Rapunzel's Revenge

Everyone knows the story of Rapunzel, the girl whose parents gave her away and was locked in a tower by an evil witch.  Well, what if instead of being rescued by a prince, Rapunzel gained some awesome fighting skills and saved herself.  And that's where this graphic novel gets good.  After growing her famous hair, Rapunzel rappels down the tower and almost immediately meets Jack, of the Beanstalk variety.  Determined to rescue her real mother, Rapunzel and Jack set off across the witch's land and meet a variety of people oppressed by her.  Through this adventures, they learn about the witch and decide that they must do something about her too.


Weirdly this is the first graphic novel that I've reviewed for this blog although I mostly read manga.  I liked the art in this book.  It reminds me of line art a lot.  I liked that Rapunzel was a red head and the western theme going on in the book.  Some of the adventure stop-offs felt tacked on, but they are there for a purpose and add some expedition to the story.  The ending was quick but dramatic and the very end was sweet.  I've heard there is going to be a sequel and I look forward to that.

Once Upon a blogger (Interview)

Today for Once Upon a Week, we are doing a blogger interview exchange.  I love this since it is a great way to meet new bloggers.  My interview is with Britt from Confessions of a Book Habitué. You can see my half at her blog. 
Thanks Britt for answering all of my questions.

Tell me about yourself and your blog.

I'm a stay-at-home mom with little kids (2 of them-- Boo and Mister) and I just kind of inhale books! It's actually getting to the point where I'm never "reading" anything... because I finish books in one sitting! (Or in one day at any rate.... kids have these expectations about being fed at certain times for some strange reason.)

Favorite fairy tale

 probably Beauty and the Beast. I've always felt like I was most like Belle.

Favorite reinmagination?

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite reimagination! I love Robin McKinley's-- all of them! I also really like Shannon Hale's and Jessica Day George's. Right now I'm really into the Sister's Grimm series, which is an interesting twist on fairy tales in general. Oh! And Jim C Hines! His new books-- Stepsister Scheme and The Mermaid's Madness. Awesome twist on fairy tales. [Andrea - I can totally agree with all of this especially the Jim C. Hines books.  They are so great.]

Favorite Fairy Tale Character?

 Probably Belle again!

Least favorite....

hmmm. I almost want to say Snow White, but that's only because I don't like the Disney one! I'm not a huge fan of damsels in distress, so any princess that just sits around isn't a favorite of mine.

Stepmothers or wolves?

.... shudder. I'd almost rather face the wolves. At least I know going in that they want to eat me.

Kiss the frog or throw him back?

Can I keep the frog as a pet? I like frogs....

Save yourself or wait for the prince?

Totally save yourself. And then maybe save the prince. :D

Teaser Tuesdays - Kiss of Life

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

She hugged her knees, hiding her face so he couldn't see.  She wanted to get up and hug him and let him know she really meant it, but she was afraid that he'd get the wrong idea.

p.74 Kiss of Life: A Generation Dead Novel Daniel Waters

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.