Well, I just feel silly reviewing a vampire book by Christopher Moore this week. I could point you towards social and racial justice reading suggestions. Or maybe diving into my advanced readers’ copy of Mychal Denzel Smith’s upcoming release is an idea. But, as it happened, last week I read a book set in 1990s San Francisco. And, yes, I laughed out loud quite a few times. As you know, my reading tastes are eclectic so I’m also reading heavier political books right now. More on that later.
You Suck from Christopher Moore is the second in a trilogy called “A Love Story.” In book one, called Bloodsucking Fiends, a young woman, Jody Stroud, unexpectedly and unwillingly becomes a vampire. She then must figure out the particulars of the undead existence by herself.
As she’s floundering, Jody meets Tommy—or C. Thomas Flood, as he likes to say. Tommy’s a young Indiana-born, recent transplant to San Francisco, and he helps her during the daytime. And yes, they fall in awkward, mixed-species love. All the while, Moore drops plenty of irony, sarcasm, and dry wit. It’s no heavy, darkness laden vampire story.
In the second book, we return to the couple with changes in their status—as individuals and as a pair. As they adjust to the events from the first book, it’s very much a “transitional story.” Moore adds some new plot points but uses plenty that simply extend the earlier action. It needs a stronger story line with more forward motion. This means I’m struggling to review You Suck without giving away all the cliffhangers from the first book.
My conclusions
As I started this book, my community entered week 10 of quarantine. Even with preliminary reopening, I’m high risk. So sticking close to home seems prudent. Sure, life is uncertain but I felt safe in my admittedly privileged bubble. Then just a few days later, the U.S was (and is) in the midst of protests, tear gas, and some crucial conversations about systemic racism.
So this book is an odd choice, considering the world outside my bubble. Still, You Suck is a fun read and delivers plenty of Moore-style laughs. It’s a palate cleanser, perfect for moments in between heavy books. I recommend it for the break from reality, not for anything especially meaningful.
If you need a vampire escape that isn’t heavy or scary, try this series. Christopher Moore writes enjoyable send ups of typical fantasy tropes.
Pair this with something heavy to balance the fluff. Perhaps read series in one fell swoop if you need extended escape.
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