skovron examines the male-female vampire dynamic, in history and in The Vampire Diaries
• Plus a guide to the book series for tv fans looking to visit The Vampire Diaries’ literary inspiration, and more
Whether you’re a new visitor or a long-time fan, you won’t want to continue your tour of Mystic Falls without it.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
25 people are currently reading
5912 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Want to read
December 16, 2014I can't wait for this to be released! I love The Vampire Diaries series so this is a must for me!
Want to read
July 2, 2020This book was a birthday present to me from my sister.
I loved reading the various essays from various authors. I liked how they kept mentioning the difference between the tv series and the books. However, this book was released after season 1 so while reading it, I kept thinking how now we know a lot of stuff that we used to question.
I loved reading the various essays from various authors. I liked how they kept mentioning the difference between the tv series and the books. However, this book was released after season 1 so while reading it, I kept thinking how now we know a lot of stuff that we used to question.
June 13, 2018
Visitor's guide to Mystic Falls
It includes 12 essays written by different people. They write from their point of few. What they think off the TV show 'The Vampire Diaries' and everything that includes it: the town, the vampires, the lovetriangle, The Salvatore Brothers, Bonnie the witch, Caroline and keeping diaries.
It was okay, but not as good as I hoped. In one of the essays Elena got compaired to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bella Swan from Twilight. Ouch, not a very good match if you ask me. They could have better compaired her to other characters of the show.
These essays are based on the first season of the TV show. They also compaire the books with the show - what the difference is. Nothing new for me, since I have seen already all seasons of The Vampire Diaries and read the complete book serie. It would have been better for me to read 'Visitors guide to Mystic Falls right after watching only season 1.
“Dear Diary”
Stefan: Don’t worry, I didn’t read it.
Elena: No? Why not? Most people would’ve.
Stefan: Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to read mine.
Elena: (in a voice that means this is Very Significant):
You keep a journal?
Stefan: Yeah, if I don’t write it down I . . . forget it.
Memories are too important.
Elena: (giving Stefan the Eyes of Love): Yeah . . .
(“Pilot,” 1-1)
It includes 12 essays written by different people. They write from their point of few. What they think off the TV show 'The Vampire Diaries' and everything that includes it: the town, the vampires, the lovetriangle, The Salvatore Brothers, Bonnie the witch, Caroline and keeping diaries.
It was okay, but not as good as I hoped. In one of the essays Elena got compaired to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bella Swan from Twilight. Ouch, not a very good match if you ask me. They could have better compaired her to other characters of the show.
These essays are based on the first season of the TV show. They also compaire the books with the show - what the difference is. Nothing new for me, since I have seen already all seasons of The Vampire Diaries and read the complete book serie. It would have been better for me to read 'Visitors guide to Mystic Falls right after watching only season 1.
“Dear Diary”
Stefan: Don’t worry, I didn’t read it.
Elena: No? Why not? Most people would’ve.
Stefan: Well, I wouldn’t want anyone to read mine.
Elena: (in a voice that means this is Very Significant):
You keep a journal?
Stefan: Yeah, if I don’t write it down I . . . forget it.
Memories are too important.
Elena: (giving Stefan the Eyes of Love): Yeah . . .
(“Pilot,” 1-1)
November 9, 2021
I love everything the Vampire Diaries, both the books and the series, so when I saw this book here on Goodreads I got curious and decided to just get it from Amazon. And since I was so curious I also decided to dive into it almost right away!
It's hard to review a collection of essays, especially as they've clearly been written when only the first season was out and a lot of it was still unknown. Quite a few essays didn't age very well. Mostly because the criticism displayed in the essays was tackled or talked about in later seasons.
However, there were also essays I'd say aged very well! Especially the one stating that both Stefan and Damon are heroes in their own way, both Gothic and Romantic ones, was lovely and I loved the essay explaining how the relationship between Damon en Stefan could be mended, because it was close to the what eventually happened.
I personally think White's essay on how Stefan is a total and complete monster (based on season 1 only) was a little uncalled for. I'm the first one to say that he's not the perfect hero the show sometimes portrays him as, but this essay felt quite harsh.
