Beauty by Robin McKinley

Beauty was the first book i read that was by Robin Mckinley, and after reading it i was hooked. After that i read every book of hers i could get my hands on. Beauty is a gorgeous book about life and love, and i wanted it for my own. I had a lot of trouble finding it but i went into Dymocks book shop who did a search for it and they ordered it from America for me. it was well worth it.

I love this book because Beauty is like all of us. At one part of our lives, we girls think we are everything but perfect. Of course to one person's eyes we are the closest thing to it; the Beast loves Beauty and you can feel their love for each other so much that you just don't want to put the book down for you think it's actually happening. I think this is the best book ever! I've loved the "Beauty and the Beast" since I was little, but once I read this I loved it even more!

I love you Robin for making this wonderful book! Every girl would love this amazing book!

"Beauty" has probably been discontinued. It was printed in 1984, and I haven't been able to find another copy in bookstores. Robin McKinley re-wrote this book, but this version is just funnier and more perfect.

As in McKinley's other books, "Beauty" has a fairly boring beginning. Beauty isn't a beauty at all - that's just a childhood nickname, and unfortunately, Beauty isn't living up to it. She's spotty and short, and she has mousy hair. She doesn't hold up well to her beautiful (and NICE--these women are cool!) sisters.

When their father loses the business, things start happening. The family moves away, and their new house is situated by an evil forest. Da da da dum. Their father goes to town and meets up with the Beast, and Beauty sends herself to the Beast in order to save her father. (She thinks that she is the most expendable because she is the homeliest and least helpful sister. Of course, how wrong she is.)

I love this book. The interaction with Beauty and Beast is - wonderful. Two respectful adults in a fairly healthy relationship. (Where is my Beast???) The only snag is the whole furry beast issue. And of course things turn out well.

This is such a funny book. Beauty has such a wonderful sense of humor and sense of self. And Beast - well, he doesn't have to be chivalrous. He loves his library and he loves Beauty.

This is my favorite of all McKinley's novels.