I was never quite the same after reading Girl Goddess # 9 by Francesca Lia Block. This was the first book by her that I've read and I was blown away by her lush, dreamy style. In this book, I've encountered a feisty blue elf, girls who think for themselves, and an endearing same-sex couple. I was in love in an instant. I did not know if I wanted to be with Block, to be her, or to be one of those girls in her stories. Where was she when I was growing up?

Writing books mostly for young adults, Block writes about worldly wonders, inner goddesses, redemption, and the transformative powers of love and hope when dealing with darker themes like divorce, incest or sexual abuse.
Her works are modern fairytales filled with magical realism and pop culture references that sometimes it's just like she personally knows you and your quirks.

The characters in her books are imperfect, unique and ultimately unforgettable. Her heroes range from punk princesses to diy fashionistas who make zines to bohemian earthmamas who worship the moon.
What I love best about Block, though, is that her works value tolerance, and respect for individuality. When I was a teen I didn't go against the flow and tried my best to belong by conforming. I regret that now, but it has ultimately molded me to what I am now. Imagine presently how youngsters would fare, when they do read Block's works and realize how perfectly magical it is to be different!

That reminds me of a line from Weetzie Bat:

“What sexual preference do you hope she has?”
“Happiness.”
- Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block