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Beauty and the beast: lost in a book, common sense media reviewers.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Belle gets lured into book in dark but enchanting spin-off.

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Love of literature is central to this story. Belle

It's important to live your own life as you create

Belle's compassion for other people's suffering is

Death and Love play a game of chess where players

Belle is attracted to Henri, who asks her for her

Since this book is an adjunct to the Disney movie,

Bottles of champagne stand in "sterling wine coole

Parents need to know that Jennifer Donnelly's well-written fantasy novel Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book plays off Disney's 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. It's a gothic tale in which Belle is caught in a scheme devised by a character named Death, who places a deadly bet with her…

Educational Value

Love of literature is central to this story. Belle is a book lover who can quote entire passages of Shakespeare and does so to win a challenge with a famous member of the theater. Belle quotes from The Faerie Queene , Hamlet , and the myth of Androcoles and refers to other Greek myths (Persephone and Hades). A Shakespearean sonnet is read aloud. The Beast translates text from Greek, working on a piece from Epictetus ("Difficulties are things that show people what they are"), which plays a role in the moral of the story.

Positive Messages

It's important to live your own life as you create it, not as someone imagines it for you. Difficulties can teach you values. Home is all the people, places, and things that you love. Though love is sometimes messy, it's the most important thing in the world. Be the author of your own story. Love people exactly the way they are.

Positive Role Models

Belle's compassion for other people's suffering is admirable. She learns to love difficult people, but she also learns to look beyond the beautiful facade of things to value imperfection in others.

Violence & Scariness

Death and Love play a game of chess where players die actual deaths. Death is a threatening, sinister character who tricks, cheats, and weaves elaborate lies. The Beast throws tantrums in which he breaks things and threatens to hurt people. The characters around him -- including Belle -- walk on eggshells, expecting him to explode at any moment. Some scenes in the book are spooky and surprising, especially when Belle finds the truth behind Nevermore and zombie-like dolls and marionettes chase her.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Belle is attracted to Henri, who asks her for her heart. The Beast longs for Belle to love him, too. Lots of longing looks and sighs, but no kissing or physical contact.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Since this book is an adjunct to the Disney movie, it is, at it's core, a promotional piece.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Bottles of champagne stand in "sterling wine coolers" on tables at a party.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Jennifer Donnelly's well-written fantasy novel Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book plays off Disney's 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. It's a gothic tale in which Belle is caught in a scheme devised by a character named Death, who places a deadly bet with her sister, Love, that Belle will abandon the Beast. Death conjures a living book, utterly entrancing Belle, luring her closer to her own demise. Elements of Death's plot are creepy and graphic, such as zombie marionettes who try to trap Belle. The Beast's tantrums, in which he breaks things, threatens to hurt people, and abandons Belle or traps her, are frightening. Belle does stand up for herself, but her circumstances really don't lend her much support, safety, or freedom.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

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What's the Story?

In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: LOST IN A BOOK, Love and Death, two sisters who are eternally at odds, make a wager that Belle will abandon the Beast before the enchanted spell in his castle can be dissolved. Defying her oath not to cheat, Death creates a magical book to draw Belle closer to her so that she might win the bet. Belle loves to read and has been given the keys to the Beast's extensive library. All the characters from the movie (Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Chip -- the servants-turned-household items) treat her lovingly as she passes her days in captivity. But Belle is troubled by the Beast's withdrawn and quick-to-anger behavior. She longs for a different life. The magical book might just offer her the perfect escape.

Is It Any Good?

Well-crafted and enchanting, this Disney confection offers a fascinating escape with some spooky twists. Lost in a Book lets fans of the Beauty and the Beast movies delve further into Belle's magical world. This book-within-a-book reads a lot like a Disney movie feels, with its descriptive fantasy world patterned in colorful prose. The well-read observer (bookworm alert!) will recognize the Shakespeare quotes with as much glee as Belle recites them. Someone new to Shakespeare, Spenser, and various Greek myths, might be encouraged to seek out these literary gems, if only to get closer to Belle, who is so bookish and smart that she takes on more depth in this depiction.

As book-smart as she is, Belle has difficulty dealing with the Beast's tantrums. She stands up to him and encourages him to laugh at himself, but is this cycle of bad behavior and reconciliation a healthy one? Lessons of compassion and courage are one thing, but getting into a relationship with someone who lashes out and can't take responsibility for unacceptable behavior is another. This book's weakness is the Beast's weakness; it's not sure how to solve the tantrum issue. But it does offer a lovely escape, which is exactly the point.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how anger is portrayed in Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book . Belle gets caught up in the Beast's tantrums and isn't always safe around him. Do you have anyone in your life like that? How do you set boundaries to feel safe?

Why do fairy tales have charming villains?

What does Belle learn about trust in this story?

Book Details

  • Author : Jennifer Donnelly
  • Genre : Fairy Tale
  • Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Book Characters , Fairy Tales , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models , History , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Disney Press
  • Publication date : January 31, 2017
  • Number of pages : 352
  • Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
  • Last updated : May 3, 2017

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What's Hot?

Book Review: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 12th April 2017  - Last updated: 10th January 2024

Categories Books , Book Reviews

Book Review: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly. A Beauty in the Beast Retelling.

Lost in a Book Summary

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon  Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again.

The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of  Nevermore  offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she has ever wished for.

But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of  Nevermore ? Is  Nevermore ’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

Lost in a Book Review

I’m a huge fan of fairy tale retellings so when I heard about this new Beauty and the Beast book I had to get my hands on it! Lost in a Book revisits the story of Belle and the Beast. The story begins when the Beast grants Belle access to his amazing and full library. However, this time Belle is lured into ‘Nevermore’ – a trick by Death herself.

Death is trying to thwart the blossoming romance between Belle and the Beast so not to lose a bet she made with her sister, Love, but she uses underhand tactics to get her way. Belle, tired of the dusty (castle) and missing her father dearly, is taken in by Nevermore immediately and sucked into Death’s evil plan. But will she manage to escape from Death’s clutches in time to get back before the last rose petal falls and seals Beast’s fate?

It was lovely to see more of the story behind Belle and the Beast’s relationship and I think the Beast appears a lot softer and more human in this version. Interestingly in Donnelly’s Lost in a Book I sympathised a lot with the Beast and not so much with Belle, whereas my feelings towards the original story are the complete opposite.

However, my favourite characters in the end (and those that I felt we knew the most about!) ended up being Chip and the other transformed household objects. These characters really tugged at my heartstrings and for me they stole the show.

I wasn’t such a fan of the stuff that actually takes place in ‘Nevermore’. These parts reminded me a lot of the story ‘Coraline’, which is just thoroughly disturbing and it gave me the creeps! Death is a horrible character who is much more sinister than some of the other ‘baddies’ in fairytales because she actively tries to manipulate people’s lives in such a way that she may even cause their deaths.

I found it hard to sympathise with Belle when she was in Nevermore because I thought her terribly naive but this is actually only a small part of the story. Furthermore, the climax of Lost in a Book is a little predictable too but I suppose with this sort of novel it almost always is.

I love reading books about books and this one was no exception. It’s the perfect time to read this to tie in with the Disney live-action film release starring Emma Watson.

What’s great about this retelling is that it doesn’t rewrite the original story, but instead it could actually be placed into the original without changing it. This short story is probably categorised as a young adult book, however, I think that  Lost in a Book is primarily aimed at younger teenage girls.

The story isn’t particularly complex and it’s very easy to read so this would’ve been absolutely perfect for me around 7 years ago. It’s a story of friendship, bravery, love, family etc. so a really lovely tale for YA readers.

Of course, if you’re a massive Beauty and the Beast fan, you’re sure to enjoy this story at any age, but I thought that was a point worth noting! All in all, Lost in a Book is a heart-warming tale that will no doubt please Disney fans. It’s a quick, easy read that’s perfect for a lovely spring afternoon 🌹

⭐⭐⭐

Buy Lost in a Book: Amazon

Many thanks to Paragon Books for providing me with a review copy of Lost in a Book !

Pin now, read again later!

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

If you liked this post, check out these: Gretel and the Dark Book Review Drown by Esther Dalseno Book Review Cinder by Marissa Meyer Book Review

Laura whatshotblog profile photo

Editor of What’s Hot?

Thursday 27th of April 2017

I LOVED the movie! This book is definitely on my to-read-next list! I love a good easy read sometimes, it helps to just relax my mind and let me enjoy a heartwarming lovely story.

Chelsea Coulter

Friday 21st of April 2017

Oh I'd definitely enjoy this! I'm beauty and the beast obsessed! Disney is definitely not just for children. Not at all!

