Modern Re-telling of a Favorite

One of my favorite stories is Beauty and the Beast. I still shed a tear every time I see the Disney version. Beastly is a modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, based on the novel by the same name and written by Alex Flinn.

Here is the Amazon.com plot summary:

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.

Looks like this could be really interesting, or really corny. I hope it's the former, instead of the latter. Now I just need to read the book...

Book Review

I've decided to start blogging again. We'll see where this goes. I don't know how frequently I'll be writing, but I'd like to do some books reviews and maybe showcase recipes I'm attempting (or burning).

My first books review is of a classic childhood favorite of mine. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinely, is a novel that I read at least once or twice a year. It's set in a land that's almost a reflection of a North Africa, occupied by a nation similar to the former British Empire. The story follows the adventures of Harriet, or Harry as her friends call her, as she is kidnapped by the local nomads and the plans that they have in store for her.

The novel reminds me of the Black Stallion Returns, Aladdin, and A Thousand And One Arabian Nights. When I read the Blue Sword, I can smell the spices in the market place, imagine wind blowing sand in my face, and want to be the heroine galloping across the desert on her faithful steed. The book was a Newbery Honor Book probably around the time I was born, a well deserved award then and now.

Give it a try. I think you'll like it.