RR

                The book Blue Bloods by De La Cruz tells the story of teenage vampires. The characters are tested by forbidden love, and bonds between people. I think that one major theme in the book is the rules of some societies, especially with marriages.

              One way this is apparent is the love between Schuyler, or Sky and Jack. In the vampire world twins are bond together in internal love, the only one they can love is that other person. Jack is bound to Mimi, but chooses Sky other her. I think this really exhibits how love is supposed to work in other cultures. For example arranged marriages, where people don't have a say in who they love. I think that this is really unfair and love is something that people feel, not what others decide for them.

            The consequences of not following their cultures rules also show up in the book. Sky and Jack are going to be killed because they are in love. They must run away, fighting off constant attackers. I think this is very much like cross marriages between different cultures. Recently I was in Israel and we talked to an Arab woman about the marriage of a Jew and an Arab. She said if an Arab man was to marry a Jewish woman they most likely would have to leave their families, and if a Arab woman wanted to marry a Jewish man was really unthinkable because there was a chance she could be murdered. I think this really connects back to the book. I think it is trying to say that people shouldn't be stuck on marrying and loving people just like them, and if we break these bonds we will be able to get along better.

            I think that a hidden message in the book is that people should love who they want, and not let the rules of their society restrict them. I think its also saying that cultures should become less isolated and friendly so they can work together. I think that in Israel, if there was more marriage between Jews and Arabs the whole nation could get along much better.