Beautyqueenuk

Tuesday 18th of April 2017

I think the wife might like this, so it is something for me to look out for!

Sunday 16th of April 2017

Beauty and the beast is one of my favourite disney movie. This sounds an interesting book. Thanks for the review

Stella Kashmoney

I always love reading your book reviews. This sounds like a good read.

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Review: Beauty and the Beast Lost in a Book

Today I’m part of a blog tour with Disney to celebrate Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly! My review copy of Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book and a complimentary copy of Belle’s Library: A Collection of Literary Quotes and Inspirational Musings was provided by Disney.

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Jennifer Donnelly Disney Press January 31, 2017

Amazon | barnes & noble | goodreads.

About Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again.

The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of Nevermore offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of Nevermore ? Is Nevermore ‘s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

I won’t lie– I agreed to review this book for two reasons: one, because I love Jennifer Donnelly’s writing (A Northern Light is still my favorite, though I’ve enjoyed other books she’s written) and because I needed a little more Beauty and the Beast in my life to tide me over until the movie comes out next month. Right? You know.

Because I know what a fantastic writer Donnelly is, I didn’t worry that this book would be overly cheesy, and in fact it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong– there are still silly antics between the household characters, like Cogsworth rambling about grand stories and Lumiere gently teasing him while Mrs. Potts mothers everyone. But on the whole, the story has a more serious tone– much like the original animated movie. The prologue and epilogue feature two sisters– Death and Love playing chess together and discussing a wager they’ve made over the lives of Belle and her Beast. That sets a darker tone for the story, but for the most part, the tale isn’t dark.

I liked that the story tied into some of the memorable moments from the movie– Beast sharing his library with Belle, and the way he saved her from the wolves. But there were added moments, too, where the reader gets to see expanded scenes from those referenced in the movie and a lot more of the process of Belle trying to figure out where she belongs and whether to trust her new castle friends.

The story about the enchanted book felt like it definitely could have happened between scenes of the original movie. I liked that I didn’t have to abandon one of my favorite childhood movies in order to enjoy this, but it didn’t try to compete with the movie, either. This was a fresh, different story that still tied in with the overarching tale.

Overall? I definitely recommend this one to Beauty and the Beast fans, especially those counting down the days to the release of the new movie who need a little something to get through until it hits theaters.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Cultural Elements Belle comes from a small French town. In Nevermore , she meets a fair-skinned countess and her sister, who has dark skin and silver hair.

Profanity/Crude Language Content One instance of mild profanity near the beginning of the book. (Beast makes a comment that he and his companions are cursed.)

Romance/Sexual Content None.

Spiritual Content Some magical elements. Two sisters– Death and Love appear as sisters and make a wager on Beast and Belle. Death intends to win the bet by any means necessary. Throughout the story, as in the original Disney movie, Belle learns that it’s the strength of heart, of love that matters and that loving takes great courage.

Violent Content A brief battle scene in which Belle fights off clockwork beings and briefly faces down Death herself.

Drug Content None.

About Jennifer Donnelly

Website | twitter | instagram.

Jennifer Donnelly is an award-winning, best-selling author of books for young adults and adults, including the Waterfire Saga: Deep Blue , Rogue Wave , Dark Tide , and Sea Spell . Her other young adult novels include These Shallow Graves , Revolution , and A Northern Light , winner of Britain’s prestigious Carnegie Medal, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature, and a Michael L. Printz Honor. She has also written Humble Pie , a picture book, and the adult novels The Tea Rose , The Winter Rose , and The Wild Rose . She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley. You can visit her at www.jenniferdonnelly.com , or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @jenwritesbooks.

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  • Lost in a Book
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About Kasey

33 responses to review: beauty and the beast lost in a book.

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I think it would be “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman

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I think The Giving Tree had a big effect on me and my viewpoint about love.

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That’s probably a toss up between A Wrinkle In Time and Anne of Green Gables.

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The Same Kind of Different as Me taught me a lot about love and compassion.

I’m reading that book right now! 😀

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You know there are so many books that taught me about love, but the first one that comes to mind is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

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I really liked the Wedding by Nicholas Sparks – good lessons for anyone

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I suppose I learned about love from a copy of B&B illustrated by Walter Crane.

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Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. It showed me what pure, true love looks like. Highly recommend it!

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Awwww, that’s one of my favorites! I love that series. Thanks, Gabrielle!

' src=

Probably Jane Eyre. Romeo and Juliet also comes pretty close. ?

Both great classics!

' src=

Well, you sold me! Looks like I need to check it out!

Yay!! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

' src=

Great review. This book is on my tbr list, and I can hardly wait for the new movie’s release! The book that first taught me about love – I guess I would have to say Little Women. It’s hard to really pinpoint one book, but I read this one multiple times as a child and I loved the way the sister cared for each other. It always reminded me of me and my sisters.

Thanks, Charity. Little Women is a great pick for a book about love. 🙂 Sister love is the best!

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Anne of Green Gables

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Great article! I love a review this professional and specific!

Thanks, Sherry! I really appreciate it. 🙂

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Honestly.. Beauty & the Beast was the first book that ever taught me about love lol 🙂 But as I got older I would say “A Walk to Remember” <3

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The Bible 🙂

' src=

The Velveteen Rabbit did!

' src=

Pride and Prejudice!

' src=

Pride & Prejudice

That’s another great one!

' src=

The book that first taught me the most about love was Maniac Magee because it wasn’t a romantic love, which is only one kind.

awwwww! I loved Maniac Magee. You’re right– that’s a great book on love. 🙂

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Good question! I think my mom taught me the most about love, or at least how to show love to those around me.

Ah. I read the question wrong. It’s too early. LOL. The Book that taught me the most about love is the Bible.

Haha! No worries. Both are great answers! 🙂 Thanks, Anna!

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I love your blog and your format!???

Thanks, Olivia!

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

‘Beauty & the Beast: Lost in a Book’ Review

Lost In a Book - The NDK Review

**Disclosure – I received these books for review purposes from the Disney Book Group. All opinions are my own.

Story time is always a favorite in this Neurotic Disney home. NDK (Neurotic Disney Kid) is old enough to read, but not too old to still be read to! Books are wonderful on so many levels. We keep them everywhere – even in the car! Disney Books are a great way to keep Disney at home. Disney Book Group was kind enough to send these books for NDK approval – be sure to look for the NDK Review after the description of each book!

Lost In a Book - The NDK Review

  • Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book  by Jennifer Donnelly
  • Hardcover * 352 pages
  • Age range: 9-12 years old

The NDK Review :

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book  by Jennifer Donnelly is an enchanting tale woven into the original fairy tale produced by Walt Disney Studios, Beauty and the Beast. But this book is mainly about Belle and Belle only. The book starts with Belle, a young French woman, taking the place of her father, who was being held captive by the Beast in his castle. As Belle was in the library of the castle, she found the book, Nevermore. Nevermore,an enchanted book sent by Death, whisks Belle into a whole new world, where she finally thinks she can grasp her dreams again. Little does Belle know about the rules in Nevermore. Belle must make a decision, to go back to the Beast’s castle, or stay in Nevermore forever. Stay tuned if you want to hear more about the story, the NDK way!

I really liked this book for many reasons. This book offers a different twist to one of my favorite stories. I love all of the details Jennifer Donnelly put in the book, because I sure got “lost in a book” with all those details! There was a lot of delicious food mentioned in this book. Belle was able to eat toasted cheese sandwiches, macarons and pears. Belle’s clothes in Nevermore were very fancy. Nevermore was a beautiful place with the enchantment that Death had placed on it. You might laugh at some of my favorite parts, but I really liked it! The book is truly enchanting itself, cover and all.

Now there are the not-so-favorite parts. I must say at the ending where Belle almost becomes part of Nevermore’s story almost made me lose hope all together that she wouldn’t make it. I was scared for Belle and it almost made me stop reading the book. The actual book is not scary, though.

There is a valuable lesson to be learned in this book. Sometimes, things are too good to be true. That means that if someone offers you everything you want, it’s not always a good thing to take it all at once. 

I recommend this book to older kids (10 & up) who love Beauty and the Beast, but would like a little twist to the tale instead of the same story. I’m NDK and this is my review. 😉

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again. The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of Nevermore offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of Nevermore? Is Nevermore’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

Maria H. (ndm#130)

A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Book Review – Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Lost in a Book takes place during the events of the film, making it not-so-much a sequel or even a twist on the main plot line, but more of an in-betweenquel. The original animated feature had two such direct-to-video follow-ups, and whether intentionally or not, there are a handful of moments that harken back to  The Enchanted Christmas . But geared towards teenage readers, the story within these pages are a bit darker.

