

Beast
Author: Brie Spangler
Narrator: Andrew Eiden
Unabridged: 8 hr 28 min
Format: Digital Audiobook Download
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 10/11/2016
Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Lgbtq+, Social Themes, Humorous
Author: Brie Spangler
Narrator: Andrew Eiden
Unabridged: 8 hr 28 min
Format: Digital Audiobook Download
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 10/11/2016
Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Lgbtq+, Social Themes, Humorous
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
“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