Reading this book however did awake my urge to rewatch the show again. So, maybe soon!
It's hard to review a collection of essays, especially as they've clearly been written when only the first season was out and a lot of it was still unknown. Quite a few essays didn't age very well. Mostly because the criticism displayed in the essays was tackled or talked about in later seasons.
However, there were also essays I'd say aged very well! Especially the one stating that both Stefan and Damon are heroes in their own way, both Gothic and Romantic ones, was lovely and I loved the essay explaining how the relationship between Damon en Stefan could be mended, because it was close to the what eventually happened.
I personally think White's essay on how Stefan is a total and complete monster (based on season 1 only) was a little uncalled for. I'm the first one to say that he's not the perfect hero the show sometimes portrays him as, but this essay felt quite harsh.
Reading this book however did awake my urge to rewatch the show again. So, maybe soon!
December 11, 2017
Αν είναι κανείς σκυλοπυρηνικός fan του κόσμου του "Vampire Diaries", τότε το βιβλίο αυτό (ή αλλιώς και οδηγός του Mystic Falls), θα του φανείς πολύ ενδιαφέρον, ενημερωτικός και θα του ανοίξει, παράλληλα, νέους δρόμους. Μπορεί να μην είναι για να ξετρελαθείς, ωστόσο, ειδικά σε σύγκριση με τα novels της σειράς, είναι εξαιρετικό.
July 5, 2012
Scroll down for German review
This book is a must have for all die-hard The Vampire Diaries fans, but it is also interesting and informative for total beginners. A Visitors Guide to Mystic Falls takes a closer look to the topic presented in the series and tries to answer important questions like "Who is really the bad guy?"
Famous authors like Cassandra Clare wrote twelve essays about the Vampire Diaries and Red and Vee from the number one TVD Fansite edited and commented this special collection.
A Visitors Guide... Shows what is different between the show and the books and it encourages the reader to actually think about the series. It digs deeper and shows what is really behind the topics.
You will find essays with whom you totally agree as well as essays you won't like at all.
This Book also shines a light on why Vampires are so important and famous in modern Pop-culture comparing the Vampire Diaries not just to modern tales like Buffy the Vampyre Slayer or Twilight but also to much older classics like Polidori's "The Vampyr" or Stoker's "Dracula".
It will bring much joy for fans of TVD and may be interesting for Vampire fans in general.Though it was published in the gap between the fist and the second season it will also help making the waiting time for season three shorter.
A recommendation for every fan and those who always wanted to know why a story like this could get so famous.
Dieses Buch ist ein "Must Have" für alle großen Vampire Diaries Fans, aber es ist genauso interessant und informativ für Leute, die gerade erst damit beginnen die Serie zu sehen.
Das Buch nimmt die zentralen Themen der Serie genauer in Augenschein und versucht wichtige Fragen zu beantworten, wie "Wer ist eigentlich wirklich der böse?"
Berühmte Autoren wie Cassandra Clare, die gerade mit ihrer Serie "The Mortal Instruments" auch hier in Deutschland Erfolge feiert, haben 12 Aufsätze zu den verschiedensten Vampire Diaries-Themen geschrieben. Da dieses Buch jedoch schon etwas älter ist wird nur die erste Staffel abgedeckt.
Diese Sammlung zeigt die Unterschiede zwischen den Büchern und der Serie und ermuntert die Leser einmal genauer darüber nachzudenken, was sie da wöchentlich im Fernsehen präsentiert bekommen. Es gräbt sehr tief und zeigt, was wirklich hinter den Themen steckt.
Während des Lesen stimmt man manchen präsentierten Meinung vielleicht völlig zu, während man andere komplett ablehnt.
Dieses Buch versucht außerdem zu erklären, warum Vampire so berühmt und wichtig für die moderne Pop-Kultur sind indem es The Vampire Diaries nicht nur mit modernen Geschichten wie "Buffy the Vampyre Slayer" oder "Twilight" sondern auch mit den viel älteren Klassikern wie John Polidories "The Vampyr" oder Bram Stokers "Dracula" vergleicht.
Es wird Fans der Serie große Freude bereiten dieses Buch zu lesen und ist sicherlich auch für Vampire Freunde generell ein interessanter Lesestoff.
