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Crazy Beautiful
In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.
Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.
But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.
Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.
Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.
But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.
Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.
191 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2009
29 people are currently reading
1719 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
53 books471 followersLauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
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March 21, 2011
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Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the most giftedly bad book I have read in the past year and possibly ever, and if you fail to acknowledge its disastrous triumph, I will punch you in the spleen.
Or rip out said spleen: with my HOOKS FOR HANDS!
( Efronshop here: http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9699... )
Aurora Belle is a beautiful dark-haired beauty with a soul that is as pure and beautiful as her complexion. On her first days at a new high school, she wears the old, unfashionable clothing that was the last thing her darling mother bought for her before dying a cancerous death from deadly cancer. But the popular clique, with the generous judgement of their peers for which cool kids are known, recognize Aurora's innate star quality and enfold her in their warm fellowship of beautiful people. And the unpopular hoi polloi making up the other 99% of the school population fall madly for Aurora Belle, who makes birds suddenly appear every time she is near, and who is a smoking hotass besides. But it is too late for all her other would-be suitors, for Aurora is already smitten at first sight with the obsessive love of her life: the creepy cripple boy who glares at people on the bus while plotting their deaths!
This charmer is Lucius, who lost both of his hands in an explosion, but gained the compensating superpower of angsting three times more powerfully than any other human, plus a pair of shiny hooks for hands. Lucius, too, falls in love with Aurora at first sight as he glares around the bus. But rather than inflict his maimed hideousness upon her by ever speaking to her or acknowledging her existence in any way, Lucius vows to serve as her chivalrous protector, which he accomplishes by following her obsessively and fantasizing about the doom of anyone who would ever harm her.
The story is told from Lucius and Aurora's viewpoints in alternating chapters, during which Aurora befriends all living things and ponders whether Lucius's gorgeous eyes are as beautiful as jewels or as beautiful as a wild animal's molten gaze, and Lucius stalks his "dark angel" from afar and learns new tricks with his hooks for hands, like playing the world's tiniest violin. So how will these two starcrossed-except-in-the-sense-of-fate-conspiring-against-them lovers ever overcome their mutual, dare I say, crippling shyness?
Aurora Belle would object to my (ironic) use of the derogatory term "cripple," by the way, because she spent half a lunch hour in the library computer lab googling "double amputees" +prosthetics -porn and is now a professional expert on disability politics and the pain of not being as beautiful as she is. She doesn't see disability in people! I doubt she can see race or class either! Aurora is much, much more compassionate to the less fortunate than you are. Yes, even you over there. Argue, and Lucius will slit your throat with his hooks for hands.
This would truly be a beautiful tragic Beauty & the Beast romance if only it weren't completely missing the point and also hilarious. Highlights include:
* the backstory explaining that Lucius blew off his hands by screwing up a pipe bomb he was building to blow up his previous high school, and how his vast self-pitying amputee angst is infinitely more tragic and important than his total lack of remorse as a would-be mass murderer, which he is never, ever called on;
* how little time Aurora and Lucius spend in actual conversation or in the same room with each other in comparison to the overwhelming amount of time when forced to separate that they spend obsessively ruminating over the glossiness of each other's hair;
* Aurora Belle discussing Lucius at length with her dearly devoted daddy, who says about his daughter's crush things like "The boy's got spunk," and "There's something that's just so raw about him, like he's lived in a jungle none of the rest of us can know," which somehow fails to ping Aurora that Mr. Belle is totally gay for her not-boyfriend.
But all of these things are merely what propel the book into high comedy, not what broke it irreparably into farce for me to begin with!
No, I can pinpoint the exact moment that truly, finally smashed my suspension of disbelief to bloody bits with a shovel: when novice actress Aurora is nonetheless cast as the female lead, Sandy, in the high school production of the musical Grease. The movie of which, the one starring John Travolta, no one in the student body has apparently ever heard of. But nonetheless on at least two separate occasions, different students, one of them a jerk jock, make a point of assuring beautiful raven-haired Aurora that she will be perfect as Sandy, since in the original Broadway production of Grease, Sandy wasn't even a blonde!
Because everyone in high school, ever, is intimately familiar with all intricate details of the illustrious theatrical history of Grease: The Musical. So familiar, in fact, that they scorn that inferior, blasphemous, non-brunette movie adaptation. The movie adaptation that nobody has ever seen.
And you thought my inclusion of masterfully photoshopped Zac Efron a la High School Musical did not imply that there would be actual singing! FOOLISH, FOOLISH HUMAN.
Am I serious about Crazy Beautiful's epic badness? Gentle reader, I think this book can hold its own in hilariawful against the likes of The Eye of Argon and Sister Carrie. In under 200 pages, without ever resorting to supernatural powers, secret incestuous psychic twins, shirtless pirates, falling meteorites, or other forces outside our mortal ken, Crazy Beautiful unintentionally creates a surreal world populated by characters who act so unlike believable people that they are as alien as any high fantasy's magical elves. Magical elves who are vapid and crazy, described in prose both ridiculous and bland. It is though every aspect of the book was written by asking a Ouija board, "Is the word 'topaz' used here to describe eye color too often?" or "Is this a plausible course of action for a human?"—and then only including the passages about which the board answers, "NO, OF COURSE NOT."
Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the most giftedly bad book I have read in the past year and possibly ever, and if you fail to acknowledge its disastrous triumph, I will punch you in the spleen.
Or rip out said spleen: with my HOOKS FOR HANDS!
( Efronshop here: http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9699... )
Aurora Belle is a beautiful dark-haired beauty with a soul that is as pure and beautiful as her complexion. On her first days at a new high school, she wears the old, unfashionable clothing that was the last thing her darling mother bought for her before dying a cancerous death from deadly cancer. But the popular clique, with the generous judgement of their peers for which cool kids are known, recognize Aurora's innate star quality and enfold her in their warm fellowship of beautiful people. And the unpopular hoi polloi making up the other 99% of the school population fall madly for Aurora Belle, who makes birds suddenly appear every time she is near, and who is a smoking hotass besides. But it is too late for all her other would-be suitors, for Aurora is already smitten at first sight with the obsessive love of her life: the creepy cripple boy who glares at people on the bus while plotting their deaths!
This charmer is Lucius, who lost both of his hands in an explosion, but gained the compensating superpower of angsting three times more powerfully than any other human, plus a pair of shiny hooks for hands. Lucius, too, falls in love with Aurora at first sight as he glares around the bus. But rather than inflict his maimed hideousness upon her by ever speaking to her or acknowledging her existence in any way, Lucius vows to serve as her chivalrous protector, which he accomplishes by following her obsessively and fantasizing about the doom of anyone who would ever harm her.
The story is told from Lucius and Aurora's viewpoints in alternating chapters, during which Aurora befriends all living things and ponders whether Lucius's gorgeous eyes are as beautiful as jewels or as beautiful as a wild animal's molten gaze, and Lucius stalks his "dark angel" from afar and learns new tricks with his hooks for hands, like playing the world's tiniest violin. So how will these two starcrossed-except-in-the-sense-of-fate-conspiring-against-them lovers ever overcome their mutual, dare I say, crippling shyness?
Aurora Belle would object to my (ironic) use of the derogatory term "cripple," by the way, because she spent half a lunch hour in the library computer lab googling "double amputees" +prosthetics -porn and is now a professional expert on disability politics and the pain of not being as beautiful as she is. She doesn't see disability in people! I doubt she can see race or class either! Aurora is much, much more compassionate to the less fortunate than you are. Yes, even you over there. Argue, and Lucius will slit your throat with his hooks for hands.
This would truly be a beautiful tragic Beauty & the Beast romance if only it weren't completely missing the point and also hilarious. Highlights include:
* the backstory explaining that Lucius blew off his hands by screwing up a pipe bomb he was building to blow up his previous high school, and how his vast self-pitying amputee angst is infinitely more tragic and important than his total lack of remorse as a would-be mass murderer, which he is never, ever called on;
* how little time Aurora and Lucius spend in actual conversation or in the same room with each other in comparison to the overwhelming amount of time when forced to separate that they spend obsessively ruminating over the glossiness of each other's hair;
* Aurora Belle discussing Lucius at length with her dearly devoted daddy, who says about his daughter's crush things like "The boy's got spunk," and "There's something that's just so raw about him, like he's lived in a jungle none of the rest of us can know," which somehow fails to ping Aurora that Mr. Belle is totally gay for her not-boyfriend.
But all of these things are merely what propel the book into high comedy, not what broke it irreparably into farce for me to begin with!
No, I can pinpoint the exact moment that truly, finally smashed my suspension of disbelief to bloody bits with a shovel: when novice actress Aurora is nonetheless cast as the female lead, Sandy, in the high school production of the musical Grease. The movie of which, the one starring John Travolta, no one in the student body has apparently ever heard of. But nonetheless on at least two separate occasions, different students, one of them a jerk jock, make a point of assuring beautiful raven-haired Aurora that she will be perfect as Sandy, since in the original Broadway production of Grease, Sandy wasn't even a blonde!
Because everyone in high school, ever, is intimately familiar with all intricate details of the illustrious theatrical history of Grease: The Musical. So familiar, in fact, that they scorn that inferior, blasphemous, non-brunette movie adaptation. The movie adaptation that nobody has ever seen.
And you thought my inclusion of masterfully photoshopped Zac Efron a la High School Musical did not imply that there would be actual singing! FOOLISH, FOOLISH HUMAN.
Am I serious about Crazy Beautiful's epic badness? Gentle reader, I think this book can hold its own in hilariawful against the likes of The Eye of Argon and Sister Carrie. In under 200 pages, without ever resorting to supernatural powers, secret incestuous psychic twins, shirtless pirates, falling meteorites, or other forces outside our mortal ken, Crazy Beautiful unintentionally creates a surreal world populated by characters who act so unlike believable people that they are as alien as any high fantasy's magical elves. Magical elves who are vapid and crazy, described in prose both ridiculous and bland. It is though every aspect of the book was written by asking a Ouija board, "Is the word 'topaz' used here to describe eye color too often?" or "Is this a plausible course of action for a human?"—and then only including the passages about which the board answers, "NO, OF COURSE NOT."
March 8, 2013
The summary for this book intrigued me. It sounds so warped and wild. Here is Lucius, a teenager who blew his own hands off and uses hooks because they are cheaper. My first thought was Edward Scissorhands. I thought maybe this would be sort of a gothic, modern day fairytale and I suppose in some ways it is. It’s not a very compelling fairytale though.
The main problem is the first person point of view of both Aurora and Lucius. Knowing both protagonist's thoughts leaves no mystery or surprise. Immediately, it’s revealed that Lucius isn’t sinister or crazy. He’s a nice guy. And immediately I knew that both Aurora and Lucius are attracted to each other. This makes the whole book just a waiting game, while Aurora and Lucius got to know each other. They don’t talk much; consequently there’re lots of boring passages about how Lucius thinks Aurora is a beautiful angel, and Aurora has to find out more about Lucius.
It’s kind of dull, but blessedly short.
I can’t help but think this book would have been amazingly different if only it had been just written in Aurora’s point of view.
The main problem is the first person point of view of both Aurora and Lucius. Knowing both protagonist's thoughts leaves no mystery or surprise. Immediately, it’s revealed that Lucius isn’t sinister or crazy. He’s a nice guy. And immediately I knew that both Aurora and Lucius are attracted to each other. This makes the whole book just a waiting game, while Aurora and Lucius got to know each other. They don’t talk much; consequently there’re lots of boring passages about how Lucius thinks Aurora is a beautiful angel, and Aurora has to find out more about Lucius.
It’s kind of dull, but blessedly short.
I can’t help but think this book would have been amazingly different if only it had been just written in Aurora’s point of view.
July 23, 2011
Title: Crazy Beautiful
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Published: 2009
Synopsis from Goodreads
In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.
Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.
But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.
Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.
This was NOT as cool as I thought it would be. After 25 or so pages and some awful eyerolls where I thought I'd never be able to see again... I have decided to put this book down and rate it a flop.
I love the idea of this book. An amputee boy meets a beautiful girl. What's not to love? And it's close to my heart because there is an amputee in my family... my son. We need more amputee stories out there!!!!
I also ADORE the cover. I mean LOOK AT IT!! Swoon me baby!!
But kids, we can't judge a book by its cover and I just found out you can't really fall in love with a book just by the description.
Aurora is a WOAH AS ME GIRLY GIRL who
*Gets called Princess
*Has a doggy clock
*And is considering what kind of clock is cool. She knows that her friends have had Hannah Montana clocks but now that she's 15 or something she'd decided that they'd probably all dig Lindsey Lohan better.
WHAT?!!
When was this written?
Oh... 2009
Ok author lady... Do you see what you just did? First you made us cringe with the Li-Lo reference but you also just dated this book with mention of Billy Ray's kid.
Lucius
Lucius?
Lucius?!?!
Uhh... is nobody named Bob or Bill or Ted anymore?
Anyways, Lucius is a 15 or 16 year old (I was too bored to remember) who got his hands blown off some way (too bored to find out why but apparently he must have blown up his parents' house too and they are super ticked about that. Maybe he was trying to blow up Lindsey Lohan clocks).
The problem I had with this book was mainly with Lucius. Sure, I probably didn't give this book a cage-fighting Captain Hook of a chance but I honestly don't think that the author lady actually talked to any teenage amputees. Muhahahas... cuz I did.
Here's a line that bugged me:
I don't like his shell necklace either, and I really don't like it when I hear him say to the girl with the red hair gathered in a ponytail, "Hey, did you get a load of the new crip sitting behind the bus driver?"
What? Ok... first off... Lucius is a new kid and they are picking on him out loud because he's a cripple? Now, we know its the 21 century. Author Lady already told us that because she mentioned Hanna Montana.... and you know what kids... My son has been to 3 different school systems, they all know he's an amputee, and he has never been discriminated like that. So, I kinda don't buy that. Most people just whisper or stare... that I've seen. I even asked my son about that and he agreed with me.
I asked my son about was the word CRIP. He thought that word was hilarious. He was all like "That's a good one!"
Me: "What? No, wait... Would any of your friends call you that?"
Son: "Yeah! They sure would! hahahahs!"
Me: "Omg! Your friends are so mean!"
And this is when I learned that at the lunch table of teenage boys they basically just go Beavis and Butt-head on each other because its funny.
Hmms... I mean "Huh huh Huh Huh huh"
Me: So, no one has ever SAID anything about you being disabled just to attack you?
Son: Noooooo
I asked my husband about that and he too thought exactly what I thought. Maybe in our generation, maybe in our parents', but not so much in this one.
I know I know... its to make the boy seem like an outcast but ugs... it just didn't feel right.
Another thing that bugged me was this line (thought by the boy about the girl)
Entering the bus now is perfection. And it's not just the clothes and accessories, which make her look as though she just walked out of the pages of the coolest back-to-school catalog in the world. It's not that in a world that mostly always looks like black and white to me she's like this shocking blaze of color. It's not any of that. It's that with the cloud of long black curls, she's like some sort of dark angel. And it's that when my eyes meet hers, eyes that are the color of serene ocean, she gives me a quick smile, a nervous smile. Immediately, I recognize that she's new too, that she's nervous too.
Uhhh... So, I read that to my 14 year old amputee son and he nearly fell out of his chair laughing. I kinda didn't think that a boy would notice all that garb about hair and eyes... like DESCRIPTIVE COLORING... or say something like DARK ANGEL(maybe in the 90s!!. But that's just it. All these authors now-a-days want to write from a boy's POV and they don't get them right. A teenage boy is not worried about how a girl's eyes are colored. They might be interested if they are staring at a part of their body... but not the coloring! I don't care how sensitive this broody in the making is. I'm totally not buying it. You know what boys in that age group think of
LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA *plugs ears because my boy is that age* LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
I just love the use of blues and pinks in this picture.. yeah... that's exactly what is going through my son's mind ;)
So, girly girls! I didn't dig this book! No sir re bobby! Read it if you like but it wasn't for me.
June 8, 2012
Lucius is new at school.
So is Aurora.
Lucius blew his arms off in an explosion. After the surgery and his rehabilitation, his parents decided the family had to move. He has one chance now, not to screw up again. When he steps onto the school bus, someone calls him a crip. And Lucius figures that chance is over.
Aurora is the next student to board. She’s there because her father needed to get away from the house where her mother died. When Aurora steps onto the bus, her new life begins. All the other kids immediately clamor for her attention.
But before that.
For one second.
She smiles at Lucius.
Crazy Beautiful is a fast-paced YA contemporary novel with two protagonists that fairly jump off the page. Lucius isn’t what you first think he is. He defies stereotypes. And he isn’t what he thinks he is either. Watching him open up, one page at a time, is a magnificent read.
So is Aurora.
Lucius blew his arms off in an explosion. After the surgery and his rehabilitation, his parents decided the family had to move. He has one chance now, not to screw up again. When he steps onto the school bus, someone calls him a crip. And Lucius figures that chance is over.
Aurora is the next student to board. She’s there because her father needed to get away from the house where her mother died. When Aurora steps onto the bus, her new life begins. All the other kids immediately clamor for her attention.
But before that.
For one second.
She smiles at Lucius.
Crazy Beautiful is a fast-paced YA contemporary novel with two protagonists that fairly jump off the page. Lucius isn’t what you first think he is. He defies stereotypes. And he isn’t what he thinks he is either. Watching him open up, one page at a time, is a magnificent read.
August 18, 2009
I devoured this book. Crazy Beautiful is one of those books you want to curl up and read in one sitting. The cover is gorgeous, but I was expecting a more intense story I think with older characters. (The characters are 15) Instead, we get a look at a sweet story of love and friendship between two fractured people.
Lucius experimented with chemicals from school and caused an explosion which cost him his hands. He's chosen hooks and has set himself up to be an outcast at school-which he is, except when it comes to Aurora.
Aurora has recently lost her mother to cancer and now she and her father are starting over in a new town. She's genuinely nice and I really did feel like she was a wonderfully sweet person-she wasn't annoyingly perfect and nice-she was real.
I loved Aurora's relationship with her father-I love seeing strong family dynamics in books and Aurora and her father have a great relationship. This contrasts with Lucius and his parents, who have lost trust in him. Yet I can't say theirs is a negative family dynamic as their family is struggling to recover from the accident and it's written so perfectly-you feel their struggle. I really liked the relationship between Lucius and his younger sister Misty-the scene at the mall is one of my favorite siblings scenes ever!
There's so much in this one-it's a tale of friendship, romance, jealousy, and starting over. It does justice to the Beauty and the Beast story and it reads like a lovely fairy tale. It's told in alternating viewpoints with each chapter, and I liked how things from each chapter would bleed over into the next characters-both are served orange juice for breakfast, both characters will use the same word-it was very clever and I liked looking for the things that connected them. I'm most impressed with how author Lauren Baratz Logsted could manage to say so much without going into great detail. She doesn't need to write long descriptive paragraphs about what's happening. Some chapters are only a few sentences long-but the characters have depth and their relationship is believable.
The only complaint that I have was that I wish it would have been a tad longer-the ending felt a little too rushed. Crazy Beautiful is definitely one to look for in September.
Side note-As a librarian, I really loved how Aurora's dad was a librarian and Aurora was a booklover. It's always good to see librarians get a shout out in books. For some reason he reminded me of Giles in Buffy, which made me smile as I was reading it. Gotta love librarians!:)
Lucius experimented with chemicals from school and caused an explosion which cost him his hands. He's chosen hooks and has set himself up to be an outcast at school-which he is, except when it comes to Aurora.
Aurora has recently lost her mother to cancer and now she and her father are starting over in a new town. She's genuinely nice and I really did feel like she was a wonderfully sweet person-she wasn't annoyingly perfect and nice-she was real.
I loved Aurora's relationship with her father-I love seeing strong family dynamics in books and Aurora and her father have a great relationship. This contrasts with Lucius and his parents, who have lost trust in him. Yet I can't say theirs is a negative family dynamic as their family is struggling to recover from the accident and it's written so perfectly-you feel their struggle. I really liked the relationship between Lucius and his younger sister Misty-the scene at the mall is one of my favorite siblings scenes ever!
There's so much in this one-it's a tale of friendship, romance, jealousy, and starting over. It does justice to the Beauty and the Beast story and it reads like a lovely fairy tale. It's told in alternating viewpoints with each chapter, and I liked how things from each chapter would bleed over into the next characters-both are served orange juice for breakfast, both characters will use the same word-it was very clever and I liked looking for the things that connected them. I'm most impressed with how author Lauren Baratz Logsted could manage to say so much without going into great detail. She doesn't need to write long descriptive paragraphs about what's happening. Some chapters are only a few sentences long-but the characters have depth and their relationship is believable.
The only complaint that I have was that I wish it would have been a tad longer-the ending felt a little too rushed. Crazy Beautiful is definitely one to look for in September.
Side note-As a librarian, I really loved how Aurora's dad was a librarian and Aurora was a booklover. It's always good to see librarians get a shout out in books. For some reason he reminded me of Giles in Buffy, which made me smile as I was reading it. Gotta love librarians!:)
November 6, 2009
I was really, really bored and irritated by this supposed re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. (Setting: high school. Characters: pretty girl and boy with hooks for hands.) I only finished it because it was on my Mock Printz reading list, I assume just to give me something to rant about. The catchy cover is by far the best thing about it, even allowing for the fact that it doesn't accurately reflect the content.
I will now be a killjoy. If you liked this book, don't read any farther. The primary problems (I usually wouldn't bother with this detailed a dismissal, but I'm lining up my thoughts for the Mock Printz discussion):
Descriptions, characterizations, observations are consistently generic cop-outs utterly lacking in specificity. Telling instead of showing. A typical example: Lucius describing Aurora's house (p. 112): "It's tough to put my finger on it... but there's just a generous warmth that permeates everything here." Not a single telling detail to back up this claim.
A tin ear for contemporary teenage conversation (including inner monologue) and interactions. Characters act like aliens who've read the Handbook to Earth High Schools and have been given puppet teenagers to animate. Eg. (p. 135): "Those jeans look great on you. I bet Gary will think you look really cool in them." And (p. 141): "Ooh! Dark-tinted, crackle-wash, low-rise boot jeans!"
Inconsistent characterization. Scenes as transparent devices to advance particular plot points. Eg. Anecdote (pp. 41-2) of T.J., in Aurora's preschool, who did "bad stuff" (unspecified, of course). But it's good to be nice to underdogs. Why? Because, in the bizarre words of A's supposedly sane and sweet mother, "because if the underdog grows up to be the kind of person that starts shooting [foreshadow foreshadow:], you'll have a chance at survival." Who says this to their preschooler??
An embarrassing tendency to fall back on antiquated metaphors elaborately interpreted and awkwardly hidden as things-my-dad/mom-says: "At home, my dad plays... real vinyl records! If there's a scratch on one of them, sometimes the needle skips, screeching to the innermost circle of the vinyl as the music halts. Lucius's entrance has that same effect on the room now..."
I'll spare you the rest.
If you want to read a good new book about idiosyncratic, acerbically hilarious teens overcoming significant problems, try Notes from the Madman Underground.
I will now be a killjoy. If you liked this book, don't read any farther. The primary problems (I usually wouldn't bother with this detailed a dismissal, but I'm lining up my thoughts for the Mock Printz discussion):
Descriptions, characterizations, observations are consistently generic cop-outs utterly lacking in specificity. Telling instead of showing. A typical example: Lucius describing Aurora's house (p. 112): "It's tough to put my finger on it... but there's just a generous warmth that permeates everything here." Not a single telling detail to back up this claim.
A tin ear for contemporary teenage conversation (including inner monologue) and interactions. Characters act like aliens who've read the Handbook to Earth High Schools and have been given puppet teenagers to animate. Eg. (p. 135): "Those jeans look great on you. I bet Gary will think you look really cool in them." And (p. 141): "Ooh! Dark-tinted, crackle-wash, low-rise boot jeans!"
Inconsistent characterization. Scenes as transparent devices to advance particular plot points. Eg. Anecdote (pp. 41-2) of T.J., in Aurora's preschool, who did "bad stuff" (unspecified, of course). But it's good to be nice to underdogs. Why? Because, in the bizarre words of A's supposedly sane and sweet mother, "because if the underdog grows up to be the kind of person that starts shooting [foreshadow foreshadow:], you'll have a chance at survival." Who says this to their preschooler??
