It seems like when it comes to vampires today there’s two schools of thought. Some people regard vampires as bad guys while others regard vampires as well, potential love interests. I’m a bit confused by the latter, so please take that into consideration when you read this list. Nevertheless, despite a few “to be expected” titles I wanted to throw in a couple books that you might not have heard of before. If I had to recommend the top 10 vampire books to a friend, this is the list I would give them. These books are in no particular order, although I couldn’t help but start with Dracula. 
1. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Seriously, first published in 1897 this is the story of the original vampire. Dracula is the granddaddy, godfather, and inspiration behind all modern vampire books and movies. While reading this book during a break at work I actually had a co-worker walk up to me and ask, “Oh! Is that a new series?”
Really! Exactly what are kids learning in schools these days?? Sad.
2. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
First published in 1976, this is probably the first “modern” vampire book in which readers are introduced to the fact that vampires must deal with their own internal struggles and emotions. Interview with the Vampire is the first and most popular book in a series known as the Vampire Chronicles.
3. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Yes, before it was made into a movie (three times over) I Am Legend existed only as one the most popular horror novels ever written, admired and imitated by the likes of Stephen King (Salem’s Lot) and George Romero (Night of the Living Dead). Written in 1954, Robert Neville remains as the last man standing on earth and must learn to survive as he battles the vampires who seek to destroy him and suck his life force.
4. The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Let it be said that the Twilight Saga collection is only included here based on popularity. Despite the fact that these books are literally flying off the shelves, many criticize them for their fluffiness, lack of depth, and “cardboard characters.” I suppose it all boils down to taste and what kind of vampire you prefer. Twenty or thirty years from now will Miss Meyer go down in the vampire hall of fame? It’s hard to say. If you’re over the age of 30 and still reading teen fantasy . . . well, that’s great. To each their own. If you’re into purple vampire prose, then Twilight is definitely the series for you. There are four books in this series including Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.
5. The Southern Vampire (Sookie Stackhouse) Series by Charlaine Harris
Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, the HBO True Blood series is based on the Southern Vampire books. Sookie Stackhouse is the main character and narrative voice for the books but seems to play a smaller role in the HBO series which seems to focus more on the supporting characters. The vampires in this series tend to be more light than dark, and some say the series reads more like trashy romance novels than science fiction. So, considered yourself warned. There are currently nine books published in this series, the first being Dead Until Dark.
6. Bloodsucking Friends by Christopher Moore
If you can find this book at your local Friends of the Library sale, thrift store, or garage sale I’d definitely pick it up. This really isn’t your typical vampire book and if there was such a genre as vampire comedy this book would fit right in it. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire trying to survive in San Francisco then wonder no more.
7. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
Some Girls Bite is the first book in a new series by author Chloe Neill. The main female character, Merit, is described as “stronger and smarter than the average vampire.” At least this time around we aren’t confronted with high school teenagers. Merit is at least a graduate student. So, perhaps there’s hope with this new series.
8. Vampire Haiku by Ryan Mecum
Here’s your chance to re-live American history through the eyes of a vampire–with poetry and pictures to boot!
9. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
There are currently four books published in the Vampire Academy series with the fourth book scheduled for release in May 2010. The main character, Rose Hathaway, attends St. Vladimir’s academy in Montona and is half-vampire “with poor impulse control”. Another main character in the first novel, the Vampire Academy, is Lissa Dragomir, a Moroi princess and Rose’s best friend. Moroi are the good and “magical” vampires while the Strigoi are evil and feed on the innocent to survive.
10. Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Just in case you haven’t gotten enough of teenage vampires, Vampire Kisses comes at you with seven books in the series. The original book that started it all in 2003, Vampire Books, revolves around the life of Raven, a sixteen-year-old obsessed with vampires and everything Goth.
To discover more books about vampires please visit: Vampire Books
