The Book(s) that Changed My Life.

My favorite book series of all time would have to be Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan. The book follows a character named (ironically) Darren Shan.  Darren is turned into a vampire and forced to leave his human family behind; he then follows Mr. Crepsley (the man who made Darren into a vampire)  as his apprentice.  I started reading this series in 6th grade; prior to reading it I have only read realistic fiction.  I didn't care for vampires, or werewolves or weird creatures that didn't exist.  I really like this book series because this was the series that got me into liking horror and mythical creatures.   This book really opened up my eyes to what horrible things could be done, or thought of.  I realized realistic fiction was boring, and there was so much more imagination that could entertain myself while reading a book.  Cirque du Freak doesn't really relate to my life, but when I was younger I wish it did.  I would dream about becoming a vampire too and going on magical bloody adventures in the forest.  I really like the characters in this series.  Mr. Crepsley was the coolest thing ever because he had like a huge scar down his face and a crop of orange hair. I loved him so much I like cried when something bad happened to him.   (No shame.)  Darren was an interesting boy too, he reminded me of myself in a way.  It's hard to explain.  Some of the other characters were incredibly interesting.  There was a snake boy, a tiny man who controlled the universe, and half-dead-reborn-people who couldn't talk.  I used to cry every time I read the first book.   I probably re-read the book about four times.  I cried a lot but it was worth it.  (Yet again no shame.) This series probably speaks to me so strongly because it's what sparked my interest in the world of horror, the supernatural, and the imagination that lays deep in my brain.