Reading the Vampire Slayer: The Unofficial Critical Companion to Buffy and Angel (Tauris Parke Paperbacks)
When TV shows are as smart asBuffy the Vampire Slayerand its spin-off,Angel, they are bound to attract people who want to analyze them. Editor Kaveney has gathered some very thoughtful essays on the shows. A number of these pieces lean toward academic tedium, but most are accessible and intriguing. Kaveney's own essay leads the set, and it is a great primer on both shows, summarizing all but their current seasons and discussing some major themes and characters in each. Other standouts include an essay on the use of California as a setting, a pair of essays ponderingBuffyand feminism, and one dealing with the strength of characterizations and the talent of the casts of both shows. The handy episode guide at the end will help newer fans get caught up. Because many viewers are drawn toBuffyandAngelby the shows' intelligence and multilayered stories, expect them to be enticed by this engaging collection.Kristine HuntleyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved