Block, Francesca. 1989. Weetzie Bat. New York: HarperCollins Publisher. ISNB: 0064408183.
Weetzie Bat loves old Hollywood. She lives in a fun-loving, party-filled, night-clubbing world Los Angeles, where she works as a waitress. Her gay best friend, Dirk go clubbing where they go "duck hunting". Weetzie is a weird and quirky individual. Right before Dirk's grandmother dies, she gives Weetzie is given a golden "thing". After polishing it, a genie grants Weetzie three wishes. She wants dirk to find someone to truly love. Weetzie wants a true love, too and a place to "live happily ever after" with Dirk. Dirk's grandmother leaves Dirk her house. He meets his true love named Duck and soon after Weetzie meets "My Secret Agent Lover Man". They soon make movies together and have a baby. Weetzie soon realizes her wishes have consequences.
Weetzie Bat is just a weird and quirky read as Weetzie, herself is. The plot seems simple enough- three wishes granted. But as with all "wishes granted' plot something always goes wrong or does not go as the "wisher" intended. The scenes in the story, as one reads, jumps from one scene to the next but then returns to the original train of thought. This leans to confusion on the readers part. I became very confused in reading Weetzie Bat. Another aspect of the novel that confused me sometimes was the lingo and language used by Block. There were a couple times I had to re-read a passage because I didn't get it. Block does address topics such as sex, homosexuality and AIDS. Block also uses profanity in this book.
Weetzie Bat doesn't follow the conventions of fantasy. Weetzie herself is not a quest. The only thing magical is the genie granting wishes. The story off-beat and weird, which may lead to the classification of it being fantasy.
Weetzie Bat is Francesca Lia Block first novel. Oddly enough, Weetzie Bat was awarded the Phoenix Award by the Children's Literature Association. The Phoenix Award is bestowed on books that were did not receive an award at time of publication. The Phoenix symbolizes a rise from obscurity. (The Children's Literature Association- The Phoenix Award). Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Block's first book is related in a breezy, knowing voice; her strange and sparkling tribute to growing up in L.A. is a rare treat for those sophisticated enough to appreciate it." Also, School Library Journal wrote; "...these kids spend no time considering college or career. Their only priority is finding love and keeping it once they find it. "
My favorite phrase: Every time Weetzie is surprised, she yells, "Lanky Lizards!" I also enjoyed " 'I don't know about happily ever after. . .but I know about happily,' Weetzie Bat thought."
Weetzie Bat doesn't follow the conventions of fantasy. Weetzie herself is not a quest. The only thing magical is the genie granting wishes. The story off-beat and weird, which may lead to the classification of it being fantasy.
Weetzie Bat is Francesca Lia Block first novel. Oddly enough, Weetzie Bat was awarded the Phoenix Award by the Children's Literature Association. The Phoenix Award is bestowed on books that were did not receive an award at time of publication. The Phoenix symbolizes a rise from obscurity. (The Children's Literature Association- The Phoenix Award). Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Block's first book is related in a breezy, knowing voice; her strange and sparkling tribute to growing up in L.A. is a rare treat for those sophisticated enough to appreciate it." Also, School Library Journal wrote; "...these kids spend no time considering college or career. Their only priority is finding love and keeping it once they find it. "
My favorite phrase: Every time Weetzie is surprised, she yells, "Lanky Lizards!" I also enjoyed " 'I don't know about happily ever after. . .but I know about happily,' Weetzie Bat thought."
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