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BeSwitched #1
BeSwitched
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Surla and Cathy have a HUGE secret!
After spending hundreds of years as a 'familiar' to an abusive witch, Surla runs away to find freedom. But there's one catch! The Black Cats' Curse states she will have to switch bodies with the first lonesome soul to cross her path.
Painfully shy Cathy Phillips can't muster the courage to ask hot water polo player, Craig Nelson, on a date. Neither can she stand up to the three biggest snobs at Washington High. What's a girl to do? Could switching lives with a sassy, magical cat be the answer to her wishes?
The "curse" of being "BeSwitched" may just be the most purr-fect secret these new best friends could ever have!
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Surla and Cathy have a HUGE secret!
After spending hundreds of years as a 'familiar' to an abusive witch, Surla runs away to find freedom. But there's one catch! The Black Cats' Curse states she will have to switch bodies with the first lonesome soul to cross her path.
Painfully shy Cathy Phillips can't muster the courage to ask hot water polo player, Craig Nelson, on a date. Neither can she stand up to the three biggest snobs at Washington High. What's a girl to do? Could switching lives with a sassy, magical cat be the answer to her wishes?
The "curse" of being "BeSwitched" may just be the most purr-fect secret these new best friends could ever have!
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2004
596 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
Molly Snow
12 books105 followersMolly Snow is a Top 10 Idaho Fiction Author, awarded by The Idaho Book Extravaganza. Her works include quirky teen romances BESWITCHED, HEAD OVER HALO and TO KISS A WEREWOLF. Also a speaker on writing, her school assemblies have been featured in The Contra Costa Times and The Brentwood Press. Snow is married to her high school crush, has a set of silly twin boys and a bobtail cat named Meow-Meow.
Molly also co-writes with her mother Z & C Mysteries, the first in the series being THE RIDDLES OF HILLGATE.
Molly also co-writes with her mother Z & C Mysteries, the first in the series being THE RIDDLES OF HILLGATE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
February 20, 2019
BeSwitched by Molly Snow is the first book of the young adult paranormal fantasy series by the same name. In this series opener Surla is a black cat who has been the familiar to a witch for years and years and does not like her master. Surla decides to leave but according to a curse she will switch places with the first lonely soul to cross her path and unfortunately for young Cathy Phillips that happens to be her and now Surla is living her life. Kind of a cute story overall but as we all know body swapping is not a new idea even if it is with a witches cat so while I enjoyed this one it will probably be forgettable in the long run.
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March 10, 2013Thank you to all who are checking out The BeSwitched Series. This is the first in the series and I've been getting great feedback.
September 14, 2019
i would definitely say this is more of a kids book, and interesting freaky Friday twist on things but it just didn't grip me i think it was a just little too immature for me.
January 3, 2014
Honestly, it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read but it wasnt the best either. I feel like I was reading a fanfiction written by a 14 year old. I mean, its not really fair to critique peoples work like that, since I see most of the reviews were positive. I just feel like the wording and the structure just weren't right. It was a very cute concept, don't get me wrong, I just expected it to be a little more mature than it was. I would probably read the sequel though so it wasn't just good, it was good enough.
October 24, 2011
BeSwitched is a so very fun, meaningful and joyful reading!
When Surla, a witch's black cat, runs away and switches body with Cathy, a 16-years-old girl, we can wait for everything to happen. Surla crosses Cathy's path and the magic is done, changing the life of both characters. We discover that Surla has run away from her witch because of severe punishments, mistreating and absence of love and affection; Cathy was, on her side, picked on by her supposed friends at school, a bunch of snobbish heartless girls.
Soon Surla makes Cathy releases she cannot just leave people humiliate herself. She makes Cathy become a more confident person, still someone to be proud of, someone kind and amiable but also prepared to fight for her rights in the social circles, being sure about her likes and dislikes.
But, by trying to switch bodies back, Surla and Cathy will have to face the major adventure on their lives and will need to be even more connected in friendship to make everything works out good.
