You can consider vampires either as romantic and lovely creatures, or as evil and malevolent, or both. Since the first time I watched Bram Stoker’s Dracula, I've read many vampire books and have been fascinated - no, make that obsessed! - with these fiends. With the upcoming Twilight movie getting more and more buzz, it’s about time we revisited our favorite vampire books and movies.

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While many would recommend seeing the classics that starred Bella Lugosi, I tend to favor the more modern ones: I am Legend, Interview with the Vampire, the two Underworld flicks, Vampires: Los Muertos, Blade (except the last one!) and yes, Copolla’s Dracula and John Carpenter's Vampires - are among my top picks.

“I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world,” says Stephenie Meyer.

I can completely understand Ms. Meyers. She only wants to protect the integrity and originality of her work. I’m sure those of you who have written a book or are attempting to publish one would feel violated if someone tried to rewrite the plot or even kill off a character. How much more then if someone published a book similar to yours! Remember the fraud who sued J.K. Rowlings?

A number of book-to-movie adaptations have had their share of controversy as well. That seems to be the case for many authors when Hollywood comes knocking at their door.

But for the reader there is a wide variety of choice. It’s really up to us which books we come to love and cherish, and which ones end up in the trash. Here are my favorites so far:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyers. I never argued with my sisters when they went on about the latest romance novel they’d read and why they wanted to read more, though it would take a lot of convincing to get me to read one. But I got intrigued when more than four female friends kept on and on talking about Twilight. I finally bought a copy and loved it! Thousands of others definitely thought so too! Read this excerpt from a review:

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat."

As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.

Why you need to read the book (and see the movie): For new tMF visitors, I would not be surprised if you clicked here from an outward link from a Twilight forum or site. We’re what many of these sites called ‘Twilight friendly’ and indeed we are proud to be so.

Anyway, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight is quite a revelation. It’s not exclusively for women or young girls for that matter. Bella is an interesting and charming character. There is something about her that would make any man take a second glance and come to her rescue, as Edward Cullen did. But she is not powerless nor does she need others to take care of her. She is fiercely independent and while she has her vulnerable side, she is also determined and fearless at times.

I for one look forward seeing how Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson portray Bella and Edward. Twilight fans suggested a number of actors to play the lead roles, and most seem to agree with the final choices, or so it would appear …

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Kristen as Bella Swan and why she’s the best choice: I have seen Kristen Stewart in most of her movies. She’s a fascinating young actress, in a league of her own. She has charm, screen presence and an appeal that is sexy, but not trashy. She is not what you might call a traditional Disney star, the kind who shows her pearly white teeth and then starts swooning over a sexy, hunky young guy ( Zac Efron, maybe?) or who bursts into a singing, dancing routine at the drop of a hat.

She was great in her short but very sweet role in Penn’s Into the Wild, and she can sing! I loved her when she played Meg Ryan's daughter and revealed her delightful ‘obsession’ with Adam Brody in In the Land of Women. She was with Jamie Bell in Undertow (as I keep saying!) and also in the recent Jumper. I also look forward seeing her in The Yellow Handkerchief.

But as Bella, she will need to be at her best. Twilight fans will be expecting nothing less than awesome!

Robert Pattinson is the perfect Edward Cullen! The choice of Pattinson as Edward Cullen initially generated a wave of shock. Who’s he anyway? Well, he’s one of the UK’s most promising emerging talents, and he can rival the most sought-after male models on the runways of Paris and Milan! While rivals Ben Barnes and Sean Biggerstaff fought it out over other classical and contemporary roles, Pattinson grabbed the most anticipated vampire role of all, one that is as big and controversial as Cruise and Pitt in Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire.

Yes, he has all the qualities of a vampire that girls would fall in love with. While I first thought Gaspard Ulliel or Tom Sturridge might be great playing Edward, I now see the logic behind the choice… [ read more ]

I’m quite sure many of you will be lining up outside theatres to see the movie, and most of you will post in your favorite Twilight boards afterwards.

