Title: Origin, The Vampire Diaries, Stefan's Diaries Vol. 1
Author: Based on the story of The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith, authored by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, Ghost Writer
ISBN Number: 0062003933
Age Range: Amazon Recommended 14+, I think 12+ is okay
What's It About: Origin, Stefan's Diaries, discusses what the iconic vampire character of Stefan's life was like before he was turned by a slightly crazy vampire named Katherine. Stefan and Damon were close, and while Stefan did not really appreciate what his life was set out to be (he was betrothed to a sweet and wealthy landowner's daughter) Stefan is looking for something more. His beloved brother, had just come back from the war, changed, and did not really under Stefan's reluctance about his predestined life. However, Stefan's father is part of the the town of Mystic Fall's know how about what really occurs in the middle of the night. It is discovered that Katherine is in fact a vampire and that the town's council is attempting to lock her away forever in a tomb where she will die. Damon and Stefan attempt to fight for her freedom, however, their father uncovers their plan and shoots them in cold blood. However, Katherine compelled (a technique that Vampire's use to make human subjugates forget) Stefan to forget that she bit him to protect him and Stefan comes back revived, a full fledged vampire and then turns his brother as well. This story uncovers the humanizing side of the Salvatore brothers and they go their seperate ways in order to find themselves.
Why it is Great: I absolutely adore the television show The Vampire Diaries. As an hopefully upcoming librarian, it often pains me to say that yes, indeed the movie is much better than the book. This has occurred in very few scenarios, but the number one thing I can remember is the movie exceeding the book is A Walk to Remember. Nicholas Sparks is a great writer, however, he did not capture the romance of Landon and Jamie that Shane West and Mandy Moore were able to do on screen. Nor, like in The Notebook did Ryan Gosling or Rachel McAdams capture the soul of the two main protagonists. This happens very much here, with these books. I, personally, cannot stand L.J. Smith's writing. People may send me hate mail, but honestly, I think her writing is blah and very comparable to Susanne Collins' of Hunger Games fame. So, although I read the first two books of The Vampire Diaries series, I was shocked about how horribly underdeveloped the characters were and how Elena and Stefan just had sex, right then and there after initial meeting. I was actually turned off from watching the series. However, I was desperate to have something to watch to relax and the first season was on sale on DVD at Target, so I watched it. The television series, I am glad to say is absolutely nothing like the book and I absolutely love Kevin Williamson (Creator of Dawson's Creek) and newcomer Julie Plec's ability to make lovable, fantastic characters. Stefan's diaries allow visitors to Mystic Falls to learn more about the soulful, tormented vampire who is absolutely in love with a human girl who happens to be a doppelganger of a girl that he did fall madly in love with. In a way, Stefan's love is more twisted than Damon's, however, it is a very compelling read.
Things Like It: The Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Buffy and Angel comics,
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