Has anyone read anything by Francesca Lia Block? Which books? Do you like

Francesca Lia Block is easily my favourite author. Her writing style is amazing, the description, the sensory experience is startling. When I read Echo I want to cook so bad the way she describes the dishes her mom makes mmmm. My favourite is Dangerous Angels I have given it to both my cousin who is 15 and my SIL who is 13. They both adore it. I always thought it was like a textbook on love, unconditional, insane, force of nature, life-saving love. I love also respect the way she handles very sensitive issues. Wasteland was great, Hanged Man too. Nymph was so beautiful I read it in less than an hour. Ecstasia and Primavera were brilliant. The way she sees the world gives me hope and makes me feel better about anything going on in my life.

I've heard of I was a Teenage Fairy, but I've never read any of her work. I love young adult fictionn, though, I just haven't had much time to read lately and our library is not the best right now. I have heard that it deals with a lot of very adult themes, which interests me, but do you think that it is too mature for the age group? I just heard that was a reason that parents didn't like it, but I was reading very adult books at a young age (like Clan of the Cave Bear at age 13 ;) )

her book WASTELAND This is the third book I've read by this author. One of the things I admire about her work is the way she writes about sensitive issues while completely avoiding any kind of reactionary attitude. This particular story involves a subject which, while entirely consensual, carries a heavy societal taboo. The matter of fact way in which it is handled is refreshing. Siblings Marina and Lex have always been very close, so close that they have always had trouble finding interest in any others. One night things go too far and shortly afterward Lex takes his own life. Marina is left to deal with the loss of the only person who ever really mattered to her. I've enjoyed Block's novels in the past, although they tend to evaporate from memory soon after I close them. 'Wasteland' was even more ethereal, seeming insubstantial even as I was reading it. Much of the story is told by Marina, as if she were speaking to her brother, reminiscing about the times they had together, and far too much of it is rambling, directionless, and inconsequential, and tedious to read through. There are a couple subplots generated but never followed through. Only a revelation at the end gives the book any impact. A mild disappointment.

I've read Echo and Girl Goddess #9. There's something whimsical, dreamy and just sincere honesty in the way that she writes which I really like. I think she's a great author for teen girls to read because she addresses a lot of important issues that they go through and does it in a confronting and realistic way. Not other authors who tend to dumb down the way they write because it's directed towards teen girls or avoid it altogether. But I don't think her books are only directed towards teen girls, but adults as well. I've heard Violet and Claire's another great novel of hers, but I have yet to hunt down a copy.