January 13, 2012

Beastly by Alex Flinn


Publisher's Summary: I am a beast.

A beast. You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.
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My Take: I don’t really know what to say about this one other than, it was cute! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie so I loved listening to this book. I didn’t grow EXTREMELY attached to it, but I’m glad I read it…well I’m actually glad I listened to the audio book.

I love how Alex Flinn vividly described what a big-time jerk Kyle was. You not only get to see how Kyle’s horrible actions affect others, but since this classic story is retold from Kyle’s POV, you also get to know what he’s thinking as well. And you learn that Kyle’s dad is an even bigger jerk than he is, so you also learn where it all came from.

I figured out pretty early on that it would be Lindy who breaks the Beastly spell, but I was still curious to find out HOW it was going to happen.

Beastly follows the primary story elements of Beauty And The Beast pretty closely. However, as I mentioned above, you now get to see the story from the guy’s (beast’s) POV this time, not from the girl’s (beauty’s) POV! And the rest of the story is also written for a more modern audience. The spell is cast on Kyle because Kyle asks an ugly witch to the prom to purposely humiliate her! Of course, he didn’t know she was a witch when he invited her to the prom…although (in his mind) he thought that he wouldn’t be surprised if she WERE a witch…IF witches really DID exist. So when he invites her to the prom, he already knows that he is going to humiliate her because he never REALLY intended to go with her to the prom! Well, yep, she really WAS a witch and since he DOES humiliate her, she casts a spell sentencing him to sprout beastly fur, claws and really sharp teeth. And his only chance of ever being returned to his former perfect looks is to fall in love with a girl who must love him back…and they must kiss!

Sounds cute right? It was!

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Buy it here:
AmazonBarnes & NobleBook Depository
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Audio book reserved from the library.

9 comments:

Wendy Darling said...

It's a very cute concept. Glad you liked it!

Diana said...

I've seen the movie, but I haven't read the book. Will definitely check it out soon :) thanks for sharing!

Diana @ The Lovely Getaway

Krazzyme(Young Readers) said...

I love your new blog design!! And I think I might borrow this one from the library! (or I might see the movie .... Alex Pettyfer is HOT )

Giselle said...

Thsi was a neat retelling. IT was enjoyable but I gave it a 3-star too. Though it,s been a while. I liked the movie too but mostly bc of Pettyfer! haha

Giselle
Xpresso Reads

Arianne said...

I saw the movie for this, I loved Alex Pettyfer! I'm curious how the book is compared to the movie

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Hi Mindy! This has been languishing in my pile or awhile. Sounds fun and cute just right for the next time I need a light read!

Natalia Belikov said...

I saw the movie and ALex Pettyfer totally did my year huhuhu!

The way describe it sounds totally cute! Yet I dunno f Im going to read it (since I already watched the movie lol) Still, Excellent review my dear!! muah!!

Dazzling Reads

Unknown said...

I never even knew about this book until the movie. I don't know if it's a book I would actively seek out, but I'm always looking for a great audiobook.
Nice review, sweetie!

Cath Brookes said...

I loved this story, I've read it about three times already. And it makes me tear up and laugh every time that I read it.
Recommended Alaska fishing lodge info…

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