This is a beautiful book about friendship and respect for each other. It teaches us to give attention to the feelings people keep inside of them and not only to exterior appearances. A very worth reading, full of deep thoughts and meaningful lessons. Can't wait to read more by Molly Snow!
When Surla, a witch's black cat, runs away and switches body with Cathy, a 16-years-old girl, we can wait for everything to happen. Surla crosses Cathy's path and the magic is done, changing the life of both characters. We discover that Surla has run away from her witch because of severe punishments, mistreating and absence of love and affection; Cathy was, on her side, picked on by her supposed friends at school, a bunch of snobbish heartless girls.
Soon Surla makes Cathy releases she cannot just leave people humiliate herself. She makes Cathy become a more confident person, still someone to be proud of, someone kind and amiable but also prepared to fight for her rights in the social circles, being sure about her likes and dislikes.
But, by trying to switch bodies back, Surla and Cathy will have to face the major adventure on their lives and will need to be even more connected in friendship to make everything works out good.
This is a beautiful book about friendship and respect for each other. It teaches us to give attention to the feelings people keep inside of them and not only to exterior appearances. A very worth reading, full of deep thoughts and meaningful lessons. Can't wait to read more by Molly Snow!
June 25, 2013
It's refreshing to find a wholesome tween book! Many adults may enjoy this book, too. It's a take on "Freaky Friday," which many of us may have loved.
The characters are realistic, likeable and I'm proud of the way the main character handles a possibly bad situation.
Always nice to see the "good guys win."
Would figure that tween girls would probably be the most likely to really enjoy this book. Boys have a tendency to enjoy books with male main characters more, but some boys may enjoy this, too. And it's the beginning of a series... Looks like I may need to check out number 2 next...
The characters are realistic, likeable and I'm proud of the way the main character handles a possibly bad situation.
Always nice to see the "good guys win."
Would figure that tween girls would probably be the most likely to really enjoy this book. Boys have a tendency to enjoy books with male main characters more, but some boys may enjoy this, too. And it's the beginning of a series... Looks like I may need to check out number 2 next...
April 1, 2015
This was actually a fun read. It's all about Surla, a witches cat, who runs away and ends up switching bodies with Cathy, a shy teenager. Surla helps Cathy gain more confidence and develop friendships. There are talking cats, magic, evil witches, goodish witches, and annoying high school students.
The characters were cute and I enjoyed reading their story. It was fun to see them all grow. Not a great book, but fun.
The characters were cute and I enjoyed reading their story. It was fun to see them all grow. Not a great book, but fun.
August 5, 2014
Cute idea, poorly executed
Cute idea, poorly executed
I found myself asking "Why am I still reading this?" several times throughout this one. The writing was ridiculous. In multiple places, the flow was choppy and awkward. The idea was darling, and the relationships were believable...but, it just didn't cut it for me. It was clean, so I guess that's something.
Cute idea, poorly executed
I found myself asking "Why am I still reading this?" several times throughout this one. The writing was ridiculous. In multiple places, the flow was choppy and awkward. The idea was darling, and the relationships were believable...but, it just didn't cut it for me. It was clean, so I guess that's something.
March 2, 2014
Awesome
I love your book and how you wrote the sequels. It is a have-to-have book. Teenagers (preferably females) should read this book
I love your book and how you wrote the sequels. It is a have-to-have book. Teenagers (preferably females) should read this book
April 7, 2023
So I randomly came across this book and chose at random as my next read – if I’m being honest, it wouldn’t have been my first pick.
From the first part, I already started laughing when Surla and Cathy switched, Cathy was completely okay with the situation about suddenly becoming a cat – not the most normal reaction I’d expect, but I rolled with it.
I felt this book was reminiscent of a 90s movie plot. Unpopular girl vs. popular girl, a bit of romance and unpopular girl turns popular, gets a guy, you know the story. I felt this book was written as if it was a film script so there were gaps between being in one place and then being in another.
