What lengths would you go to keep your darkest secret from the one you love? Sharp Teeth is a novel about a pack of werewolves in L.A., a pack of werewolves who freely change from humans to werewolves. These aren't the same kinds of werewolves we have seen before (in the Twilight series or Shiver), but werewolves who can push their transformation all the way to regular dogs. These transformations can be intentional or triggered by cocaine use or the smell of fried chicken. This story also depicts a dogcatcher named Anthony who gets unintentionally caught up in the lives of the werewolves/dogs, while struggling to deal with his painful past. He falls in love with a female werewolf who has stayed from the pack, attempting to break free from the others. Barlow does an incredible job making the characters complex, but also relatable in an unexpected way. What results is an extremely dangerous, crude, and intriguing tale written in a free verse style that makes it accessible to all, but also makes it unique to other novels. For an absolutely bone chilling excerpt from the book, check out this video here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFJRn7akXeQ.
Although this book is exciting and very interesting, I do not think it is appropriate for high school classrooms because of the adult content matter and the language that is used. There are many scenes of drug use and violence as well as some distasteful language relating to sexual activity. With that being said, I would definitely recommend this book to older readers because it provides a completely different take on the usual vampire/werewolf tales in a much more adult way. Barlow moves past the typical werewolf human relationship, and comments on the human condition as a whole. The way we are all invested in pain and suffering, love and loss, and the inevitability of death. Proving that "the heart is a bloody thing".
For another review of this book check out this blog: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-sharp-teeth-by-toby/.
You can also find more urban werewolves in "No Humans Involved" by Kelley Armstrong, summarized here: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=No_Humans_Involved_by_Kelley_Armstrong.
12 comments:
This book sounds hilarious. Fried chicken or cocaine trigger the effects? I'd be curious to read this book, just to see what the author is trying to say with his language. Also, the cover art is really cool - I like the artwork, and a visual learner like myself may also be drawn to it.
I originally was going to read this book, but you signed up for it first. The review and excerpt sound too strange for me. You saved me. I will mention that at our library this book is in the adult section, not the young adults.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
The part that stuck out the most to me is the triggers! I am interested in reading this book to see how the author explains how two different things can trigger the same response.
Yes like others I'm pondering the cocaine or fried chicken triggers. Two VERY different things. Interesting...
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