Love and Death are sisters who have taken great interest in Belle and the Beast. After waging a bet on who would win, Death decides to cheat by placing a magic book in the Beast’s library called  Nevermore , which transports Belle to a lively world full of friends, culture, and perhaps even romance. But if Belle eats three things and leaves three things behind, she will be caught in Death’s trap forever.

The story takes place after Belle and Beast begin to become friends, having bonded over their shared love of books. But Belle is still a prisoner and although her surroundings are more comfortable now, she still yearns to escape. However, having seen the film, many of Belle’s reactions feel somewhat untrue to the character’s portrayal in the film.

Like the animated “sequels,”  The Enchanted Christmas and  Belle’s Magical World ,  Lost in a Book fails to enrich or enhance your appreciation of the main plot line that it has been paused to tell this tale. Furthermore, the characters of Love and Death come out of left field, with no real explanation as to who they are, where they came from, or why they are even living beings rather than just concepts.

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Book review: Lost in a Book

February 18, 2019 by Becky 6 Comments

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

I’ve been very into any sort of twist on fairy tales lately, and as Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies I was excited to get my hands on this! Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly actually doesn’t tamper with the “original” Disney story at all – it takes place in the middle of the movie over a time period that we presumably don’t see. After all, there is a lot of time when the Beast and Belle are together in the castle, and aside from some outdoor snow fun we don’t see too much of what is going on. That’s where this book comes in.

After Beast gifts Belle his library she spends plenty of time in there and discovers an enchanted book called Nevermore. When she enters there it seems many things are possible – she meets interesting people, can travel to interesting places, which she can’t do anymore trapped inside the castle. But how far will she get lost in this book and ignore reality – and is that a good thing?

I enjoyed seeing a look into the characters outside of the main Beauty and the Beast storyline. I felt like we really got more of Belle and her struggles with the position she’s in. She battles a lot of loneliness and longing in the novel which felt very real. We also see more of the Beast’s struggles to try and win Belle over when he’s not willing to open himself up. And of course Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and the whole gang are back.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Her adventures within Nevermore are somewhat interesting. And the whole time she is there we also have a Death vs. Love theme going on, which of course applies to almost any story. I enjoyed this sort of backdrop to the tale. I actually found myself looking forward more to the parts where she was in the castle rather than Nevermore though. Maybe because it was familiar to me and I cared more about those characters than the new “friends” she made in the book.

While it was a good read overall, I had a few minor issues with it. My first problem is that the ending felt really rushed. You could basically see where it was going but not how Belle was going to escape the situation she was in. And the way that it happened was just quick.

My other issue kind of relates back to the story of Beauty and the Beast overall and it being one of my favorites. And I wonder how the idea for this book was conceived. Because as I read it I just felt like I kept asking myself, “Is this a story that needed to be told?” The events that happen to Belle in Nevermore are pretty dramatic and emotional, and I would think that would be something she’d carry with her for months afterward – yet of course we don’t see any evidence of that in the second half of the film. Was this book written because someone had a brilliant idea that just needed to be written down, or because they wanted a Beauty and the Beast tie-in to go with the new live action film?

Regardless I did still enjoy it, I just almost feel like I would have liked the book more if it had focused more on Belle and her relationship with the Beast. I think many Disney fans will enjoy Lost in a Book and it goes quickly!

Would you be interested in reading Lost in a Book ?

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February 18, 2019 at 9:37 pm

I love hearing about new books – thanks for sharing! Looking forward to checking this out.

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March 8, 2019 at 6:41 pm

You’re welcome – I have a number of Disney books I want to read!

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February 18, 2019 at 10:56 pm

I read this a year or so ago and completely fell in love with it – but I agree, the element of Belle and the Beast’s relationship is kinda lacking. However, it’s a great book, overall!

March 8, 2019 at 6:43 pm

Glad you loved it!

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February 19, 2019 at 2:28 am

It sounds captivating! Love a good and quick read.

Yes, quick reads are always nice!

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Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Publisher: Disney Publishing Worldwide

NOW IN PAPERBACK!!  Order from   Your Local Indie Bookstore  | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

An o riginal addition to the beloved Beauty and the Beast fairytale, Lost in a Book follows the lonely, bookish Belle as she finds an enchanted book in the Beast’s library called “Nevermore” that carries her into a glittering new world and the life she’s always dreamed of. But Nevermore is not what it seems, and the more time Belle spends there, the harder it is to leave.

Good stories take hold of us and never let us go, and once Belle becomes lost in this book, she may never find her way out again.

Get Lost in a Book ! Order from Amazon , Barnes and Noble , or your local independent bookstore .

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon  Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue.  The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she was a prisoner, seem within reach again.

The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of  Nevermore  offer her sparkling conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she has ever wished for. Be what about her friends in the castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of  Nevermore ? Is  Nevermore’s  world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book before she loses herself in it forever.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

The Inspiration

If I was reborn a Disney princess, I’d be Belle. No question about it.

Don’t get me wrong: I relate to Ariel’s love of the sea (can you say  Waterfire Saga ?), and  I covet the perfect, life-changing outfit  every bit as much as Cinderella.

But when Wikipedia adds an entry for “Nerdy Feminist Bookworm,” it will have two names: Jennifer Donnelly and Belle.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

I’ve written quite a few books in many genres and under various circumstances, but this one was different. It was an amazing experience to write an original story that weaves around and through a classic fairytale beloved by millions (the 2017 film broke records for Disney at the box office — watch the gorgeous trailer  here ). It’s fascinating — but challenging, as you can imagine. The original story is like gravity: always there and unchangeable.

Buy Lost in a Book at Amazon.com ,  Barnes and Noble , or your  local independent bookstore .

36 comments.

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Dear Jennifer Donnelly, I am 13 years old. I LOVE Lost in a Book! I am doing a book selling presentation to my class in a few weeks and I was wondering if I could get any information I should use for my presentation. Why did you choose Love and Death for the Good and Bad characters exactly? Why did you write this book? What was your motive? Do you enjoy writing books? Do you write books for your career or a hobby? I hope you respond to this. Have a nice day! Thank you!

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H1 Annemarie! I’m so happy you loved Lost in a Book!! Here’s the story behind Love and Death . As for why I wrote the book, Disney asked me to write a story about my favorite Disney princess — so I couldn’t possibly say no! I talk more about this in the Inspiration section above. Do I enjoy writing books? YES!! It’s very very hard sometimes, but I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. Writing books is my job, not my hobby. And it’s not the easiest job out there. It can be lonely and frustrating sometimes — but I’m lucky enough to do what I love! You might want to look at my Frequently Asked Questions for more of my thoughts on these sorts of things. Good luck on your presentation! ❤️

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Is there a sequel to Lost in A Book?

No, but you might be interested in the series of fairy tale retellings that I’m just finishing up! The first book is Stepsister (a retelling of Cinderella), the second is Poisoned (Snow White) and the third is not yet titled — but I think you might enjoy it!

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Omg there is a third one??? I would love to read ittt!!

Not sure what you’re referring to, but there *is* a third book in my series of fairy tellings on the way to follow Stepsister and Poisoned … and I think you might like it! 😉

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Hi, Mrs. Donnelly! I am 10 years old and just got introduced to Lost in a book and Stepsisters! One question; is there a sequel to Stepsisters? What is your favorite childhood author? Any book recommendations? thank you!

Hello Jazmine: To you first question, yes! Stepsister is the first of three fairy tale retellings. The second one is Poisoned, and it came out in 2020. The third one will be out next Spring. We haven’t announced it yet, but we will soon! My favorite childhood author … hmmm, too many to name, but if you read the inspirations (or watch the videos) behind some of my books for young people, you might get some ideas! A recent book for people your age that I recently loved was Odder by Katherine Applegate.

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Dear, Jennifer Donnelly

I just finished the lost in a book and water fire saga series they were both amazing I think water fire saga I first found deep blue in a thrift store and could not put it down then I figured out there are more books to the series I was on a plane at that time so I ordered them as soon as I got home and read the series over and over again, my mom had to put them away I read them so much!!! I read the lost in a book several times but there’s not a cool story to how i got them. thanks

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Ms. Jennifer I would like to know why you choose to name the book “ lost in a book” ??

I think when you read it, you’ll find out!!