Overall, this book was ok and it was a simple read – I’m not sure it’s for teenagers; I’d probably say preteens and the plot is quite predictable, but overall, there were parts that were enjoyable, and others that could’ve been expanded on more.
From the first part, I already started laughing when Surla and Cathy switched, Cathy was completely okay with the situation about suddenly becoming a cat – not the most normal reaction I’d expect, but I rolled with it.
I felt this book was reminiscent of a 90s movie plot. Unpopular girl vs. popular girl, a bit of romance and unpopular girl turns popular, gets a guy, you know the story. I felt this book was written as if it was a film script so there were gaps between being in one place and then being in another.
Overall, this book was ok and it was a simple read – I’m not sure it’s for teenagers; I’d probably say preteens and the plot is quite predictable, but overall, there were parts that were enjoyable, and others that could’ve been expanded on more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2017
Cathy is a very shy girl who is being bullied by the popular Tiffany. Surla is a cat - the familiar of a nasty witch for hundreds of years. She and Cathy switch bodies and Surla uses her confidence to help Cathy make friends and with boys at school. They worry both about Idis (the witch) retaliating and whether they can switch back.
Thanks to Surla, Cathy gets a date with the popular Craig, who turns out to be a horrible person, playing a terrible joke on her with Tiffany. Bullying and getting revenge back is a theme.
It is geared toward the younger end of Young Adult, but it is a fun, light read with humorous shenanigans and a bit of justice thrown in.
Thanks to Surla, Cathy gets a date with the popular Craig, who turns out to be a horrible person, playing a terrible joke on her with Tiffany. Bullying and getting revenge back is a theme.
It is geared toward the younger end of Young Adult, but it is a fun, light read with humorous shenanigans and a bit of justice thrown in.
August 20, 2018
Cute, fun and fast paced.
Cute, fun and fast paced. A shorter book but it was a nice change up to my normal reads. :)
Cute, fun and fast paced. A shorter book but it was a nice change up to my normal reads. :)
March 20, 2012
I was given a copy of this book to review from the author.
The story kicks off with Surla a downtrodden black witches cat. Surla’s life is made hell by the witch who owns her. Idis the witch is cruel, menacing and a downright rotter. She pushes Surla too far one day and the cat decides to run away. But there are consequences to this..... there is a rule to the black cats law, Surla has to switch bodies with a lonesome soul. This is where Cathy the shy teenager comes in. After being outcast and bullied in school and feeling downright miserable will this be the answer to her problems?? Meanwhile witch Idis is not happy that Surla has gone and is hellbent on finding her.
I found this book to be a very light and easy read. I flew through the story as it took me no time to read it. I have read books that have had characters switch bodies, so it was quite a refreshing change to have one of them as a black cat instead of two humans switching bodies. Molly has a really easy writing style, which is just perfect for when you want a simple no nonsense read. I managed to get into to this book right from the start, with some books I have to get settled in after a couple of chapters, but not in the case of BeSwitched.
I really liked the characters in this book. My favourite would have to be Surla the black cat, I really enjoyed reading about her; both in cat and human form. I certainly look forward to reading more of her escapades in the rest of the series.
I did enjoy this light hearted book, it was fun and frothy. I will definetly be reading book two in the series, BeSwitched Witch.
This story would be suitable for 13+ readers.
The story kicks off with Surla a downtrodden black witches cat. Surla’s life is made hell by the witch who owns her. Idis the witch is cruel, menacing and a downright rotter. She pushes Surla too far one day and the cat decides to run away. But there are consequences to this..... there is a rule to the black cats law, Surla has to switch bodies with a lonesome soul. This is where Cathy the shy teenager comes in. After being outcast and bullied in school and feeling downright miserable will this be the answer to her problems?? Meanwhile witch Idis is not happy that Surla has gone and is hellbent on finding her.
I found this book to be a very light and easy read. I flew through the story as it took me no time to read it. I have read books that have had characters switch bodies, so it was quite a refreshing change to have one of them as a black cat instead of two humans switching bodies. Molly has a really easy writing style, which is just perfect for when you want a simple no nonsense read. I managed to get into to this book right from the start, with some books I have to get settled in after a couple of chapters, but not in the case of BeSwitched.
