"Dracula" -Bram Stoker

     Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, Dracula and so on are shows depicting vampires in many different ways.

     But what is a vampire really? What are their original abilities? These are some questions I asked myself while watching the ads play onscreen. Plus, Dracula is a classic so why not find my answers and read the original version!

     Jonathan Harker is engaged to Mina but has to leave on a business trip to Transylvania. Mina, his fiancé, is accustomed to his business trips that take him to outlandish places and entertains herself by visiting her friend Lucy.

     Unbeknownst to Mina her beloved is doing a deal with the devil himself. Dracula seeks to gain knowledge from Jonathan about life in London from mannerisms to how business is done. At first grateful for his hospitality he enjoys their meetings until peculiar habits and occurrences turn up.

"The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell might be proud of." -pg 56

      While shaving himself Dracula steps behind Jonathan but Dracula cannot be seen in the mirror. When Dracula see's that Jonathan is aware of this oddity he seizes the mirror and tosses it out the window. Dracula warns Jonathan of evil wonders that lurk around at night and urge him to stay in his rooms.

      Following most people's choice Jonathan wanders around and discovers a lady's quarters and begins imagining ladies sitting around looking beautiful in the moonlight that turns into a terrifying reality.

"There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth." -pg 43

     There are many twists and turns. Some are predictable however not all are and that is what makes it 406 pages long. Many times in the book I thought to myself whatever else could go on in this book? It has to be finished or close to now but the action kept on.

Facts I learned about Vampires:

1. Vulnerable during the day.
2. Can take form of: a bat, wolf, or dog.
3. Cannot enter into a place unless welcomed.
4. Inhibit uncanny strength,
5. Love gold and lavish places/items.
6. Can appear and disappear in the moonlight when it is strong.
7.Control wolves, rain, fog and wind.
8. Induce others to sleep while they feed on their victim.
9. Are transformed into a highly attractive person but remain pale with sharp features and red eyes

     Vampires are repulsed by: holy bread, water, crosses, wooden stakes, garlic, and holy signs when written or engraved. The correct way to kill a vampire is to drive a wooden stake through their heart and cut off their head. Only then can they die and be released from being "Undead" as referred to in the book.

     I liked this book at times it is hard to read because it is so long but the more I read the better things were developed and interesting. I highly recommend this book to whoever believes they glitter in the sun and cannot die. Check this out if you want to discover the real vampire and tackle a classic at the same time.

                                     By: J Feistner