An embarrassing tendency to fall back on antiquated metaphors elaborately interpreted and awkwardly hidden as things-my-dad/mom-says: "At home, my dad plays... real vinyl records! If there's a scratch on one of them, sometimes the needle skips, screeching to the innermost circle of the vinyl as the music halts. Lucius's entrance has that same effect on the room now..."
I'll spare you the rest.
If you want to read a good new book about idiosyncratic, acerbically hilarious teens overcoming significant problems, try Notes from the Madman Underground.
January 21, 2010
If this book was meant to have been a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, it failed.
But if it was meant for more than that, then I shall give it the praise is so much deserves.
What Crazy Beautiful does is more than just retell the story of the girl and the monster. It tells the story of two lovestruck teenagers. A boy tormented and exiled for the monster he's become, and the girl he can never touch.
What Lauren carries through this book isn't the formula to recreate the fairytale, but the raw emotions that run deep in the story that makes Beauty and the Beast what it is today.
I know what the flap of the book says, I'm just telling you it's a load of bull. This story is too powerful to be marked as just another retelling of an old tale. There's no magic, no enchantment, only the magic of what Lucius and Aurora make out of life, and how they choose to live it. They aren't bogged down to the lifespan of a single red rose, but by their own decisions, their own mistakes.
Crazy Beautiful is really an easy book to read. It's dark, sure, and might even make you question your own actions. But I'd easily recommend it to anyone, with only 208 pages, there's no reason not to read it. Again I'll warn you. Don't dive into this book hoping to see a boy who's own vanity has transformed him into a monster. There are plenty of other books I could recommend for that, but this just isn't it. This is only if you want to enter the mind of a boy who's monstrosity has been created by the society around him, and the one girl that can help him.
But if it was meant for more than that, then I shall give it the praise is so much deserves.
What Crazy Beautiful does is more than just retell the story of the girl and the monster. It tells the story of two lovestruck teenagers. A boy tormented and exiled for the monster he's become, and the girl he can never touch.
What Lauren carries through this book isn't the formula to recreate the fairytale, but the raw emotions that run deep in the story that makes Beauty and the Beast what it is today.
I know what the flap of the book says, I'm just telling you it's a load of bull. This story is too powerful to be marked as just another retelling of an old tale. There's no magic, no enchantment, only the magic of what Lucius and Aurora make out of life, and how they choose to live it. They aren't bogged down to the lifespan of a single red rose, but by their own decisions, their own mistakes.
Crazy Beautiful is really an easy book to read. It's dark, sure, and might even make you question your own actions. But I'd easily recommend it to anyone, with only 208 pages, there's no reason not to read it. Again I'll warn you. Don't dive into this book hoping to see a boy who's own vanity has transformed him into a monster. There are plenty of other books I could recommend for that, but this just isn't it. This is only if you want to enter the mind of a boy who's monstrosity has been created by the society around him, and the one girl that can help him.
December 12, 2011
This cover made me think this book was going to be dark, romantic and mysterious. To a point, it was mysterious in that I wanted to know what Lucius did to blow off his arms. Yeah, you read that right. This book is about a kid with metal arms. You'd think it'd be interesting, but sadly it was not.
Aurora's story, even though it was more likely to happen was more interesting, and that's a shame, because how do you make a story about a kid blowing his arms off and adjusting to life boring?!?!? It just doesn't seem right! Well congrats Baratz-Logsted, you did it.
The only "interesting" parts to me were:
1. The side-story about the injured football player
2. Aurora's Dad's quirkiness
3. The "case" brought up against him
and 4: The "Grease" moments
All of the above is completely non-essential to the actual story. Nothing about the main plot was captivating.
Catch my drift.
Promising idea for a story, written crappily.
Boredom.
2 generous stars and a hope that the next book I pick up will be INSANELY better than this one!
Aurora's story, even though it was more likely to happen was more interesting, and that's a shame, because how do you make a story about a kid blowing his arms off and adjusting to life boring?!?!? It just doesn't seem right! Well congrats Baratz-Logsted, you did it.
The only "interesting" parts to me were:
1. The side-story about the injured football player
2. Aurora's Dad's quirkiness
3. The "case" brought up against him
and 4: The "Grease" moments
All of the above is completely non-essential to the actual story. Nothing about the main plot was captivating.
Catch my drift.
Promising idea for a story, written crappily.
Boredom.
2 generous stars and a hope that the next book I pick up will be INSANELY better than this one!
October 4, 2009
Spare, beautiful prose, full of truths and ironies, fleshes out a modern-day version of Beauty and the Beast. Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted works her magic, weaving a tale of a high school reject-of-his-own-making and the lovely, pure girl who sees beyond his hideousness.
Lucius and Aurora begin telling their story on their first day of school, where both are new students, and the viewpoint alters chapter to chapter. Particularly interesting is how the same incident is told first from one character’s perspective and then from another’s. The tension is increased with the unfolding, as we yearn for the characters to see the light of truth beyond their misconceptions. As the legend becomes life, Lucius withdraws further into himself and sees the glimmer of her goodness from the bottom of his despair.
The minor characters serve their purpose well – Jessup, the nemesis of Lucius; and Celia and Deanie, foils for Aurora. Even Misty, Lucius’ little sister, who begins the novel as the perfect tormentor, has an interesting role in the drama. As in most fairy tales, the parents take a secondary role, but are important to illustrate how the main characters became the people they are. The contrasts of their families heightens the comparison between Lucius and Aurora.
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL flows smoothly and pulls us toward the inevitable ending. Like any fable, some portions of her novel are painted with large, bold brushstrokes, but Baratz-Logsted is deft at intricacies, as well. Her precise word choices spring from the page and paint a portrait of two teens fated to be together, while having many obstacles thrown in their converging paths. She softens the blow of their tragedy with humor, woven throughout.
This novel is appropriate for middle school students to high school, even though the main characters are of high school age. As both the male and the female protagonists share the narrator’s role, either boys or girls will appreciate it. As a retelling of a fairy tale familiar to most, it is sure to attract reluctant readers, too. Lauren Baratz-Logsted has spun a romance worthy of the ages between a guy with hooks for hands and the beautiful girl, whom he longs will notice him. Due out September 2009 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lucius and Aurora begin telling their story on their first day of school, where both are new students, and the viewpoint alters chapter to chapter. Particularly interesting is how the same incident is told first from one character’s perspective and then from another’s. The tension is increased with the unfolding, as we yearn for the characters to see the light of truth beyond their misconceptions. As the legend becomes life, Lucius withdraws further into himself and sees the glimmer of her goodness from the bottom of his despair.
The minor characters serve their purpose well – Jessup, the nemesis of Lucius; and Celia and Deanie, foils for Aurora. Even Misty, Lucius’ little sister, who begins the novel as the perfect tormentor, has an interesting role in the drama. As in most fairy tales, the parents take a secondary role, but are important to illustrate how the main characters became the people they are. The contrasts of their families heightens the comparison between Lucius and Aurora.
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL flows smoothly and pulls us toward the inevitable ending. Like any fable, some portions of her novel are painted with large, bold brushstrokes, but Baratz-Logsted is deft at intricacies, as well. Her precise word choices spring from the page and paint a portrait of two teens fated to be together, while having many obstacles thrown in their converging paths. She softens the blow of their tragedy with humor, woven throughout.
This novel is appropriate for middle school students to high school, even though the main characters are of high school age. As both the male and the female protagonists share the narrator’s role, either boys or girls will appreciate it. As a retelling of a fairy tale familiar to most, it is sure to attract reluctant readers, too. Lauren Baratz-Logsted has spun a romance worthy of the ages between a guy with hooks for hands and the beautiful girl, whom he longs will notice him. Due out September 2009 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
April 21, 2016
Giving your main character hooks for hands is a dirty trick. It made me hold out hope for this damn book until the end but it was hopless.
Terrible and slow and amateurish and......fucking hook hands! I fall for it every time!
Terrible and slow and amateurish and......fucking hook hands! I fall for it every time!
June 9, 2011
And that's generous.
September 22, 2009
Honestly, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of CRAZY BEAUTIFUL once I heard it was a modern-day Beauty & the Beast retelling. Then I saw the cover. *clears throat* That's one good cover. Reminds me of another cover I'm rather fond of. In fact, reading and finishing this book prompted an immediate re-read of Perfect Chemistry. The two actually have a fair bit in common, though they are very different in style and length. There was a lot of hype around the blogosphere surrounding CRAZY BEAUTIFUL and I found myself anxious to see if it lived up to my expectations. This was also my first novel by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and I was very much looking forward to both a new author and a fresh take on one of my very favorite old tales.
Lucius is starting at a new school. He is unenthused, to put it mildly. Recently he, his parents, and his little sister relocated to a new home and a new town in an attempt to rid themselves of the taint of what happened to Lucius last year. Where he used to be plain Lucius Wolfe, now he's that crazy boy with hooks for hands. And he likes to live up to the reputation. It's clear from the word go that he's working pretty hard at not examining his life too clearly. It's just not exactly clear why. Aurora is also starting at a new school. The same school, as fate would have it. She and her father are trying to get back into the groove of their lives now that her mother is gone and the two of them are all each other's got. Where she used to be beautiful, popular Aurora Belle, now she's that new girl whose dad is the school librarian. Lucius and Aurora inadvertently make eye contact on the school bus one morning and a connection is forged, whether they know it yet or not.
My first reflection upon finishing this book is how much I loved the title. I love how it captures the way these two characters are perceived by the outside world, which is in direct contrast to the insight the reader gets about who they really are under the surface. Told in alternating point of view chapters, we get to experience firsthand Lucius' awkward blend of defiance and resignation when faced with all the rumors and insinuations about his mental status and the state of his missing hands. We get to be in the room with Aurora as she puts on a good face for her grieving, desperately hopeful dad, while achingly unsure whether or not she can get through another day pretending to be fine. Most of all, as is true with all good Beauty & the Beast retellings, we get to watch as two people in need find each other and see beyond the superficial to find that they are able to fill the cracks left by their past. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is such a brief story. Weighing in at a featherweight 208 pages, I was worried I would emerge at the other end wishing for more, feeling like I only just got a taste of these two. I'm happy to say I didn't feel that way at all. On the contrary it felt like a perfectly natural glimpse into an ongoing story. There was a lot of crap that came before Lucius and Aurora encountered one another on the bus and, in the same vein, their story continues on beyond the final pages of the book. The lovely writing lent this modern high school story just the right hint of fairy tale splendor. I may be a sucker for this particular tale, but I thought Ms. Baratz-Logsted pulled it off beautifully. I read it in one sitting and it was exactly the sweet, funny, and moving read I hoped it would be.
My arm rises toward my face and the pincer touch of cold steel rubs against my jaw.
I chose hooks because they were cheaper.
I chose hooks because I wouldn't outgrow them so quickly.
I chose hooks so that everyone would know I was different, so I would scare even myself.
Lucius is starting at a new school. He is unenthused, to put it mildly. Recently he, his parents, and his little sister relocated to a new home and a new town in an attempt to rid themselves of the taint of what happened to Lucius last year. Where he used to be plain Lucius Wolfe, now he's that crazy boy with hooks for hands. And he likes to live up to the reputation. It's clear from the word go that he's working pretty hard at not examining his life too clearly. It's just not exactly clear why. Aurora is also starting at a new school. The same school, as fate would have it. She and her father are trying to get back into the groove of their lives now that her mother is gone and the two of them are all each other's got. Where she used to be beautiful, popular Aurora Belle, now she's that new girl whose dad is the school librarian. Lucius and Aurora inadvertently make eye contact on the school bus one morning and a connection is forged, whether they know it yet or not.
My first reflection upon finishing this book is how much I loved the title. I love how it captures the way these two characters are perceived by the outside world, which is in direct contrast to the insight the reader gets about who they really are under the surface. Told in alternating point of view chapters, we get to experience firsthand Lucius' awkward blend of defiance and resignation when faced with all the rumors and insinuations about his mental status and the state of his missing hands. We get to be in the room with Aurora as she puts on a good face for her grieving, desperately hopeful dad, while achingly unsure whether or not she can get through another day pretending to be fine. Most of all, as is true with all good Beauty & the Beast retellings, we get to watch as two people in need find each other and see beyond the superficial to find that they are able to fill the cracks left by their past. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is such a brief story. Weighing in at a featherweight 208 pages, I was worried I would emerge at the other end wishing for more, feeling like I only just got a taste of these two. I'm happy to say I didn't feel that way at all. On the contrary it felt like a perfectly natural glimpse into an ongoing story. There was a lot of crap that came before Lucius and Aurora encountered one another on the bus and, in the same vein, their story continues on beyond the final pages of the book. The lovely writing lent this modern high school story just the right hint of fairy tale splendor. I may be a sucker for this particular tale, but I thought Ms. Baratz-Logsted pulled it off beautifully. I read it in one sitting and it was exactly the sweet, funny, and moving read I hoped it would be.
July 22, 2009
The tale of Beauty and the Beast has been retold numerous times, but never as exquisitely presented as it is in Crazy Beautiful.
Lucius, a boy who blew off his hands after an experiment gone awry, meets the beautiful and smart Aurora on the school bus. Both are immediately drawn to one another. All the other kids are intimidated by Lucius' hooks and the rumors circulating about the explosion he caused. For the most part, they treat him like the plague; avoiding him or calling him “Crip” or “Hooks” if they converse with him at all. Except for Aurora. She’s not intimidated by the hooks—in fact, they seem to draw her to him even more. But Lucius is certain that someone as beautiful and popular as Aurora would never be interested in someone like him. When she does speak to him, he shies away from her, assuming she must be only pitying him. Will Lucius and Aurora ever be able to get beyond all the cliques and cruelty of high school to see what’s really important, and realize they were meant for one another?
I devoured this book in one sitting. The story was narrated through the alternating viewpoints of both Aurora and Lucius in short, evocative chapters. This was a smart choice on the part of Baratz-Logsted. Being able to discern how differently Aurora and Lucius perceived the same situation added greater insight into their characters and a deeper meaning to the book for me. The suspense of not knowing what Lucius’ true motivations were when he concocted that deadly chemical mixture really drove me crazy though, and I found myself anxious to understand his motivations. I couldn’t help but like Lucius, he was so witty and so strong minded. Though he was relegated to using hooks in place of hands, he exhibited such an amazing amount of dexterity in mastering the technique, that I really admired his spunk and wanted so badly for him to find friendship and love. I also loved how there was more to Aurora than just being beautiful. She had a maturity and sensitive nature that was I really admired in her character. I loved how she was able to look beyond the surface and see there was so much more to him than a disfigurement.
Bottom Line- Crazy Beautiful is a love story, but it’s so much more than that too. It deals with profound issues of loss, friendship, healing and second chances. The raw emotions of both the main characters are often painful—Lucius wasn’t the only person coping with trauma in his life. At the beginning of the novel, Aurora was just getting over the loss of a parent; the pain of which was all too raw. But Baratz-Logsted punctuated their story with moments of sharp humor, making sure Crazy Beautiful never detoured into a sappy love story. I’ve read a lot of reviews that said Crazy Beautiful “will keep you coming back for more” and after reading this novel, I understand why so many people felt that way. Crazy Beautiful is a smart, compelling novel that stays with you long after you have finished it, and I am certain that I will also be going back to it again and again.
Lucius, a boy who blew off his hands after an experiment gone awry, meets the beautiful and smart Aurora on the school bus. Both are immediately drawn to one another. All the other kids are intimidated by Lucius' hooks and the rumors circulating about the explosion he caused. For the most part, they treat him like the plague; avoiding him or calling him “Crip” or “Hooks” if they converse with him at all. Except for Aurora. She’s not intimidated by the hooks—in fact, they seem to draw her to him even more. But Lucius is certain that someone as beautiful and popular as Aurora would never be interested in someone like him. When she does speak to him, he shies away from her, assuming she must be only pitying him. Will Lucius and Aurora ever be able to get beyond all the cliques and cruelty of high school to see what’s really important, and realize they were meant for one another?
I devoured this book in one sitting. The story was narrated through the alternating viewpoints of both Aurora and Lucius in short, evocative chapters. This was a smart choice on the part of Baratz-Logsted. Being able to discern how differently Aurora and Lucius perceived the same situation added greater insight into their characters and a deeper meaning to the book for me. The suspense of not knowing what Lucius’ true motivations were when he concocted that deadly chemical mixture really drove me crazy though, and I found myself anxious to understand his motivations. I couldn’t help but like Lucius, he was so witty and so strong minded. Though he was relegated to using hooks in place of hands, he exhibited such an amazing amount of dexterity in mastering the technique, that I really admired his spunk and wanted so badly for him to find friendship and love. I also loved how there was more to Aurora than just being beautiful. She had a maturity and sensitive nature that was I really admired in her character. I loved how she was able to look beyond the surface and see there was so much more to him than a disfigurement.
Bottom Line- Crazy Beautiful is a love story, but it’s so much more than that too. It deals with profound issues of loss, friendship, healing and second chances. The raw emotions of both the main characters are often painful—Lucius wasn’t the only person coping with trauma in his life. At the beginning of the novel, Aurora was just getting over the loss of a parent; the pain of which was all too raw. But Baratz-Logsted punctuated their story with moments of sharp humor, making sure Crazy Beautiful never detoured into a sappy love story. I’ve read a lot of reviews that said Crazy Beautiful “will keep you coming back for more” and after reading this novel, I understand why so many people felt that way. Crazy Beautiful is a smart, compelling novel that stays with you long after you have finished it, and I am certain that I will also be going back to it again and again.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
A beautiful girl meets a boy with hooks for hands in a modern re-telling of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
I devoured this story. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is one of those books you want to curl up and read in one sitting. The cover is gorgeous, but I was expecting a more intense story, I think, with older characters. (The characters are 15.) Instead, we get a look at a sweet story of love and friendship between two fractured people.
Lucius experimented with chemicals from school and caused an explosion which cost him his hands. He's chosen hooks and has set himself up to be an outcast at school - which he is, except when it comes to Aurora.
Aurora has recently lost her mother to cancer and now she and her father are starting over in a new town. She's genuinely nice and I really did feel like she was a wonderfully sweet person - she wasn't annoyingly perfect and nice - she was real.
I loved Aurora's relationship with her father - I love seeing strong family dynamics in books and Aurora and her father have a great relationship. This contrasts with Lucius and his parents, who have lost trust in him. Yet, I can't say theirs is a negative family dynamic, as their family is struggling to recover from the accident and it's written so perfectly - you feel their struggle. I really liked the relationship between Lucius and his younger sister, Misty - the scene at the mall is one of my favorite sibling scenes ever!
There's so much in this one - it's a tale of friendship, romance, jealousy, and starting over. It does justice to the BEAUTY AND THE BEAST story and it reads like a lovely fairy tale. It's told in alternating viewpoints with each chapter, and I liked how things from each chapter would bleed over into the next character - both are served orange juice for breakfast, both characters will use the same word. It was very clever and I liked looking for the things that connected them.
I'm most impressed with how author Lauren Baratz-Logsted could manage to say so much without going into great detail. She doesn't need to write long descriptive paragraphs about what's happening. Some chapters are only a few sentences long - but the characters have depth and their relationship is believable.
The only complaint that I have was that I wish it would have been a tad longer - the ending felt a little too rushed. Overall, though, CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is definitely one to look for.
Side note - As a librarian, I really loved how Aurora's dad was a librarian and Aurora was a book lover. It's always good to see librarians get a shout out in books. For some reason, he reminded me of Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which made me smile as I was reading it. Gotta love librarians!
A beautiful girl meets a boy with hooks for hands in a modern re-telling of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
I devoured this story. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is one of those books you want to curl up and read in one sitting. The cover is gorgeous, but I was expecting a more intense story, I think, with older characters. (The characters are 15.) Instead, we get a look at a sweet story of love and friendship between two fractured people.
Lucius experimented with chemicals from school and caused an explosion which cost him his hands. He's chosen hooks and has set himself up to be an outcast at school - which he is, except when it comes to Aurora.
Aurora has recently lost her mother to cancer and now she and her father are starting over in a new town. She's genuinely nice and I really did feel like she was a wonderfully sweet person - she wasn't annoyingly perfect and nice - she was real.
I loved Aurora's relationship with her father - I love seeing strong family dynamics in books and Aurora and her father have a great relationship. This contrasts with Lucius and his parents, who have lost trust in him. Yet, I can't say theirs is a negative family dynamic, as their family is struggling to recover from the accident and it's written so perfectly - you feel their struggle. I really liked the relationship between Lucius and his younger sister, Misty - the scene at the mall is one of my favorite sibling scenes ever!
There's so much in this one - it's a tale of friendship, romance, jealousy, and starting over. It does justice to the BEAUTY AND THE BEAST story and it reads like a lovely fairy tale. It's told in alternating viewpoints with each chapter, and I liked how things from each chapter would bleed over into the next character - both are served orange juice for breakfast, both characters will use the same word. It was very clever and I liked looking for the things that connected them.
I'm most impressed with how author Lauren Baratz-Logsted could manage to say so much without going into great detail. She doesn't need to write long descriptive paragraphs about what's happening. Some chapters are only a few sentences long - but the characters have depth and their relationship is believable.
The only complaint that I have was that I wish it would have been a tad longer - the ending felt a little too rushed. Overall, though, CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is definitely one to look for.
Side note - As a librarian, I really loved how Aurora's dad was a librarian and Aurora was a book lover. It's always good to see librarians get a shout out in books. For some reason, he reminded me of Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which made me smile as I was reading it. Gotta love librarians!
December 2, 2009
Okay, so it was more of a 3.5 kind of book. I really liked the plot, never gave much thought to double amputees. But then there was just the way it was written. Waaaayyyy to perfect. I mean, no teenager talks like that. And why were so many people so dramatic? I mean, "I'm afraid my wife is no more." Like, just say she passed away! And I think Aurora was a great character. If everyone was a little more like her, this world would be so awesome. But it was a little unrealistic. She did remind me a lot of one of my friends who is just the sweetest girl I know, but even she isn't as nice as Aurora. And a black haired angel at the same time? Really? And what really ticked me off was that Lucius and Aurora just HAPPEN to have all the same thoughts. COME ON! I just happen to be thinking exactly what you're thinking. We're soooo perfect for each other. Otherwise, the book was good though. I really liked everything else that happened. I liked the most of the other characters, and I liked a lot of the references to Beauty and the beast. Like Mr. Belle. That was cool. And I also liked that everything wasn't perfect. They didn't all of a sudden fall madly in love, there was a lot of conflict first, which was probably one of the few things I liked.
~T
~T
January 9, 2010
Crazy Beautiful is a modern day re-telling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.
Lucius Wolfe, being the Beast, had an accident and ended up with two hooks for hands. He's use to being rejected, the social outcast.
Aurora Belle, being the Beauty, is a good at heart girl, who always gives the underdogs a chance.
On the first day of a new school, for both of them, there eyes met and an instant connection is formed...
I loved the story of Beauty and the Beast, but this was a big disappointment.
Told by both Lucius's and Aurora's point of view, we got a good look at what the couple is going through, both equally troubled from there past.
But not a lot happens in this book. At.All.
Instead of a love story it felt more like a pity party on Lucius's end and I-like-the-boy-no-one-else-does, on Aurora's part.
There was no chemistry, in fact, there were only a couple of times the two even interacted.
The writing tended to repeat itself, the plot held a lot of potential, but didn't have enough life. It was never even fully understood why Lucius did the things that he did to cause the accident.
The book was rushed, and lacked intrigue.
Lucius Wolfe, being the Beast, had an accident and ended up with two hooks for hands. He's use to being rejected, the social outcast.
Aurora Belle, being the Beauty, is a good at heart girl, who always gives the underdogs a chance.
On the first day of a new school, for both of them, there eyes met and an instant connection is formed...
I loved the story of Beauty and the Beast, but this was a big disappointment.
Told by both Lucius's and Aurora's point of view, we got a good look at what the couple is going through, both equally troubled from there past.
But not a lot happens in this book. At.All.
Instead of a love story it felt more like a pity party on Lucius's end and I-like-the-boy-no-one-else-does, on Aurora's part.
There was no chemistry, in fact, there were only a couple of times the two even interacted.
The writing tended to repeat itself, the plot held a lot of potential, but didn't have enough life. It was never even fully understood why Lucius did the things that he did to cause the accident.
The book was rushed, and lacked intrigue.
did-not-finish
March 6, 2012Sigh. The striking cover and intriguing summary had me hoping this was going to be an electric and explosive book. Unfortunately, it felt more like a sputter. The cover is far too sexy for the actual content. I skim-read most of the story (the book is very short), but don't think I read enough to give it a fair star review. We'll just say this one wasn't for me.
All I can say is that I hope some of the phrasing in the book was supposed to be sarcastic. If this was supposed to be a serious remark, then I truly have no words :
She looks at me wildly, as though she expects me to try to kiss her.
As if.
Hey, look at me : I'm learning to talk like other kids.
All I can say is that I hope some of the phrasing in the book was supposed to be sarcastic. If this was supposed to be a serious remark, then I truly have no words :
She looks at me wildly, as though she expects me to try to kiss her.
As if.
Hey, look at me : I'm learning to talk like other kids.
February 28, 2025
So, I've read another Beauty & the Beast retelling that takes place in high school. It was BeastlyBeastlyBeastly and, at first, I wasn't sure if this was the same version with a different cover.
But I soon realized that it was not. This book starts out very harshly - with Lucien taking every opportunity to let you know that he has hooks for hands. And I mean EVERY opportunity. It was a little off-putting, I'll admit. He had stolen a bunch of chemicals from his school's science lab and was experimenting in the basement of his house -- when something went wrong and set off an explosion that destroyed his home and blew off his own arms. I mean this is dark stuff.
But, if you stick with the story, it does improve.
We later find out what Lucien's motives for those experiments were --- and they were about as Beastly as you can get. It's not stated explicitly, but my feeling is that Lucien was one of those kids that is an anti-social loner who would eventually have brought a gun to school -- or in this case -- a bomb. And if that's the case, then it's only right that the only person injured in his "experiment" was himself.
After the accident, his family had to move and he is starting a new school. Aurora is also starting a new school after her mom's death. The first time Lucien and Aurora see each other is on the school bus on the first day of their Sophomore year. They are inexplicably drawn to each other. Even though he is the outcast and she is immediately adopted by the "cool" kids.
So, the book gets better as it goes on, and you really do believe that Lucien is not the same person he used to be. Aurora has a positive effect on him even though they don't talk too much at first. Lucien learns how to care about people just from watching Aurora from a distance.
There is a school play - Grease - and there is clearly an analogy made between Lucien and Aurora and Danny and Sandy. I like Grease and I like plays/musicals, so this plot twist now has my full attention.
But after building rather slowly, as any B&B story should, the book hits a peak and then ends very abruptly, IMHO. I wish it had taken it's time and given us a little more detail. The book is not even 200 pages and could have been a little longer without being too long. If so, I might even gave given it 4 stars.
This is not the best version of B&B I have ever read, but overall, it's not terrible. It's different and has it's good points. If you like B&B retellings, this is a quick read that might be worth a try.
But I soon realized that it was not. This book starts out very harshly - with Lucien taking every opportunity to let you know that he has hooks for hands. And I mean EVERY opportunity. It was a little off-putting, I'll admit. He had stolen a bunch of chemicals from his school's science lab and was experimenting in the basement of his house -- when something went wrong and set off an explosion that destroyed his home and blew off his own arms. I mean this is dark stuff.
But, if you stick with the story, it does improve.
We later find out what Lucien's motives for those experiments were --- and they were about as Beastly as you can get. It's not stated explicitly, but my feeling is that Lucien was one of those kids that is an anti-social loner who would eventually have brought a gun to school -- or in this case -- a bomb. And if that's the case, then it's only right that the only person injured in his "experiment" was himself.
After the accident, his family had to move and he is starting a new school. Aurora is also starting a new school after her mom's death. The first time Lucien and Aurora see each other is on the school bus on the first day of their Sophomore year. They are inexplicably drawn to each other. Even though he is the outcast and she is immediately adopted by the "cool" kids.
So, the book gets better as it goes on, and you really do believe that Lucien is not the same person he used to be. Aurora has a positive effect on him even though they don't talk too much at first. Lucien learns how to care about people just from watching Aurora from a distance.
There is a school play - Grease - and there is clearly an analogy made between Lucien and Aurora and Danny and Sandy. I like Grease and I like plays/musicals, so this plot twist now has my full attention.
But after building rather slowly, as any B&B story should, the book hits a peak and then ends very abruptly, IMHO. I wish it had taken it's time and given us a little more detail. The book is not even 200 pages and could have been a little longer without being too long. If so, I might even gave given it 4 stars.
This is not the best version of B&B I have ever read, but overall, it's not terrible. It's different and has it's good points. If you like B&B retellings, this is a quick read that might be worth a try.
March 19, 2024
2.75 stars
January 9, 2012
Let me start off by saying that this book has nothing to do with that Kirsten Dunst movie of the same name. This Crazy Beautiful is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast; in this case, those two titular adjectives describe how other people see the two main characters.
Crazy Beautiful is told in alternating first-person points of view. Had I known it was also told using present-tense narration, I might have skipped it. But for some reason, it didn't bother me that much in this case. The writing flowed fairly well. Maybe that was because it had a stream-of-consciousness style to it that didn't really require perfect grammar to be intelligible.
Lucius Wolfe is the "crazy" part of the title, a 15-year-old who managed to blow off his arms in an explosion. I liked Lucius as a narrator. He had an interesting mix of self-pity and acceptance. Unfortunately, he confused me early on (page 2!) when he described himself, making mention of where his elbows "should be". From what I can tell after reading the whole book, Lucius only lost the lower parts of his arms, so this early description threw me. I spent much of the book wondering how on earth an above-elbow amputee did things like spike a volleyball and do laundry. I also thought his explanation of the explosion was incomplete. Yes, he told us what happened. But his explanation of why wasn't good enough. I thought there must be more to it, some earth-shattering secret motivation for Lucius doing what he did... but there wasn't. And since this "why" played an important role at one point in the story, not having a better explanation made this part of the plot seem somewhat unrealistic.
Aurora Belle is (obviously) the "beautiful" in the title. Like Lucius, she's also a new student at their high school. Unlike Lucius, she makes friends easily... probably because she's just so darn perfect. Aurora drove me nuts. She was boring. She was so "practically perfect in every way" that her name really should have been Mary Poppins. I didn't enjoy her sections of the narrative, and I don't think they were necessary. Lucius was a far more interesting character, and I think the book could have been told entirely from his point of view without losing anything. All we learned from Aurora's narratives was that she felt an attraction to Lucius when nobody else did. But since we know that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, we already know that this character is supposed to feel that way... and so telling the story from Aurora's point of view became kind of unnecessary.
Ultimately, the fact that this book is a fairy tale retelling is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. For example, I'm willing to somewhat overlook the fact that Aurora is so perfect; because she's essentially Belle, she's supposed to be stunningly beautiful and kind to everyone (even though this seems a bit out of place in the setting of a modern-day high school). So the slightly unrealistic characters I can forgive. But as for the plot... At times, it seemed to suffer from trying to fit into the mould that had already been established by the original fairy tale. There were parts that seemed forced. And on the other hand, the parts where the author did deviate from the fairy tale seemed contrived. I didn't buy the ending at all. The author set up an ending (one that would have followed the mould of the fairy tale) but then didn't seem to have enough courage to follow through. What did happen felt contrived and incomplete: a cop-out, really.
I'm not sure if I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it in the beginning, but as the story went on, I just found too many problems. The ending was a disappointment, and felt rushed. It's too bad, because I feel like there was potential here. If the author hadn't tried so hard to fit the story into the Beauty and the Beast mould, it might have worked. But this odd mix of unrealistic (bordering on stereotyped) characters, weak motivations, and harsh realities didn't really work for me.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
Crazy Beautiful is told in alternating first-person points of view. Had I known it was also told using present-tense narration, I might have skipped it. But for some reason, it didn't bother me that much in this case. The writing flowed fairly well. Maybe that was because it had a stream-of-consciousness style to it that didn't really require perfect grammar to be intelligible.
Lucius Wolfe is the "crazy" part of the title, a 15-year-old who managed to blow off his arms in an explosion. I liked Lucius as a narrator. He had an interesting mix of self-pity and acceptance. Unfortunately, he confused me early on (page 2!) when he described himself, making mention of where his elbows "should be". From what I can tell after reading the whole book, Lucius only lost the lower parts of his arms, so this early description threw me. I spent much of the book wondering how on earth an above-elbow amputee did things like spike a volleyball and do laundry. I also thought his explanation of the explosion was incomplete. Yes, he told us what happened. But his explanation of why wasn't good enough. I thought there must be more to it, some earth-shattering secret motivation for Lucius doing what he did... but there wasn't. And since this "why" played an important role at one point in the story, not having a better explanation made this part of the plot seem somewhat unrealistic.
Aurora Belle is (obviously) the "beautiful" in the title. Like Lucius, she's also a new student at their high school. Unlike Lucius, she makes friends easily... probably because she's just so darn perfect. Aurora drove me nuts. She was boring. She was so "practically perfect in every way" that her name really should have been Mary Poppins. I didn't enjoy her sections of the narrative, and I don't think they were necessary. Lucius was a far more interesting character, and I think the book could have been told entirely from his point of view without losing anything. All we learned from Aurora's narratives was that she felt an attraction to Lucius when nobody else did. But since we know that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, we already know that this character is supposed to feel that way... and so telling the story from Aurora's point of view became kind of unnecessary.
Ultimately, the fact that this book is a fairy tale retelling is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. For example, I'm willing to somewhat overlook the fact that Aurora is so perfect; because she's essentially Belle, she's supposed to be stunningly beautiful and kind to everyone (even though this seems a bit out of place in the setting of a modern-day high school). So the slightly unrealistic characters I can forgive. But as for the plot... At times, it seemed to suffer from trying to fit into the mould that had already been established by the original fairy tale. There were parts that seemed forced. And on the other hand, the parts where the author did deviate from the fairy tale seemed contrived. I didn't buy the ending at all. The author set up an ending (one that would have followed the mould of the fairy tale) but then didn't seem to have enough courage to follow through. What did happen felt contrived and incomplete: a cop-out, really.
I'm not sure if I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it in the beginning, but as the story went on, I just found too many problems. The ending was a disappointment, and felt rushed. It's too bad, because I feel like there was potential here. If the author hadn't tried so hard to fit the story into the Beauty and the Beast mould, it might have worked. But this odd mix of unrealistic (bordering on stereotyped) characters, weak motivations, and harsh realities didn't really work for me.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
October 23, 2009
All right..where to begin. I have a lot of wonderful things to say about Crazy Beautiful, but then I also have some little bitty problems with it. But it is still B+ worthy in my book, I really enjoyed reading it!
So to set the story up for you guys there is Lucius Wolfe (kind of a bad ass name is you ask me, and I think it is really fitting to his character). Lucius is the guy with hooks for hands, he blew off his hands while he was 'experimenting' in his basement. He choose the hooks so he could remind himself every day what a 'beast' he is. He is a new student at the high school (I cant remember the name). He is the outcast, the crip, the one who scares all. There is another new student and her name is Aurora Belle, except she is the total opposite of Lucius. She is out-going, charming, beautiful, friendly, and the one person Lucius cannot stop thinking about ever since they first had eye contact. Their relationship is somewhat of an odd one, since they don't really interact a lot with one another but when they do, it has so much meaning. I found myself loving their 'relationship' if you can call it that, they both wanted to be something different and in the end, it all works out.
Okay, so onto what I thought was really good of the book! There was a lot of good in the book actually, and instead of writing and telling you about it, there are two quotes that I want to take directly from the book because I thought they were awesome, and really make you think about yourself and how you value your friendships. So without further ado:
"Then I decide I do want to do it. If he is my friend, and I believe he is, and if friendship means wanting what's best for the other person and not simply what's best for the other person in relation to you, then I have to do it. I am ethically bound." - Lucius Wolfe
Reading this made me so happy, Lucius is not the kind of guy that has a ton of friends, he actually only has one guy who he calls his friend, Nick Green. And seeing Lucius realize what it means to be a friend is truly something special. It was cute.