Eine Empfehlung für, natürlich, alle Fans und auch die, die schon immer mal wissen wollten wie solch eine Geschichte so berühmt werden konnte.
This book is a must have for all die-hard The Vampire Diaries fans, but it is also interesting and informative for total beginners. A Visitors Guide to Mystic Falls takes a closer look to the topic presented in the series and tries to answer important questions like "Who is really the bad guy?"
Famous authors like Cassandra Clare wrote twelve essays about the Vampire Diaries and Red and Vee from the number one TVD Fansite edited and commented this special collection.
A Visitors Guide... Shows what is different between the show and the books and it encourages the reader to actually think about the series. It digs deeper and shows what is really behind the topics.
You will find essays with whom you totally agree as well as essays you won't like at all.
This Book also shines a light on why Vampires are so important and famous in modern Pop-culture comparing the Vampire Diaries not just to modern tales like Buffy the Vampyre Slayer or Twilight but also to much older classics like Polidori's "The Vampyr" or Stoker's "Dracula".
It will bring much joy for fans of TVD and may be interesting for Vampire fans in general.Though it was published in the gap between the fist and the second season it will also help making the waiting time for season three shorter.
A recommendation for every fan and those who always wanted to know why a story like this could get so famous.
Dieses Buch ist ein "Must Have" für alle großen Vampire Diaries Fans, aber es ist genauso interessant und informativ für Leute, die gerade erst damit beginnen die Serie zu sehen.
Das Buch nimmt die zentralen Themen der Serie genauer in Augenschein und versucht wichtige Fragen zu beantworten, wie "Wer ist eigentlich wirklich der böse?"
Berühmte Autoren wie Cassandra Clare, die gerade mit ihrer Serie "The Mortal Instruments" auch hier in Deutschland Erfolge feiert, haben 12 Aufsätze zu den verschiedensten Vampire Diaries-Themen geschrieben. Da dieses Buch jedoch schon etwas älter ist wird nur die erste Staffel abgedeckt.
Diese Sammlung zeigt die Unterschiede zwischen den Büchern und der Serie und ermuntert die Leser einmal genauer darüber nachzudenken, was sie da wöchentlich im Fernsehen präsentiert bekommen. Es gräbt sehr tief und zeigt, was wirklich hinter den Themen steckt.
Während des Lesen stimmt man manchen präsentierten Meinung vielleicht völlig zu, während man andere komplett ablehnt.
Dieses Buch versucht außerdem zu erklären, warum Vampire so berühmt und wichtig für die moderne Pop-Kultur sind indem es The Vampire Diaries nicht nur mit modernen Geschichten wie "Buffy the Vampyre Slayer" oder "Twilight" sondern auch mit den viel älteren Klassikern wie John Polidories "The Vampyr" oder Bram Stokers "Dracula" vergleicht.
Es wird Fans der Serie große Freude bereiten dieses Buch zu lesen und ist sicherlich auch für Vampire Freunde generell ein interessanter Lesestoff.
Eine Empfehlung für, natürlich, alle Fans und auch die, die schon immer mal wissen wollten wie solch eine Geschichte so berühmt werden konnte.
May 28, 2015
Originally reviewed by me at http://fantastic-finds-ya.blogspot.com/
Oh how I love TVD. If you haven't tried it, there's a good chance you will, too. One of the most prominent ideas that pops up in reviews of the show are people saying things like "Ok, I don't like vampires and I never watch teen dramas. But this is my new favorite show." There is just so much to love: a heroine that really cannot be beaten (loyal, sweet, independent, strong, loving and just genuinely Good), sexy vampires (I would like the order of this list carefully noted), a great soundtrack, a phenomenally well-developed cast of characters, and a knack for turning expectations on their heads. This book covers all that, and a lot more.
I've read and liked other collections of essays before (Buffy, Ballads and Bad Guys Who Sing: Music in the Worlds of Joss Whedon, and The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games Trilogy were also excellent), but this book shines for its skillful combination of insighful, academic, and just plain fun aspects. One of my favorite entries was from the point of two female fans debating Team Stefan VS. Team Damon. By comparing the Romantic Hero to the Gothic Hero. And summoning the ghosts of Jane Austen and Emily Brontë. It's called "In Which Our Intrepid Heroines Discuss the Merits of the Bad Boy Versus the Reformed Bay Boy with the Help of a Couple of Dead Women Who Know About Such Things" and it is fantastic.
