Beastly

The story usually starts with Beauty.  But what about the beast?  Who was he before he was cursed and why is he all alone?  In Beastly, we get the Beast's side of the story.  Kyle Kingsbury was the ultimate popular guy, but he was cruel and mean for meaness' sake.  He aborred ugly and only valued what was on the outside.  When he crosses a witch, Kyle's ugly inside is reflected on the outside and he becomes beastly.  He has one chance, however.  Find someone to love and who loves him despite his appearance and he can change back.  But who could ever love a beast?

Favorite quote:

"And every night, when I got so tired the book fell from my hand, I lay in bed, feeling her hatred like a phantom walking the night hallways.  Maybe this was a bad idea.  But what other hope did I have?"   p.176

I've check this book out before and I've had it check out a long time.  Finally I decided to just read it or return it.  I am so glad I decided to read it.  I'm a big fan of fractured fairy tales and it was cool to see how Kyle went from a horrible person with no love in his heart to a beast who finds love and the meaning of true beauty.   It wasn't a sudden change or anything and he doesn't fall in love instantly with the girl as some books have been written lately, but it is a gradual change and so refreshing.  Lindy was such a sweet girl and was perfect for Kyle as his new self.  I liked how the witch stayed in the story and gave Kyle advice and I liked the tutor, Will.   It was a very sweet book.

Beastly is being made into a movie.  The casting seems okay.  I like Alex Pettyfer for Kyle and Neil Patrick Harris for Will, but I cannot agree with Vanessa Hudgens as Lindy who is suppose to have red hair and pale skin.  She is not who I pictured at all.  And since I am a Olsen fan (not so secretly) I am very happy Mary Kate is playing Kendra, the witch.