Episode 49: Weetzie Bat

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Maia Kobabe_Weetzie Bat.png

Weetzie Bat

Published in 1989, Francesca Lia Block’s Weetzie Bat is the story of an LA native named Weetzie Bat who finds and creates family on her own terms, alongside her best friend Dirk and their partners Duck and Secret Agent Lover Man (these names!). The book explores themes of identity, sexuality, addiction, and suicide, and is ultimately a celebration of transcendent love, acceptance, and inclusivity. On this episode, we discuss the book’s queer themes, the beauty of found family, the problems with “cancel culture,” and the lessons that Weetzie Bat can teach all of us about how to be a good friend and ally. And don’t even get us started on how beautiful the writing is!

Thanks so much to author and illustrator Maia Kobabe for guesting on Episode 49! Maia identifies as nonbinary and queer, and eir first full-length book Gender Queer: A Memoir is now available from Lion Forge. Follow Maia on Instagram (@redgoldsparks) and Tumblr (@redgoldsparks), and learn more about eir work on Patreon.

CHECK OUT MAIA’S (BRAND NEW!) BOOK: Gender Queer: A Memoir

CHECK OUT MAIA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Sick: A Memoir by Porochista Khakpour

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays by Damon Young

Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia

MORE READING:

“Weetzie Bat: The Book For Girls Who Ended Up Taking A Gay Dude To Prom” (Jezebel, 2008)

“Anya Taylor-Joy, Nick Robinson & Sasha Lane Star In Weetzie Bat Film Adaptation” (Deadline, 2018)

“Children’s Books: Pretty In Punk” (The New York Times, 1989)

“Is Weetzie Bat a Good Role Model?” (The New York Times, 1989)

“Weetzie Bat Proves Someone Understands” (Los Angeles Times, 1994)

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**Please note that the Amazon links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**