Beastly

So the book that had yet to arrive, finally came in the other day. So I am no longer frustrated, but I am still very disappointed that it took this long to get a book from Tennessee when I only live in GA. Anyways, this one is called Beastly by Alex Flinn

About and Thoughts on Book:

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. 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.
From B&N

I have always wondered what it was like for the Beast in Beauty and The Beast. I have seen the Disney version, and it does give some back story but not enough. Beastly gives you that insight into the beast and how he feels. It is set in the 21st century in NYC, so it's more relatable to a kid from this time. Kyle Kingsbury is completely shallow and a total jerk to begin with in this book. Another character I wish I could smack. He does deserve what he gets. Being changed into a beast changes his whole perspective. It does take him time to get over his shallow ways, but he does get there. He realizes people were only his friend because he was rich and good looking. If he wasn't people would of just thought he was a complete jerk. Even being set in the 21st century, this book kept close to the Beauty and the Beast I know. There was of course the witch, but there was also the magic mirror that shows you anyone that you want to see. Lindy ended up coming to live with Kyle, later on called Adrian, because her father trades her for not being put in jail. Not a great father, if you ask me. They become friends, and he learns that someone can get to know him and get past his looks. This book teaches you about the importance of looking past appearances and seeing someone for who they really are. Let's face it, though, people do judge others on how they look, but hopefully there are people out there who don't.

Alisha