Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Never have I been so excited to read a book and never has a book so fulfilled my expectations. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is quite possibly the most unique, interesting and inspiring books ever written. Author Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) has written a book for the ages. Surely this book will make the next “100 Best Books” list.

Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter is so fiercely and unapologetically absurd it is beautiful. Logic may say that surely our 16th president was not a vampire hunter but this book will never let on. The book opens with a list of “facts” you should know before reading. Fact 2; “Abraham Lincoln was one of the gifted vampire hunters of his day.” There are other great statements of “fact” in the book. For example the book mentions how there is no evidence that Stephen Davis knew of the vampires’ master plan only that he was associates with their conspirators. The book also includes historical photographs and pictures documenting Lincoln’s history of vampire hunting.

In addition to these historical “facts”, the story is quite cleverly entwined with Lincoln’s and our nation’s real history. This includes his term in the House of Representatives, his presidency, the Civil War, and his assassination. In fact if you ignore all of the vampire stuff, the book is a pretty decent biography of Lincoln’s life.

Probably the best part about reading this book is the reaction you get from others when they see you with it. If you read on BART, don’t be surprised if you start finding open seats around you. Conversely, do not be surprised if you have to start carrying around a pen and paper to keep track of all the people who you want to borrow the book after you’ve read it (personally, my list is up to seven). And if you read this around middle school or high school aged children, be prepared for some of the most confused looks you will ever see in your life.

I cannot say enough about this book. This is the most fun you’ll have reading since...ever. Nothing I have read compares.