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Dear Jennifer Donnelly,

I’m just 13 year old girl and I just ADORED your book Stepsister! I loved how you showed both fear and pain as well as excitement and joy in this wonderous story! It was BEAUTIFUL! I JUST started reading Stepsister on March 2nd 2020! It’s BEAUTIFUL and I had just finished reading it today! I WISH to be able to work with AMAZING authors like YOU! I just have a question! Do you like reading DARK stories! As in DARK fairytales such as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast? At first I thought you wrote DARK FAIRYTALES like princesses that took DARK turns. I just checked out your books that you wrote and it seemed pretty good! But I kinda was wondering if you could think about writing a DARK princess story or something related to dark like Stepsister? Sorry if I’m bothering you! It’s just REALLY INTERESTING! Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for writing Stepsister! It’s motivating me to start writing something of my own as well! Thank you! I hope we get to write book together one day! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Thank you!

Thank you Tera! I hope you do write your own story one day!!

Thank you so much!

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Dear Jennifer Donnelly I love the book beauty and the beast lost in a book does belle find away back to the beast castle or does she get lost in a book forever. Are you going to make a sequel to the beauty and the beast lost in a book?

So glad you enjoyed Lost in a Book! I have no immediate plans for a sequel, but I never say never!!

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Please make a sequel!! I loved you book!

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Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I Highly enjoyed your book and bought it the first day it came out , and read it so many times . Thank you

Thanks for your note — makes my day!!

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Is it possible to make a youtube series reading this book? Aspiring influencer here and just wanted to know if this is possible and/or the proper process to get this information.

Also, I love this book and growing up this was and still is my favorite character and I love how this book captures a different side to her.

I’m glad you enjoyed Lost in a Book , Alexas! The rights to this story are held by Disney, so you’d need to contact them for any reproduction/broadcast use.

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Is there any Hindi edition of Lost in a Book.

I do not believe there is a Hindi edition, but if I get news of one in the works, I will let you know!

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Will you make any more disney based books because this one is awesome?

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Please, please, pleaseee write a sequel! I am begging you! One of the most well written books I have ever read! Please don’t leave me hanging!

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I love the book jacket/cover art, who did it?

The amazing graphic artists at Disney!!

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I love ‘Lost in a Book!’ I couldn’t put it down! I had to reread it again! What an awesome twist to the original Beauty and the Beast movie. I can’t wait for ‘Stepsister!’ Thank you, Ms. Donnelly!

So glad you enjoyed it, Florence!! xo

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Will you be writing more with Disney? Will “Lost in a Book” become a series?

No immediate plans for a sequel/series, but I never say never! If you want to see more of my work with Disney, check out the Waterfire Saga (book one is called Deep Blue ). I’m currently working with Scholastic (publisher of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, etc.) on a new novel called Stepsister — about Cinderella’s ugly stepsister and what becomes of her after the glass slipper ordeal. It will be out next year!

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Is there any news yet when Beauty and the Beast Lost in a Book will get translated to Dutch? I read it in english I loved it! But my mom wants to read it in dutch.

I’m afraid I don’t know — but if I get any news on that front, I’ll share it!

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Mrs. Donnelly please make more water fire saga books i need to see if lucia gets revenge on sera!

I’d love to see that one day, too — I think there may still be a menace lurking under the waves!!

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Book Review of Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

Cover Beauty and the Beast Lost in a Book: Belle in a library with a giant swirling light above her

About the Book

  • Jennifer Donnelly
  • White (Non-Specified)

Grading Scale

Cover Story:  Library Under The Stars BFF Charm:  Single White Female Talky Talk:  Straight From The Mouse Bonus Factors:  Enchanted Books, Bonus Content Relationship Status:  Library Patron

Cover Story:  Library Under The Stars

This cover is beautifully fantastical and perfectly reminiscent of both the old cartoon and new live-action  Beauty and the Beast  movies. The library is drool worthy, though it does seem like there’s no ceiling and that the shelves are open to the night sky. Very striking, but not great for the books’ longevity. * pets them protectively * The Deal:

To set the scene: We open on the day after the Beast rescued Belle from the wolves after her escape attempt. The Beast gifted her the use of his library, and while she is beyond grateful, the dust, cobwebs, and grimy windows fail to show the library at its best, so it’s up to Belle and the servants of the castle to make it sparkle.

While she cleans, Belle finds a mysterious book called  Nevermore . Recalling the Beast’s passing mention of there being some enchanted books in his collection, she’s intrigued and exhilarated when she is able to step inside the book and emerge at an extravagant party hosted by a beautiful countess. She meets dozens of interesting people from all around the world, and soon she starts using the magic book as a way to escape her current predicament.

But what Belle doesn’t realize is that the enchanted book is  not  from the Beast’s collection, but was placed there by Death herself in order to sway Belle away from breaking the Beast’s curse. Will she figure out what  Nevermore  is before she’s trapped inside it forever?

BFF Charm:  Single White Female

BFF Charm with an image of the main character from the movie Single White Female

I mean, come on. It’s Belle. We all want to be her with unlimited access to  that  library. Also, I know she despairs that she’s a prisoner and hasn’t had enough life experiences out in the world, but with my outside perspective I know exactly where her story is going, so heck yes would I hide her body down a well somewhere and take over her soon-to-be-awesome life of living in a beautiful castle with a hot prince (though, really, shouldn’t he be a hot  king  at this point? It’s clear his parents are gone; he’s the only one running this kingdom).

Swoonworthy Scale:  3

Donnelly’s storyline falls into the area of the movies where Belle and the Beast are becoming more friendly with one another, doing things like ice skating and sipping hot chocolate in the snow, but they’re also still tiptoeing around each other’s feelings, scared of saying too much. It’s pretty much the “Something There” montage, and while the overall tone is sweet, their interactions often ended with Belle pushing the Beast to answer her questions about the curse and him getting frustrated and leaving because he’s not allowed to. It was the equivalent of Disney blue balls.

Talky Talk:  Straight From The Mouse Part of the reason I wanted to steal Belle’s spot in the book is because she fell victim to one of the classic blunders of  getting into a land war in Asia  being  way  too trusting of magical strangers. She won’t hear a bad word against the countess and her intentions, and keeps things from people like Mrs. Potts, who even she knows just has Belle’s best interests at heart. So, really, if I were Belle, this book wouldn’t have happened.

Putting aside Belle’s naivety grating on my nerves here and there, the book is written in a very straightforward manner, with little frills and a breezy pace. I’ve enjoyed Jennifer Donnelly’s other books in the past, and while I could see her touch every so often, I honestly feel like this could’ve been written by anyone. That isn’t an aspersion on her as an author, but rather on what I assume was most likely a very regimented story outline that she was required to follow—this being is a Disney product—which probably led to her being unable to really add her own flair.

Did this story need to be told? Probably not. But if you are an avid  Beauty and the Beast  fan, and you crave a few more interactions between the Beast and Belle (because, let’s face it, the movie was always way too short to show us everything we really wanted to see from their relationship), then this is a quick, light read that will leave you with a fangirl smile. Bonus Factor:  Enchanted Books

Open book with moving pages in front of a glowing blue sphere and twinkle lights

Despite its dubious nature,  Nevermore  sounds pretty baller. A book where the story is written expressly for you and would allow you to go wherever you wanted? That even gives you a fancy new dress to wear every time you step inside? Yes, please.

Bonus Factor:  Bonus Content

Man standing in front of a yellow background holding his fists up in victory.

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I love  Beauty and the Beast ; it was one of my favorite movies as a child and I’ve read more than my fair share of retellings, hoping to recapture the magic of the original. So I greedily ate up this new content that showed off some quieter times at the castle but yet still felt like it could’ve been part of either version of the movies.

Relationship Status:  Library Patron

So, Book, I know I just live in the village and I’m definitely not a castle servant (I would have NO idea how to polish the silverware), but would it be alright with you if I just stopped by every now and then and hung out in your library? I’d be as quiet as a mouse and only take up some space on a window seat. I’d even help dust if you wanted me to. FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Disney Press. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review.  Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book  is available now.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

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Stephanie (she/her) is an avid reader who moonlights at a college and calls Orlando home. Stephanie loves watching television, reading DIY blogs, planning awesome parties, Halloween decorating, and playing live-action escape games.

