A modern-day fairytale--a major motion picture starring Christina Ricci, Catherine O'Hara, James McAvoy, and Reese Witherspoon. Penelope...
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Dec 10, 2011
Valerie
rated it: 
First off I should say that I really like the story line, with the curse and all that. However, the author doesn't really go into depth with the characters. Its not that the characters are unlikeable, you just don't get the full idea of who they are.
I probably would've liked the book more if I hadn't watched the movie already. There were no surprises and the movie pretty much follows the book.
I liked the book, but if you already watched the movie you aren't missing out
I probably would've liked the book more if I hadn't watched the movie already. There were no surprises and the movie pretty much follows the book.
I liked the book, but if you already watched the movie you aren't missing out
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Mar 09, 2011
Reading Vacation's Mom
rated it: 
REVIEW
Penelope was an incredibly cute story. I loved reading about Penelope’s childhood as a girl with the face of a pig. It was such an emotional story that I felt very strongly connected to Penelope. Caveny did such a great job of drawing me into Penelope’s unusual world.
All of the characters were so well written. I fell in love with sweet Max and don’t even get me started on Penelope’s mother. I felt sorry for her and I was frustrated with her at the same time! Every character added the More...
Penelope was an incredibly cute story. I loved reading about Penelope’s childhood as a girl with the face of a pig. It was such an emotional story that I felt very strongly connected to Penelope. Caveny did such a great job of drawing me into Penelope’s unusual world.
All of the characters were so well written. I fell in love with sweet Max and don’t even get me started on Penelope’s mother. I felt sorry for her and I was frustrated with her at the same time! Every character added the More...
Feb 11, 2012
Stephanie
rated it: 
Didn't get a chance to see the movie, so I got the book for three dollars at Half Price Books.
Definitely enjoyed reading it. I thought the plot was a clever inversion of the typical fairy tale story, and the twists and turns felt very natural (such as the reporter posing as her suitor, and the way Penelope becomes a celebrity just because she has a pig nose.) The plot didn't go that deep into the human psyche (you could do a lot more with questions about to what extent our appearance d More...
Definitely enjoyed reading it. I thought the plot was a clever inversion of the typical fairy tale story, and the twists and turns felt very natural (such as the reporter posing as her suitor, and the way Penelope becomes a celebrity just because she has a pig nose.) The plot didn't go that deep into the human psyche (you could do a lot more with questions about to what extent our appearance d More...
Jan 03, 2012
Veronica
rated it:
I absolutely love the originality of the story. Surprisingly, this is one of the few modern fairytales that managed to pull at my heartstrings, making Penelope one of my favorite movies. Which is why I understand that the book might not have aligned with my secret fixation with the movie the way I would've liked. This project must have been a challenge for Marilyn Kaye--the rendering of a pre-made story into unique, believable words that wouldn't sound too much like an monotonously parallel echo
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Mar 20, 2010
Heather
rated it:
I gave Penelope only two stars because of the complete lack of originality in the book. I am probably being harsh.
On one hand, if the author's motivation was simply to put into purchasable print a modern day fairy tale, then congratulations! It is definitely a pleasant and appropriate book for pre-teens.
On the other hand, the fact that the book came after the screenplay presented an opportunity to the author that she did not take advantage of. My hope was that I woul More...
On one hand, if the author's motivation was simply to put into purchasable print a modern day fairy tale, then congratulations! It is definitely a pleasant and appropriate book for pre-teens.
On the other hand, the fact that the book came after the screenplay presented an opportunity to the author that she did not take advantage of. My hope was that I woul More...
Mar 21, 2008
I love this movie so I wanted to read the book based on the screenplay. I've finished it now and I did not like it. The story felt clunky and a bit all over the place and the writing was often rather awkward. It gave me a few chuckles (what with its over-the-top descriptions) but overall it was not a book I'd recommend.
