Last night we went up to my sister-in-law's house to meet our newest niece. And in between oohing and ahhing over her indisputable adorableness, I got to take a peek at my oldest niece's bookshelves. Anna's twelve and a reader. The real deal. And I'll admit that I got a little thrill when I saw that she owns not one but two copies of Robin McKinley's Beauty. I had to take a pic of the one edition, because I've never actually seen a copy in real life, and, because, really, it's too spectacularly 80s for words:
I feel compelled to point out how appalled this particular Beauty would be at this representation of herself. But otherwise? Yup. Too spectacularly 80s for words.
It really is a pretty cover. And dragons. I love them so. It's been far too long since I've read a book in which dragons played any kind of primary character role. They do here, and they are probably my favorite aspect of this book. But more on that later. It's probably worth noting that I, like the rest of the world, was aware of Fourth Wing and the collective losing of BookTok's mind over it. I mean, it was kind of thrilling to hear that you couldn't find a copy anywhere—in the sense that I love it when books are being consumed and loved. And when that happens in such a way that it takes publishing by surprise (for lack of a better way to phrase it) so much so that they have to scramble to print more. So I did the sensible thing and bought the ebook. And then I proceeded to do the not-so-sensible-but-extremely-Angie thing and not read it. There was a cross-country move tucked in there somewhere between the buying and the reading, but more on that at a later date...
That's the same cover they had at the library when I first read this as a kid! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great book.
That cover is so romance-novelish feel! Too cute though that she had two copies. :) I haven't read this one in years, but I loved it so much that when I see young readers catch on to it again, it makes me very happy!
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does the lovely scrollwork behind her head make her look like she has really long orange horns?
ReplyDeleteLol Melissa, I didn't notice that until you pointed it out! Dated covers are the best. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true! The scene where she won't leave her room all dressed up is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteKristen, really? That's hilarious. I'm still sort of stunned at how . . . pink . . . it is.
ReplyDeleteBecky, isn't it? I wonder what they were thinking. I know what you mean, too. I'm still tickled that she owns two copies.
Melissa, HA! I hadn't noticed it until you pointed it out. But now? All I can see.
Holly, the BEST.
Misti, oh, yes! I adore that scene. Gah, I may have to go re-read right now.
I have two copies of Beauty too! But I love how vintage that cover looks. Also, I think it's awesome that your niece loves Robin McKinley. <3
ReplyDeleteThis brings me all sort of delight I cannot even describe.
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