It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for a tale as old as time! 🎄✨ This week, we’re kicking off December with Beastly by Alex Flinn and its movie adaptation. Think Beauty and the Beast—but make it modern, moody, and filled with high school drama.

We’ll chat about this YA book’s fresh take on the enchanted tale, discuss how the movie brought it to life, and debate if true beauty really comes from within—or if it’s just good lighting. 

Grab your cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and let’s get into the enchantment of Beastly! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss next week’s episode—our holiday lineup is packed with festive fun! 🎁

Hosted by Keri with co-hosts Lindsey and Crystal.

Content Warnings: Superficiality, bullying, transformation, isolation, parental neglect, verbal abuse, body image, imprisonment/forced confinement, drug use

Books & Adaptations Mentioned:

• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Beastly: Lindy's Diary by Alex Flinn
• Beastly (2011 Film Adaptation)

Question of the Episode:

• Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, what other story retelling(s) do you recommend others should read?

Crystal’s Recommendations:

• Ever After
• Star Trek: The Next Generation - S4.E20 - Qpid

Lindsey’s Recommendations:

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (Novel)
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Movie

Group Recommendation:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Keri’s Recommendations:

• Entreat Me by Grace Draven
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

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Intro/Outro Music - Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

Chapters:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:34) Synopsis

(02:30) Ratings and Non-Spoiler Reviews

(10:54) Book vs Movie Breakdown (SPOILERS)

(1:16:40) Final Verdict

(1:17:35) Question of the Episode