It seems a strange way to write a book, a vampire's journal, written entirely in haiku poems. It works really quite well, however. Some of the language is noticeably not what would have been used at the date of the entry, but the rhythm of the words adds a feeling to the work that is very fitting. The underlying story is good, but I think the links to historic events are slightly overdone. A nicely presented book, and a good, quick read for when you're wanting something different. ( )

Oh, I feel so lucky! I bought both of Ryan Mecum's "monster" haiku books, Zombie and Vampire Haiku, together. I read Zombie Haiku first, because who doesn't love zombies? Unfortunately, it wasn't great. Not true for Vampire Haiku! Had I not bought them together, if I had read Zombie Haiku before purchasing Vampire Haiku, I might not have given this one a shot. I'm so glad I did.

Vampire Haiku is infinitely better. It's funny a lot more often, and the 'story' is much more absorbing. It is written in journal-format again, but this time spans a few hundred years (1620-present) and covers many popular historic events between those times. My favorites were those relating to vampires in modern pop culture. His reactions to Twilight are simply hilarious.

Those were not vampires
if the sun makes you sparkle
you're a unicorn.

The book also has remarkable presentation, it's just fun to look at. It is filled with pictures that set the mood much better than the ones in Zombie Haiku did, and it just feels...well, vampire-y.

I loved it. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I really do wish it had lasted longer. Oh well, this one I am glad I own, as I know I will be reading it again in the future. ( )

Ryan Mecum's Vampire Haiku mixes humor and poetry in diary form for vampire William Butten, who was turned in 1620. He falls in love with a beautiful woman on the Mayflower named Katherine, who turned him into a vampire. Soon he's parted from his love to roam America on his own and make his own friends. There are tales of some well known historic figures from Davy Crockett to Amelia Earhart and famous events in history like the Civil War and Woodstock.

Readers may initialy be attracted to the cover haiku, which also appears on page 37:

"You know that your drink
is down to the last few sips
once the toes curl up."

Butten has a twisted sense of humor, but readers will enjoy is little anecdotes about becoming a vampire and bumbling around learning how to feed, etc. Mecum uses his linguistic and historic knowledge to create fun and witty haiku. Although they are not precisely haiku in the traditional sense, they mostly adhere to the form's syllable count. It is fun to see Butten reveal insider knowledge about the deaths of Davy Crockett and other major historical figures. In some cases, the poems will have readers cringing in disgust.

"Discarded band-aids
are rare unexpected treats.
My version of gum." (page 113)

There are even moments in the book where the vampire makes fun of the modern vampire crazes from the goth kids to the latest vampire movies. One of the best haiku in the book is about the Twilight movie:

"Those were not vampires.
If sunlight makes you sparkle,
you're a unicorn." (page 117)

Will Butten ever find his true love, Katherine, or will he stop searching for her and settle down? Overall, those interested in humor and vampires will find Vampire Haiku to be a treat. ( )