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Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

By Jennifer Donnelly

Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grade 5n/a4.857459

Book Reviews (20)

Anonymous user

This book wad just was just beautifully written and i really enjoyed it so much. So much that i won’t tell you any details so i don’t spoil it. I real always read this book for forever more. ( btw that was a hint ) read on trust me you won’t get cursed

Lil Dumpling

I loved this book its my favorite I love fantasy/ Mystery so as you imagine i also love harry potter and for some reason, it reminded me of it. For example Harry is stuck with the Durslesys and so he finds an escape ( Hogwarts) but Hogwarts wasn't always happy and bright it had a dark side

poshpony

This is an amazing book and it may inspire others to read or write more. It also gives power in friendship and love, making things everlasting bound with care. I am also a fan of this author and her Deep Blue series. I hope you guys love this book as much as I do! HAPPY READING!!!

marnie

my sister loves this book is a movie

Rainbow gold

I read it and I love the book very much

georgiasilver

I want to read this book, just by looking at the front cover and wondering what it will be about. Considering how the theme is about Beauty and the Beast, I can't wait to read it.

readingkendal

This book is quite amazing. In this book Belle finds a enchanted book, which she goes in too! The book is called Nevermore where she finds amazing new friends. She thinks of her friends back at home and realizes that she misses them badly. If you liked the movie, Beauty and the Beast, read Lost in a Book!

howlergirl

I love Beauty and the Beast, books and movies, and when I saw this book on the list I was so happy! Basically in this book Belle finds an enchanted book called Nevermore, and after finding the book and starting to read it, she finds herself pulled into the book! The characters of the book offer her amazing things, but then she remembers all her friends back at the castle, and thinks to herself, can I trust these new friends? She ends up trying to find the truth of these new friends and of this book she's in before she's trapped in this book forever! It was an amazing book and at the end I loved it!

ravenclawella

This was a great story and totally relateable because getting lost in a book is easy to do. I loved the Beauty and the Beast movie and think that this book would make a good movie too. Belle gets lost in a book and goes on an adventure so it is like reading 2 books at the same time.

girlygirl1014

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book is an amazing back story behind the tale as old as time we all know and love. The book begins with the sisters Love and Death. The extremely competitive sisters make a bet to decide what is more powerful; love or hatred. Along the way, book-loving Belle discovers a mysterious book in Beast's library called Nevermore. A magical book that transports the owner to their dream world. In this amazing adventure Belle finds friends,meets enemies, and learns that you are the author of your own story during all the twists and turns. I would recommend this to anyone who loves the Beauty and the Beast story and understands the feeling of getting lost in a book.

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Beauty and the beast: lost in a book by jennifer donnelly.

This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn’t have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story .

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Reading Level : Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for : ages 10-15

Belle has been in the Beast’s castle long enough to make friend with the animated furniture and dishes, but the Beast himself is the most frustrating individual she’s ever met.  Impossible to classify, by turns gentle and fierce, intriguing and intimidating—what’s he all about?  Unbeknownst to Belle, two mysterious figures are watching this relationship unfold with great interest, and their names are Love (a dark-skinned lady who dresses in white) and Death (Love’s pale, black-garbed sister). They have made a wager: will Belle be the one to break a long-standing spell, or will she finally be repulsed by the Beast’s difficult character?  In short, will Love prove stronger than Death?  The grim reaperess, who has been known to cheat, has an enchanted book smuggled into the Beast’s library.  It’s a volume titled Nevermore , which has the power to pull a reader right into the story once it’s opened.  Belle, who spends all her free time in the library, is bound to open it, and once it’s open she can’t resist walking through.  Within Nevermore , Belle encounters Death herself, disguised as the Comtesse des Terres des Mortes , and a world of beautiful dresses, fascinating people, and exciting opportunities.  But is it real?

This story is neither prequel nor sequel, but a kind of in-betwequel that unfolds an entire separate episode within the B&B story arc.  Movie novelizations began decades ago as obvious commercial grab.  Star Trek and Star Wars , along with less successful movie franchises, spawned dozens of these in cheap paperback form, to be devoured and discarded.  Lately, though, media empires employ respected novelists to spin off plots, as we saw with the latest Star Wars trilogy.   Jennifer Donnelly is well known in the YA world, and Lost in a Book stands up pretty well as a novel in its own right.  Because it unfolds in the middle of a larger story, the author has to make extensive use of the past perfect tense, which wears quickly.  Also, the plot-within-a-plot lacks a certain drive and tension.  While Belle is lingering in Nevermore, I sometimes felt that she was just killing time.  But there’s some good stuff here. I rolled my eyes at an early description: “But Belle was not most people.  She questioned everything and was obedient to only one thing—her heart.”  Was this going to be more follow-your-heart pabulum?   Not exactly, because Belle’s heart leads her down a wrong path.  The Comptesse (a.k.a. Death) also says something interesting in a later conversation: “It’s easy to love those who’ve done right by us, don’t you think?  A bit harder to love those who’ve done us wrong.”  She’s talking about Maurice vs. the Beast, but unwittingly provides justification for the sacrificial love Belle will both recognize and display (and should remind us of Romans 5:8)  Lost in a Book is clearly geared toward fans, who will gobble it up, but it turns out to be a nice expansion of the B&B universe for anybody.

Cautions : None

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

  • Worldview/moral value: 4
  • Artistic value: 4

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Tales Past Midnight

Book Review | Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

“Mirrors only show us what we are. Books show us what we can be.” ―  Jennifer Donnelly,  Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon  Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again. The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of  Nevermore  offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she has ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of  Nevermore ? Is  Nevermore ’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Jennifer Donnelly is the author of twelve novels – Stepsister ,  Lost in a Book ,  These Shallow Graves ,  Sea Spell ,  Dark Tide ,  Rogue Wave ,  Deep Blue ,  Revolution ,  A Northern Light ,  The Tea Rose ,  The Winter Rose  and  The Wild Rose  – and  Humble Pie , a picture book for children. She is a co-author of  Fatal Throne , which explores the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives, for which she wrote the part of Anna of Cleves, Henry’s fourth wife. She grew up in New York State, in Lewis and Westchester counties, and attended the University of Rochester where she majored in English Literature and European History. In 2014, Jennifer teamed up with Disney to launch the bestselling Waterfire Saga, an epic series about six mermaids on a quest to rid the world of an ancient evil. The first book in the series, Deep Blue, was released in May, 2014; the second, Rogue Wave, launched in January 2015; the third, Dark Tide, came out in October 2015; and the fourth, Sea Spell, is scheduled for release in June 2016. Jennifer worked with Disney again in 2017, when she published Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book, an original story to accompany the blockbuster Beauty and the Beast film. Lost in a Book expands on the classic tale, exploring the growing friendship between Belle and the Beast as well as Belle’s ordeal within the pages of Nevermore, a magical book from which she narrowly escapes.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairytale but I always hesitate when it’s connected to the Disney movies because most often it would still cater to the Disneyfied version and it always ends up falling flat.

I picked up this book when I went on a book shopping spree at the Big Bad Wolf Booksale back in February and it was an autobuy just because I saw “Beauty and the Beast” on the title without reading the blurb. Can’t say it was a bad buy because I don’t think any book is a bad buy.

Right off the bat I’d say this book would read at a younger level, maybe MG or at the younger spectrum of YA. It had more of the elements of the live action movie than the cartoon as it mentions Agathe the beggar and that Lumiere was dating Plumette . What I didn’t like about this book was how Belle was written as being shallow. I’ve never seen a more stupid Belle than the one that was written in this book. Sure she didn’t really like being kept “captive” at the Beasts’ castle but she knew her choice and it wouldn’t have taken her days to figure out she was being hoodwinked. She was also in her head too much, overthinking the actions of the Beast. I guess that could have happened but Belle is supposed to be the smart princess who followed her heart. 🙎‍♀️🙎‍♀️🙎‍♀️

The saving grace of this book was the characters of Love and Death and how they are sisters who are in an ever evolving battle. I loved their banter, the wager they made, and their confidence in what the human heart will choose.

“Love is not for cowards.” ―  Jennifer Donnelly,  Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

If you are looking for a light read and love Beauty and the Beast like I do, this book wouldn’t be all bad. I gave it a three star rating in Goodreads last night but after thinking about it more I had to knock a star off and just give it two stars.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

I have a couple more books that I bought from BBW2020 that I want to read while the others were bought as part of my collection (can’t buy cheap hardbound books elsewhere), and to be displayed once I finally have a shelf. Not sure if I’m totally out of my book/life funk but maybe I’ll take a look at my book box to see which book will grab my attention.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

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6 thoughts on “ Book Review | Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly ”

I am a fan of Beauty and the Beast too because of the obvious reason that Belle is bookish. Hihi. So I love retellings about it. I even would like to collect. 😊 Thanks for this review. I believe in your taste of books. Got to read more of your articles! God bless!

Like Liked by 1 person

I prefer fantasy book over anything else LoL. Time to break out my BBW haul. They’re still in their original plastic covering. 😹😹😹

We all have reading slump at times! Hihi i hoard most of the time. Haahhaah. It is just one attitude that book lover has? Hahahaha. #bookhoardingmoreTBR

Ahaha yes we do hoard. I keep buying – books I want to read and ones that I’ve already read but don’t have a copy of yet for my collection.

