Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinleyAwards: Phoenix Award/Honor; ALA Notable/Best Books
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The only other Robin McKinley I've read is Rose Daughter. Everyone told me this one was better, but I think this was a case where high expectations worked against me. I liked this book--I even liked it a lot--but after Rose Daughter I wasn't expecting quite so much of the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. I think my favorite character in this book was Ger, probably because he was someone new to me and I had no preconceived expectations for him.
Overall, the first half of the book was too slow and the last half went by way too fast. I wanted a lot more castle time, getting to know the Beast. But I'm glad I finally read this one! It's very enjoyable and I'm only sorry that I didn't read it earlier.
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Book 32 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge, Book 14 of 50 for the RYOB Challenge, Book 18 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge, Book 3 for the Once Upon a Time Challenge, Book 18 of 25 for the MG Reading Challenge
Source: BookMooch
12 comments:
My sister would probably like this, but the fairy tale re-tellings really haven't caught my fancy.
I fell in love with this book long before Disney's Beauty and the Beast ever came out. I think she wrote it in '78 -- I always thought Disney gleaned from her creativity. Isn't it interesting how different her two Beauty retellings are?
Jaz-I think Disney definitely borrowed from her too!
I love both Beauty and Rose Daughter, though Rose Daughter is my favorite. It's a much more thought provoking version of Beauty and the Beast.
I was going to say what Jaz said. :)
I also fell in love with this book long ago. I haven't read Rose Daughter, but I guess I ought to, so I can compare it with Beauty.
And now I have to convince you to read The Blue Sword and Hero and the Crown...
Yes! The Blue Sword is my very favorite McKinley.
Oooh, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast sounds good! I hate when it goes to fast or just too slow! The cover is sweet! :)
Sounds delightful, cute cover.
Good Morning Tricia,
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p.s. I loved that book, been reading it for years :)
So many have raved about this book, I'm afraid it will be hard not to be disappointed by it when I finally do read it. Of that I'll wish I'd read it as a teenager when I would have adored it. Maybe if I try to set my expectations low... :) I let you know when I get around to it!
This was my first "grown up" book. I read it as a kid and fell in love with Robin McKinley. I fell in love with that enchanted castle and wanted more, too. ROSE DAUGHTER, sigh. Such a wonderful way to spend time with a book.
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