Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries

Love You to Death

by Crissy Calhoun

Taking devoted fans deep into the heart of Mystic Falls, the fictional setting of the CW hit series "The Vampire Diaries," this guide will satisfy the curiosity of the series' many loyal viewers. Garnering huge ratings for the network week after week, "The Vampire Diaries"' mix of horror, romance, drama, and self-aware humor has won it a growing and devoted fan base in its very first season. A complete episode guide and biographical portraits of the cast and veteran writer/producer Kevin Williamson, whose credits include "Dawson's Creek" and the Scream movies, make this an essential resource for fans. The story behind the creation of the show, information about the bestselling book series by L. J. Smith that first introduced Elena and the Salvatore brothers, and the rich veins of history and mythology that run through the scripts are explored in this essential companion to this new audience favorite

Genres: Vampires, Nonfiction, Paranormal, Tv, Reference, Gothic, Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

I'm a freelance editor and the author of books on TV & pop culture (both as Crissy Calhoun and co-authored with Jen Knoch, as Liv Spencer).

Recommendations welcome!

Reviews

[Mary Ann Kackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must read for fans of The Vampire Diaries on The CW. All the things you and your peeps have argued about, thought you saw but weren't sure, all the things you missed, the actors, the writers, the directors, the fansites, the music--it's all here! This could have easily been titled "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About The Vampire Diaries But Were Afraid to Ask"! As I said in an earlier tweet before I was finished, this book makes you want Crissy to screen Season 2 and share her insights right after each episode airs (of course, you can always follow her blog at crissycalhoun.com for weekly reactions). She took so much painstaking time doing research--just loved the actual timeline of events dating back from the 1400s through the Sept 9 2010 Season 2 premier. The format is great, too, as she lays out each episode in the exact same manner, anaylzing her most compelling moment, which characters are "in the know" about who's who and what's what during that episode, TVD's supernatural rules for the episode, real and invented history, who gets bitten (staked, neck-snapped, yadayadayada), a comparison to the TVD books, off camera happenings on the set, things that "don't quite jibe" (yea, we all knitpick!), and the music used on each episode while things are happening (understand the soundtrack is coming out in October). Was that a run-on sentence or what?! This is a great read for fans, a quick read, lots of pics and insights. I wanna be part of Crissy's knitting circle!

[Sarah Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's true that this book isn't yet available, but I was lucky enough to read it before it went to the printer because I work at ECW Press. I'm a huge fan of The Vampire Diaries and Love You to Death made me want to rewatch every episode. Also, the photos are gorgeous!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I was a somewhat reluctant convert to The Vampire Diaries (the first two episodes did not win me over), I now eagerly await the season two premiere, and there’s no doubt in my mind that one of the main reasons I “turned” was because I had Crissy Calhoun’s insightful guide by my side as I worked by way through season one. With an episode-by-episode guide that notices all the things you may have missed while blinded by Ian Somerhalder’s mischievous grins and twinkling eyes, Love You to Death draws out all the details that make TVD above-par teen TV fare. With cast and fan interviews, a chapter on book to screen adaptation, cast and creator bios, pretty “compelling” photos of the ridiculously good-looking cast, and a very helpful timeline, Love You to Death is a better guide than a vampire-detecting compass when you return to Mystic Falls again and again.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my copy in the mail yesterday and I have finished it last night, I seriously couldn't put it down !

This book is a must for fans of the show - my fave part of the book was the episode disections. How the story was broken down and put into it's little sub headings like the bite list haha

For someone like me to who has watched every episode so many times that I have lost count and read every available forum out there is was nice to see that this book could still surprise me with new info I wasn't aware of. They also include how this story differs from the book which would be most beneficial for those watchers of the show but haven't read the books.

Overall I really loved the book and I am sure I will be reading again soon when I go back and watch season 1 again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received via Goodreads First Reads!