PS: What is your moooooost favorite fantasy book?

Ooohhh can’t give you a specific favorite. I’ve read too many good ones over the years. 🤣

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

‘Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book – An Enchanting Original Story’

Lost in a Book. \ Image: Disney Hyperion and Dakster Sullivan

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book  – An Enchanting Original Story  by Jennifer Donnelly tells us more about Belle’s life in the castle that is brushed over in the movie.

Two things stuck out at me when I was 6 years old and seeing Beauty and the Beast in theaters. First, I thought (and still think) that Beast was cuter as a beast than he was in human. Second, that I would have gladly moved into that castle under the same terms if only to have that library.

Thanks to a new original story by Jennifer Donnelly , we can learn a bit more about the library and get a closer look at the Beast and Belle’s relationship before the “happily ever after.”

We know that along with the Beast, his servants were also enchanted. What about other items in the castle, though? According to Lost in a Book: An Enchanting Original Story , some of the books were enchanted as well and not all of them have happily ever after endings, as Belle finds out.

Shelfie! \ Image: Disney Hyperion

Sisters, Death and Love, play a part in both Belle’s and the Beasts lives. Love is the one that placed the curse on the Beast and Death took the lives of Belle’s mother and the Beast’s father.

With three million gold coins on the table, Love bets that Belle will break the spell. Death doesn’t believe it, but after witnessing Belle’s kindness to the Beast, she decides to stack the deck in her favor with Nevermore , an enchanted book that allows anyone to step into the story and watch as it plays out in real time.

What book lover wouldn’t want to step into the real stories of one of their favorite books? So you can guess what happens next. Belle finds the book and gets sucked in. With Death being in control, you can be assured there are strings attached to this wonderful book, and Belle learns it the hard way.

While we all know that Belle will make her way out, in the end,  Lost in a Book gives us a glimpse into Belle and Beast’s world that we don’t get to see in the movie. In the movie we see it in small montages, in this book, we see it for ourselves how much the Beast and his staff have come to care for Belle already at this early stage of the story. We see how Beast feels about his staff and a little bit of his backstory on why he is such a “beast” to begin with.

There’s an important lesson to learn as well and one every book lover must one day realize. The friends in our books are wonderful, but real friends in the real world are worth finding and loving too.

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book – An Enchanting Original Story is available wherever books are sold and retails for $16.99 ( or $10 on Kindle )

Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, and Kevin Kline is in theaters now. 

Disclaimer: GeekMom was given a review sample of this title.

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BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

Title : Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Author : Jennifer Donnelly Publication : January 31, 2017 Publisher : Disney Press Genre : Teens, YA Fiction, Fairy Tales & Fantasy Pages : 350

SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon  Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again.

The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of  Nevermore  offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she has ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of  Nevermore ? Is  Nevermore ’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you will definitely enjoy this book.  It is a relatively easy read with the beloved, familiar characters we’ve come to know in this Disney classic.  What this book does is breathe fresh life into Belle’s story while she lives with the Beast and the enchanted objects in his castle.  I was a bit skeptical at first about additions to this tale that I love so much, but the author did a really nice job.

To explain a bit more, Belle is getting used to life outside Villeneuve (her childhood town) and even though she dreamed of more than the provincial life she was leading there, she finds herself missing it terribly.  So much so that once she gains access to the castle’s library, via the Beast’s generosity, she stumbles upon a book that seems to offer her an escape that she so desperately wants.  Come to find out, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, as most escapes rarely are.  To me, the moral was clear.  You have to find the beauty and love in what surrounds you already and not try to search for the next best thing.  Sometimes what seems good and appealing is, in fact, not good at all.  Belle comes to learn this lesson as she navigates through the world she’s escaped to, the world of Nevermore, and tries to regain what she thought she wanted to leave behind.

As I said, if you enjoy the original story of Belle and the Beast, you will likely enjoy this, too.  The only reason I didn’t give it 5 out of 5 stars is because I feel that some of the sentences didn’t make sense at times and some more precise proofreading was needed.  I HATE when I get to a part of the book, and so far it’s flowing really nicely, and then I have to re-read something 4 or 5 times to try to make sense of it, only to discover it was probably a typo.  Yet, I still think the story, overall, deserves 4 out of 5 stars because I was highly entertained and finished it in about a week’s time.

STAR RATING: 4/5

Pick up your copy of Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly on Amazon , Barnes and Noble , or check your local bookstore. Also add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author when you are finished. You can find more books by Jenniffer Donnelly on her website HERE !

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Review of beauty and the beast: lost in a book by jennifer donnelly.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

4 comments:

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Sounds like a fun little book for B&B fans.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

It was a fun book and a quick read too.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Fun! I love Disney's Beauty and Beast, but I'm a little worried about the movie.

I think we are all excited but a little nervous as to whether they will really be able to pull it off.

beauty and the beast lost in a book review

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Jennifer Donnelly

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Paperback – 24 September 2019

  • Reading age 10 - 14 years
  • Part of series Lost in a Book
  • Print length 352 pages
  • Language English
  • Grade level Kindergarten and up
  • Dimensions 13.97 x 1.78 x 20.83 cm
  • Publisher Disney Publishing
  • Publication date 24 September 2019
  • ISBN-10 1368057683
  • ISBN-13 978-1368057684
  • See all details

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Lost in a book.

by Jennifer Donnelly ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2017

Readers who love Beauty and the Beast will greatly enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with their story.

Beauty and the Beast are back, along with the familiar cast of characters from Disney’s films.

This movie tie-in begins not long after Belle’s visit to the forbidden West Wing and the Beast’s subsequent, apologetic gift of the castle’s library, where Belle finds a book that captivates her as no other book has before. The enchanted book Belle loves, Nevermore , allows her to escape the castle and her imprisonment, but it is not all that it seems, and Belle finds herself the unwitting pawn in a game between Love and Death. While in Nevermore , Belle wishes to study at university, an unlikely aspiration in the book’s fictional preindustrial time frame, which may jar readers attuned to such details out of Donnelly’s fantasy world. Within that limitation, this book still works for its audience. Readers will enjoy revisiting this magical world, where they can delve deeper into Belle and the Beast’s relationship, and the adventurous Belle is a likable companion for these enchanted travels in Nevermore . Fans will also be cheered by the funny, heartwarming banter among the castle’s enchanted servants. Like Belle, many readers may wish to escape their imperfect lives, and they might find bracing Belle’s discovery that real life is to be preferred, for all of the chaos and pain that it brings.

Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-4847-8098-5

Page Count: 336

Publisher: Disney Press

Review Posted Online: March 9, 2017

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

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From the girl of fire and thorns series , vol. 1.

by Rae Carson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2011

Despite the stale fat-to-curvy pattern, compelling world building with a Southern European, pseudo-Christian feel,...

Adventure drags our heroine all over the map of fantasyland while giving her the opportunity to use her smarts.

Elisa—Princess Lucero-Elisa de Riqueza of Orovalle—has been chosen for Service since the day she was born, when a beam of holy light put a Godstone in her navel. She's a devout reader of holy books and is well-versed in the military strategy text Belleza Guerra , but she has been kept in ignorance of world affairs. With no warning, this fat, self-loathing princess is married off to a distant king and is embroiled in political and spiritual intrigue. War is coming, and perhaps only Elisa's Godstone—and knowledge from the Belleza Guerra —can save them. Elisa uses her untried strategic knowledge to always-good effect. With a character so smart that she doesn't have much to learn, body size is stereotypically substituted for character development. Elisa’s "mountainous" body shrivels away when she spends a month on forced march eating rat, and thus she is a better person. Still, it's wonderfully refreshing to see a heroine using her brain to win a war rather than strapping on a sword and charging into battle.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-06-202648-4

Page Count: 432

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011

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A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles.

Fifteen-year-olds June and Day live completely different lives in the glorious Republic. June is rich and brilliant, the only candidate ever to get a perfect score in the Trials, and is destined for a glowing career in the military. She looks forward to the day when she can join up and fight the Republic’s treacherous enemies east of the Dakotas. Day, on the other hand, is an anonymous street rat, a slum child who failed his own Trial. He's also the Republic's most wanted criminal, prone to stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When tragedies strike both their families, the two brilliant teens are thrown into direct opposition. In alternating first-person narratives, Day and June experience coming-of-age adventures in the midst of spying, theft and daredevil combat. Their voices are distinct and richly drawn, from Day’s self-deprecating affection for others to June's Holmesian attention to detail. All the flavor of a post-apocalyptic setting—plagues, class warfare, maniacal soldiers—escalates to greater complexity while leaving space for further worldbuilding in the sequel.

