For teens navigating the angst and alienation of growing up, this graphic novel offers a darkly humorous take on finding your place when life feels unfair.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is expressing deep feelings of cynicism, frustration, or a sense that life is unfair and they don't belong. "Life Sucks" is a graphic novel that captures this adolescent angst through the story of Dave, a vampire stuck working the night shift at a convenience store. He feels alienated from both the human world and the traditional vampire world, all while nursing a crush on a mortal girl. The book uses dark humor and the supernatural as a metaphor for the very real struggles of loneliness, finding your identity, and figuring out where you fit in. Its accessible format and relatable themes make it a great choice for teens, especially reluctant readers, who feel misunderstood and are navigating the complexities of growing up.
Some minor scuffles and implied vampire-related violence; not graphic.
Romantic ContentMild
Features a central plotline about unrequited love and romantic pining.
Sensitive Topics
The core sensitive topic is existential angst and alienation, handled through the metaphor of vampirism. The approach is entirely secular. Dave's feeling of being an outsider is the central conflict. The resolution is realistic and quietly hopeful. He doesn't magically solve all his problems, but he does take meaningful steps towards self-acceptance and forming genuine connections, suggesting that while life can be hard, it's not without moments of hope and belonging.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14 to 17, who feels like an outsider and is grappling with cynicism about the future. This reader connects with dark humor, supernatural themes, and stories about feeling misunderstood. They may be a reluctant reader who prefers the visual storytelling of graphic novels. This is for the kid who feels stuck in the awkward space between who they are and who they're supposed to be.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is needed; the book can be read cold. The title itself is the biggest hurdle for some parents, but it's important to understand it reflects the character's mindset, which the book explores rather than simply glorifies. The content is mild, with some thematic depth that is best suited for mid-to-older teens. The parent has heard their teen say things like, "What's the point?" or "Everything sucks." They may see their teen withdrawing socially, expressing a sense of hopelessness about their job or school, and feeling like no one understands what they're going through.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely focus on the romantic pining and the immediate feelings of loneliness and not fitting in at school or work. An older teen (16-18) will see the deeper commentary on existential dread, the transition to adulthood, and the critique of soul-crushing entry-level jobs. The satire of classic vampire tropes may also be more appreciated by an older reader.
What Makes It Special
Unlike epic vampire fantasies, this book's power lies in its mundane setting. By placing a supernatural character in a painfully ordinary convenience store, it makes the extraordinary themes of immortality and alienation incredibly relatable. It's a character-driven story about the quiet frustration of everyday life, not a high-stakes supernatural battle. The humor is dry and grounded in reality.
Read plot summary
Dave is a young, disillusioned vampire working a dead-end job at the Last Stop, a 24-hour convenience store. He pines for a regular customer, Rosa, but is too insecure to act on his feelings, worried she'll discover his secret. His life is further complicated by his traditionalist vampire master, Radu, who disapproves of Dave's modern, mundane existence. The story follows Dave as he navigates his frustrating job, his complicated social life, and his search for a place where he truly belongs, blending supernatural angst with slice-of-life comedy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Dave feels caught between the traditional vampire world of his master Radu and the human world he lives in. Have you ever felt stuck between two different groups or expectations? How did you navigate that feeling?
2
The title of the book is "Life Sucks." By the final pages, do you think Dave still feels that way? What specific moments or interactions give him a reason to feel more hopeful?
3
Dave is terrified to tell Rosa that he is a vampire. Why do you think he is so afraid of her knowing the real him? What does this say about the fear of being different?
4
Consider the setting of the 24-hour convenience store, the Last Stop. How does this setting contribute to the book's themes of loneliness, routine, and feeling stuck?