Next one, still dealing with friendship: "This is, I think, what it must mean to be human: to want something good for someone else." - Lucius Wolfe
Wanting something good to happen to another person is something that a lot of people dont do easily, some get jealous, and some get angry, but having Lucius say this about another person is eye-opening, since he is growing up as a teenager, he is finding what it feels like to be a friend and to want something more for another person.
Some of the parts in the book were funny, I found myself Laughing of Loud more than a few times, but I also found myself tearing up just a tiny bit. I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the idea of gaining the strength to finally put someone above yourself, because that is what Lucius does in this book, he puts Nick Green and Aurora above himself. It is very amazing to read.
Oh and my little bitty problems with the book: I wish it was longer..unless of course there will be a sequel! But I wish there was more to read, I didn't want the story to end. And the characters could have been a little more developed but I think it worked with how little you knew about them, and then as you read more they kind of just grew on you.
All in all, it was a good read, and I plan on rereading it in the future! I am crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel! That would be awesome!
Oh! And the cover!! I love it! I love the black and white, it is perfect for this book. The font is pretty awesome too! It might possibly be one of my favorite covers of this years books!
So to set the story up for you guys there is Lucius Wolfe (kind of a bad ass name is you ask me, and I think it is really fitting to his character). Lucius is the guy with hooks for hands, he blew off his hands while he was 'experimenting' in his basement. He choose the hooks so he could remind himself every day what a 'beast' he is. He is a new student at the high school (I cant remember the name). He is the outcast, the crip, the one who scares all. There is another new student and her name is Aurora Belle, except she is the total opposite of Lucius. She is out-going, charming, beautiful, friendly, and the one person Lucius cannot stop thinking about ever since they first had eye contact. Their relationship is somewhat of an odd one, since they don't really interact a lot with one another but when they do, it has so much meaning. I found myself loving their 'relationship' if you can call it that, they both wanted to be something different and in the end, it all works out.
Okay, so onto what I thought was really good of the book! There was a lot of good in the book actually, and instead of writing and telling you about it, there are two quotes that I want to take directly from the book because I thought they were awesome, and really make you think about yourself and how you value your friendships. So without further ado:
"Then I decide I do want to do it. If he is my friend, and I believe he is, and if friendship means wanting what's best for the other person and not simply what's best for the other person in relation to you, then I have to do it. I am ethically bound." - Lucius Wolfe
Reading this made me so happy, Lucius is not the kind of guy that has a ton of friends, he actually only has one guy who he calls his friend, Nick Green. And seeing Lucius realize what it means to be a friend is truly something special. It was cute.
Next one, still dealing with friendship: "This is, I think, what it must mean to be human: to want something good for someone else." - Lucius Wolfe
Wanting something good to happen to another person is something that a lot of people dont do easily, some get jealous, and some get angry, but having Lucius say this about another person is eye-opening, since he is growing up as a teenager, he is finding what it feels like to be a friend and to want something more for another person.
Some of the parts in the book were funny, I found myself Laughing of Loud more than a few times, but I also found myself tearing up just a tiny bit. I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the idea of gaining the strength to finally put someone above yourself, because that is what Lucius does in this book, he puts Nick Green and Aurora above himself. It is very amazing to read.
Oh and my little bitty problems with the book: I wish it was longer..unless of course there will be a sequel! But I wish there was more to read, I didn't want the story to end. And the characters could have been a little more developed but I think it worked with how little you knew about them, and then as you read more they kind of just grew on you.
All in all, it was a good read, and I plan on rereading it in the future! I am crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel! That would be awesome!
Oh! And the cover!! I love it! I love the black and white, it is perfect for this book. The font is pretty awesome too! It might possibly be one of my favorite covers of this years books!
December 3, 2009
Just about everyone has seen the movie, read the fairy tale, or seen the play of Beauty and the Beast, but I guarantee this is not the version from Disney or what’s written in the books, or even the Broadway play or even the musical. This is a version all its own. This is a version that will show you a modern twist and a new side to the same old fairy tale.
The “Beast” in this case, is actually not a beast at all, his name is Lucius Wolfe (is that not a cool name or what?) and he’s a sophomore in high school. But he’s not going to be at the same high school he was the year before, not since the accident, the accident that cost him both of his arms. The prosthetic metal hooks that are in place of where his arms used to be, that is was labels him as “The Beast” in this tale.
The “Beauty” is actually Aurora Belle, she is beautiful, naturally beautiful and not in that I-don’t-have-to-plaster-myself-in-makeup sort of way. There’s something about Aurora that is different than everyone else. Aurora is sweet, nice, and friendly to everyone until she has a reason not to be. But most of all, Aurora is not afraid. She’s not afraid of Lucius, of his quietness, or even of his hooks.
Upon their first meeting, they both know there is something about the other that intrigues them that draws them to one another. All they have to do is navigate the “popular” kids, high school, and their own issues and find out just why they are so drawn to each other. And that is what makes this story so adorably beautiful.
There’s something about going back to that time in high school, to those kids that always got what they wanted and always had it so easy, that makes this story so relatable, even with its fairy tale roots. But that’s the thing; Lauren Baratz-Logsted has stripped down the typical Beauty and the Beast story and got it down to the bare roots that made this fairy tale so beautiful in the first place. She’s found the love, redemption, and the power of forgiving not only each other, but also forgiving oneself.
Throughout the story, the point of view switches between Lucius and Aurora, which I found quite different and refreshing. I loved the different take on the same situation, and that made it easier to not only understand the characters, but also understand what they were thinking and how they were feeling. It also made it that much easier to fall for these characters and to know them better, at least in my opinion. And in a story that’s just under 200 pages, getting to know these characters quickly and thoroughly becomes important for the reader, and important for the story itself.
I found it remarkably easy to relate Lucius. I mean, who hasn’t been through the taunts and dealt with the bullies that come along with being in high school? It’s easy to fall into a story that you can relate to a narrator, and Lucius may be the easiest I’ve found relatable in a long time. Maybe that’s why I didn’t want the story to end.
It’s easy to forget that Beauty and the Beast was more than just a Disney movie with talking/singing household items and a beautiful girl in a castle with a beast; but it’s so much more than that. It’s the story of redeeming yourself, of falling in love with no boundaries, of forgiving others, and forgiving yourself for things that you can’t change anymore and Crazy Beautiful reminds you of that. It’s beautiful, refreshing, and totally rereadable.
The “Beast” in this case, is actually not a beast at all, his name is Lucius Wolfe (is that not a cool name or what?) and he’s a sophomore in high school. But he’s not going to be at the same high school he was the year before, not since the accident, the accident that cost him both of his arms. The prosthetic metal hooks that are in place of where his arms used to be, that is was labels him as “The Beast” in this tale.
The “Beauty” is actually Aurora Belle, she is beautiful, naturally beautiful and not in that I-don’t-have-to-plaster-myself-in-makeup sort of way. There’s something about Aurora that is different than everyone else. Aurora is sweet, nice, and friendly to everyone until she has a reason not to be. But most of all, Aurora is not afraid. She’s not afraid of Lucius, of his quietness, or even of his hooks.
Upon their first meeting, they both know there is something about the other that intrigues them that draws them to one another. All they have to do is navigate the “popular” kids, high school, and their own issues and find out just why they are so drawn to each other. And that is what makes this story so adorably beautiful.
There’s something about going back to that time in high school, to those kids that always got what they wanted and always had it so easy, that makes this story so relatable, even with its fairy tale roots. But that’s the thing; Lauren Baratz-Logsted has stripped down the typical Beauty and the Beast story and got it down to the bare roots that made this fairy tale so beautiful in the first place. She’s found the love, redemption, and the power of forgiving not only each other, but also forgiving oneself.
Throughout the story, the point of view switches between Lucius and Aurora, which I found quite different and refreshing. I loved the different take on the same situation, and that made it easier to not only understand the characters, but also understand what they were thinking and how they were feeling. It also made it that much easier to fall for these characters and to know them better, at least in my opinion. And in a story that’s just under 200 pages, getting to know these characters quickly and thoroughly becomes important for the reader, and important for the story itself.
I found it remarkably easy to relate Lucius. I mean, who hasn’t been through the taunts and dealt with the bullies that come along with being in high school? It’s easy to fall into a story that you can relate to a narrator, and Lucius may be the easiest I’ve found relatable in a long time. Maybe that’s why I didn’t want the story to end.
It’s easy to forget that Beauty and the Beast was more than just a Disney movie with talking/singing household items and a beautiful girl in a castle with a beast; but it’s so much more than that. It’s the story of redeeming yourself, of falling in love with no boundaries, of forgiving others, and forgiving yourself for things that you can’t change anymore and Crazy Beautiful reminds you of that. It’s beautiful, refreshing, and totally rereadable.
July 14, 2010
Now, I happen to like retellings of fairy tales in modern contexts. I also like romances when they're done well and realistically, especially when one of the love interests is made unattractive to most people for whatever reason, so I really thought I was going to like this story. It sounded quite intriguing and the cover was genius. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
Overall, "Crazy Beautiful" was written well. Lucius sounded, well, like a boy, which is a good sign considering he is, in fact, male, and I thought that Lauren Baratz-Logsted did a pretty good job of not making his brooding-loner-style too cliché.
However, there were some aspects of the story I didn't like so much. For example, Aurora was meant to be a nice girl who thinks well of most people, but she came off sounding naive or "perfect", like when she narrated, "This school really is just the nicest place!" There was also the part where she was discussing her allowance. Aurora said that she got a set amount of allowance each week, and if she wanted more, she could do chores, but of course, she's just an incredibly nice, sweet girl who loves her dad very much, so she does chores. For free. For the fun of it. Also, she never wants anything or asks her dad to buy her something.
I just have a lot of trouble believing that someone would do chores just because. Maybe once in a while to help out or something, but all the time, every single day? Combine this with the fact that when she saw Lucius had hooks for hands she barely gave it a passing thought because she's just that nice (no, seriously, everyone would have some thoughts about that, be it of pity, sympathy, wonder), Aurora appears to be suffering Character Perfection Syndrome.
One thing that sort of annoys me is when two people that fall in love are utterly attractive. Despite the fact that Lucius blew himself up, and his chest/stomach suffered seriously scarring and he lost his lower arms and hands, his face magically remained completely untouched and as beautiful as ever. I think the story could really have been interesting if Lucius's face became deformed or mutilated or something, which makes me think of a book I read a long time ago (probably five years?) about a girl who was seriously burned in a fire and she was definitely horribly mutilated.
What's hard for me to believe is that people would treat Lucius the way they did at his school. At my school, at least, kids that are disabled to his extent (something sort of noticeable but not really that bad - nothing that makes you eye-burning-hard-to-look-at) are pitied at first, but people usually get over it. In fact, they would become nicer rather than meaner, and sometimes too nice in an effort to not be insensitive. Kids don't usually make fun of disabled kids (in my experience) unless the disabled kid has some sort of mental affliction, in which case s(he) is generally avoided while a few jerks make fun of her or him. It's plausible that Lucius would isolate himself with his brooding personality, but I didn't really get a sense of this while reading.
I also would have liked more detail. Some scenes - especially the one at the party when Lucius tells Aurora exactly what the explosion was - seemed almost rushed, and the author never really explained how Lucius handled everyday things. The secondary characters also seemed rather flat to me, like Deanie and Jessup.
All in all, "Crazy Beautiful" was fairly good and it was entertaining.
Overall, "Crazy Beautiful" was written well. Lucius sounded, well, like a boy, which is a good sign considering he is, in fact, male, and I thought that Lauren Baratz-Logsted did a pretty good job of not making his brooding-loner-style too cliché.
However, there were some aspects of the story I didn't like so much. For example, Aurora was meant to be a nice girl who thinks well of most people, but she came off sounding naive or "perfect", like when she narrated, "This school really is just the nicest place!" There was also the part where she was discussing her allowance. Aurora said that she got a set amount of allowance each week, and if she wanted more, she could do chores, but of course, she's just an incredibly nice, sweet girl who loves her dad very much, so she does chores. For free. For the fun of it. Also, she never wants anything or asks her dad to buy her something.