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Dec 18, 2010
Mocha ღ Latte
rated it:
Penelope Wilhern grew up with everything she ever wanted: a wealthy , socialite family , an enchanted bedroom and some of the coolest clothes around. Penelope, however, has been cursed with the snout of a pig in the place of human nose. For years Penelope has been forced to meet with potential, blue-blooded bachelors in hopes to find a husband who can break the curse but they always leave running. However, one day a man working for a tabloid reporter is sent to snap a photo of the mysterious and
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Mar 16, 2010
Kate
rated it:
I loved the Movie Penelope, it has such a magical quality and the love story is tender. I picked up the book hoping it would have the same magical feel to it.My current work in progress needs some of that magical feel, current but also magical.
Had I realized the book was an after thought, written after the screenplay, I probably wouldn't have bought it. In my opinion books written after the fact typically fall flat. And this one followed that pattern.
It's written in firs More...
Had I realized the book was an after thought, written after the screenplay, I probably wouldn't have bought it. In my opinion books written after the fact typically fall flat. And this one followed that pattern.
It's written in firs More...
Nov 08, 2011
B
rated it:
I love the story of Penelope... and I love the movie. But this book was awkward. Penelope the movie had a very strong voice about it, with a particular (and might I add, lovely) cadence/sound/feel. This book lacked that. Plus all sorts of random facts were changed that didn't need to be. Why did she open a shop instead of becoming a teacher? Though it did seem to fit her horticultaral side better. I don't know. It's hard enough when a book is made into a film, but I was disappointed that some of
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Aug 19, 2011
Alice
rated it:
Not a very faithful retelling of the film (which I adore), but does expand on some details not established in the movie. In fact, the book gives a rather drastically altered sequence of events, apparently adapted from the original script. A lot of the aesthetic is lost, and the characters are different and less vibrant. Also, the dialogue is forced and only a few lines resonate from the original motion picture. It's a very quick read, with a sweet message, and a gentle humour. The writing is a l
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Jan 17, 2012
Ariana
rated it:
I liked the book because it was like a fairy tale you read when you were younger, but it wasn't old fashioned like most fairy tales. The story was happening now. Also, I really liked the way Penelope handled the situation her mom put her in. Penelope had a curse on her. She was born looking like a pig and her family thought that if a "blue-blood" married Penelope, the curse would be broken. Because of that, her mom hired a matchmaker and kept bringing guys to the house to talk to
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Apr 17, 2009
Echo
rated it:
I don't normally read books based on screenplays, but I didn't actually notice it was based on the movie until after I'd already started reading it. I haven't seen said movie, so I can't compare the two. However, the book was good. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. My only gripe would be the ending, which seemed to be tied up just a little too neatly for my taste. It was almost, dare I say, cheesy. But it was based on a movie, so what can you expect? And overall, it was a rea
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Sep 27, 2010
Erica
rated it:
Not as good as the movie,
but I did appreciate learning more about
some of the characters' backgrounds,
like Edward, Lemon, and Max/Johnny. It was
also interesting to see how the curse originally
started.
I did think it was weird for
Jake/the witch to have stayed with
Penelope for so long, taking care of
her all those years when the intention
was to watch the curse play out.
What a strange way to demonstrate an act of vengeance.
but I did appreciate learning more about
some of the characters' backgrounds,
like Edward, Lemon, and Max/Johnny. It was
also interesting to see how the curse originally
started.
I did think it was weird for
Jake/the witch to have stayed with
Penelope for so long, taking care of
her all those years when the intention
was to watch the curse play out.
What a strange way to demonstrate an act of vengeance.
Jul 29, 2010
Kate
rated it: 
Since this book is based on the movie, it's pretty close. I liked how the book had some extended scenes that weren't in the movie, but a lot of details were changed. The mother was horrid compared to the movie, which I thought was okay. I liked that it was on a young adult level even though the main character is 25. A fun read, but I like how the movie is more magical. I'd rather watch the movie, but I'd read the book again.
Mar 15, 2010
Angela
rated it:
This is an interesting twist because the book was written off the screenplay for the movie PENELOPE (instead of the other way around).
PENELOPE is a really cute modern-day fairy tale about a girl who learns to love herself for who she is instead of living the "when _____ happens to me, then I will be happy" myth.
