The Ninja Reader

Can I just say before we start that I love the trailer for the movie? It's gorgeous! Maybe it's because the character design for Kyle reminds me of Spike for some reason, or maybe because Vanessa Hudgens looks like she won't make me associate her with her annoying High School Musical character, but it's simply gorgeous and you guys should really look at it. I can't wait for it to come out!Now, for the book - I love new takes on fairy tales and this is the reason why - even though we have Disney and other animation companies to give us gorgeous visuals and lovely songs, the story almost always lacks the emotional depth that takes something that is merely entertaining and turns it into something spectacular. This take on "Beauty and the Beast" shows the reader the transformation Kyle goes on the inside - his desperation, his breaking, his reformation. He doesn't start off as a likeable character, and for the better part of the book, he isn't, but you can see why he does the things he does and by the end you root for him.Also, I appreciate that the book's message is that inner beauty is what ultimately matters, and not good looks, supernatural abilities or considerable trust fund (which seems to be the ongoing theme of popular YA books). It's a very positive message, one that is intelligently and lovingly conveyed, which makes this book one I'd recommend to any teenage girl (or guy, if they're willing to pick it up).That being said, the story is pretty standard, and those in need of a thrilling experience with lots of twists and turns will not find it extremely interesting. However, it's a good, romantic read, which I don't necessarily consider to be a bad thing, and is the reason why this gets four and a half out of five. Really, I'd recommend it to anyone.