Bantam Doubleday Dell. 1999.
ISBN: 0440323460.
$5.99. Paperback. 198 pages.
Readers Annotation
Zoë’s new friend Simon is handsome and mysterious. Could he be responsible for the death’s in Zoë’s hometown?
Plot
High school student Zoë is facing a series of crisis. Her mother is slowly dying of cancer, and her father is always at the hospital. Then her best friend, Lorraine is planning to move away. Under pressure at both home and school, she recklessly wanders the dark streets of her town where a murderer is loose. Also walking the dark streets is the vampire Simon. Simon has his own agenda, but when he sees Zoë he is drawn to her. Written in alternating chapters the stories of both Zoë and Simon are told as they intersect in the hunt for the serial killer. Zoë tells Simon about her mother’s terminal illness. She asks Simon to help save her, but he explains that he cannot for her pain would make her insane. Simon tells Zoë the story of his older brother Christopher, and how he was taken from his family and changed into a boy vampire. While Simon has learned to control his urge for human blood, Christopher has not. Zoë comes to understand that it is Christopher (disguised as a young boy) who has been killing people and leaving their bloodless bodies to be found. Simon, with Zoë’s help plots to destroy his brother before he kills more innocent people. Zoë helps Simon in his quest, and in doing so discovers a hidden source of strength within. Simon’s decision to meet the sun saddens Zoë, but also gives her a new resolve to conquer her family tragedy.
Critical Evaluation
Listed in Teen Genreflecting as “the quintessential teen vampire novel,” The Silver Kiss is certainly a novel worth reading. Yet, the novel pales in comparison to more recent novels in the genre because of a lack of sympathetic building for the characters. Zoe’s well-meaning father removes her from all aspects of her mother’s terminal illness. Instead of feeling sympathy for her character, readers are subjected to Zoë’s otherness. Although she is not a monster like Simon and his brother, she is also not like most other teens. It is difficult to feel sympathy for the loss her character is undergoing. Zoë is separated from parents and friends when she finds Simon. His perspective on death is just what Zoë needs in order to put her life in order. Both characters face similar dilemmas on life and death. Simon’s decision to put an end to his brother Christopher is difficult. After destroying his murderous brother (with Zoë’s help), Simon’s decision to die is surprising. As Simon awaits the rising sun with Zoë, he is transfigured from monster to saved human being, because he goes willingly into the light.
Information about the author
Annette Curtis Klause (1953- ) is a librarian who writes novels. She does not currently have a website, but you can find out more about her at: http://www.ravenstonepress.com/klause.html. She also has a blog to which she posts infrequently. The author also notes this website for more biographical information: http://www.childrensbookguild.org/klause.htm
Genre
Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Vampire
Curriculum ties
None.
Challenge Issues
Violence
Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Kiss-Annette-Curtis-Klause/dp/0375857826/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257737164&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how Zoe is kept away from her dying mother, and her best friend moves away.
2. Talk about how she feels alone until she meets Simon.
3. Discuss how she decides to help Simon destroy Christopher.
Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 15 and up.
Why I included this title
This title is included in Teen Genreflecting, 2nd Edition (2003), as an example of a “Paranormal: Vampire” book for young adults.
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