This book is absolutely perfect for fans of the show! Biographies, in-depth episode analysis (only for the first season, unfortunately), connections, etc. It's probably pretty useless for someone who isn't a fan of the show (or possibly for someone who only likes the books), but excellent for people who are really geeky about the show :)

[Dann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries is a comprehensive guide to the hit CW television series. Author Crissy Calhoun chronicles how L.J. Smith’s bestselling young adult books caught the attention of Hollywood and were developed into a supernatural drama for television. Also included is an episode by episode review of Season 1 detailing the writers, directors, and guest stars along with summaries, continuing themes, “The Diabolical Plan” of the villains, “History Lesson(s)” about what’s been learned about the characters and the town of Mystic Falls, the differences and similarities with the books, and the music that was featured. Additionally, she provides biographies for the main cast members and interviews with some of the hosts of the online fan sites. An unabashed fan herself, Calhoun’s love and passion for the show comes through in her writing; which makes it very personable and engaging. Extraordinarily well-crafted, Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries is an in-depth and captivating look at this remarkable television show.

[Cookie E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the series, this is a terrific companion book. Crissy Calhoun does a great job of recapping the episodes. I starting watching the series in the middle of the first season, and this book helped fill in the gaps for me. She showcases themes and adds observations that are quite useful in analyzing the show (I know - it sounds like I am taking the series way too seriously - welcome to the world of Vampire Diaries fans). I also found it interesting how many things she pointed out in the recaps that I missed when watching the episodes. There are also short biographies on all of the main actors/actresses in the series, as well as a few other interviews. I highly recommend the book as a fun read for all TVD fans.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fantasy mixed with the teen angst in vampire diaries! I am a total Damon fan, love the bad boy vibe.

[Rofi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aah, baca buku ini bikin kangen serial dan novelnya. Berhenti nonton gara-gara Nina nggak main lagi, hedeh. Pengen baca novel seri “the hunter” tapi nggak ada terjemahnya, haha.
Untuk ukuran buku un-official, panduan untuk nonton serial TVD ini keren. Apalagi semua bagian hampir dibahas, tapi kalau belum nonton season 1 nya jangan pernah baca buku ini, karena spoiler banget isinya. Jadi, buku ini khusus untuk fans yang sudah nonton season 1 dan akhirnya aku baper karena ingat momen-momen di season 1, huhu. Apalagi pas ingat zaman dulu perjuangan banget mau streaming TVD ini. Finally, aku pengen nonton TVD lagi, hehe. Kangen delena momen, stelena juga sih, hahaha😅

[Γιώτα Παπαδημακοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Δεν πρόκειται για το βιβλίο που ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΟΠΩΣΔΗΠΟΤΕ ν' αποκτήσει κανείς, αλλά είναι ένας εξαιρετικά δουλεμένος οδηγός για τους fans της τηλεοπτικής σειράς, ο οποίος μπορεί να τους αποκαλύψει πράγματα που δεν γνώριζαν, που αγνοούσαν, ή που τα έβλεπαν μέσα από ένα λανθασμένο πρίσμα.

[Caesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is just beautiful.

[valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the cast

[Carla Gebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klappentext:
Der Serien-Guide führt tief in das Herz von 'The Vampire Diaries': Das reich illustrierte Buch bietet einen ausführlichen Episodenguide zur ersten Staffel und Wissenswertes über die Ereignisse vor und hinter den Kulissen der Vampirserie: Warum sind die beiden Blutsaugerbrüder Damon und Stefan verfeindet? Welche Geheimnisse verbergen sie vor Elena? Wie verstehen sich die Schauspieler eigentlich nach Drehschluss? Und was verbindet die Hauptdarsteller Nina Dobrev und Paul Wesley im wahren Leben?
Neben den Antworten auf diese spannenden Fragen finden sich detaillierte Beschreibungen der drei Hauptcharaktere und zahlreicher Nebenfiguren sowie Informationen über die erfolgreiche Romanvorlage von L. J. Smith und die Entwicklung und Produktion der Serie. Auch der Weg der Schauspieler bis nach Mystic Falls wird von der Autorin Crissy Calhoun nachgezeichnet. So erfährt der Leser in der Biografie von Damon-Darsteller Ian Somerhalder von seiner Vergangenheit als Kindermodel und wie der Hurrikan Katrina sein Leben veränderte. Und auch die Stars Paul Wesley und Nina Dobrev geben Spannendes über ihr Leben und ihre Karriere preis.