I really liked the characters in this book. My favourite would have to be Surla the black cat, I really enjoyed reading about her; both in cat and human form. I certainly look forward to reading more of her escapades in the rest of the series.
I did enjoy this light hearted book, it was fun and frothy. I will definetly be reading book two in the series, BeSwitched Witch.
This story would be suitable for 13+ readers.
March 10, 2014
"BeSwitched" is an odd duck of a book. It presents itself as a read for high schoolers with a likewise protagonist, yet the writing is somewhere around middle school-level and certain themes in the book are somewhat above its readership.
I will say I was not the target audience for this book; I got it free on Amazon during a special and enjoyed the Bewitched callback cover. That said, I still found it a pretty entertaining, enjoyable read. The author is clearly a pen name, almost as if she was an adult trying to imagine how a high schooler would read or write. The prose is very simple, on the whole, but it features some puns and wordplay that are fairly clever even for adults.
The only glaring issue I have, aside from the writing, is that the ending seems a bit rushed, if not entirely incomprehensible without the "Where are they new" section. Molly Snow does a fairly good job describing scenes through most of the book, but then leaves out important details during the final few scenes.
If you want a cute, easy read or otherwise enjoy Freaky Friday-esque body-switch stories, this is not a bad choice at all. If the author does tighten up a bit of her editing for the later books, I could see this being a pretty fun, quirky set for the early teen crowd.
I will say I was not the target audience for this book; I got it free on Amazon during a special and enjoyed the Bewitched callback cover. That said, I still found it a pretty entertaining, enjoyable read. The author is clearly a pen name, almost as if she was an adult trying to imagine how a high schooler would read or write. The prose is very simple, on the whole, but it features some puns and wordplay that are fairly clever even for adults.
The only glaring issue I have, aside from the writing, is that the ending seems a bit rushed, if not entirely incomprehensible without the "Where are they new" section. Molly Snow does a fairly good job describing scenes through most of the book, but then leaves out important details during the final few scenes.
If you want a cute, easy read or otherwise enjoy Freaky Friday-esque body-switch stories, this is not a bad choice at all. If the author does tighten up a bit of her editing for the later books, I could see this being a pretty fun, quirky set for the early teen crowd.
June 9, 2014
Don't get me wrong. I liked the book. I was hooked in the beginning, but towards the middle I felt as though something was lost. It definitely lost momentum in the middle. However, the end of the book was just rushed through.
I liked the concept. It was interesting to see a concept of a cat switching lives with a human teenage girl. I felt as though even though the it was a book about magic and black cats, it new twist on this genre. It was refreshing. I just wish that there could have been more depth with the characters and their lives. I must admit that I felt as though nothing was missing about the characters lives, but I just wish that Snow gave us some more dirt and substance to truly get to know our character. I would have love to seen the conversation between Surla and Cathy about school and expectation.
In the end, I would recommend this book to those who just want a quick cute read. The book is short, enjoyable, and the characters are easy to care for as well as hate.
I liked the concept. It was interesting to see a concept of a cat switching lives with a human teenage girl. I felt as though even though the it was a book about magic and black cats, it new twist on this genre. It was refreshing. I just wish that there could have been more depth with the characters and their lives. I must admit that I felt as though nothing was missing about the characters lives, but I just wish that Snow gave us some more dirt and substance to truly get to know our character. I would have love to seen the conversation between Surla and Cathy about school and expectation.
In the end, I would recommend this book to those who just want a quick cute read. The book is short, enjoyable, and the characters are easy to care for as well as hate.
August 27, 2015
Ugg, 1.5 stars. I just didn't really like this book. First of all, when I originally picked up this book, I thought it was a paranormal romance/ mystery NOT a teen Freaky Friday type book, so that's on me. It seems aimed at YA but reads much more like a middle grade book, at best. The writing is choppy and a bit weird, especially in the last couple of chapters when the writing devolves into near incoherence. Was this the worst book I've ever read? No (I did finish it), and I've seen some reviews that indicate that subsequent books are better but I won't be reading more in this series. This just isn't for me.