I just have a lot of trouble believing that someone would do chores just because. Maybe once in a while to help out or something, but all the time, every single day? Combine this with the fact that when she saw Lucius had hooks for hands she barely gave it a passing thought because she's just that nice (no, seriously, everyone would have some thoughts about that, be it of pity, sympathy, wonder), Aurora appears to be suffering Character Perfection Syndrome.
One thing that sort of annoys me is when two people that fall in love are utterly attractive. Despite the fact that Lucius blew himself up, and his chest/stomach suffered seriously scarring and he lost his lower arms and hands, his face magically remained completely untouched and as beautiful as ever. I think the story could really have been interesting if Lucius's face became deformed or mutilated or something, which makes me think of a book I read a long time ago (probably five years?) about a girl who was seriously burned in a fire and she was definitely horribly mutilated.
What's hard for me to believe is that people would treat Lucius the way they did at his school. At my school, at least, kids that are disabled to his extent (something sort of noticeable but not really that bad - nothing that makes you eye-burning-hard-to-look-at) are pitied at first, but people usually get over it. In fact, they would become nicer rather than meaner, and sometimes too nice in an effort to not be insensitive. Kids don't usually make fun of disabled kids (in my experience) unless the disabled kid has some sort of mental affliction, in which case s(he) is generally avoided while a few jerks make fun of her or him. It's plausible that Lucius would isolate himself with his brooding personality, but I didn't really get a sense of this while reading.
I also would have liked more detail. Some scenes - especially the one at the party when Lucius tells Aurora exactly what the explosion was - seemed almost rushed, and the author never really explained how Lucius handled everyday things. The secondary characters also seemed rather flat to me, like Deanie and Jessup.
All in all, "Crazy Beautiful" was fairly good and it was entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2009
http://janicu.livejournal.com/85502.html
The Premise: Well. I really think the blurb for this is better than anything I could say because...hooks for hands people:
"In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself. Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering. Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does. "
My Thoughts: At 197 pages (at least that was the length of my ebook), this was a short read that I read in a couple of hours. The narrative goes back and forth between Lucius and Aurora's points of view, but they are very short passages, sometimes just one sentence. There's a sort of poetic quality to the writing, as if sentences are used sparingly for maximum dramatic effect.
This is a Beauty and the Beast tale, but there's a lot more going on than this (although it's one of my favorite tropes). Lucius and Aurora are both high school students going to a new school. They're both sophomores and encounter different reactions from the student body. Lucius is treated badly, both for his appearance and rumors of what he'd done to get his hooks, but Aurora is immediately accepted and well liked. The way it was written, it conveyed high school and family in a believable way. Lucius is an outsider but he didn't strike me as a real bad boy, despite what he'd done (and this book's cover). His attitude was more of an intelligent guy who is marginalized by others, but I liked how Aurora trusted her own judgment in him. I could see this happening in any high school with regular students rather than a Hollywood version of high school with the usual cliches. There's the idea of starting over, which both Aurora and Lucius have to do, going with or against the crowd, rumors, the consequences of your actions and a really sweet romance. And had a couple of laughs at Lucius's sarcastic sense of humor, especially when he goes shopping with his younger sister and is forced to discover how pitiful his fashion sense is.
When I look at other reviews for this book I see people wanting more to the story, wanted to see more of what happened after it ended, but I didn't have so much of that problem just because I knew that the book was short, and I guess I had that in the back of my mind. I think I ended liking it better than them. The only minor complaint I'd have is wanting to know a bit more about what Lucius was up to when he blew up his hands. It takes a while before we get there and when we do, his reasons behind it weren't delved into and I wish they were, but maybe this book didn't want to focus on the past as much as focus on moving forward.
Overall: I liked this quite a bit. A short, feel-good kind of read with a sweet romance in it.
The Premise: Well. I really think the blurb for this is better than anything I could say because...hooks for hands people:
"In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself. Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering. Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does. "
My Thoughts: At 197 pages (at least that was the length of my ebook), this was a short read that I read in a couple of hours. The narrative goes back and forth between Lucius and Aurora's points of view, but they are very short passages, sometimes just one sentence. There's a sort of poetic quality to the writing, as if sentences are used sparingly for maximum dramatic effect.
This is a Beauty and the Beast tale, but there's a lot more going on than this (although it's one of my favorite tropes). Lucius and Aurora are both high school students going to a new school. They're both sophomores and encounter different reactions from the student body. Lucius is treated badly, both for his appearance and rumors of what he'd done to get his hooks, but Aurora is immediately accepted and well liked. The way it was written, it conveyed high school and family in a believable way. Lucius is an outsider but he didn't strike me as a real bad boy, despite what he'd done (and this book's cover). His attitude was more of an intelligent guy who is marginalized by others, but I liked how Aurora trusted her own judgment in him. I could see this happening in any high school with regular students rather than a Hollywood version of high school with the usual cliches. There's the idea of starting over, which both Aurora and Lucius have to do, going with or against the crowd, rumors, the consequences of your actions and a really sweet romance. And had a couple of laughs at Lucius's sarcastic sense of humor, especially when he goes shopping with his younger sister and is forced to discover how pitiful his fashion sense is.
When I look at other reviews for this book I see people wanting more to the story, wanted to see more of what happened after it ended, but I didn't have so much of that problem just because I knew that the book was short, and I guess I had that in the back of my mind. I think I ended liking it better than them. The only minor complaint I'd have is wanting to know a bit more about what Lucius was up to when he blew up his hands. It takes a while before we get there and when we do, his reasons behind it weren't delved into and I wish they were, but maybe this book didn't want to focus on the past as much as focus on moving forward.
Overall: I liked this quite a bit. A short, feel-good kind of read with a sweet romance in it.
October 16, 2009
Starting a new high school can be brutal. Lucius knows his first day might be a bit more rocky than others' since he's never really put any effort into fitting in. Lucius' parent's are hoping this new school will be a fresh start not only for him but for the entire family but Lucius knows having two hooks for hands will automatically label him as the 'crazy' kid. Add in that he blew his own hands off in a chemical explosion of his own creation and you've got yourself a social misfit. What he doesn't expect on his first day is to make an instant connection with the lovely Aurora Belle, another transfer student, who is so nice and pretty that the other students welcome her with open arms. Even though he doesn't expect it, Aurora continually goes out of her way to become friends with Lucius, drawing him out even thought the other students are mystified as to her reasons for doing so.
This compact little book (only 193 pages) was a quick read - full of little surprises that kept me turning the pages. Both Lucius and Aurora are trying to navigate their new lives while dealing with very personal struggles while ultimately learning about second chances and the empowerment that comes from looking past appearances.
It was also fun to note how much emphasis Lauren Baratz-Logsted placed on the names in this book. Knowing Crazy Beautiful is intended as a retelling of beauty and the beast, the names Lucius Wolfe and Aurora Belle take on a whole additional meaning. Aurora Belle is such an obvious princess name: Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, anyone?) and Belle, naturally for beauty - fits her to a tee. Lucius Wolfe: now that's just a beastly name altogether don't you think?
The story was light and fun and there were little details to make it stand out (like the names) but just didn't deliver in some aspects. For starters, the ending felt rushed and not as well thought out as it could have been. There was so much buildup and I felt that Lucius' motives for setting the explosion in the first place were never sufficiently explained.
That said, even though Lucius fairly leapt off the page at times, Aurora never really solidified into a real character. She was just a little too squeaky clean. Not that that's bad: I love a good girl as much as anyone, but you just want some depth to go along with all that innocence and kindness. Obviously, Aurora is beautiful and would never judge by appearances - not to mention the fact that her mother passed away from cancer = instant empathy points - but where's the flaws? the quirks? I hate to pick on the nice girl, but she just needed a little more oomph.
One thing I did love however was the actual book itself. The black and white cover: a little edgy and with that ever-so-important dash of instant attraction. It also didn't hurt that the book itself is a nice, bright unmistakable hot pink. Contrast, contrast - thy name is perfection.
This compact little book (only 193 pages) was a quick read - full of little surprises that kept me turning the pages. Both Lucius and Aurora are trying to navigate their new lives while dealing with very personal struggles while ultimately learning about second chances and the empowerment that comes from looking past appearances.
It was also fun to note how much emphasis Lauren Baratz-Logsted placed on the names in this book. Knowing Crazy Beautiful is intended as a retelling of beauty and the beast, the names Lucius Wolfe and Aurora Belle take on a whole additional meaning. Aurora Belle is such an obvious princess name: Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, anyone?) and Belle, naturally for beauty - fits her to a tee. Lucius Wolfe: now that's just a beastly name altogether don't you think?
The story was light and fun and there were little details to make it stand out (like the names) but just didn't deliver in some aspects. For starters, the ending felt rushed and not as well thought out as it could have been. There was so much buildup and I felt that Lucius' motives for setting the explosion in the first place were never sufficiently explained.
That said, even though Lucius fairly leapt off the page at times, Aurora never really solidified into a real character. She was just a little too squeaky clean. Not that that's bad: I love a good girl as much as anyone, but you just want some depth to go along with all that innocence and kindness. Obviously, Aurora is beautiful and would never judge by appearances - not to mention the fact that her mother passed away from cancer = instant empathy points - but where's the flaws? the quirks? I hate to pick on the nice girl, but she just needed a little more oomph.
One thing I did love however was the actual book itself. The black and white cover: a little edgy and with that ever-so-important dash of instant attraction. It also didn't hurt that the book itself is a nice, bright unmistakable hot pink. Contrast, contrast - thy name is perfection.
September 12, 2009
Crazy Beautiful is told in two points of view: Aurora and Lucius. Both are new to the high school they're going to. The difference? Lucius has no hands, due to a chemistry concoction gone wrong. So instead of hands, he has hooks instead (which freaks out the entire school population) except Aurora. In a modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Crazy Beautiful explains love, redemption, and forgiveness.
It's a short read. About 200 pages long. I absolutely loved this book. I immediately sympathized with Lucius and hated those that just assumed these whirlwind stories about him were true. Just because of his disability he's immediately an outcast in the cruel world of High School. Both main characters were very well liked by me. I loved Lucius for being strong despite being a social outcast the minute he stepped on school grounds. I loved Aurora for standing up for what she believes in and even has the courage to stand up and tell her peers they're wrong about assumptions they have made. Both characters are very strong, brave, and mature which makes them even more likable. I couldn't stand Jessup (I can't stand his name either). I just absolutely hated him and I was glad Aurora could see through his actions and was able to fend him off. (Yet another reason why I liked Aurora so much).
The plot is very short and doesn't take too long to go through. It's almost as if you're watching a half hour TV high school show. Which isn't that bad, mind you, although I would have like the story to develop a little more. That's just me, as I'm used to reading longer novels. It seemed to just go a little too fast but at least there's enough going on in this novel to make it flow and to keep the reader interested. There were parts that actually got me laughing out loud. Lucius has charming wit that enhances his personality and character, also his bravery in standing up against the most popular guy in the school also makes this an entertaining read.
Overall a good quick read. It does have certain parts that would qualify as a modern fairy tale. I enjoyed it very much and just wished it was just a bit longer as I thought there could be more to it. Lucius and Aurora made a wonderful couple and it seemed they were made for each other so it gave the romance a nice cozy feel to the story. Pick this up if you feel like reading something quick but also a light hearted read.
It's a short read. About 200 pages long. I absolutely loved this book. I immediately sympathized with Lucius and hated those that just assumed these whirlwind stories about him were true. Just because of his disability he's immediately an outcast in the cruel world of High School. Both main characters were very well liked by me. I loved Lucius for being strong despite being a social outcast the minute he stepped on school grounds. I loved Aurora for standing up for what she believes in and even has the courage to stand up and tell her peers they're wrong about assumptions they have made. Both characters are very strong, brave, and mature which makes them even more likable. I couldn't stand Jessup (I can't stand his name either). I just absolutely hated him and I was glad Aurora could see through his actions and was able to fend him off. (Yet another reason why I liked Aurora so much).
The plot is very short and doesn't take too long to go through. It's almost as if you're watching a half hour TV high school show. Which isn't that bad, mind you, although I would have like the story to develop a little more. That's just me, as I'm used to reading longer novels. It seemed to just go a little too fast but at least there's enough going on in this novel to make it flow and to keep the reader interested. There were parts that actually got me laughing out loud. Lucius has charming wit that enhances his personality and character, also his bravery in standing up against the most popular guy in the school also makes this an entertaining read.
