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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beastly by Alex Flinn is a modern telling of the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast. The story starts in an online chat room for humans who have been changed into creatures. The main Kyle Kingsbury is a smart, handsome and arrogant high school student who seems to have it all, hot girlfriend, a famous dad, and popularity. His good fortune changes when a new girl arrives at the school and he sets out to embarrass her at the prom. Kyle makes a few too many mistakes and the girl casts a spell on him turning him into the ugliest creature, the only way he can change back is if he finds a girl who will love him for him. The only problem, he has two years to complete this task. On his journey he finds out his true character and makes new friends along the way.
The story is told from the point-of-view of a modern day beast. He used to be the big man on campus at an upper-crust NY private school. But he tried to embarrass the wrong girl and he got transformed. Now he must find true love within the next two years or he will remain a beast forever.
This story never did what it was supposed to do. It told me that the main character changed over time, but I didn't believe it. Same for the feelings of the "Beauty." Nothing rang true; it all seemed underdeveloped. My kids read it and liked it, but there just isn't much there. I don't recommend it.
This story never did what it was supposed to do. It told me that the main character changed over time, but I didn't believe it. Same for the feelings of the "Beauty." Nothing rang true; it all seemed underdeveloped. My kids read it and liked it, but there just isn't much there. I don't recommend it.
In a society that places such value on the surface beauty of people and things, this classic story is never out-of-date. Kyle is the big man on campus at an exclusive private school in Manhattan. An upcoming dance offers him the temptation to indulge in vain, spoiled and entitled tendencies with a cruel stunt that backfires on him in ways he cannot imagine. When he angers a classmate who is really a witch she curses him... You know the deal. He is transformed into a hideous beast shunned by all, including a neglectful father. The blow is softened slightly by a wisp of hope that Kyle's transformation might end if in the next two years he finds true love.
Set in the present in NYC, this romantic tale is predictable but lovely. We know the ending but that does not interfere with enjoying the story as it unfolds. We recognize in Kyle people we know. We sympathize with him as he begins to learn the lessons of humility and compassion. We root for him as the friendship evolves. We applaud when the curse ends. This story is like comfort food; we return to stories we love again and again.
Set in the present in NYC, this romantic tale is predictable but lovely. We know the ending but that does not interfere with enjoying the story as it unfolds. We recognize in Kyle people we know. We sympathize with him as he begins to learn the lessons of humility and compassion. We root for him as the friendship evolves. We applaud when the curse ends. This story is like comfort food; we return to stories we love again and again.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
I decided to pick this up because I remember that I had seen the movie. I didn't hate this book or anything, it just wasn't my favorite. It had some good moments, but some areas felt like they were going on forever.
This is a great fairy tale, which makes the book interesting. But the story is told from the perspective of a 16-year-old pretty boy that I find a bit unsettling, and the writing is less than sparkling.
I enjoyed the read. It was quick, easy and entertaining. It just wasn't something I want to read again.
I enjoyed the read. It was quick, easy and entertaining. It just wasn't something I want to read again.
Read for Popsugar: A book that became a movie
I think Beauty and the Beast from the Beast's perspective is interesting, but being in his head felt a little stifling at times. The writing is very straight-forward, nothing too frilly. The chat room support group felt a little tacked on. It was a cute, quick read, though!
I think Beauty and the Beast from the Beast's perspective is interesting, but being in his head felt a little stifling at times. The writing is very straight-forward, nothing too frilly. The chat room support group felt a little tacked on. It was a cute, quick read, though!