Francesca Lia Block. Necklace of Kisses.

Francesca Lia Block has still got it. In this gem of a book, we revisit her heroine, the slinkster cool girl who started it all, Weetzie Bat. Her secret agent lover man has been in a state of despair since the September 11th 2001 tragedy, and nothing can shake him from his funk. When the kisses have gone, so at last is Weetzie, whose midlife crisis arrives in the form of a solo trip to the pink and green hotel that was the site of her prom, where magic happens. Weetzie runs into a host of archetypes fleshed out as realistic but fantastical characters with their own problems. Each bestows upon her a healing kiss that brings her to herself and reveals themselves. Meanwhile, Max knows a good thing has slipped from his grasp and does some soul-searching of his own.

Fans will appreciate Block’s attention to sensory detail; she delivers the same mouth-watering detail of food and fashion as in previous books, with attention focused on unusual pairings and the non-mainstream. Familiar characters such as Dirk, Cherokee Bat, Witch Baby, and even Charlie Bat resurface. This A/YA book is more appropriate for teen readers than her previous title Nymph, but the themes of Necklace of Kisses may not have teen appeal, although the characters and writing do. This is a novel will leave you hungry and nourished at the same time.