Über den Autorin:
(goodreads)
Sie über sich selber:
I love books and TV and books on TV. I'm an editor at ECW Press, where I edit fiction, YA fiction, and non-fiction books that range in topic from pop science to pop stars.


Gestaltung:
Ich kann euch sagen das dieses Buch mit ganz viel liebe gestaltet worden ist. Es sind Bilder von den Schauspielen, sowie Bilder von den Rollen zu finden.
Besonders gut finde ich es das das Buch sehr übersichtlich gestaltet ist.

Inhalt:
In dem Buch geht es um die erste Vampir Diaries Staffel und deren Schauspieler. Das Buch geht auf die Schauspieler ein und erzählt uns ein wenig über sie. Zudem geht das Buch auf jede Folge ein und beschreibt diese.

Meine Meinung:
Ich finde das das Buch für richtige Fans etwas ist. Das Buch informiert einen über die Schauspiel und sagt einem wo diese auch noch zu sehen sind.
Aber das ist meiner Meinung nach nicht das besondere an diesem Buch, den ganz ehrlich das kann man mit ein paar Klicks sehr leicht selber feststellen.
Das besondere an dem Buch ist das es auf jede einzelne Folge eingeht und einem eine Zusammenfassung von allen Fakten gegeben wird. So hat man die Folgen in Worte gefasst, denn ganz ehrlich als Zuschauer bekommt man zwar alles mit, doch es gibt ein Zusammenfassung von Dingen die man nicht unbedingt selber in Worte fassen kann. Zudem gibt es immer bestimmte Oberthemen wie die Folgen eingeteilt werden.
Zum einen wird die fesseltest Szene aus der Folge aufgeführt, aber auch ein Liste geführt von den „Bisswunden“ (hierunter fallen alle Tote, Verletzungen und Bisse), Übernatürlichen Regel und was hinter der Kamera geschieht.

Bewertung:
∞∞∞∞∞

[Oky Septya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crissy Calhoun sangat menyukai serial The Vampire Diaries. Bersama dengan dua temannya, setiap hari Kamis malam Crissy tidak pernah melewatkan waktu untuk menonton dan kemudian membahas episode yang tayang malam itu. Kecintaannya pada serial televisi ini lah yang memotivasi Crissy menulis buku Love You to Death yang isinya semacam buku panduan serial TV populer The Vampire Diaries untuk season pertama.

Dalam buku ini, kita bisa mengetahui kisah di balik penayangan serial The Vampire Diaries. Mulai dari ide awal L.J. Smith menulis novel tentang Vampire di awal tahun 90an hingga bagaimana ia sering mendapat kritik dan kecaman keras dari para penggemar Twilight yang marah karena mengira L.J. Smith memplagiat Twilight Saga, padahal kan buku pertama The Vampire Diaries pertama kali terbit tahun 1991 jauh lebih dulu terbit dibandingkan Twilight Saga.

Kemudian dari situ diceritakan pula awal disetujuinya penayangan serial televisinya serta pemilihan produser, sutradara, pemilih naskah, hingga para pemain. Disini dijelaskan juga latar belakang masing-masing pemain serialnya. Nina Dobrev yang menjadi pemeran utama untuk tokoh Elena Gilbert rupanya lahir di Bulgaria lho. Lalu pemeran si ganteng Stefan Salvatore yaitu aktor Paul Welsey nama belakangnya ternyata Wasilewski, akibat nama tersebut terlalu susah di ucapkan, ia menggantinya menjadi Wesley. Bahkan, si Badboy kita Damon Salvatore ini diperankan oleh Ian Somerhalder yang sejak usia 16 tahun sudah menjadi model profesional. Tuh seru kan trivia-trivianya.