Some of my other favorite essays include a scathing review of Stefan's supposed nobility by Diana Peterfreund, an essay praising Elena's character and ability to hold her own despite being 1/3 of a fangy love triangle by Sarah Rees Brennan, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes look at the overlooked Caroline.
This book was written with just one season to work with- now that the fifth season is set to air very soon and there is far more material to to draw from, I am very much hoping for a sequel.
Oh how I love TVD. If you haven't tried it, there's a good chance you will, too. One of the most prominent ideas that pops up in reviews of the show are people saying things like "Ok, I don't like vampires and I never watch teen dramas. But this is my new favorite show." There is just so much to love: a heroine that really cannot be beaten (loyal, sweet, independent, strong, loving and just genuinely Good), sexy vampires (I would like the order of this list carefully noted), a great soundtrack, a phenomenally well-developed cast of characters, and a knack for turning expectations on their heads. This book covers all that, and a lot more.
I've read and liked other collections of essays before (Buffy, Ballads and Bad Guys Who Sing: Music in the Worlds of Joss Whedon, and The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games Trilogy were also excellent), but this book shines for its skillful combination of insighful, academic, and just plain fun aspects. One of my favorite entries was from the point of two female fans debating Team Stefan VS. Team Damon. By comparing the Romantic Hero to the Gothic Hero. And summoning the ghosts of Jane Austen and Emily Brontë. It's called "In Which Our Intrepid Heroines Discuss the Merits of the Bad Boy Versus the Reformed Bay Boy with the Help of a Couple of Dead Women Who Know About Such Things" and it is fantastic.
Some of my other favorite essays include a scathing review of Stefan's supposed nobility by Diana Peterfreund, an essay praising Elena's character and ability to hold her own despite being 1/3 of a fangy love triangle by Sarah Rees Brennan, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes look at the overlooked Caroline.
This book was written with just one season to work with- now that the fifth season is set to air very soon and there is far more material to to draw from, I am very much hoping for a sequel.
February 6, 2012
A book a la true Smart Pop books fashion. A bunch of author's coming together in a single book, essay format, to talk about the wonders and amazingness of what is The Vampire Diaries, season 1. Being a Vampire Diaries fan myself, TV Show not books (though I did read those before watching the TV show a long time ago), I found this book sooo freaking enjoyable, because as I always say when it comes to Smart Pop Books it's like coming together with your favourite authors (Bree Despain, Alyxandra Harvey, Kiersten White, Claudia Gray...) and just talking about and gushing about Vampire Diaries.
Amazingly, they talk about more than how attractive Ian Somerhaulder is and how his gaze can pretty much make any panties fall instantly to the ground in complete surrender (Team Damon here). They talk about how the history of Mystic Falls is in itself like a character to the series, an essay focuses on who is the true villain of this tale (supposedly Stefan- a judgement I find very appealing), and just basically about a whole bunch of things that if you are a Vampire Diaries fan will find super interesting. I specially enjoyed the end, where they start talking about how the books differ from the series. The only essay I didn't enjoy that much was Claudia Gray's, not because it wasn't greatly written but because I didn't join in her opinion of making the show that much more historically accurate. It is about the history of mystic falls, but not in that fashion.
Anyways, awesome essay book. Only thing I would request now is a follow up book on the second season of The Vampire Diaries, have the authors who made speculations about season 2 see how their argument changes or not, and see if they themselves change in their opinions. I would certainly buy that book! I would also enjoy some pics of Ian shirtless... You know, for the sake of research.
