Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite is an anchor book for two reasons. First, in a world of Anne Rice vampires, super powered, inhuman creatures living adventures far outside the world as we see it, Brite’s vampires are a species outside of humanity. Brite embraces the spirit of the vampire, but not the trappings of them. Second, published in 1992, Lost Souls embraced GLBT culture in a way that most books did not. While bisexuality had become more common to vampires at the time, as opposed to when Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire was first published, this book meant more to the GLBT community as its author would eventually transition somewhat publicly in front of his fans. Lost Soul’s wikipedia page is here. Again, with very mature subject matter, Lost Souls is an adult book, but my primary introduction to it was in high school. -Michele
Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite 
Dell Publishing, 1993
ISBN: 0440212812
Available: New
In Lost Souls, Brite tells the intertwined stories of people, some human, some vampire, all looking to find themselves in a variety of ways- on stage with a microphone in hand, in the arms of a beloved betrayer, or in the bewitching, electric green eyes of a vampire. She paints a dark picture in blood of back streets and vampire nature with her hypnotic, brutal storytelling. Coarse and gritty in its core, Lost Souls is a truly original vampire tale. It is deep and boundless, sensual and enthralling. Brite’s combination of hope, despair, love, hate, guilt, fear, alcohol, and blood make for an intoxicating tale. Lost Souls will draw readers in and leave them wanting more. Recommended for public library collections. A readers’ advisory note: Brite’s novel lacks a moral center, which may not appeal to some readers.
Contains: Language, drug abuse, intense violence, gore, and extreme sex.
Readers’ advisory note: Brite’s novel lacks a moral center, and may not appeal to some readers for that reason.
review by Rose Gordon