Poppy Z. Brite

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:38 pm

I've just got to say that Poppy Z. Brite is in fact the very worst writer in the history of the world.

Yes, worse than Ayn Rand and L. Ron Hubbard.

Why does anyone like her?

I understand people liking Anne Rice. Hell, I sorta liked the first Vampire chronicles book when I was 18. But Jesus tapdancing Christ, Brite is worse than a romance novelist!

Nephilim · Post by **Nephilim** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:00 pm

Who knows. While I don't think she's nearly as bad as L Ron Hubbard, I do think she's kinda stinky.

Elizabetha · Post by **Elizabetha** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:37 pm

I just read her book Lost Souls, I picked it up for a buck at the french market. Yeah, it did kinda suck. She was very cliche with her characters. Kept telling you the same things about the characters in slightly different ways, like the reader is a child with a short attention span.

elasticwings · Post by **elasticwings** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:34 pm

Sorry, I don't read books (except computer books). But is that book the same as the movie Lost Souls? Because that movie sucked ass. That was one of the most boring suspense movies I've ever seen.

DISGUSTIPATED · Post by **DISGUSTIPATED** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:08 pm

I read Lost Souls when I was thirteen & I loved it.I have read all of her books since and there have been only two so far I have not really liked. Exquisite Corpse was good... a lot better than Lost Souls.I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the book though.You asked if anyone liked it ... So now someone has admited to liking the book and the writer.

Hardcoregirl · Post by **Hardcoregirl** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:12 pm

I completely agree, I think people say they like her because of her subject matter and the fact that they haven't read any *good* books in their entire lives...kind of like people enjoy brainless romance books.

I'd say the same people find the Crow to be of artistic merit. [/i]

iblis · Post by **iblis** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:46 pm

I don't mind L. Ron Hubbard, as long as I can keep it out of my mind that he's the one who spawn scientology. :roll:

Then again, I'm happy enough reading man pages, cereal boxes, and shampoo instructions.

But I can't honestly say that I've picked up a Poppy Z. Brite book. Hell, just from hearing people say it sucks, it makes me want to get one (well, maybe used, for 2 bucks or so) just to see if the stories suck nards as bad as I've heard.

As the old saying goes, "Hey, bad publicity is still publicity!"

:mrgreen:

iblis · Post by **iblis** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:51 pm

Hardcoregirl wrote:I'd say the same people find the Crow to be of artistic merit.

The comic books were. But then, I'm a comic geek as much as I am a computer geek...

So I'm quite biased.

JaNell · Post by **JaNell** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:09 pm

I haven't been very impresses with Ms. Brite's writing, either. She seems to write just for shock value. Or would that be schlock value?

Elizabetha · Post by **Elizabetha** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:34 pm

I've only read the book "Lost Souls" and I think it was one of her earlier books (not too sure?). She has more writing skill than me-I have none. But her writing just doesn't flow like some authors does. Maybe that has changed with her more recent releases. If I come across another of her books for a dollar or two, i'll give her a chance. I think everyone likes a different writing styles and I suppose maybe I have just gotten used to the main authors I read.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:16 pm

Her "writing style" is literally equivalent to that of a romance novelist.

One scene in one of her best-loved novels describes a portion of gay male sex thusly:

"Tran lifted his knees, exposing two perfect rosy almonds surrounding a fiery crimson eye."

If that's not a joke, I'll eat my hat.

Exquisite Mystery · Post by **Exquisite Mystery** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:25 pm

Far be it for me to defend L.Ron Hubbard or Ms. Rand, but Poppy Z. Brite does have a place.

First of all, I dare you to actually accuse me of never reading a good book. If you know me at all, you would make more sense to eat bricks.

Secondly, I think that Ms. Brite's works, although not great, are of a much different style than most of the other "goth " or "vampire" novels we run across. I freely admit, her writing isn't lyrical or even particularly sensory, but it does make a point.
Maybe try thinking of it as closer to Splatterpunk or horror. None of them are there to tell a nice story. They are supposed to be visceral in the strictest sense. If you read them without a break they can be kind of traumatic or nauseating. But that is the whole purpose.
So yes, I liked her books, as an experience, but will I savor them to relax? ..... No. So give the lady her due and move on.

Aerick Ravenheart · Post by **Aerick Ravenheart** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 1:36 am

I loved LOST SOULS...couldn't put it down, read it twice. I liked the Steve and Ghost characters, who are also in the short story novel, Wormwood. I've also read Drawing Blood, and I love the imagery and splatterpunk horror of it all. I felt her writing had a great flow to it. But I suppose her novels are not for everyone. I also enjoy Clive Barker, and not everyone is fond of his writing, either. Oh....and for the record? I DO find The Crow graphic novel to be artistic. James O'Barr is at the top of my list of fave artists. I enjoy his other work as well. But I wasn't shocked, nauseated, or what have you by reading her books. Lost Souls is NOT the same as the bad movie. It is a vampire story, which ends darkly with death, depression, and hopelessness. Not for all, but I like Poppy.

Coor · Post by **Coor** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:09 pm

I read a book by her once...it wasn't Lost Souls though, or I don't think. It's alright, but too descriptive, and lacks plot transitions...badly. I don't think it's bad, persay...but a woman in her forties whose been writing her whole life should definetly put out something better.

Poppy Z. Brite

Poppy Z. Brite

13 & 25 now