Amazingly, they talk about more than how attractive Ian Somerhaulder is and how his gaze can pretty much make any panties fall instantly to the ground in complete surrender (Team Damon here). They talk about how the history of Mystic Falls is in itself like a character to the series, an essay focuses on who is the true villain of this tale (supposedly Stefan- a judgement I find very appealing), and just basically about a whole bunch of things that if you are a Vampire Diaries fan will find super interesting. I specially enjoyed the end, where they start talking about how the books differ from the series. The only essay I didn't enjoy that much was Claudia Gray's, not because it wasn't greatly written but because I didn't join in her opinion of making the show that much more historically accurate. It is about the history of mystic falls, but not in that fashion.
Anyways, awesome essay book. Only thing I would request now is a follow up book on the second season of The Vampire Diaries, have the authors who made speculations about season 2 see how their argument changes or not, and see if they themselves change in their opinions. I would certainly buy that book! I would also enjoy some pics of Ian shirtless... You know, for the sake of research.
October 23, 2010
I really enjoyed this book! Different author's takes, in essay form, on the very popular Vampire Diaries TV show (it's definitely my favorite show now!). Lots of ideas were thrown into the mix and many made me think about the show a bit. Claudia Gray & Jon Skovron were 2 particularly good pieces, but not a one disappointed. If you are a fan of the show this is one you'd definitely enjoy!
November 9, 2010
For those who don't know, I'm obsessed with The Vampire Diaries. When I laid eyes on A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls, I knew I had to have it. I really like having background knowledge and being able to share what I know with other Vampire Diaries addicts. This would make the perfect gift for The Vampire Diaries addict in your life. It's well written and lots of fun!
October 18, 2010
Reviewed here on my blog: http://crissycalhoun.com/2010/10/17/a... (Spoiler alert: I loved it.)
November 15, 2010
My review at YA Books Central:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion...
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion...
Want to read
September 21, 2010Oct. 5, 2010
January 5, 2019
As a trained literary critic and lover of all things vampiric, I loved every moment of this!! 🤓
September 4, 2021
Women who love vampires who eat women by Sarah Rees Brennan: 4 stars
Bonnie Bennett: a new kind of best friend by Bree Despain: 4 stars
The war between the states by Claudia Gray: 4 stars
Ladies of the night, unite! by Jon Skovron: 3 stars
In which our intrepid heroines discuss the merits of the bad boy versus the reformed bad boy with the help of a couple of dead women who know about such things by Alyxandra Harvey: DNF
You’re my obsession by Vera Nazarian: 3.5 stars
Don’t be fooled by that noble chin: Stefan sucks by Kiersten White: 4 stars
Case notes: Salvatore, Stefan and Salvatore, Damon by Heidi R. Kling: 3 stars
Damon Salvatore: vampire hunter by Mary Borsellino: 4 stars
Sweet Caroline by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 3.5 stars
Dear diary… by Karen Mahoney: 3 stars
A visitor’s guide to Fell’s Church: a book series primer for tv series fans by Red and Vee: 3 stars
Bonnie Bennett: a new kind of best friend by Bree Despain: 4 stars
The war between the states by Claudia Gray: 4 stars
Ladies of the night, unite! by Jon Skovron: 3 stars
In which our intrepid heroines discuss the merits of the bad boy versus the reformed bad boy with the help of a couple of dead women who know about such things by Alyxandra Harvey: DNF
You’re my obsession by Vera Nazarian: 3.5 stars
Don’t be fooled by that noble chin: Stefan sucks by Kiersten White: 4 stars
Case notes: Salvatore, Stefan and Salvatore, Damon by Heidi R. Kling: 3 stars
Damon Salvatore: vampire hunter by Mary Borsellino: 4 stars
Sweet Caroline by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 3.5 stars
Dear diary… by Karen Mahoney: 3 stars
A visitor’s guide to Fell’s Church: a book series primer for tv series fans by Red and Vee: 3 stars
February 19, 2023
I tried so hard to read this book. I had to DNf It as I just couldn’t not get into it a single bit. I wish I could read it as I’m going to Georgia next month where TVD was filmed. It seems to me this is just a lot of opinions of the series wrapped into essays. I know it wouldn’t be exactly like the show but I wish it had more play into it rather than comparing it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight.
August 5, 2017
4 / 5 angel stars
March 25, 2023
A nice rewind on a TV series I hold very close to my heart. Interesting to see takes on characters from only season one now that the show has finished running.