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The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I’m a voracious reader and I never hesitate to take up the challenge of reading heavy and bulky volumes. When I first saw this big red book called The Historian, I was intrigued. Then I read a passage and bought it right away:

If your pulse flutters at the thought of castle ruins and descents into crypts by moonlight, you will savor every creepy page of Elizabeth Kostova's long but beautifully structured thriller The Historian. The story opens in Amsterdam in 1972, when a teenage girl discovers a medieval book and a cache of yellowed letters in her diplomat father's library. The pages of the book are empty except for a woodcut of a dragon. The letters are addressed to: "My dear and unfortunate successor." When the girl confronts her father, he reluctantly confesses an unsettling story: his involvement, twenty years earlier, in a search for his graduate school mentor, who disappeared from his office only moments after confiding to Paul his certainty that Dracula--Vlad the Impaler, an inventively cruel ruler of Wallachia in the mid-15th century--was still alive. The story turns out to concern our narrator directly because Paul's collaborator in the search was a fellow student named Helen Rossi (the unacknowledged daughter of his mentor) and our narrator's long-dead mother, about whom she knows almost nothing. And then her father, leaving just a note, disappears also.

If this book is adapted into a movie, I would pity whoever decides to direct it. It’s a very complex book, with lots of characters and it would be hard to re-create the many locations in the former communist Romania. But if they succeed, it might even rival such classics as Dr. Zhivago. Yeah right! Hey don’t make me say ‘Don’t judge a book by it's cover…!’

Why you need to read the book: Whatever your age, you can identify with the characters and even empathize with some of them. Some of the passages are so good, that months later I can still recall them. It’s creepy and poetic, haunting and horrific. Plus it’s a great introduction to the world of Dracula, and to vampires in general.

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I am Legend by Richard Matheson. Definitely not your usual Gothic, castle-loving vampires. It’s actually a short novel you can read and finish in one sitting, but once you start reading, be prepared to stop everything you’re planning on doing, because you simply cannot put this book down. Says Stanley Wiater:

One of the most influential vampire novels of the 20th century, I Am Legend regularly appears on the "10 Best" lists of numerous critical studies of the horror genre. As Richard Matheson's third novel, it was first marketed as science fiction (for although written in 1954, the story takes place in a future 1976). A terrible plague has decimated the world, and those who were unfortunate enough to survive have been transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Except, that is, for Robert Neville. He alone appears to be immune to this disease, but the grim irony is that now he is the outsider. He is the legendary monster who must be destroyed because he is different from everyone else. Employing a stark, almost documentary style, Richard Matheson was one of the first writers to convince us that the undead can lurk in a local supermarket freezer as well as a remote Gothic castle. His influence on a generation of bestselling authors--including Stephen King and Dean Koontz--who first read him in their youth is, well, legendary.

Why you need to read the book: You probably have seen the movie version with Will Smith playing the character of Robert Neville. When I first watched ‘Stand by Me’, I was compelled to read the novella by Stephen King. I felt the same way with this one- but magnified like 10 times!

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The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice - Grandiose and provocative. The second book in The Vampire Chronicles is more intimate than her first novel, Interview with A Vampire. Here is where we find out the history of Lestat, the main character in Rice’s chronicles. The charming and mischievous preternatural fiend is a fascinating storyteller, a modern demigod, a rock star and a lonely creature who witnesses the world changing while he remains the same. Louis, the narrator of the first novel is but a character in Lestat’s world, albeit an important one. In this novel, Lestat finally awakens and literally rocks the world:

After over a half century underground, Lestat awakens in the 1980s to the cacophony of electronic sounds and images that characterizes the MTV generation. Particularly, he is captivated by a fledgling rock band named Satan's Night Out. Determined to achieve both international fame and to end the centuries of self-imposed vampire silence, Lestat takes command of the band (now renamed "The Vampire Lestat") and pens his own autobiography. The remainder of the novel purports to be that autobiography: the vampire traces his mortal youth as the son of a marquis in pre-Revolutionary France, his initiation into vampirism at the hands of Magnus, and his quest for the ultimate origins of his undead species.

