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.

Fully Booked's Book Grab 2010

If you're a certified bibliophile, then you'd probably want to join the anniversary Book Grab of Fully Booked.

Five lucky book lovers will have the chance to grab all the books they want inside the Fully Booked store in just 2 minutes.

To join the Book Grab, all you have to do is first download the application form found in the Book Grab page and submit it along with a creative entry that describes the theme, "Three Things I Like About Fully Booked." Entries can be in the form of a 2-minute video, a poem or essay, or an A2/A3 artwork of any medium. Remember, these should be original works of yours to qualify. Submit them through email or personally at the Bonifacio High Street Branch, where the actual Book Grab will be held. I'd suggest you start making yours now because entries will only be accepted until July 15, 2010.

Only 5 lucky persons will be chosen to participate in the Book Grab happening on July 24. So if you really, really want a chance to own the book you've been yearning for, this is your moment. Go make your entries now!

Want to know more about the contest mechanics? Visit the Fully Booked Book Grab page here.

Weekend reading: Neil Gaiman's Odd and the Frost Giants

My friend who's going back to Dubai a few days from now just gave me this book written by Neil Gaiman. She saw it in a thrift store there and thought I'd like it.

And, without any wonder, I did. Not only because it was Neil Gaiman who wrote it, but because it was engaging even if it was just short.

Odd and the Frost Giants is about a boy named Odd who lived in Midgard. During an extended winter, he ran away from home and lived in his father's cottage. Along the way, he met a bear, a fox, and an eagle, who seemed to be more than meets the eye (no, they're not any of the Transformers, mind you). Their meeting leads Odd to Asgard, where he comes face to face with the Frost Giant, who has issues with the Norse gods and who is causing the unusually long winter in Midgard.

The book is the usual Gaiman fantasy work mixed with Norse mythology. If you're familiar with Coraline, this book is even shorter than that. Even so, the story won't leave you hanging, as this short adventure is one charming trip.

Neil Gaiman wrote this for the 2008 World Book Day, which is a day of promoting reading for children. If you have a kid and would like him or her to start reading, this is one fantasy short story you could get for them.

And even if you're all grown up, you'll still love Odd and the Frost Giants. Dunno if it's available here in Manila, but I think Amazon sells this one.