March 15, 2015
I first read L. J. Smith's The Vampire Diaries for the first time when I was a teenager on holiday in Albury for a week with my parents. I was sitting by the poolside in bright sunlight reading about vampires with rings that protected them from the sunlight and--possibly because I hadn't read any other vampire books at the time--thought that was fairy reasonable.
When the TV series came out more than ten years later, I had to watch it for nostalgia purposes. And the thing I like most about it--as with many of the book to TV show fans--is just how different the show is. Sure, some of the visual choices in the casting seem chosen to reflect Twilight, but once you get past both that and the first eight episodes of season one, you're on a train ride straight for angst and amazing plot twists.
This book is the first book of essays I've read on a TV show, which surprises me because that title really should have belonged to Buffy. However, once I saw that Sarah Rees Brennan--someone who has shared online many of the same views I've had on this show--contributed the first essay, I was in.
After that, I was lost.
My inner academic has a special love for reading essays, and this book has essays on almost every aspect from both books and movies. Of course, there are the many obligatory essays based on the two leading men, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, but there were also essays dedicated to each of the side ladies, "Bonnie Bennett: A New Kind of Best Friend" by Bree Despain and "Sweet Caroline" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. When I wasn't appreciating the insightful observations of Bonnie being treated in the show as a lead lady in her own right, or Caroline the misunderstood mean girl with a heart of gold, I was gobsmacked that issues were tackled such as the evolution of the female vampire as women's roles have changed ("Ladies of the Night, Unite!") and the role of vampire hunters within the genre, neither heroes or villains ("Damon Salvatore: Vampire Hunter").
The essay "Dear Diary..." was also notable for the way it took apart the art of journal writing and explored it as a narrative device in The Vampire Diaries. "A War Between the States" was amazing for acknowledging the many differences from novels to screen and interpreting the like narrative requirements behind those decisions.
By the middle of this book, I was starting to use each essay as a way of pulling out new authors such as Jon Skovron and Mary Borsellino that I'd not heard of before and hunting down their novels in my local library. I have added more books to my to-read list in the process of this book than in any other.
When the TV series came out more than ten years later, I had to watch it for nostalgia purposes. And the thing I like most about it--as with many of the book to TV show fans--is just how different the show is. Sure, some of the visual choices in the casting seem chosen to reflect Twilight, but once you get past both that and the first eight episodes of season one, you're on a train ride straight for angst and amazing plot twists.
This book is the first book of essays I've read on a TV show, which surprises me because that title really should have belonged to Buffy. However, once I saw that Sarah Rees Brennan--someone who has shared online many of the same views I've had on this show--contributed the first essay, I was in.
After that, I was lost.
My inner academic has a special love for reading essays, and this book has essays on almost every aspect from both books and movies. Of course, there are the many obligatory essays based on the two leading men, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, but there were also essays dedicated to each of the side ladies, "Bonnie Bennett: A New Kind of Best Friend" by Bree Despain and "Sweet Caroline" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. When I wasn't appreciating the insightful observations of Bonnie being treated in the show as a lead lady in her own right, or Caroline the misunderstood mean girl with a heart of gold, I was gobsmacked that issues were tackled such as the evolution of the female vampire as women's roles have changed ("Ladies of the Night, Unite!") and the role of vampire hunters within the genre, neither heroes or villains ("Damon Salvatore: Vampire Hunter").
The essay "Dear Diary..." was also notable for the way it took apart the art of journal writing and explored it as a narrative device in The Vampire Diaries. "A War Between the States" was amazing for acknowledging the many differences from novels to screen and interpreting the like narrative requirements behind those decisions.
By the middle of this book, I was starting to use each essay as a way of pulling out new authors such as Jon Skovron and Mary Borsellino that I'd not heard of before and hunting down their novels in my local library. I have added more books to my to-read list in the process of this book than in any other.
September 4, 2016
12 essays on various Vampire Diaries topics by 12 different writer familiar with the series.
Written after the First season. I thought this was a bunch of TVD SS’s, not critiques on various aspects of TVD. And, yes, I do love TVD, just dissapointed since i was expecting something else.
