I really liked this book. (Thanks Betsy for the recommendation and the loan!) I haven't seen the movie yet, but reading the book makes me want to now.
It took me a few pages to get into the book. I'm not usually a fan of fairytales and fantasy beyond children's books, so the whole Ogres, gnomes, fairies, giants talk was a little off-putting at first. But like a good book, once the story developed, I was hooked.
I think that the take on the Cinderella story was good. Original, but it kept enough similarities to make it clever. It's a sweet romantic story, with a spunky Ella. I think she was a fun character, pretty original in that she wanted to be funny, and was strong-willed about her curse.
I also liked the way the curse was resolved. In case the book is different than the movie, or in case I'm not the only one who hasn't seen it, I won't go into detail. But I liked that Ella was a strong character without feeling like feminism was being thrust out a as a central theme.
I also liked the way the curse was resolved. In case the book is different than the movie, or in case I'm not the only one who hasn't seen it, I won't go into detail. But I liked that Ella was a strong character without feeling like feminism was being thrust out a as a central theme.
This is a fun young adult story. Probably even intermediate. I don't think my boys would read it, but I think it would be age appropriate for them.
Was it this movie that made the name Ella so popular a few years later?
So, Kammy, have you seen the movie yet? I enjoyed the book so much more, but the movie is pretty fun. I would love to hear what you thought.
ReplyDeleteSo, I did get the movie and watch it Friday afternoon. My trip to Blockbuster lead me to sign up on Netflix. Honestly.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the movie. It might be the first time I've seen Anne Hathaway and I think she did a good job, not annoying like I thought she might be.
I was sad that they left out some of my favorite scenes from the book, but I understand. I just loved her relationship with Char in the book. I loved that he was there for her when she came out of the weeping willow. Also Mandy's part was so diminished, and the book lost a lot of it's charm.
I do recommend the movie and I thought it was well done. Fun show for older kids too. Not in my top 10, but fine.
I meant the "magic fairy book" lost it's charm.
ReplyDeletehey kam,
ReplyDeletei ended up watching that movie one weekend when it was one of the few movies my roommate had in her collection, but i actually thought it was cute. i agree w/you on the anne hathaway bit. you guys have made me want to read the book too.
I saw the first preview for the movie in the hospital just hours after my Ella was born and was totally bummed about the name. I've wanted an Ella since I was 12 an dnow this! Oh well. Anyway, I saw the movie first and really enjoyed it, but then read the book and loved it! They are so different (Hollywood always has to add a political twist) that I kind of have to think of them as different, but similar, stories. We own the movie and my Ella really likes it- especially the "Somebody to Love" scene! I think it's a fun, clever, witty story.
ReplyDelete(Anne Hathaway also plays Elder Groberg's girlfriend/wife in The Other Side of Heaven- have you seen that? It's a pretty small role, but I think I've always like her more because of that.)