Ever since the publication of Max Brooks' The Zombie Survival Guide, the humor section has been invaded by a number of books speculating on how to best deal with supernatural beings. It shouldn't surprise anyone that vampires would get in on the humorous handbook action, and Vampire Taxonomy is the latest book that seeks to entertain readers.Vampire Taxonomy was written by Meredith Woerner, one of the writers at io9.com - one of the best SF/Fantasy newsblogs I have run across, fwiw. While this book is mainly meant as a bit of a lark, Woerner's knowledge of the subject shines through. It is also fairly up-to-date, and Woerner acknowledges that there is more to current vampire pop culture than Buffy, True Blood, and Twilight.
Most of the book is made up of a mock field guide, with the undead broken into various categories that will be familiar to anyone who keeps up with vampire pop culture. By doing this, Woerner zeroes in on the genre's cliches, and makes some pretty funny observations about them. But rather than come off as belittling to vampire fans, Woerner seems to like a good deal of this stuff herself. The result is a book that pokes fun at the subject without contemptuously sneering at the fans.
Longtime vampire fans probably won't learn anything new here, but Vampire Taxonomy is a quick, lighthearted read. With its many examples from literature, film, and television, the book is also a pretty neat little primer for people just getting into the subject.
Vampire Taxonomy is now on sale, but you have a chance to win a copy through this blog. Perigree/Penguin USA has donated two copies of Vampire Taxonomy to be given away. It's a fun addition to your vampire library, or a great gift for a neophyte vampire fan who has come in on the latest wave. To take a suggestion from Patricia Altner (who is also giving away copies), leave a comment below. Please specify your e-mail address so I can contact you should you win. Also, this contest is open to US residents only. The contest will end on November 16, 2009, with winners announced November 17.
14 comments:
I would love to get my hands on this book! Vampire literature and movies have been a favorite since I was 10 years old. I use to scour the tv guide for old vampire movies and then sneak out of bed to watch them. LOL
Thanks for the great giveaway!
~Amanda
makepeace.arts[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like a really fun book! I love some vampire funnies LOL
I definately have to enter in order to complete my goal of owning every vampire book and movie ever made.
kneslund(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm in, too!
-rachel
u2ismydeal@yahoo.com
sounds wonderful thanks minsthins at optonline dot net
This sounds like fun, and I LOVE the cover.
Sandy
rrainey[at]columbus[dot]rr[dot]com
Yep, my husband has the zombie guide. I am pretty sure he is very prepared for that eventual doom.
However I would love to read this book, if Vampires take over I'm in trouble!
Would love this. I have been reading a lot of vamp books lately.
djeanq(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds great. I'd love to check it out. I know more about today's vampires than the older stories so it should be fun to learn some new stuff and poke fun at the things i love now.
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Fantastic giveaway!
x
tennesseehollw at gmail dot com
Yes please, my daughters are huge vampire fans--they would love this--thanks for the chance to win.
kakihararocks@gmail.com
This book sounds great. I look forward in reading it.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 AT gmail DOT com
I'd love to win this!!
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a fun book! Thanks for the chance!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
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