Bibliography
Jinks, C. (2009). The reformed vampire support group. Boston: Harcourt.
362 pages
Plot
Contrary to popular belief, vampires do not possess superhuman strength, a fear of garlic, or an active social life. Just ask Nina, a vampire since 1973. Nina is a 51 year old stuck in a 16 year old’s body. Decaying and sick, her life as a vampire is nothing but aches and pains. To fight her cravings, she is a reformed vampire, attending meetings and eating guinea pigs to stay alive. She writes novels to make money, capitalizing on creating a fictitious alter ego named Zadia Bloodstone. However, her life soon becomes dangerous when the vampire who turned her and the majority of her counseling group, is found staked in his home. Who would do such a thing and how are a group of tired vampires supposed to solve this murder?
Review
Jinks’ novel takes a well known genre and turns it on its head. Instead of glowing, fast moving and somewhat promiscuous vampires, these are decaying creatures trying to retain any ounce of humanity their energy levels will permit. The Reformed Vampire Support Group is not looking to pass judgment on other books within the genre, but rather a different and sometimes humorous account of vampires in Sydney, Australia. Jinks does an excellent job portraying Nina’s desire to retain her humanity while trying to keep her identity hidden from the outside world. She is plagued by her disease, while still trying to do what’s best for her, her mother, and her vampire family.
Genre
Humor
Jinks, C. (2009). The reformed vampire support group. Boston: Harcourt.
362 pages
Plot
Contrary to popular belief, vampires do not possess superhuman strength, a fear of garlic, or an active social life. Just ask Nina, a vampire since 1973. Nina is a 51 year old stuck in a 16 year old’s body. Decaying and sick, her life as a vampire is nothing but aches and pains. To fight her cravings, she is a reformed vampire, attending meetings and eating guinea pigs to stay alive. She writes novels to make money, capitalizing on creating a fictitious alter ego named Zadia Bloodstone. However, her life soon becomes dangerous when the vampire who turned her and the majority of her counseling group, is found staked in his home. Who would do such a thing and how are a group of tired vampires supposed to solve this murder?
Review
Jinks’ novel takes a well known genre and turns it on its head. Instead of glowing, fast moving and somewhat promiscuous vampires, these are decaying creatures trying to retain any ounce of humanity their energy levels will permit. The Reformed Vampire Support Group is not looking to pass judgment on other books within the genre, but rather a different and sometimes humorous account of vampires in Sydney, Australia. Jinks does an excellent job portraying Nina’s desire to retain her humanity while trying to keep her identity hidden from the outside world. She is plagued by her disease, while still trying to do what’s best for her, her mother, and her vampire family.
Genre
Humor
Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to older tweens in grades 6th- 8th grade.
Similar Content
Other novels by Catherine Jinks such as the Genius Squad Series
Vampire Fiction such as Vampire Island by Adele Griffin
Personal thoughts
I wanted to include a vampire fantasy novel, but didn’t want to read any of the Twilight Series. However, since this book is so different than one expects a vampire novel to be, I had fun reading it. It drags a bit in the middle, but ultimately an interesting addition to the vampire fantasy genre.
Subjects/themes
Vampires
Relationships
Morality
Awards
No known awards.
Series information
Jinks wrote a sequel titled The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group which will be released in Summer 2011.
Character names/descriptions
Nina: The protagonist of the story.
Dave: Another vampire who is around Nina’s age, somewhat subdued but begins to take action throughout the story.
Rueben: A werewolf whom Nina saves.
Annotation
Think vampires are sexy? Think again.
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