Image citation: Amazon. (n.d.). [By the Book-A Meant To Be Novel]. Retrieved July 11, 2024, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/1368053386?k=by%20the%20book%20jasmine%20guillory&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_l_k0_1_11&crid=1EWN3M1OV416K&sprefix=By%20the%20Book.
The novel follows Isabelle "Izzy" Marlowe as she struggles as the only black employee at her publishing job; she gets extra work for no reason. Everything changes when Izzy gets an opportunity to give Beau Towers a pep talk in California. He has not been keeping up with the due dates for the publication of his memoir.
Izzy and Beau's relationship enfolds in a similar way to that of Belle and the Beast. At first, Beau frightens Izzy as he is not used to social interactions. As they work together on Beau's memoir, the two become friends and, eventually, fall in love.
I learned a lot about Beau's backstory as the novel progresses. His California mansion was family property. After some deaths in his family, Beau hopelessly drove to the house and took it for his own.
Izzy's work with Beau changes both of them for the better. It also restores Beau's relationship with his mother, at whom he is angry for some reason.
Not only is By The Book a modernization of Beauty and the Beast, but it includes references to the animated film. For instance, Izzy works at a publishing house called Tale as Old as Time (TAOAT), enters a bookstore with a swinging ladder, talks to household objects, and watches a period drama with Beau called This Provincial Life. If you've seen Beauty and the Beast, you'll know what I'm talking about.
I have one issue with the book. Izzy's conflict is relatable, but not exactly one I can easily relate to since I don't love books as much as she does. However, I love the idea of working at a publishing house and being surrounded by books.
There is also some vulgar language, which can turn off sensitive readers. Christians, especially, want to be wary of such offenses.
Otherwise, By the Book is an enjoyable read for fans of Disney's Beauty and the Beast looking for a modern take as well as book lovers and women of color.
Have you read By The Book? What do you think about it?
No comments:
Post a Comment