Dracula by Bram Stoker

What do journaling, camaraderie, resilience, bravery, faith in God, and a cowboy from Texas have in common? Bram Stoker cleverly brought them all together in his masterpiece, Dracula, published in 1897. He uses journals, letters, news clippings, captain’s log, and telegrams (epistolary format) which invites the reader to join the characters on their journey. We become vampire hunters along with:  Jonathan Harker, the English solicitor,  Mina Murray, Jonathan’s soon to be wife,  Lucy, Mina’s flighty friend,  Dr. John Seward, Lucy’s rejected suitor #1,  Arthur Holmwood, aka Lord Godalming, Lucy’s pick of the litter,   Quincy Morris, rejected suitor #2, a cowboy from Texas and finally,  Dr. Van Helsing, the oldest in the group, gives guidance and determination in this fearless fight against evil.  Without a  main character, everyone has equal importance. This talented Irish author illustrates the value of: Combination: “...we are all more strong together…” Failure: “We learn from failure, not from success.” Faith & Humility: “God alone knows what may be in store for any of us.” Journaling: “Hamlet said, “My tablets! Quick, my tablets!” The habit of entering accurately  must help to soothe me. Good versus evil can encompass many forms. The term energy vampires would not exist without Stoker’s book. The Bible has another blood sucker in Proverbs 30:15,  “The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”. Those who take and take and never give have always been around. Bram Stoker gives readers a safe place to be scared while giving readers the  warning to be alert! Are you up for this frightful chase? Please join us for episode 163! Happy reading dear listeners!