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ISBN: 978-0-399-25675-2

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Review Posted Online: April 8, 2011

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

Disneyland Hotel, Paris review: heaven for seven year olds and fashion editors alike

Disneyland Hotel, Paris review: heaven for seven year olds and fashion editors alike

Will a visit to Disneyland Paris be as magical as our fashion director remembers from her childhood? Victoria Moss found out

When I say I’m taking my seven year old daughter to Disneyland there’s usually two reactions: either abject horror or bemused sighs of what a nice parent I am. It might seem off-brand for a fashion editor, but I adore Disney . I love the naff kitschiness, the inane tones of It’s a Small World, the implication that nothing bad could ever happen, the pure homely, apple-pie weirdness of it all.   

The last time I came to Disneyland Paris was the early Nineties. We stayed at the Davy Crockett themed hotel, which was essentially caravans covered in plastic logs cosplaying as cabins in the woods. I adored it. It remains a childhood highlight, a strange sort of magic of scream-inducing thrills, sugar highs and unfathomable excitement over people dressed up as cartoon characters. 

Victoria Moss and her daughter at Disneyland Paris

I’ve been waiting until my daughter was old enough so that she could remember it, and be tall enough to get on the good rides. 

We started our trip with a couple of days in Paris, in theory we were going up the Eiffel Tower and seeing all the sights the City of Lights has to offer. Unfortunately after an accident on our first day we spent most of our time in the children’s hospital with my daughter requiring minor surgery on her hand (she was thankfully fine, and side note — I can’t recommend the French medical system more). I was slightly reticent if after this Disney was a terrible idea. When I told the hospital nurse we were going as she prepared my daughter for surgery she looked as if she might call le social services. 

But given that we still had the rest of the week before our flight back home, I wasn’t sure what else to do. Apart from anything she was already livid about the hospital, taking Disney away would instigate a drama of epic proportions. Life is short, I thought. Go to Disneyland! 

The trip from central Paris was easy and, thrillingly for my daughter, on a double decker train with Mickey Mouse signage. We arrived at the branded gates rather battered, bruised and in need of some serious cheering up. 

The weather was grotty. But walking into the entrance, all mouse-motif landscaping and piped music was soporific bliss. As we hummed I asked her, “How long until you think the music gets annoying?”. “What music?” she said. Perhaps the anaesthetic was still wearing off, I worried. 

We swayed on over to the pink vision that is the Disneyland Hotel, in its plum territory bordering the gates of the park. Inside was somewhat chaotic but I think the spirit is to lean into it all. Under the giant chandelier in the hall-like reception area, children span around in glitzy Disney-merch outfits, in one corner there was a Beauty and the Beast enactment going on. At check in, we almost fell into the arms of the reception staff (sorry, cast members) who immediately started referring to my daughter as ‘princess’. 

The lobby at the Disneyland Hotel Paris

We swept up the grand staircase to our room; I made a Titanic joke which she didn’t understand. The hotel has been recently renovated, and the room has a set up which has been carefully thought through for ultimate ease, with a few dashes of Disney-magic, too.

Our ‘superior’ room double beds were framed with Belle artwork, the bathroom tiles if you looked closely showed Cinderella. A magic drawer opened to unveil glasses, tea cups and the like; coffee machines and kettle; the giant mirror was a television; elegant benches sat at the end of our two double beds. Don’t bother packing adaptor plugs as there are USB plug-ins. There was a child-size robe and slippers which thrilled my mini-break buddy. A knock on the door and we were presented with a box of chocolates disguised as a book. All catnip to my daughter, who’d come equipped with an array of Minnie Mouse and Disney outfits to wear in the park. We like to dress the part. 

A superior room at the Disneyland Hotel

The joy of staying at the Disneyland Hotel is its proximity to the action; there’s even a special gate in to avert from too much queuing. Personally, I wouldn’t take a child younger than my one, last year she wouldn’t have got on as many rides and would definitely have whinged a lot more with the daily step count. There’s the much touted ‘Magic Hour’ whereby you can enter the parks an hour before anyone else, but we never quite made it in time. 

There are two restaurants in the hotel plus the Fleur de Lys bar. Both eateries sit next to one another. The Royal Banquet offers what it calls ‘gourmet banquet’ which is a fairly extensive buffet option. At breakfast there are all the usual pancake, cereal, yoghurt, bacon and egg elements you’d imagine. Fruit, perhaps not surprisingly for the crowd, is in rather short supply. I was hoping for an array of freshness, but on both days we ate here there was but a rather sad bowl of mixed fruit salad. This of course didn’t trouble my daughter in the least who wolfed down as much Nutella with hot chocolate chaser as she could stomach. 

Dinner is the real catch here — primarily because you will be visited by Mickey and friends in their suitably regal attire. It’s not just the kids who are giddy and star-struck.  A woman at the next table pulled up her husband’s trousers to show his giant Donald Duck tattoo to, you guessed it, the duck himself. 

Meeting Minnie Mouse at the Royal Banquet

The food was again a bounteous looking buffet, but I was surprised that there weren’t that many explicitly kid friendly options. My daughter isn’t that fussy, but she wasn’t up for the rich meat dishes drenched in sauces and so largely existed on the Mickey-shaped potatoes (admittedly delicious) and crudités selection. A pizza and simple pasta station would be a useful addition here. Equally while the patisserie desserts were beautifully decadent, what she really wanted was some ice cream. For the cost of the meal (€50 for kids, €100 for adults) I did expect a little more.   

Next door is the La Table de Lumière billed as a fancier, more high cuisine option (this is also where you’ll get to mingle with the Disney Princesses). 

Overall the food at Disney is disappointing and expensive. Throughout the park there are various options all offering fairly uninspiring fast food experiences riffing off Disney hits. The best we found was Pizzeria Bella Notte which takes its thematic cue from Lady and the Tramp (which sucked me right in). The pasta here wasn’t half bad (comparative to everything else) and they do Mickey shaped kids pizzas which delighted her majesty. It’s probably worth venturing into the ‘Disney Village’ for dinner if you’re staying in one of the themed hotels outside the park, there are far more options here than inside the park and include high street chains in which you might fare better. But ultimately bring snacks, keep your expectations fairly low and prepare to wince at every bill. 

One treat which went down very well with my daughter was the ‘My Royal Dream’ makeover experience which is available to hotel guests. There are various levels of commitment to the bit: our appointment included a dress and shoes of her choice from the Royal Collection boutique (which houses merch exclusive to the hotel), hair and makeup, plus full photo session. I think in a year’s time she’d be reluctant to do it, but it certainly sealed off her princess era with hilarious panache. I for one can’t wait to bring out the pageant style pictures of her trussed up as Belle on her 18th. 

While the hotel provided a luxe and extremely comfortable base (coming back to hot chocolate in bed, with a fairytale story left on our pillows at turn down — heaven) the main attraction was of course the attractions. 

Outside the Sleeping Beauty castle

Our first stop in the park was for Minnie ears, of course. Main Street was pretty much as I remembered it, those pastel, hokey Americana store-fronts. I would argue that the Disney treats and merch were better in the Nineties, everything feels a little flimsy and unimaginative and certainly isn’t cheap. Do prepare to spend a lot of time fending off requests to buy the endless items which are available on repeat on stalls and stores across the two parks (The Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney Studios). 

Some do’s and don’ts: Definitely download the app. You can see how big the queues are on each ride and the interactive map is a huge help when you inevitably get lost. 

We went in the school holidays and the crowds were impressive; if you want to catch the parades (currently showing is the fun Disney Symphony of Colours) then start milling around the central area in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle early.

If you can, plump for Premier Access, which means you can skip at least halfway to the front on most rides. I’d call it a lifesaver. It meant that by the end of our first day we’d got round most of the rides we wanted to and then could spend the rest of time heading back around on our favourites. 

Do catch a show at Walt Disney Studios — they’re really great and a brilliant way to have a sit down. But again, you do need to get in there early to get a spot. We saw the Pixar character dance show and it was fab. 

My daughter is a complete thrill seeker, but the Avengers Assemble ride (which will fling you upside down) was too much for her. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror however — where you’re ‘dropped’ down a lift shaft over and over again — was her hands down favourite. She forced me on it a stomach-churning three times. I adored the Ratatouille ride which was a delight! 

We walked ate least 15,000 steps each day — so take comfy trainers — plus a waterproof. It rained on and off for most of our three days there, which while not a total dampener did mean we had to shell out for a plastic poncho for my daughter (a personal red line, for me). 