If you have seen the movie then the story won't be a surprise to you. But there are several scenes from the movie that are expanded a bit more in the bo More...
PENELOPE is a really cute modern-day fairy tale about a girl who learns to love herself for who she is instead of living the "when _____ happens to me, then I will be happy" myth.
If you have seen the movie then the story won't be a surprise to you. But there are several scenes from the movie that are expanded a bit more in the bo More...
Dec 13, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
It is rare that I like a movie better than it's book, but while I did enjoy the book, I felt like it was missing the charm of the movie. I also felt the book was very hurried, with very little time to enjoy the characters or get a feel for their quirks, or even a feel for the developing friendship between Penelope and "Max". Is it worth the read? Sure. But if you only want to experience one, I recommend the movie.
Jan 28, 2010
Deby
rated it:
A Twinkie book. I hadn't seen the movie, but picked up this book by chance. I loved the idea of a modern fairy tale, and the ending was perfect, but it was all the stuff in the middle that I can't quite get behind. It felt a little disjointed in some areas, and I didn't understand why people were so willing to believe in the curse. But all in all, it was kind of fun.
Mar 18, 2010
Stacey
rated it:
This was a fast fun read. I would maybe suggest reading this before the movie, because it was so similar that I kindof wished I could read it and experience it this way by itself.
The writing wasn't fabulous, it cut out my favorite part from the movie, but other than that it was a good book.
I am excited to discuss this more at my book club!
The writing wasn't fabulous, it cut out my favorite part from the movie, but other than that it was a good book.
I am excited to discuss this more at my book club!
Oct 28, 2011
Lauren (Flame)
rated it:
This was another good book :)
I've seen bits and pieces of the movie, and I thought they did it very good.
I loved how the end wasn't like usual fairy tales, and how when they get married the curse gets lifted. Instead, Penelope had to accept herself the way she was. She didn't need anyone else to accept her but herself.
I've seen bits and pieces of the movie, and I thought they did it very good.
I loved how the end wasn't like usual fairy tales, and how when they get married the curse gets lifted. Instead, Penelope had to accept herself the way she was. She didn't need anyone else to accept her but herself.
Mar 31, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
I saw the movie that this book is based on a few years back and I liked it enough that I decided to read the book. I quite enjoyed the little nuances and the extra detail that the book had but overall the book and the movie are very similar. Still a cute story though! And I kinda fell for the characters. The book made love Johnny (Max), Lemon, Annie, and the butler Jake. It didn't grab and hold my attention like other books but it makes you come away with the idea that being yourself is the best
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Aug 13, 2010
Tianna
rated it:
This book should be mandatory for little girls to read. I read it when I was a bit older ( 19) yet it still left a mark. A great book for girls to read about believing in themselves and letting their inner and outer beauty shine and not being ashamed or tied down by others.
Jul 07, 2010
Bayla
rated it:
I was disappointed in this book. I did not realize before I read it that it was based on a movie, or that would have tipped me off. I thought the premise was great, but the book was shallow and not well developed.
Aug 07, 2010
Jhona
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 11, 2009
Miriam
rated it:
A quick read, I'm glad it fills in a couple spots that seem to be skimmed over in the film. It was enjoyable for a movie novelization.
Oct 03, 2011
Jewelzybug
rated it:
A good and easy little book. Looses some of the charm and wit of the movie. Doesn't go deeply into character development. Does explain some things from the movie and changes others.
I think this will be one time where the movie is definitely preferred.
I think this will be one time where the movie is definitely preferred.
Aug 12, 2011
Katie
rated it:
Modern day fairy tale that can be inspiring for many. I think I liked the movie better, but it was a fun, easy read.
Feb 07, 2010
Kate
rated it:
Saw the movie first, but loved the book just as much! I love how this book shows how superficial the world can be...
Jan 03, 2011
South Regional
rated it:
This is one of those books that are better than the movie, even though the movie came out first.
Apr 15, 2009
Kylee
rated it:
It taught a good lesson, and I read it all in one afternoon, but it was a little boring. I liked it though.
Dec 22, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
This is one of those books that are better than the movie, even though the movie came out first.