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Why you need to read the book: If there is one book that I’ve read in one sitting, then it’s this book. I can still recall Lestat and Nicolas, his tragic and fallen friend as they get drunk and play the violin, his beautiful and brave mastiffs who sleep beside him and how these dogs are killed during Lestat’s encounter with the wolves, his imprisonment and eventually his becoming a vampire and much more…

After the second book, I felt that the next installments were inferior and what she had to offer next didn't thrill me anymore. I stopped reading the Vampire chronicles after The Tale of the Body Thief, wanting to preserve the myth and beauty of her previous novels, admitting that she has lost her touch…but this one and Interview are gems!

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Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite. It’s the saddest novel I’ve read. I dunno exactly why but maybe because I was 17 at that time. After more than 6 years, I can still identify with Nothing, her most important character. There is also the story within the novel about the twins…I would not want to reveal too much of the book. Review excerpt follows:

“…this stylishly written, daringly provocative first novel plays on the appeal of vampires as romantic antiheroes. Three bloodsuckers who might pass for rock stars roll into New Orleans for Mardi Gras and then disappear again, but only after their handsome leader, Zillah, has impregnated an adolescent girl. Fifteen years later, their offspring, who calls himself Nothing, is living with adoptive parents in the suburbs and wondering, like many other teenagers, why he feels so different. In this case the answer is that he's really a vampire, a fact he discovers when he runs away from home and meets up with none other than Zillah, accompanied by sidekicks Molochai and Twig. Together they seek out Nothing's favorite band, Lost Souls, for an explosive meeting that leads to a bloody, somewhat overdone climax back in New Orleans”

Why you need to read the book: Poppy Z. Brite no longer writes vampire or horror novels, but this is her first novel and it’s a definite collector’s item. Brite has a unique writing style and an even more intimate voice that will haunt you once you read Lost Souls. Not for everyone though, so don’t expect the usual boy-girl relationships here…

That’s five already and although I have read a lot more, many are so lame and so ridiculous that I refuse to even mention their titles!

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Since forever movies have dictated the type of sunglasses we wear. When Travolta wore it, everyone wanted chanel sunglasses. When Robert wore ray ban sunglasses, we wanted those. This holds true for prada sunglasses as well as gucci sunglasses.

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Comments (11)

From the author of INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE.

Your rather generous comments are appreciated. For what it's worth, I think MEMNOCH THE DEVIL is far and away the best of the roman-fleuve called the Vampire Chronicles, and it does seem to have the most sophisticated and consistent following. The publishers recently reissued it with an impressive and dignified cover, and it includes an essay by me on my earlier works. But you are by no means alone in preferring one small group of the books to the rest; and there is absolutely no consensus among readers as to which is the best. Though I find the warmth of feeling consoling, the wide range of disagreement among readers leaves me feeling ambivalent about my life's work. Thanks again, Anne Rice, Rancho Mirage, California

Anne Rice , March 02, 2008 | url

Oh, this is awesome!

Hi Anne! I think you know by now that I'm a big fan. While I stopped reading the other books in the Vampire chronicles, I collected almost all of your other books, including the Feast of All Saints and is now making my way into your new work.

I know that you have been commenting at Amazon too, and while this comes as a big surprise, it's my honour to see you here.

I don't really care if this is a prank or what, but the fact is I love your books and I'm a fan. That's all that really matters. The Vampire Lestat is an important book for me, an inspiration during some of my trying times, and it's great that I can somehow promote it to new readers.

Best!

jed , March 02, 2008

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Hmmm I so totally agree with you about Twilight, , and while I haven't read Anne Rice's books, Interview with a Vampire is a great film, but i have to disagree with you about Buffy and Angel. They were fab. And, in my opinion, the introduction of Connor is when Angel started to go down hill. I thought he was a rubbish character (the character, not the actor...i'm sure the actor was portraying him to the best of his ability!). In fact, I thought Angel only picked up again at the end of Buffy, when Spike turned up

Clair Couper , March 03, 2008

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Just butting in to say I couldn't agree more about Vincent Kartheiser's portrayal of Connor on Angel--he was absolutely brilliant. Unlike you I did love the show as a whole, but Connor stands out as the best thing about it to me.