All in all it was very much what I wanted it to be; she adored it and sobbed when we had to pack up and ship out. I found my seven year old buddy to be the very best park companion, up for everything, entranced by the whole schtick and cheered up immeasurably after our rocky start. Additionally, I was calmed by the opportunity to unleash all my pent up emotion from our hospital detour by screaming into the black oblivion of as many roller coasters as possible. Forget therapy, just give me Star Wars Hyperspace mountain. 

Enjoy a one-night stay at Disneyland Paris from £463 per person, including accommodation at Disneyland Hotel with access to the Disney Parks for two days and direct return flights with EasyJet. To book visit: disneylandparis.com . Terms and conditions: Price is based on two adults and two children (aged 3-9) sharing a Superior Room at Disneyland Hotel, with direct return economy flights from London Luton to Paris Charles de Gaulle. Price is based on a departure date of 3rd November 2024. All prices and itinerary correct as of 13th June 2024 and subject to availability and change.

Disney Wiki

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

  • 1 Description
  • 2.1 Movie Characters
  • 2.2 Book-only Characters

Description [ ]

The official description reads:

Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast’s castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to give up when she became a prisoner, seem within reach again.
The charming and mysterious characters Belle meets within the pages of Nevermore offer her glamorous conversation, a life of dazzling Parisian luxury, and even a reunion she never thought possible. Here Belle can have everything she ever wished for. But what about her friends in the Beast’s castle? Can Belle trust her new companions inside the pages of Nevermore? Is Nevermore’s world even real? Belle must uncover the truth about the book, before she loses herself in it forever.

Characters [ ]

Movie characters [ ], book-only characters [ ].

  • Death/The Countess
  • In the book, it is mentioned that there are a few enchanted books in the Beast's library. This suggest that the Enchanted book featured in the 2017 film is not the only magical book found in the library.
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  • 3 The Emotions

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beauty and the beast lost in a book review

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  1. Beauty And The Beast: Lost In A Book

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  2. Beauty and the Beast Lost In A Book Review!

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  3. BOOK REVIEW

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  4. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book (Audible Audio Edition): Jennifer

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  5. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

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  6. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: LOST IN A BOOK by Jennifer Donnelly Review

    beauty and the beast lost in a book review

VIDEO

  1. Disney musical Beauty and the Beast "Home" russian

  2. Beauty and the Beast Unveiled

  3. Enchanting Tales: Beauty and the Beast Retold

  4. The Beauty and the Beast // Classic Bedtime Reading Stories for Children English

  5. Disney Beauty And The Beast (A Little Golden Book) Part-2

  6. Beauty and the Beast

COMMENTS

  1. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Book Review

    Lost in a Book lets fans of the Beauty and the Beast movies delve further into Belle's magical world. This book-within-a-book reads a lot like a Disney movie feels, with its descriptive fantasy world patterned in colorful prose. The well-read observer (bookworm alert!) will recognize the Shakespeare quotes with as much glee as Belle recites ...

  2. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Jennifer Donnelly. Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast's castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue.

  3. Book Review: Lost in a Book, a New Beauty and the Beast Book

    Lost in a Book Review. I'm a huge fan of fairy tale retellings so when I heard about this new Beauty and the Beast book I had to get my hands on it! Lost in a Book revisits the story of Belle and the Beast. The story begins when the Beast grants Belle access to his amazing and full library. However, this time Belle is lured into 'Nevermore ...

  4. Review: Beauty and the Beast Lost in a Book

    About Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast's castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore , an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of ...

  5. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book is a story that takes place while Belle is a prisoner in the Beast's castle. Anyone who has seen the animated movie knows that the Beast shows Belle his library as a friendly gesture and a gift to Belle to make her feel welcome in his castle. This story basically takes place right after that event where ...

  6. 'Beauty & the Beast: Lost in a Book' Review

    Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly; Hardcover * 352 pages; Age range: 9-12 years old; The NDK Review: Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly is an enchanting tale woven into the original fairy tale produced by Walt Disney Studios, Beauty and the Beast. But this book is mainly about Belle and ...

  7. Book Review

    After waging a bet on who would win, Death decides to cheat by placing a magic book in the Beast's library called Nevermore, which transports Belle to a lively world full of friends, culture ...

  8. Book review: Lost in a Book

    Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly actually doesn't tamper with the "original" Disney story at all - it takes place in the middle of the movie over a time period that we presumably don't see. After all, there is a lot of time when the Beast and Belle are together in the castle, and aside from some outdoor snow fun we don't see too ...

  9. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    The Story. Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast's castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue. The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was ...

  10. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    The Beast gifted her the use of his library, and while she is beyond grateful, the dust, cobwebs, and grimy windows fail to show the library at its best, so it's up to Belle and the servants of the castle to make it sparkle. While she cleans, Belle finds a mysterious book called Nevermore. Recalling the Beast's passing mention of there ...

  11. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    An original addition to the beloved Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, Lost in a Book follows the lonely, bookish Belle as she finds an enchanted book in the Beast's library called Nevermore that carries her into a glittering new world.There, Belle is befriended by a mysterious countess who offers her the life she's always dreamed of. But Nevermore is not what it seems, and the more time Belle ...

  12. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

    This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn't have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly. Disney/Hyperion, 2017, 341 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Belle has been in the Beast's castle long enough to make…

  13. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Jennifer worked with Disney again in 2017, when she released the NY Times bestselling "Lost in a Book," an original novel set in the world of the blockbuster film, "Beauty and the Beast." Jennifer's 12th novel, 2019's Stepsister, begins where the classic tale of Cinderella leaves off. It follows Cinderella's wicked stepsister Isabelle as ...

  14. Book Review

    Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast's castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book unlike anything else she has seen in the castle, Belle finds herself pulled into its pages and transported to a world of glamour and intrigue.The adventures Belle has always imagined, the dreams she was forced to ...

  15. Lost in a Book

    Jennifer Donnelly's well-written fantasy novel Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book plays off Disney's 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. Love, and...

  16. 'Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    There's an important lesson to learn as well and one every book lover must one day realize. The friends in our books are wonderful, but real friends in the real world are worth finding and loving too. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book - An Enchanting Original Story is available wherever books are sold and retails for $16.99 (or $10 on ...

  17. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: LOST IN A BOOK by Jennifer Donnelly Review

    It's a tale as old as time, a story as old as rhyme...Beauty and the Beast (and also a host of other characters who range from charming to terrifying...yay!)...

  18. BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

    REVIEW: If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you will definitely enjoy this book. It is a relatively easy read with the beloved, familiar characters we've come to know in this Disney classic. What this book does is breathe fresh life into Belle's story while she lives with the Beast and the enchanted objects in his castle.

  19. Review of Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

    Read for: New book purchase/ Look at that Cover! Synopsis: "An original addition to the beloved Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, L...

  20. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book - Kindle edition by Donnelly, Jennifer, Disney Book Group, Disney Storybook Art Team. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book.

  21. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Read 2,392 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Narrated by: Jenna Augen Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release Date:03… Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly | Goodreads

  22. Beauty and the Beast

    Today I look at the tie-in novel for the live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. Will I be truly lost in this book or will it just lose me?

  23. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Jennifer Donnelly is the author of thirteen novels - Poisoned, Stepsister, Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book, These Shallow Graves, Sea Spell, Dark Tide, Rogue Wave, Deep Blue, Revolution, A Northern Light, The Tea Rose, The Winter Rose and The Wild Rose - and Humble Pie, a picture book for children. She is a co-author of Fatal Throne, which ...

  24. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

    Like Belle, many readers may wish to escape their imperfect lives, and they might find bracing Belle's discovery that real life is to be preferred, for all of the chaos and pain that it brings. Readers who love Beauty and the Beast will greatly enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with their story. (Fantasy. 10-14)

  25. Disneyland Hotel, Paris review: heaven for seven year olds and fashion

    To book visit: disneylandparis.com. Terms and conditions: Price is based on two adults and two children (aged 3-9) sharing a Superior Room at Disneyland Hotel, with direct return economy flights ...

  26. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book is a book written by Jennifer Donnelly. It was released on January 31, 2017. The books serves as an additional story to the 2017 live action film. The official description reads:Smart, bookish Belle, a captive in the Beast's castle, has become accustomed to her new home and has befriended its inhabitants. When she comes upon Nevermore, an enchanted book ...

  27. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

    Lost In A Book by Jennifer Donnelly is a re-telling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. As far as books are concerned, it is a rather nice novel that kept me engaged throughout. However, when re-tellings are concerned, it was just okay, mainly because it features almost all the major symbols that occur in the story (almost).