Beast

By: Brie Spangler

Narrated by: Andrew Eiden

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

A witty, wise, and heart-wrenching novel that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan.

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn't look like your average 15-year-old, so naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans hats (his preferred camouflage), Dylan goes up on his roof only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg - and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers. Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out at therapy - until he meets Jamie. She's funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She's also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his self-pitying and superficiality. As Jamie's humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn't know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn't listening. Something that shouldn't change a thing. She is who she's always been - an amazing photographer and devoted friend, who also happens to be transgender. But will Dylan see it that way?

©2016 Brie Spangler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

bare truth at it's best

this book was such a realistic view. honest, rough, real, no fluffy BS. DIFFICULT to listen to at times, but a hard road that needed to be taken. Dillons story felt really honest (though maddening to read) and it wasn't one that you get in novels. the frustration and confusion was felt for both Jamie and Dillon. I think a lot of us can relate to putting people in a box because of past experiences committed by others.

interesting read

Not going to lie, I kind of hated the main character. But the whole story and coming into himself was so great, it kept my attention and it was an interesting journey.

A very insightful story about modern teens coming of age & relationships

I loved this story and the narrator captured the voice of the main character very well.

I listened to half and don't know if I can finish it

I enjoy the idea of the book plot. Dylan defibrillator has a hard time with his own self image which is very fair for a 15 year old especially one that develops quicker than others. but the way he treated to Jamie's confession, which he would have known if he was listening, was so painful to listen to. calling Jamie a boy in a skirt after being in love with her a second ago was horrible. and how his mom was supposed the good loving parent but watched jp relentlessly bully her son was rough. there's no way he was there almost every night and she didn't notice that jp was making him feel worse about himself everyday. and when he was hanging out with Jamie in the beginning he was happy for the first time and his mom said I don't like who you're turning into.

Great Story!

Loved listening to this. Disliked the mom’s character. I AM a single parent and she STILL acts all “woe is me”. Have some respect for the solidarity and privacy of others lady. Geez. Everything else with the storytelling -golden.

Great storytelling

Great storytelling by the author. The Narrator did a wonderful job portraying the voice of the main character.

Rollercoaster of a Story

I am much older than the main characters of this story, so I had a hard time thinking “just tell him/her!” all the time. But that’s the point, right? Our individual experiences aren’t always easy to communicate to someone who has not gone through the same life events. It’s not easy to look at someone and immediately see the pain they hide behind a smiling mask. We aren’t mind readers, so it’s hard to know what others are thinking. All this and during a time when we are transitioning into adulthood, woof. Reflecting on this story, I appreciate that rollercoaster. It was great insight on what it is to learn and grow through mistakes and emotions. Adding in a character who is transgender was a beautiful part of the story and made it even more complex to work through, but for all the good reasons. I could not possibly begin to know what the Transgender community has to go through, no matter the time in which they choose to transition. But this gave great insight to both sides of the transitioning and those who love them but may even have their own struggles. I love the good, the bad and the ugly of this story because it rings truth. It was great to hear ALL the characters grow and mature and find their way to love and support each other.

The narrator was great, made identifying the characters easy and read at a good pace.

One of the best audiobooks I have ever read

I am completely invested in these characters and I would love it if there was a book two and three following Dylan’s and Jamie’s high school career and into college. I feel there is so much more you could do to build their character arc and also JP’s redemption (self reflected) on life. Ahhh give me more give me more! I have already listened three times!

Unexpectedly very nice read

This book was honestly a good read. It was an impulse buy. I have a horrible habit of throwing things in my wish list and not being able to decide which deserves a credit. I let this title sit in my wish list for ages, and even when I bought it, It was a forceful "thing." I just made myself waste a credit on something, so I wouldn't overthink it. I'm so glad I did. It was a lovely read, and it kept me interested. I usually put audiobooks on to help me fall asleep, but this one kept me awake. So, in the same way I forced myself to buy this book, I had to force myself to put it down. The narrator did an excellent job. He captured the characters well. Go buy it! Be like Shia labeouf and "JUST DO IT!"

To PDA or not to PDA in PDX, that is the question

In the ubiquitous AB story structure, Beast’s initial tribulation gives way to a bigger crisis. The hair issue made me think of the the three Weird Sisters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. But while Beast is preternaturally conversant in literature, I can't see any literary heritage playing a part in the story structure or content. I take that back. This updated manners and morals tale harkens back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras, except for the lack of subtlety.

Beast is just like everyone else in Portland, a bit weird in a really offensive way. But every young cast member should get a sympathy greeting card because the adults are worse: completely messed up or dead. Well, his mom did seem to understand that he shouldn't be trusted. As in most juvenile first-person narratives, Beast’s inner monolog suggests he should consider being a writer; he's far too clever. Finally, why does one stripe of the rainbow get glowing approval, while gays do not?