4 out of 4 stars
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Marine biologist Jack Cordell couldn’t have known how his life was about to change when Rodger introduced himself at a low-key party one evening. Very soon, Jack learns that his new acquaintance is not only a homosexual, Muslim, African-American man with a yearning for a dental appointment but also a 648 year-old vampire. As their friendship develops, both Jack and the reader come to understand more about Rodger Gaytooth and the way he perceives and interacts with the world around him. The Vampire Gaytooth: A Most Unusual Vampire by Michael John is an imaginative, eye-opening, and humorous episode in the long long life of Rodger Gaytooth, vampire.
As might be expected of an entity unaffected by passing time and therefore mostly unaccountable to human authorities, Rodger Gaytooth functions differently in his daily life than do ordinary humans. This contrast not only helps make the story more interesting, but it also provides food for thought for the reader. The people and situations facing Rodger Gaytooth force him to reveal his notions of right and wrong and act according to his ideas of justice and suitable retribution. Additionally, the author provides backstories for many of the characters that cross paths with Rodger Gaytooth, thereby helping the reader come to his or her own conclusions about the morality of Rodger Gaytooth’s ethic and corresponding course of action. For a reader hoping to think deeply, this might be fascinating. For a reader hoping to laugh, the situations and the vampire’s responses might still serve the purpose.
Another important theme that the reader will find in this book is the contrast of religion and faith. Featured prominently in the story are Islam and Catholicism. While neither religion is wholly condemned, Gaytooth encounters leaders or practitioners that embody and enact extremely repugnant ideals as well as some who practice humility and compassion from both of these religious traditions. In this way, the book seems to describe a contrast between the sometimes corrupt organization of religion and the purer faith that inspires its true adherents. Through the use of baldly stereotypical constructs, the author uses Gaytooth as a lens and an agent to provoke the reader to deeper thought.
I’ve focused a lot on how The Vampire Gaytooth can make a reader think deeply, and there’s still much more that could be noted on that account. However, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that this book is also simply amusing. The narrative is clever, and the dialogue is witty. The book moves along at a good clip. There is a fair amount of tongue in cheek humor as the author uses pop culture constructs to mock pop culture. The characters can be ridiculous, but they are never absurdly over the top. In brief, this book is enjoyable.
By now, readers of this review probably already anticipate that I rate The Vampire Gaytooth 4 out of 4 stars. This is a book that can make the reader think or provoke interesting discussion with friends or book buddies, and it is also a book that can make the reader laugh. It’s appeal would extend both to serious and casual readers, and given the prevalence of vampires in popular fiction since Anne Rice, this book can probably also bridge age groups without difficulty.
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The Vampire Gaytooth
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