Beautiful Creatures
So I have never been a big YA book reader until I met Kami. I was reading New Moon and she began to suggest other books she thought I would like, Wicked Lovely, City of Bones, A Great and Terrible Beauty, etc., etc. Secretly, I think she was testing me to see if I was ready for Beautiful Creatures. I guess I passed because after finishing all those books she told me she was writing a book with her partner Margie & that she thought I might like it since I liked all the other stuff she had recommended so far. So, of course, I jumped at the chance and boy was that the best decision ever!
I read Beautiful Creatures in its infancy and I enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed being part of the process, being able to voice my opinions and critiques and just being able to breathe some life into this book. I'm sure all the other Caster Girls know what I am talking about. It has been a great experience for me to be part of this project.
Ethan and Lena were amazing characters to see brought to life. Kami and Margie did a wonderful job evoking teenage angst in these two characters. They really took me back to my teenage years (not that long ago) where I was so emotional. And I didn't know who I was, and I was trying to figure everything out without caring about the consequences. I think that is why I enjoy YA books so much. It is like I am back being 15 with Ehtan and Lena and for a short time I am re-writing my own past. I think most girls will find parallels with Lena's life and her struggles trying to figure out who she really is and then coming to terms with it which, I think is the hardest thing.
Caster Girls what do you think? How has BC affected you? For everyone else who has not read BC yet, what books have had an impact on you?
Margie said:
It’s interesting, 25, because I think the publishers are just starting to see how much & how deeply YA writers collaborate with their readership… BC was written for a specific readership – YOU GUYS – and I think for Kami and me, you will always be a part of the process…Like we always say, it’s so much easier to write when you know who you are writing for. I think the process has changed all of us, and we’ll always be thankful you were all willing to be a part of it. xoxox
caster girl 16 said:
When I was little, the only things I would ever read were fairy tales. Now, when a lot of people I know are reading print versions of Gossip Girl, I’m happy that I can still find my fairy tales in great books like Beautiful Creatures. I am amazed at how an entire, imagined fantasy world can be dropped into a Southern town and still feel real. CG 25 was right when she mentioned that most girls can find parallels between themselves and Lena, because I certainly have.
I was so excited to be a part of this process. When Kami asked me to read the book, I was more than happy to help out. Part of me was simply curious about the story and process, and part of me knew that this would be something big! When I finished reading, I didn’t really want to close the cover. It was like reading the last Harry Potter book all over again– I asked myself, “Are you sure there aren’t anymore pages?” Hopefully the story will continue, dropping me in the middle of Lena and Ethan’s world once again.
caster girl 15 said:
I still remember the first time that I read BC. I got the first 10 or 15 pages sent to me, and when I was done reading those, I immediately asked for more. When I gave my opinion, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to…. soon I was editing and commenting page after page. I have love BC since page one, and it is incredible to see my input integrated into the story. Because let’s face it, sometimes grownups just don’t get it right.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the originality of the main characters, Ethan and Lena. Their relationship feels so real, and I love getting to see them interact. I always am left wanting more!
kami said:
CG 25,
I knew you would be a great reader. All the Caster Girls were. It really taught me something about my readers when we took you along for the ride & WOW – did you guys ever make it better. I know a lot of adults patronize teenagers and think they have little to offer “the adult world.” How wrong they are. I learned more from my teen readers than anyone (except J & J, our editors, teens at heart). They knew exactly what we were trying to do with BC & they helped us get there. Caster Girls, wait till you read what the bloggers and readers have to say. There really are more of us than you think.
Reverie Books Reviews said:
ah! you all are getting me SO excited to read this. K & M i have told my friends that as soon as I get this its total lock down till I finish. I have done that for very few books…. WHEE!!!!! *jumps up and down*
Lenore said:
I love fairy tales! Hope I can pick this up at BEA.
Margie said:
Believe me, Lenore, we hope you can too! :)