January 3, 2014
This book was crazy good right from the get-go, and it never had a dull moment. Cute, funny, light romance, witches and black cats, it kept me wanting to know what would happen next, and it was totally innovative. Great read for cat lovers. And for wall flowers always on the outside looking in on the cool kids, you've GOTTA read this! Power to the mousie girls! (Yes, my very own nickname was once Mousie, so I can totally relate!) And some of the NAMES in BeSwitched, and the freaky weird ending — I won't spoil it, but hilarious!
— Sharon Delarose
— Sharon Delarose
June 24, 2018
The perfect fun read for teenagers who are tired of all of the rich school prima donnas.
It's a perfect book for teens, and would be awesome as a Halloween movie for fun--loving teens. It was very nice watching all of the characters evolve, make friends, and hang out together. And best of all, a few snarky characters get exactly what they deserve by the end of the story, and our hero's, and leading ladies (and gentlemen) save the day for everyone who needed saving (or just a happy ending). Nicely done!
It's a perfect book for teens, and would be awesome as a Halloween movie for fun--loving teens. It was very nice watching all of the characters evolve, make friends, and hang out together. And best of all, a few snarky characters get exactly what they deserve by the end of the story, and our hero's, and leading ladies (and gentlemen) save the day for everyone who needed saving (or just a happy ending). Nicely done!
June 2, 2019
Well, I loved this book. Why? You may ask!
Well.. The writing style, Plot building, the whole concept, imagery.. Everything is so good. I don't think I have ever read a similar book. And nope it's not a one time read because it's entertaining enough for me to pick it up any time I want. I can and will re-read.
There are few things which make any book a good book and this books it right on point in every aspect.
Paranormal *****
Romance ****
Characters **** */2
Plot building *****
The End ******
Do I want to read the next part? DEFINITELY NOT MISSING OUT ON THAT.
My advice : just read it.
Well.. The writing style, Plot building, the whole concept, imagery.. Everything is so good. I don't think I have ever read a similar book. And nope it's not a one time read because it's entertaining enough for me to pick it up any time I want. I can and will re-read.
There are few things which make any book a good book and this books it right on point in every aspect.
Paranormal *****
Romance ****
Characters **** */2
Plot building *****
The End ******
Do I want to read the next part? DEFINITELY NOT MISSING OUT ON THAT.
My advice : just read it.
November 11, 2013
awesome!! going to go get the next book right now! :0)
March 29, 2014
Cant say the best from the author who co authored Z&C! But definitely a good book for a quick read! :)
October 7, 2018
The plot had potential, but this is so poorly written that I only managed to hate-finish it to review it.
April 25, 2022
Should be marketed to the correct audience.
I was under the impression that it Was paranormal romance for adults. More for middle school children.
I was under the impression that it Was paranormal romance for adults. More for middle school children.
July 6, 2018
2.5 Stars
Not just YA, but Teen Appropriate.
Cute.
A witch's cat, cursed into a teenagers body, but other than wanting to get birds, isn't very cat-like.
The teenage girl is quickly, easily accepting of the situation (author clearly doesn't know many teen girls).
A fun story line with the witch, is only thinly developed and presented.
Though the occasional talking black-cat is fun, just wish it had been followed through a bit more. They're basically people in cat bodies...
Very sweet, easy, safe, and predictable.
For all the paranormal hints, it's basically a cliche teen romance.
Girl needs to see beyond popularity and good looks, to notice the quiet, nice guy...
Doesn't take down her hair, but does change her clothes and add make-up, and is 'suddenly noticed', by all.
Yadder, yadder, yadder...
You get the idea.
I would have LOVED this at 13-15.
Not just YA, but Teen Appropriate.
Cute.
A witch's cat, cursed into a teenagers body, but other than wanting to get birds, isn't very cat-like.
