Read, Write, Repeat.

Vampire books are popular. The Twilight series may have started the trend, but there are many other vampire books to give enthusiasts their latest fix.

Today on Read, Write, Repeat, Natalie reviews a book about a different kind of vampire. One who’s not interested in blood. Instead, Cassandra Gray needs tears to survive.

In Patrick Jones’ The Tear Collector (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2009) teen-age Cassandra relies on human sorrow to live. But Cass has two problems. She’s tired of forcing drama in her high school just to get the tears she needs. And, she’s finally met a boy whose heart she doesn’t want to break.

Our guest reviewer: Natalie, 12.

I like: Figure skating, reading books, hanging out with my friends, computers and chocolate. 

The book was about: A vampire-like girl named Cassandra who needed tears and sadness (instead of blood) to survive. Cassandra is tired of sacrificing for her family when she meets a boy named Scott.

The best part was when: Cassandra meets Scott and Samantha at school and they all become friends. 

I laughed when: I didn’t really laugh because it wasn’t a funny book.  But, it was a very good book.

I was worried when: Cassandra’s cousin, Alexei, comes to visit saying he would get revenge on Cassandra.

I was surprised that: Alexei would spend so much time and would go so far to put Scott in danger.

This book taught me: To fight for something important to you and to be who you want to be. 

Other kids reading this book should watch for: What the news articles say and how they connect with Cassandra.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Suspenseful,” “exciting” and “interesting.”

You should read this book because:  The author used a new creature instead of vampires. I liked that the book was different than a regular vampire novel. 

Thanks, Natalie!

If you’d like to learn more about this book, check out the book trailer on YouTube or visit the book’s Web site. There’s an interview with author Patrick Jones at this site.