1)‘Women Who Love Vampires Who Eat Women: Interspecies dating and gender dynamics.’ Compares Elena with Buffy and Bella Swan and Elena’s different feelings and relationships with both Stefan and Damon. Also comments on the selection of who dies and doesn’t.
2)‘Bonnie Bennett: A New Kind of Best Friend.’ Pre-TVD traditional BF: Frenemy and/or Sidekick. TVD BF Bonnie: More than just a sidekick. Can carry her own weight.
3)‘The War between the States.’ Differences between the books and the TV show. Mainly the different historical background of the Salvatore brothers.
4)‘Ladies of the Night. Unite!’ The evolution of vampires through literary history and the lack of strong female vampires until recently. Now the males are growing weaker.
5)‘By Which Our Intrepid Heroines Discuss the Merits of the Bad Boy versus the Reformed Bad Boy with the help of a Couple of Dead Women Who Know About Such Things.’ Cute, but the long title says it all.
*I stopped reading at this point when I realized the book was not what I thought it would be.
6)‘You’re My Obsession.’
7)‘Don’t be Fooled by that Noble Chin: Stefan Sucks.’
8)‘Case Notes: Salvatore, Stefan and Salvatore, Damon.’
9)‘Damon Salvatore: Vampire Hunter.’
10)‘Sweet Caroline.’
11)‘Dear Diary.’
12)‘A Visitor’s Guide to Fell’s Church: A Book Series Primer for TV Series Fans.’
Written after the First season. I thought this was a bunch of TVD SS’s, not critiques on various aspects of TVD. And, yes, I do love TVD, just dissapointed since i was expecting something else.
1)‘Women Who Love Vampires Who Eat Women: Interspecies dating and gender dynamics.’ Compares Elena with Buffy and Bella Swan and Elena’s different feelings and relationships with both Stefan and Damon. Also comments on the selection of who dies and doesn’t.
2)‘Bonnie Bennett: A New Kind of Best Friend.’ Pre-TVD traditional BF: Frenemy and/or Sidekick. TVD BF Bonnie: More than just a sidekick. Can carry her own weight.
3)‘The War between the States.’ Differences between the books and the TV show. Mainly the different historical background of the Salvatore brothers.
4)‘Ladies of the Night. Unite!’ The evolution of vampires through literary history and the lack of strong female vampires until recently. Now the males are growing weaker.
5)‘By Which Our Intrepid Heroines Discuss the Merits of the Bad Boy versus the Reformed Bad Boy with the help of a Couple of Dead Women Who Know About Such Things.’ Cute, but the long title says it all.
*I stopped reading at this point when I realized the book was not what I thought it would be.
6)‘You’re My Obsession.’
7)‘Don’t be Fooled by that Noble Chin: Stefan Sucks.’
8)‘Case Notes: Salvatore, Stefan and Salvatore, Damon.’
9)‘Damon Salvatore: Vampire Hunter.’
10)‘Sweet Caroline.’
11)‘Dear Diary.’
12)‘A Visitor’s Guide to Fell’s Church: A Book Series Primer for TV Series Fans.’
September 18, 2023
This book offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the fictional town of Mystic Falls, which serves as the backdrop for the popular TV series "The Vampire Diaries."
Various YA authors contribute to this guide, providing insights and analysis into the town's history, residents, and the show's cultural impact. Claudia Gray delves into the significant events of 1864, highlighting their influence on both Mystic Falls and the show's success. Sarah Rees Brennan explores the challenges faced by the female protagonist, Elena, as she navigates her relationships with vampire boyfriends, drawing comparisons with other iconic vampire-themed series. Jennifer Lynn Barnes criticizes the treatment of Caroline Forbes, shedding light on the character's development. Jon Skovron examines the dynamics between male and female vampires, both in historical contexts and within "The Vampire Diaries" narrative.
The guide also includes information for fans interested in exploring the book series that inspired the TV show. Whether you're a newcomer or a dedicated fan, this book provides valuable insights into the world of Mystic Falls and the beloved series.
