Beastly: Bringing a modern twist to "that" fairy tale

During one of those lull times in the office (hehe!), a colleague of mine shared to me a copy of the book Beastly by Alex Flinn. She liked the book, told us that it fell under the "light reading" category for her, and that though the story was really something for the young adult crowd, she enjoyed reading it.

I got curious because Disney's version of Beauty and the Beast was one of my favorite animation movies of all time. Of course, I've also seen the series with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton when I was a kid. They were two different versions, but with one underlying plot: how a scary-looking monster and a beautiful human fall in love.

In this book, however, the beast's story is given a little more background. Set in today's times, we learn that he was first known as Kyle Kingsbury, a hot high schooler who based everything on physical appearance. When he wrongs a witch, a spell was cast on him and he becomes the hideous monster that even his dad would feel such shame to call him his son. The only way the spell was to be broken is through a kiss between him and the girl he loves, who also should love him back despite his appearance.

What's interesting here in this book is how the story is presented. I particularly loved the chapters where the beast, known as Adrian, would enter a chat support group of kindred souls (read: cursed by witches just like him). And though the story was bordering cheesy (as expected of any juvenile/young adult fiction), I found it quite entertaining to the last bit. It's also quite short, with about 160 pages. Light reading, not so much for drama, but it kinda does stick to you in some way. I guess it's because the storyline is a familiar one.

And who doesn't love happy endings?

Very much recommended for those who don't want to be bogged down by too much drama or suspense in written words and bound pages. Also teaches kids a lesson or two, so might as well have your tween kids read it. :)

EDIT: Beastly is going to be made into a movie, with Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens. Mary Kate Olsen and Neil Patrick Harris are also in it. Check out the trailer below:



Seems a bit different to the original story. But I think it looks promising.

And Alex Pettyfer just might be the next Robert Pattinson.