The James Logan Courier

By Julie Mendoza, Courier Staff Writer

Violet and Claire, written by Francesca Lia Block, is a short novel about two girls who meet by chance. While Violet attempts to finish writing a script for a movie that would begin her career she meets Claire, her complete opposite.

Violet is an independent teenager. She’s not interested in her immature peers or overrated high school. People her age, with no stories to tell or adventurous experiences, aren’t interesting enough to put in her script.

It’s until Violet meets Claire she finds a strange fascination with everything. Claire is the perfect character for her city documentation. She’s blonde, bubbly, and completely unaware of the reality around her.

Together they experience life in a way neither were prepared for. Violet who is always strong, in control, and never intimidated, begins to be vulnerable and a victim to the Hollywood industry. Block’s poetic use of metaphor and passionate characters, makes a wonderful read. You can find yourself to relating to these confused, lost, and determined teenagers fighting in a battle against themselves. It makes you ask yourself how much you have to lose before you realize how much you already have.

Pick up the book at the nearest library. It’s an easy read and a wonderful novel.