Various YA authors contribute to this guide, providing insights and analysis into the town's history, residents, and the show's cultural impact. Claudia Gray delves into the significant events of 1864, highlighting their influence on both Mystic Falls and the show's success. Sarah Rees Brennan explores the challenges faced by the female protagonist, Elena, as she navigates her relationships with vampire boyfriends, drawing comparisons with other iconic vampire-themed series. Jennifer Lynn Barnes criticizes the treatment of Caroline Forbes, shedding light on the character's development. Jon Skovron examines the dynamics between male and female vampires, both in historical contexts and within "The Vampire Diaries" narrative.
The guide also includes information for fans interested in exploring the book series that inspired the TV show. Whether you're a newcomer or a dedicated fan, this book provides valuable insights into the world of Mystic Falls and the beloved series.
May 9, 2024
This book only covers the first season, so the writers make lots of cases and arguments that are only applicable to that season. If you know what happens in Season 2, some of these arguments are not as compelling.
I'd only recommend this to superfans of The Vampire Diaries tv show or to fang hags such as myself.
Read again in 2024- As noted, this only covers the first season of the Vampire Diaries. I am now on Season 5, and so some of these themes are no longer current. However, I did love some of the contrast and compare articles. One article examined Season 1 Stefan as a Romantic Hero and Season 1 Damon as a Byronic hero.
Also liked the essay on how Elena is unlike Bella, because Elena also has agency.
Another essay explored the male-female vampire dynamic.
Sadly, no one wrote this kind of book for the end of the series. I had no idea that I had read this before.
I'd only recommend this to superfans of The Vampire Diaries tv show or to fang hags such as myself.
Read again in 2024- As noted, this only covers the first season of the Vampire Diaries. I am now on Season 5, and so some of these themes are no longer current. However, I did love some of the contrast and compare articles. One article examined Season 1 Stefan as a Romantic Hero and Season 1 Damon as a Byronic hero.
Also liked the essay on how Elena is unlike Bella, because Elena also has agency.
Another essay explored the male-female vampire dynamic.
Sadly, no one wrote this kind of book for the end of the series. I had no idea that I had read this before.
September 29, 2011
While I was not one for buying books with essay's dissecting a show, I am glad I bought this one. The essays were well put together and had lots of information to back up there ideas. Weather you agreed totally with what was being said you could respect there point of view. None of the essays were overly heavy handed in there writing which made things easy to understand and follow. At times I found myself stopping to think about things that I had missed while watching. This book mainly talks about the show but it has an essay comparing and contrasting the difference between the show and the books. Good read would recommend to any one that is a fan of the show.
September 4, 2014
I received this book in the goodreads giveaway.
I've never watched or read The Vampire Diaries, so I wanted this book to kinda see what it's about. I kinda wanted to know if it was worth investing my time into. I think the authors did a pretty good job on describing what they thought and what they that was going to happen. It was interesting to read the different view points. I think this is something that the fans of the series will really enjoy.
I've never watched or read The Vampire Diaries, so I wanted this book to kinda see what it's about. I kinda wanted to know if it was worth investing my time into. I think the authors did a pretty good job on describing what they thought and what they that was going to happen. It was interesting to read the different view points. I think this is something that the fans of the series will really enjoy.
November 2, 2011
This book is essentially a compilation of essays related to the show, The Vampire Diaries. It explores everything from Caroline and Bonnie to who's better Damon or Stefan. Excellent editing and selection of essays by famous paranormal authors. It provides us with many tid bits about Mystic Falls.And in the end, I loved the book.
September 8, 2011
I really enjoyed this collection. I have read the books and fallen in love with the television show. I liked the different perspectives in this anthology. I loved the number of talented authors involved in this project and it's on a great topic. Good stuff.
August 23, 2011
I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed reading The Girl Who Was On Fire. I guess how interesting dissecting a fandom can be depends on how interesting the source material is in the first place. Not that TVD isn't great, it just doesn't offer that much to ponder about as The Hunger Games did.
December 6, 2016
I bought this novel probably around the end of Season 2..because I was obsessed with this show and just needed more in every avenue. It was a cute, short read for more insight into the Vampire Diaries world.
May 17, 2011
I didn't love it, but I liked it. I'm not sure what I was expecting...
Read
October 1, 2011Great for all you Vampire Diary fans!
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