The teenage girl is quickly, easily accepting of the situation (author clearly doesn't know many teen girls).
A fun story line with the witch, is only thinly developed and presented.
Though the occasional talking black-cat is fun, just wish it had been followed through a bit more. They're basically people in cat bodies...
Very sweet, easy, safe, and predictable.
For all the paranormal hints, it's basically a cliche teen romance.
Girl needs to see beyond popularity and good looks, to notice the quiet, nice guy...
Doesn't take down her hair, but does change her clothes and add make-up, and is 'suddenly noticed', by all.
Yadder, yadder, yadder...
You get the idea.
I would have LOVED this at 13-15.
October 27, 2021
Surla, a witch's cat that is being treated very badly by the witch, Idris. So, Surla runs away and accidentally cross Cathy, a shy teenage girl. This book tells a story how both characters try to act like each other and make their lives better.
Frankly, I was already fascinated from reading the summary plot so I decided to give it a go. I'm so happy to say that I enjoyed it! Love the dynamic between Surla and Cathy. The romance was predictable but I have no complaints about it. I would appreciated it more if it tells about the planning of breaking the curse. The conflicts are not too complicated, this book is an easy read for sure.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book.
Frankly, I was already fascinated from reading the summary plot so I decided to give it a go. I'm so happy to say that I enjoyed it! Love the dynamic between Surla and Cathy. The romance was predictable but I have no complaints about it. I would appreciated it more if it tells about the planning of breaking the curse. The conflicts are not too complicated, this book is an easy read for sure.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book.
March 12, 2021
When Surla runs away from her witch, she falls victim to the Black Cat's Curse and becomes switched with a 16 year old girl named Cathy. Surla attends high school as Cathy and has some adventures the shy girl would never have thought of. But Idis, the witch, is looking for Surla. Without her black cat, the witch can do no magic.
Will Idis find her? Will Surla get Craig interested in Cathy? Will her mother hear the cat talking? Will Cathy and Surla switch back to their own bodies?
Lots of fun and teenage angst.
Will Idis find her? Will Surla get Craig interested in Cathy? Will her mother hear the cat talking? Will Cathy and Surla switch back to their own bodies?
Lots of fun and teenage angst.
January 15, 2022
Beswitched and being a teen
I had this book since 2013 and am just now reading it. I don't know what took me so long this book is very good, I was hooked from the first page. This book definitely has some laugh out loud moments and very relatable characters. This book is definitely a must read. This book is about a high school girl name Cathy who comes a black cat and her life is switched around !
I had this book since 2013 and am just now reading it. I don't know what took me so long this book is very good, I was hooked from the first page. This book definitely has some laugh out loud moments and very relatable characters. This book is definitely a must read. This book is about a high school girl name Cathy who comes a black cat and her life is switched around !
December 19, 2019
BeSwitched, Paranormal Romance
This book is a very quick and delightful read. I could not put the book down and I was very happy that there more volumes in the series are already available. This is one of the best cat familiars relationship to the witching world that I have read lately.
This book is a very quick and delightful read. I could not put the book down and I was very happy that there more volumes in the series are already available. This is one of the best cat familiars relationship to the witching world that I have read lately.
August 11, 2020
BeSwitched - BeFantastical!!!
While this book may be better suited for a tween, it is a cute and different story line.
A witches' familiar and a regular human switching places is not a storyline I have come across before. How they cope and assist each other leads to an enjoyable and quick read. Will look forward to reading more books by this author!
While this book may be better suited for a tween, it is a cute and different story line.
A witches' familiar and a regular human switching places is not a storyline I have come across before. How they cope and assist each other leads to an enjoyable and quick read. Will look forward to reading more books by this author!
October 6, 2025
I normally don’t read books like this. But I enjoyed this book made me laugh. I do recommend this book if you’re looking for something funny to read. I liked the cat Surla and her switching with Cathy. Seeing her try and be human was funny. Her conversation with Todd when he said “oh yea and I love burgers, so let’s go eat some cow and birds.” It cracked me up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews