“Beastly” by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Set in modern-day New York City, the story follows Kyle Kingsbury, a popular and handsome teenage boy who is incredibly vain and superficial. After playing a cruel prank on a fellow classmate, a witch named Kendra curses him, transforming him into a hideous beast. The only way for Kyle to break the curse is to find someone who will love him in his monstrous form.

This novel explores themes of inner beauty, self-acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. Kyle must learn to see beyond the superficiality of his former life and find the beauty within himself. Flinn does a fantastic job of capturing the struggles and growth that Kyle goes through as he navigates his new reality.

One of the highlights of “Beastly” is the development of the relationship between Kyle and Lindy, a girl from his school who becomes entangled in his life. Their relationship is a slow-burn, with both characters learning to see each other for who they truly are and finding a deeper connection beyond physical appearances.

The book was adapted into a movie in 2011, starring Alex Pettyfer as Kyle and Vanessa Hudgens as Lindy. While the movie received mixed reviews, fans of the book appreciated the modern twist on the classic tale and the heartfelt performances from the cast.

Overall, “Beastly” is a captivating and thought-provoking retelling of Beauty and the Beast that offers a fresh perspective on the timeless story. It is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and anyone looking for a story that challenges societal norms of beauty and love.