Overall a good quick read. It does have certain parts that would qualify as a modern fairy tale. I enjoyed it very much and just wished it was just a bit longer as I thought there could be more to it. Lucius and Aurora made a wonderful couple and it seemed they were made for each other so it gave the romance a nice cozy feel to the story. Pick this up if you feel like reading something quick but also a light hearted read.
April 20, 2010
Crazy Beautiful is a very unique retelling of the beloved tale of Beauty and the Beast. Lucius is a tortured soul. Every day he is reminded of the mistakes he made in the past. He has hooks for hands and is always stared at, made fun of, called all sorts of names, and/or completely avoided by the kids in his new school. On the bus ride to his first day of school he meets Aurora. Aurora who is everything he is not. She is beautiful, trendy, bright, popular and perfectly normal. Aurora who instantly feels a connection with Lucius but is hesitant because of the rumors surrounding him... the explosion, his hands, the hooks, the possibility that he might be crazy.
The story is told through alternating viewpoints between Lucius and Aurora. I think Ms. Baratz-Logsted did a fantastic job providing us with both perspectives giving you a more in depth feel for both characters. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing how one situation can be perceived differently by either character.
Now I will forewarn you, if you plan on reading this because it is marketed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, then you will be in for a surprise. For in this story you will find no magic, no rose, no castle. Instead you will find a monster who wasn't overcome by vanity, but instead made the wrong choices in life and now has to live with the repercussions of his own making. This is a love story, but more than just a story about two very different kids falling for each other. It is a story of two kids living life the only way they know how. It is about forgiving and loving oneself. About seeing someone for who they are and not for what they look like. About healing and second chances.
Ms. Baratz-Logsted's writing is lovely and I felt it lent this modern story just the right hint of enchantment and fairytale splendor. My only complaint was that it was so short (208 pages). I read it in one sitting and was saddened that it ended so quickly. I would really have liked there to be more but I also want to make it clear that in no way did I feel like it lacked anything either. On the other hand, it gives you the feeling that you are taking a glimpse into Lucius and Aurora's life. You know there was more before you came along and you know there will be more after you are gone. I think it was pulled off beautifully.
This book was provided for review by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley.
The story is told through alternating viewpoints between Lucius and Aurora. I think Ms. Baratz-Logsted did a fantastic job providing us with both perspectives giving you a more in depth feel for both characters. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing how one situation can be perceived differently by either character.
Now I will forewarn you, if you plan on reading this because it is marketed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, then you will be in for a surprise. For in this story you will find no magic, no rose, no castle. Instead you will find a monster who wasn't overcome by vanity, but instead made the wrong choices in life and now has to live with the repercussions of his own making. This is a love story, but more than just a story about two very different kids falling for each other. It is a story of two kids living life the only way they know how. It is about forgiving and loving oneself. About seeing someone for who they are and not for what they look like. About healing and second chances.
Ms. Baratz-Logsted's writing is lovely and I felt it lent this modern story just the right hint of enchantment and fairytale splendor. My only complaint was that it was so short (208 pages). I read it in one sitting and was saddened that it ended so quickly. I would really have liked there to be more but I also want to make it clear that in no way did I feel like it lacked anything either. On the other hand, it gives you the feeling that you are taking a glimpse into Lucius and Aurora's life. You know there was more before you came along and you know there will be more after you are gone. I think it was pulled off beautifully.
This book was provided for review by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley.
September 12, 2016
I have been waiting to read this book since I first heard about it back in March. I couldn't find it anywhere! Then finally this week I came across one copy sitting on a bookshelf at an independent bookstore. I squealed in joy! I lunged toward it and held it in my hands so tight that the only way anyone would be able to break it from my grasp would have had to knock me upside the head with a sturdy copy of Breaking Dawn.
I just finished the book...
As soon as I turned the last page I heard my brain's choir singing "wha wha whaaaaaa." I was completely let down! This book could have been amazing. The idea of having a teenage boy being a double amputee,but finding love is just brilliant. Not only is the plot idea intriguing, but the story is told from both Lucious and Aurora's point of view. Unfortunately ideas can only go so far. The characters weren't developed in the least and they didn't grow throughout the novel. I felt like I didn't know Aurora at all and only knew Lucius in the slightest. I know it was a short book at only 208 pages, but I figured the author would have gotten to the point and not waited to the last page to have everything play out.
The main plot points in the story would have been fun to read about, but in a lot more detail. I enjoy fast paced reads every once in a while, but this was beyond fast paced. If more thought was put into the situation that the characters were going through it would have been a better book. I think so much more could have been discussed and looked over, instead of just the obvious being written.
I hated Aurora. Sorry, but I'm being honest here. She seemed way to self-centered and just unintelligent. I would love to tell you more about what rubbed me the wrong way about this character, but there's just so much lack of content. Lucius is a little better, he's witty and persistent.
Characters: 2/5
Creativity: 3/5
Voice: 1/5
Impact: 2/5
Overall: 2/5
However minus the bad points Crazy Beautiful still managed to get a point across. You really don't know what you have until it's gone. Lucius can't do everyday activities with ease due to lack of hands. It made me appreciate all of the blessings that I have in my life.
*And I love, love, love the title.*
I have heard mixed reviews for this books so I would recommend getting it at your library. The concept of a normal teen boy with a disability and an all accepting girl makes a great love story... if only it were more developed!!
I just finished the book...
As soon as I turned the last page I heard my brain's choir singing "wha wha whaaaaaa." I was completely let down! This book could have been amazing. The idea of having a teenage boy being a double amputee,but finding love is just brilliant. Not only is the plot idea intriguing, but the story is told from both Lucious and Aurora's point of view. Unfortunately ideas can only go so far. The characters weren't developed in the least and they didn't grow throughout the novel. I felt like I didn't know Aurora at all and only knew Lucius in the slightest. I know it was a short book at only 208 pages, but I figured the author would have gotten to the point and not waited to the last page to have everything play out.
The main plot points in the story would have been fun to read about, but in a lot more detail. I enjoy fast paced reads every once in a while, but this was beyond fast paced. If more thought was put into the situation that the characters were going through it would have been a better book. I think so much more could have been discussed and looked over, instead of just the obvious being written.
I hated Aurora. Sorry, but I'm being honest here. She seemed way to self-centered and just unintelligent. I would love to tell you more about what rubbed me the wrong way about this character, but there's just so much lack of content. Lucius is a little better, he's witty and persistent.
Characters: 2/5
Creativity: 3/5
Voice: 1/5
Impact: 2/5
Overall: 2/5
However minus the bad points Crazy Beautiful still managed to get a point across. You really don't know what you have until it's gone. Lucius can't do everyday activities with ease due to lack of hands. It made me appreciate all of the blessings that I have in my life.
*And I love, love, love the title.*
I have heard mixed reviews for this books so I would recommend getting it at your library. The concept of a normal teen boy with a disability and an all accepting girl makes a great love story... if only it were more developed!!
January 5, 2014
Aurora and Lucius are starting their sophomore year of high school in a new school this year. Aurora because her Mom passed away a few months ago and her Dad felt it was important to start fresh in a new town. Lucius because there was a chemical accident in his basement lab in his old house and he blew it up, including blowing off his hands. He now wears hooks in their place. Aurora is beautiful and is instantly accepted in the "cool" group of kids at school. Even so, she's smart enough to think for herself, and not go along with the group mentality. Lucius is intelligent, lonely, shunned, and frustrated with his lot in life (hence experimenting with chemicals in his home lab). They are having completely different experiences at this new school. Aurora refuses to listen to the other kids when they say Lucius is crazy, follows her heart instead, and is constantly reaching out to him to smile and say hello, even though she's usually greeted gruffly. She can see through his prickly exterior and can tell he is really kind. Against all (high school) odds, they find that they like each other...yes, that way. But when the most popular guy in school finds out that Aurora likes Lucius instead of him, he exacts a cruel and clever revenge on her and Lucius. Can Lucius protect her and make things right? You will enjoy reading this book to find the answer to that question!
I really loved this book! It is a beautiful modern re-telling of the Beauty and the Best story. I loved how it was told from a first-person perspective by both Aurora and Lucius. The reader is really able to understand what each character is thinking and feeling. The story unfolds like a rose and you are left with end of the book smelling of its sweet center (in my mind is the image of the rose from the Disney version of Beauty & the Beast...but in a good way). This was a fast-paced and easy read - I started reading it aloud to my family over Christmas, and was able to get half way through the book in a few hours. I will definitely be adding this book to my personal library. And I'll bet I can get it signed, since this author is a good friend of my Mom's! I feel so vicariously famous!
I really loved this book! It is a beautiful modern re-telling of the Beauty and the Best story. I loved how it was told from a first-person perspective by both Aurora and Lucius. The reader is really able to understand what each character is thinking and feeling. The story unfolds like a rose and you are left with end of the book smelling of its sweet center (in my mind is the image of the rose from the Disney version of Beauty & the Beast...but in a good way). This was a fast-paced and easy read - I started reading it aloud to my family over Christmas, and was able to get half way through the book in a few hours. I will definitely be adding this book to my personal library. And I'll bet I can get it signed, since this author is a good friend of my Mom's! I feel so vicariously famous!
June 22, 2011
I wanted so badly to like this book. It had some potential. I liked the idea. I even enjoyed it while I was reading it. That being said, it was not executed very well and I will go on to explain why I feel that way.
This book was much too short for the tale it was trying to tell. This book is supposed to be a love story. I didn't really see it like that. It is more of an immature affection story. Lucius and Aurora do not know each other at all. They have had a few conversations. Big deal. I could say that about tons of people I don't really know. It may have helped if the reader knew either characters, but in this very short book, I didn't feel like I really knew either of them. I got a small introduction to both of them, but in no way did I feel they were fully developed.
This book is supposed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That is why I picked it up in the first place. But if I had not known that that's what it was supposed to be, and Aurora's last name wasn't Belle, I would have made no connection. Maybe others have a different interpretation, but I believe Beauty and the Beast to be about loving someone through getting to know them, regardless of appearance or first impressions or the past. But the connection between Lucius and Aurora is very weak. As I stated before, they do not know each other. They are more concerned with each other's past than who the other is now. And they both talk of this crazy notion of immiediatley knowing the other without ever speaking. I don't believe in this instant connection nonsense. That is NOT what Beauty and the Beast is about.
Plus, the ending to this book was absolutely horrible. I won't spoil it for you. You can read the last two hideous pages for yourself. It's almost funny how stupid it is.
Also, some things in this book were just not accuracte. Once again, I won't spoil anything, but many things just don't happen. I even noticed something illegal that would not have been treated so lightly.
If this book was twice as long, it could've gone somewhere. But as it is, it goes nowhere.
This book was much too short for the tale it was trying to tell. This book is supposed to be a love story. I didn't really see it like that. It is more of an immature affection story. Lucius and Aurora do not know each other at all. They have had a few conversations. Big deal. I could say that about tons of people I don't really know. It may have helped if the reader knew either characters, but in this very short book, I didn't feel like I really knew either of them. I got a small introduction to both of them, but in no way did I feel they were fully developed.
This book is supposed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That is why I picked it up in the first place. But if I had not known that that's what it was supposed to be, and Aurora's last name wasn't Belle, I would have made no connection. Maybe others have a different interpretation, but I believe Beauty and the Beast to be about loving someone through getting to know them, regardless of appearance or first impressions or the past. But the connection between Lucius and Aurora is very weak. As I stated before, they do not know each other. They are more concerned with each other's past than who the other is now. And they both talk of this crazy notion of immiediatley knowing the other without ever speaking. I don't believe in this instant connection nonsense. That is NOT what Beauty and the Beast is about.
Plus, the ending to this book was absolutely horrible. I won't spoil it for you. You can read the last two hideous pages for yourself. It's almost funny how stupid it is.
Also, some things in this book were just not accuracte. Once again, I won't spoil anything, but many things just don't happen. I even noticed something illegal that would not have been treated so lightly.
If this book was twice as long, it could've gone somewhere. But as it is, it goes nowhere.
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