Bagian kedua buku ini adalah panduan episode. Dan seperti judulnya, panduan episode ini mengulas satu episode penuh berikut dengan potongan dialog favorit penulis, momen menarik, kisah di balik layar, soundtrack tiap episode, wawancara khusus para fans yang membahas tentang rahasia-rahasia supernatural, hingga pelajaran sejarah Mystic Falls. Lengkap!!

Terakhir ada masih ada bab-bab lain seperti fakta-fakta dan wawancara dengan komunitas penggemar vampir. Kita di ajak mengikuti tour kecil di lokasi syuting Mystic Falls. Juga pembahasan mengenai para roh bersama Benjamin Ayres (Pelatih Tanner) dan Malese Jow (Anna).

Saya dulu sempat mengikuti serial televisi The Vampire Diaries season pertama saja dan tidak sempat melanjutkan lagi. Ketika membaca buku ini, otomatis saya segera mencari file videonya dan memutar ulang semuanya. Setiap selesai nonton satu episode, saya langsung membaca panduan per episodenya (yang super lengkap dan sangat mendetail) kemudian memperdebatkan sendiri dengan opini pribadi.

Pada satu titik kadang saya mempertanyakan suatu hal, maka panduan episode di buku Love You to Death akan membantu saya untuk lebih memahami jalan cerita dalam episode tersebut. Bayangkan membaca seluruh trivia itu tiap episode secara rinci ini seru sekali. Tapi saya sarankan buku ini dibaca bagi kalian yang sudah atau akan menonton serialnya karena lumayan banyak spoiler dalam panduan per episodenya. Jadi bagi kamu yang mengaku penggemar berat serial televisi The Vampire Diaries, wajib baca buku ini!

Selengkapnya bisa dibaca di http://sinopsisuntukmu.blogspot.com/2...

[Amanda]

I’ve never owned or read a companion book to a TV series so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised. But first, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about my interest in The Vampire Diaries. Like many people I have been caught up in the vampire craze. I suppose I never really left it ever since Buffy and Angel. So when I heard they were making a show based on The Vampire Diaries book series, I went and read all the books before watching the show. Now, normally I am in the camp of “the book is better” but if I’m perfectly honest, in this case I think I like the show better. Not to say the books aren’t good, but I have really enjoyed how the show has expanded the storyline and really brought it to life. I mention all this because I enjoy how Love You to Death gives you the background of the book series and the author. Along with a synopsis of each episode, the author also provides a section drawing parallels and comparisons to the books, which I really liked.
Another part of this book I really enjoyed was learning more about the show’s creators and the actors. It gives a detailed background for them, giving readers lots of tidbits they might not have known. For instance, I was shocked that the network had to be convinced on Ian Somerhalder, because to me he is perfect as Damon! I also liked the discussion on why show Elena is a brunette, because I too had trouble getting used to it but am also glad they chose Nina Dobrev, because I like her Elena better than the book Elena.
So, overall, this was a very interesting companion book to the television series. I think hardcore fans who like to collect things about their favorite show will love this, and anyone who is looking for more info will be happy with all the new things they learn from this book. I’m glad I got the chance to read it; it made me realize how much I enjoy the show and how much I’m looking forward to its return this September!

*I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

[Ciska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love you to Death takes you trough the world of the Vampire Diaries step by step. It gives you background information on the cast and the fandom of TVD and a guide trough the episodes of season 1.[return][return]I read the book while (re) watching season 1. First watch the episode than read the book. It is funny that even with the intent to pay full attention there are still things discussed in the book that you missed out on. [return]The book is written in a fast pace, combining well with the pace of the tv show.[return][return]What I did not like that much was the fact boxes that showed up in several episodes with special attention for an extra character or some fun facts. I love to read a book from A to B and not having to flip back and forward.[return][return]For sure the Season 2 guide will accompany my Season 2 DVD though later this year.

