mary_r_m's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy [a:Donna Jo Napoli|18684|Donna Jo Napoli|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1268450123p2/18684.jpg] as an author. Her way of retelling a fairy tale never ceases to amaze!
Four flying stars for [b:Bound|444324|Bound|Donna Jo Napoli|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347612170s/444324.jpg|433070]!
Four flying stars for [b:Bound|444324|Bound|Donna Jo Napoli|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347612170s/444324.jpg|433070]!
thisbookishcat's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
4.0
Although this book is short, it is a beautiful, twisted retelling of the classic Cinderella story. I read this as a child, not knowing what foot binding was and how atrocious a practice it was. This book really makes you feel for this free-spirited girl who wants nothing to do with these customs and traditions.
If you're looking for a quick read, or you want to teach and discuss with your children about these sorts of practices, this is something I would highly recommend.
If you're looking for a quick read, or you want to teach and discuss with your children about these sorts of practices, this is something I would highly recommend.
bookbutch's review against another edition
5.0
I was at one time in my childhood obsessed with both Cinderella retellings and Chinese foot binding. This book found me at the perfect time. I had been thinking about this book a couple months ago and was so shocked when I saw it in my college library. I’m very glad to have reread it as an adult.
melli80's review against another edition
3.0
It was a great short read, I was a little disappointed in the end only because it ends so abruptly. But besides that very good version on the Cinderella story.
fluffy8u's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting ancient Chinese version of Cinderella, it goes into Chinese traditions and how they shape Xing Xing's life.
The ending has kind of a rush-to-finish-my-homework kind of feel though. While it's a proper ending (I would have felt wronged and cheated any other way), it's not 100% real like the rest of the book. Like the author said "Uh oh. Deadline's coming up. Gotta hurry and finish."
Still a pretty good read.
The ending has kind of a rush-to-finish-my-homework kind of feel though. While it's a proper ending (I would have felt wronged and cheated any other way), it's not 100% real like the rest of the book. Like the author said "Uh oh. Deadline's coming up. Gotta hurry and finish."
Still a pretty good read.
eternallyunsatisfied's review against another edition
5.0
I adore this book. Xing Xing is such a wonderful character and is intelligent and kind. The writing was compelling, and the ending made me extremely happy. I would most definitely read this again, and recommend it to anyone who loves fresh takes on the age-old story of Cinderella.
genbell's review against another edition
3.0
A retelling of cinderella in ming China. A short and sweet book with historical details and ambiance.
themadshatter's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
nicolesnook's review against another edition
3.0
Decent retelling of Cinderella, but the characters could have been better developed. It seemed like the ending was thrown together quickly and there was very limited interaction between Xing Xing and the prince.