Beauty : A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast

Rating:
Summary: ehh...so-so, average, medium, in the middle book
Review: Your average old, typical old, bag of medieval mixes. Not much action or suspense if you ask me, more of a book you'd read a chapter a day from, nothing to make you want to continue on with questions or curiousity. I highly recommend loyal Mckinley fans to try either SHERWOOD SMITH's COURT DUEL & CROWN DUEL or TAMORA PIERCE's ALANNA. Both are action packed, full of surprises and twists. Have fun reading.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite. . . McKinley's first and finest!
Review: I discovered this book some five years ago, and it still captivates me every time I read it. This book has surprising depth, a faerie tale that can hold the interest of adults and children alike. It delights me and I find myself reading it over and over again - I never get tired of this book!

Rating:
Summary: There is no better book...
Review: I have four copies of this book...two in PB and two HC, and I've read it more than a dozen times in 5 years. This story is magic from cover to cover. McKinley is a natural storyteller...readers not only empathize with "Beauty"...they begin to feel as though they were her. Many adaptations have been made from the original story but this one far surpasses the rest. It should be on the shelves among the likes of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and the classics - McKinley has mastered what REAL literature show be...a feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul.

Rating:
Summary: Master storytelling
Review: I wish I had McKinley's gift, just so I could do hers justice! This book, as well as the Damar tales and Outlaws of Sherwood, influenced my style as nothing else has before or since. The knack for the perfect word, perfect description, perfect event at the perfect time, is so rare. I hope she keeps using it to tell good tales. So, if you have not read Beauty, you MUST! I can't bear to think of a book-lover missing it!

Rating:
Summary: Beauty of a book
Review: This has been one of my favorite books for years. If you like fairy tale novelizations, this is not to be missed. It has great characterizations, an intelligent heroine (I wonder if her bookworm tendencies inspired Disney's Belle), and an overall sunny, delightful feeling pervades. You'll love it, regardless of your age. And if you like this one, please get hold of Elizabeth Pope's "The Sherwood Ring." It's just come back into print, and I can't resist giving it a plug here. Well worth the price.

Rating:
Summary: My new favorite!!!
Review: A wonderful retelling of a classic story! Beautifully done, captures you and wont let you put it down!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: This was a great book! I reccomend it for ages 12 and up. It was assigned to me as a book to read over the summer, since it was on the "recommended reader's list". So, I went to the library, to check it out, but they didn't have it, so I bought it instead. Boy was I glad I did! It was soooooo good! There were a lot big words though, that I didn't understand, but you get used to it. The beggining was also a little boring, but towards the middle I couldn't get my nose out of it! The narrator (Beauty) describes the story beautifully, and makes you feel as if you're actually there with her, looking at things the way she did. It was great! Read it!

Rating:
Summary: Best book I have ever read!
Review: I've read this book several times, each one better than the last. It's undoubtedly my favorite book. Robin McKinley pays close attention to detail and the story is perfect. "Rose Daughter", a similar story by McKinley is a great book as well.

Rating:
Summary: A++++!
Review: I remember when I first read this fantastic book. I had borrowed it from my school Library, and in the two weeks I had it at my home I must have read it five times. This is certainly one of the best tellings of Beauty and the Beast. I particularly like the fact that Beauty was not your average self obsorbed fairytale bimbo. She was the intellectual type which I personally can relate to. This was no airhead barbie Beauty which was which I truley appreciated. Also the author truly made the whole enchantment on the Beast, castle, and grounds believable and explained things very well. Way to Go!!!

Rating:
Summary: It's the greatest re-telling of Beauty & the Beast!
Review: This was a wonderful book, and will always be one of my favorite books! If you haven't read it, read it! If you don't own it, buy it!