[Sarina Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that this book was amazing it completely matches up with the TV show,It gives you all the big details that keep you interested in the show in this book but deeper more intensely. My favorite thing about the book is the way it gives you want you need to now and not what you want to know. Most people would find that annoying but I find that captivating. The idea of wanting more and having to keep reading has always been something Ive liked in books. I highly recommended this book but I only recommend this in particular Vampire Diaries book to the people who watch the show otherwise I might not be as interesting to you. My last though is to say that This book is one of the few books to really make me want to keep reading.

[Mango · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the Vampire Diaries. I read the books, I watch the show, I love the actors, talk about it a lot with my friends who don't care whether or not Damon is dying or Stefan is in jail or whatever.
I found this book interesting with all the actor insights and the facts about the episodes. It had things I missed while watching it, things that made me think, "Good point..." and all that.

But, maybe because I'm not a hard-core Vampire Diaries fan, I didn't think this book was so amazing. I love the Vampire Diaries but I don't think that I love it enough to find this book super interesting and important.

[Truly · Rating 3 out of 5]

"... buku ini memuat spoler per episode. Di dalam halaman-halaman buku ini kamu juga akan menemukan biografi pendek dari para aktor..."

Mau baca Damon.......!
Bagaimana lagi, sosoknya yang digambarkan sebagai sosok jahat malah mampu mencuri hati banyak pembaca buku serial ini. Apa lagi sejak filmnya mulai diputar di tanah air. Jumlah penggemarnya kian banyak. Buat saya pribadi selain memang secara fisik sosok Ian Somerhalder layak untuk dipelototi, karakternya dalam buku membawa nuansa sendiri.

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[Kejana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this is going to be some cheesy, opinionated tell-all book, but I was wrong. I watch this show religiously, I was really interested it all behind the scenes details. I was able to realize some things about the show but I didn't even notice before. If you are a Vampire Diaries fan, you have to read this book. You'll learn more about the background of the directors and the cast. You'll also find out the meaning behind the episode titles. Chrissie Calhoun is a trustworthy source because she's the moderator for the official fandom website.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Vampire Diaries fan you need have this book. Crissy shows you the hidden gems of the books and points out things you may not have noticed before. If you're not a Vampire Diaries fan, you should watch the show and have this book by your side to really find out what The Vampire Diaries is all about.

This is a great book!

[The 49th Shelf]

Read Crissy Calhoun's take on writing and reading about TV: Pop Culture, the Literary Gateway.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic if you are obsessed with The Vampire Diaries. It's exciting to read each blurb before the episode (if you've seen the episode before, if not spoilers). I was beyond obsessed with TVD when it first came out so I was quick to grab this book and I was not disappointed. Crissy writes like your best friend, it's a wonderful feeling.

[Willie Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You To Death is a great book if you're a fan of the Vampire Diaries television and book series. Crissy Calhoun's book is filled with detailed information on the show, the books, the actors and the creators. A must read!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the show and was extremely happy when I got the opportunity to read this book. It is amazing. A great companion book if you like me are a fan of the show and if you are not then the awesome pictures of Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley will convince you to watch the show.

[Vanessa Valiente · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. If you are a fan of the Vampire Diaries tv show, then this is a must have. It gives you inside information on each of the different episodes. Plus, there are in depth interviews and biographies for the cast members.

http://dealingsofabookjunkie.blogspot...

[happily_reader_after · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great companion. Really gets you thinking about the intricacies of the show. Also has some cool behind the scenes stuff and points out things that happened that I didn't notice, despite the fact that I've now watched season 1 twice. Complete, great book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good general information on the episodes and beginning of the series. Includes episode by episode analysis and summaries of new information, links to the books, injuries, bts, etc. Good for a big fan, but the casual viewer might find it boring or redundant.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was full of behind the scene look into the making of TVD, the casting of its characters, interviews with the actors, etc. A book every TVU fans needs to have in their collection.

[Theresa]

i have seen the tv show and i have read the 2 first books and i am opsessed with it
Love the VAMPIRE DIARIES