Mars , March 03, 2008

Buffy and Angel

Hi Claire and Mars, thanks for the comments! While we disagree with Angel and Buffy, I certainly look forward to Twilight, and yeah, Vincent is one actor I come to admire, I forgot one of his movies, when he's still young, with that Star Trek guy (was it mastermind or something...?)

I do think the problem with Angel when Connor was introduced is that they made it a big issue- the conflict between father and son, and all those treachery and what not, it became so muddled up that viewers would either take the side of Angel or Connor, and since this is David's show, there were I believed a lot of the viewers becoming annoyed with Connor's character. His character development suck and while he tried to portrayed it the best he can, I think he was in the most inconvenient position to please the viewers...

Jed , March 03, 2008

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Thank you so much for the article. I agree with you completely about Vincent Kartheiser and Connor. I was never an Angel-fan but started watching by accident about the time the baby was introduced. I was really spellbound by Connor in the end of season 3 and the beginning of season 4. I think he was phenomenal and such an exiting character. However, I think it´s a shame how his storyline turned out. They could have done something much better with the character. Especially with that actor.
I think, that if they continued with "that" Connor (before Cordelia and Jasmine)I don´t think he would have been so hated.
Refreshing to hear something else then the usual negativity about him.

Maria , March 04, 2008

Robert Pattinson...

I'm very excited to see Rob take on the role of Edward. From what I've seen of Twilight thus far he couldn't be more right-on...but more importantly, from what I've seen of his other works, I could expect no less from this gifted actor. He can express more emotion with a single look, than some could hope to express in a lifetime.

He's done well choosing his roles thus far, from the lovable nerd of The Bad Mother's Handbook, to the sensitive but slightly crazed soldier in The Haunted Airman. However, it's the roles to come that I'm most interested in. The character of Art in How To Be, who is going through a quarter life crisis. And the controversial role of Salvador Dali in Little Ashes. Both, in addition to Twilight, will prove to many what we already know...that we can expect great things to come from this extraordinary actor.

Back on topic, I have to admit, I was a great fan of Buffy and Angel. There's that 'forbidden love' thing again though...I guess I'm a sucker for that! (Seriously, no pun intended!) And many years ago, I was a huge Anne Rice fan. I merely got away from her works, but still hold them in the highest regard!

blearyeyedmesgirl , August 15, 2008 | url

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Thank you for the article. I cannot wait for Twilight to come out Nov 21st. From what I've seen so far, I'm completely in love with the film. Robert Pattinson portrays a flawless and wonderful Edward Cullen. He's a very diverse actor, I can't wait for the world to fall in love with him.

Priscilla , August 15, 2008

Rob

I'm so excited to see him in this! I KNOW that he will bring the depth needed for a character sucha as Edward...I'm inclined to say that he may outshine Kristen completely because his role seems more demanding and because she's already had exposure by US media for her previous roles whereas Rob is new to the game (stateside)!! I'm also excited to see Little Ashes which is a completely different role for him as Salvador Dali. This storyline is more dramatic and actually based on the artist during his younger years...i'm ranting but his star will only continue to rise from this point!!!!

tdh004 , August 15, 2008

One more thing....

I had to be a fangirl for just a moment to mention how absolutely stunning he is physically and to add that he comes off from all the interviews and media snippets to be a rather charming, funny,and outspoken young man! I think I'm done now
PS Anyone who hasn't heard of him should check out The Haunted Airman....or Harry Potter if you haven't seen it lol which is unlikely!

tdh004 , August 15, 2008

Pattinson/Anne Rice - match made in heaven/hell

Thanks again Jed for an intersting article. I can always rely on this site for some fascinating reads. Also thanks for the books suggestions I will seek them out. Interview with a vampire has always been my favourite vampire book. The film is one of my all time favourites and while Twilight wont be in that league (budget constraints being one of those reasons and script another) I am very excited to see how Pattinson pulls off Edward. So far I'm very impressed with his take and would love to see him in some of Anne Rice's work. A match made in heaven or is that hell.

helenw1 , August 15, 2008

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