Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson: A Review




The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back 

by Sariah Wilson 

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.

But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake. 

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

My Thoughts:

I am happy to say this is one book that lived up to its hype. It was a clever, endearing slice of fairy tale heaven that anyone could enjoy, whether they are young or just young at heart. Of all the fairy tales, Cinderella seems to be the most popular one, especially where retellings are concerned. For good reason. It is a story that still resonates with readers today. Who wouldn't want to be rescued from their humdrum life by a handsome prince?

I love the story of Cinderella, so I was eager to read this retelling and I'm so glad I did. It was a funny, snarky, sweet story of a girl who undergoes a transformation in a different and interesting way. I really loved Mattie Lowe. She was smart and spunky and had a unique way of dealing with an overbearing parent. And not everything is as it seems from beginning to end. Is that good or bad? You'll have to read it for yourself to find out. Jake makes a good candidate for the Prince Charming role. He's one of those things that may or may not be what they seem in the beginning. Mattie's stepsister Ella is also interesting and makes a good foil for Mattie.

All in all, it was a sweet story that depicts an interesting twist on a fairy tale classic. Well worth the read.

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