Beast, Brie  Spangler
Beast, Brie  Spangler
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

Beast

Author: Brie Spangler

Narrator: Andrew Eiden

Unabridged: 8 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/11/2016


Synopsis

A witty, wise, and heart-wrenching novel that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan.Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn’t look like your average fifteen-year-old, so naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans hats (his preferred camouflage), Dylan goes up on his roof only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg—and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers. Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out at therapy—until he meets Jamie. She’s funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She’s also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his self-pitying and superficiality. As Jamie’s humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn’t know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn’t listening. Something that shouldn’t change a thing. She is who she’s always been—an amazing photographer and devoted friend, who also happens to be transgender. But will Dylan see it that way?

About Brie Spangler

Brie Spangler graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and is the author and illustrator of two picture books, Peg Leg Peke and The Grumpy Dump Truck. She makes her YA debut with Beast.

About Andrew Eiden

Andrew Eiden is an actor and winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award for narration. He has been acting since the age of four, working at regional theaters, in national commercials, and on numerous television shows.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Emily May on October 19, 2016

It took me a while to decide that I really liked Beast. It's funny, it's charming, but it's also a tough read. Transphobia isn't skimmed over, and some of the bullying and trans-shaming was nauseating to me as a cis reader, so I can only imagine how upsetting it might be for trans readers. That bein......more

Goodreads review by Meredith on April 30, 2016

My name's Meredith Russo. I'm a transsexual. I got to read Beast early. And I LOVED IT. Funny story though, I actually kind of pulled a Dylan where this book is concerned. A mutual friend reached out asking if I wanted to read the book, and I agreed because, hey, free book, but I didn't pay attention......more

Goodreads review by Wendy Darling on December 06, 2016

A lot of positives here, but I just couldn't get over the fact that Jamie deserves so much better than Dylan. Also, FYI that the gorgeous cover is totally misleading as to the tone and content of the story--and the retelling aspect is very slight.......more

Goodreads review by Mar on May 31, 2024

Siiiiigh, I’m a bit neutral about this one. Because it was super fast-paced and very easy to read yet not THAT entertaining at the same time. The story is about a teenage boy whose name is Dylan who falls in love with a trans girl named Jamie, but that he doesn’t know, is trans. They meet in a group......more

Goodreads review by aimee (aimeecanread) on January 02, 2017

First book of the year turns out to be a disappointment, eh? Well, the main main was kind of a douche, sorry to say. Full review soon!......more


Quotes

“A realistic and contemporary LGBTQ love story that draws inspiration from Beauty and the Beast…A moving story about unconditional love.” RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

“Sharply drawn relationships and true-to-life dialogue make Dylan’s interactions with Jamie, his mother, and his friends feel breathtakingly real. Spangler’s captivating portrayals of Dylan and Jamie offer piercing insight into the long, painful battle to shatter stereotypes in order to win dignity, love, and acceptance.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Writing smartly in Dylan’s voice, Spangler artfully represents both main characters: the boy who feels like a freak and the witty, imperfect, wise trans girl he loves. Very lightly borrowing on the classic fairy tale, she allows them to fail and succeed without resorting to paper villains or violent plot points to manipulate compassion. A believable and beautiful human story.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Spangler uses the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” as a framework for the story but develops more complex portraits for a modern spin.” Booklist

“A smart, sensitive approach to finding your place when all you can do is stand out…Sometimes touching, often funny, always honest and human…a powerful debut and a wonderful read.” BookPage


Awards

  • USA Today Pick
  • Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
  • Kirkus Reviews Pick
  • ALA Top Book
  • Lambda Literary Award
  • Audible Pick
  • Read Brightly Pick