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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
This was such an interesting concept, but was executed in a way that left such a bad taste in my mouth. I feel that (with the two Disney versions) Cinderella’s strength is that she is powerful enough to be able to hold onto hope and happiness in spite of all of her mistreatment and struggles in life. This version of her is not that.
It seems to me that they try to take a “feminist” twist by having her be sassy to her step-family and stand up for herself and her future, which is good.... until you read her putting down and judging other people for their looks, weight, and intelligence levels throughout nearly every page of the book. She doesn’t spare a kind thought for hardly anyone, which really isn’t a character that I root for or find hardly any redeeming qualities in. That is not feminist either. She doesn’t have to be kind or hopeful like the Cinderellas we know, but I need something to make me care about her. Her taking her future into her own hands is a great twist on the fairy tale, but everything else was just not good for me.
The plot also takes a weirdly dark and cruel turn, and included some things that felt unnecessarily disturbing. I also could not tell what age range this was written for. At first I thought it was nearly middle grade, which was why Ella’s thoughts were so mean and childish, but then some situations arose that made me think it is intended for YA.
I gave it an extra star because I thought the concept and twist they took on the fairy tale was interesting. This could have been a great story so easily. But with all that potential I was especially let down by the direction the writing and plot took.
It seems to me that they try to take a “feminist” twist by having her be sassy to her step-family and stand up for herself and her future, which is good.... until you read her putting down and judging other people for their looks, weight, and intelligence levels throughout nearly every page of the book. She doesn’t spare a kind thought for hardly anyone, which really isn’t a character that I root for or find hardly any redeeming qualities in. That is not feminist either. She doesn’t have to be kind or hopeful like the Cinderellas we know, but I need something to make me care about her. Her taking her future into her own hands is a great twist on the fairy tale, but everything else was just not good for me.
The plot also takes a weirdly dark and cruel turn, and included some things that felt unnecessarily disturbing. I also could not tell what age range this was written for. At first I thought it was nearly middle grade, which was why Ella’s thoughts were so mean and childish, but then some situations arose that made me think it is intended for YA.
I gave it an extra star because I thought the concept and twist they took on the fairy tale was interesting. This could have been a great story so easily. But with all that potential I was especially let down by the direction the writing and plot took.
An attempt at a more realistic Cinderella story. After all, the new Princess would have to get used to court and her newfound power, and is it really possible to fall in love at first sight? Unfortunately, Haddix is not the person to address these questions. Everything is wildly simplified. I think if I'd read this as a preteen, I'd have liked it more--but there are some oddly dark and adult moments in here; Ella is threatened with rape on a daily basis for a stretch of the book, for instance.
Just Ella was a fantastic read and although I was 14 years old when I read it, the story is still fresh in my head:
The story is a remake of Cinderella minus the happy ending and the charming prince.
I love Ella's point of view; she felt so real to me! I also like the characters but I think Prince Charming's boring-ness was a bit too much (Do people like him REALLY exists?!) And I love Ella's compassion which was shown all over the book. And most of all I loved the ending! :)
If you like Just Ella, I recommend you read "Running out of Time" by Magaret Peterson Haddix :)
The story is a remake of Cinderella minus the happy ending and the charming prince.
I love Ella's point of view; she felt so real to me! I also like the characters but I think Prince Charming's boring-ness was a bit too much (Do people like him REALLY exists?!) And I love Ella's compassion which was shown all over the book. And most of all I loved the ending! :)
If you like Just Ella, I recommend you read "Running out of Time" by Magaret Peterson Haddix :)
I've been wanting to re-read this for a while, but I was fearful of how my nostalgia for it might set me up for disappointment.
I think I love this story even more now than I did back then. A feminist Cinderella retelling revolving around a defiant and outspoken protagonist. It's funny and sardonic, but with several touching and serious moments.
I could've done without all the fat jokes, and the age gap between Ella and Jed makes me VERY uncomfortable. But I found out recently that there are 2 sequels, and I am definitely picking them up next.
I think I love this story even more now than I did back then. A feminist Cinderella retelling revolving around a defiant and outspoken protagonist. It's funny and sardonic, but with several touching and serious moments.
I could've done without all the fat jokes, and the age gap between Ella and Jed makes me VERY uncomfortable. But I found out recently that there are 2 sequels, and I am definitely picking them up next.
love the twist of the ending. It shows what happens after Ella gets to the castle. Love that there's no magic in this,but I gave it a 4 star because she should continue with the book.
I liked the book just fine for myself, but think it would be fantastic for younger girls to read a story after the Happily Ever After.
I liked it a lot. There was one part that I had to skip... If kids read it, you should guess which chapter it is pretty early on.
Cute, but predictable and the language was a little overly modern for my taste.. Skip it and read Ella Enchanted instead.