| Title | : | The Ugly Duckling (The Ugly Duckling, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 242 |
| Publication | : | First published July 8, 2016 |
Libby Saunders, who spent the first seventeen years of her life as an ugly duckling, bleaches her hair and drops forty pounds in order to get her fairytale ending. Once she evolves into a beautiful swan, the handsome princes are tripping each other’s royal steeds in order to get a date with her. But while the princes in fairy tales may be perfect gentlemen, Libby finds that her real life princes tend to be somewhat less than perfect. Actually, they tend to be a bunch of two-timing jerks.
Will Kaplan, the roommate of Libby’s latest boyfriend, is definitely not her idea of a handsome prince. He’s missing a cleft in his chin, he doesn’t have a British accent or even a French or Italian accent, and he rides a wheelchair rather than a white stallion. But the more Libby gets to know Will, the more she starts to wonder if handsome princes are really all they’re cracked up to be. And maybe a nice, ordinary drake is the only one who can give a former ugly duckling the happily ever after she’s been waiting for.
The Ugly Duckling (The Ugly Duckling, #1) Reviews
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Fat women are not attractive.
Women with frizzy hair are not attractive.
Men in wheelchairs are embarrassing and not attractive.
And then this:
I can't guess her weight, but if you had a spectrum where a starving Somalian kid was at one end and one of those morbidly obese guys who needs medical assistance to roll over in bed was at the other, Martha would be in the middle, or just barely on the side of the morbidly obese guy.
WOW. I mean offensive or WHAT!!! Let's all have a good long laugh at the poor starving Somalian kid - Count his ribs! Let's laugh at his pot belly and his huge eyes!! Dangle a piece of bread in front of him and watch him beg!!
And when you're done, then we can all go across to laugh even more at the fat guy (note that its a 'guy' - not a woman) with his rolls of fat and his chubby cheeks and his helplessness.
Fuck me I'm done with authors who laugh at dying children and disabled adults.
This is just disgusting.
As for the story - Libby is repulsive. All she wants is to have sex and more sex with Jude. I spent the night with Jude again. It's my third time hooking up with Jude.... need I say more. She comes across as a hooker.
She deliberately sets up her flatmate with William without telling her that William is in a wheelchair. (Let's all laugh at the disabled guy next!! Watch him get embarrassed as the girl stares at him!!)
And fuck you Libby. I hope you get what you deserve.
I am livid. -
I thought this was a Costa book that I hadn't read before, because the version of I have of it was called 'The Best Friend'. But when Jude appeared, it all came back to me. It was the same book that I have, but different.
Wondering if she'd made it better, I read it again. She did *NOT* make it better - she ruined it by turning the heroine into a brain-dead, superficial Millennial, peppering the text with 'super' this and 'super' that, changing out taxis for ubers, and cheapening the relationship by having the heroine step in a far shallower end of the behavioral pool than in the previous version. NOBODY likes or commiserates with this bee-otch. She definitely doesn't deserve Will, now... not that I was sold on her, entirely, before. But the changes...!
I wasn't impressed. At all. If you can find a copy of the original, go with that. This re-vamp SUCKED. -
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"Sometimes I worry that I sacrificed the only thing that was really important to me just to be pretty."
If there was one thing about Annabelle Costa's The Ugly Duckling that I could say was true, without a shred of doubt in my mind was: What a disappointment! And I don't use the word "disappointment" lightly so you ought to understand how huge of a disappointment it really must have been.
Essentially, The Ugly Duckling is this book about a girl who was fat-shamed when she was 17 and ends up being a superficial version of herself ever since. It is only after she crosses the 30 mark does she realize that beauty isn't everything. Prior to that, she has never had a meaningful relationship. The only relations she has had is with men who are handsome, and essentially not looking for a meaningful relationship in their life. She judges a man who is on a wheelchair just because he is on a wheelchair. It doesn't matter that he is rich or hard working or really good at what he does. Nope, nada. She knows the men she goes out with are only after sex but she still gives it to them. She doesn't make them wait and then cribs about them not realizing her worth. And she cries. A lot. She cries about literally everything.
I'm not saying that the people who fat-shamed her should be excused, but really, you cannot let that moment define you. It has been over 15 years now. Learn to grow up! Why are you even dating a man who treats you like crap? Just because he is good-looking? Is that really the level you're going to judge boys by? If you're looking for something meaningful then why are you even getting down on one-night stands? (Let's also not forget how she clearly "forgot" to tell her roommate about setting her up with a boy who is on a wheelchair. I mean, yeah, he is. If it is possible she might have trouble with it, then why don't you just... I don't know, inform her prior to it? How shallow can you be?)
In short, Libby Saunders was the most one-dimensional character I had ever seen. Her redemption was not an improvement but a necessity. I can't even imagine the rating this book had received had Libby not gone with the right guy. I mean, there are guys who you know are brushing you off and then there are the ones who are genuinely nice to you. How hard is it to see which one is aiming for a one-night stand and which one is aiming for a lasting relation?
Then again, Will asking his roommate to date Libby also did not suit well with me. He didn't fall in love with her on their first breakfast together, did he? Why did Jude have to follow up with it, either?
I guess what I'm saying is that none of this made sense. And Libby was a very annoying crybaby, or maybe it was just Costa's style of writing. In any case, I'll just read the next book by Costa in this series. If that's more or less similar, I might just be done with her for good. -
There was a vestige of a good story here, enough to keep me reading till the halfway mark, but then I had to quit. The heroine was dumb. Like, really, unforgivably, inexplicably dumb. The bad taste in men driven by massive insecurity, I could grit my teeth and get through. The combination of low self-esteem and narcissism that had her staying with a guy who treats her like crap for no other reason than he's hot and fits her ideal image of this "fairytale story" she thinks she's entitled to - OK, fine. But she didn't know that "flat" is British for apartment. She didn't know crossing your fingers meant you're telling a lie. Seriously? Has she never watched a British TV show or read a book? Was she never 7 years old?
Also, she's really insensitive. She thinks "maybe" she should tell her roommate that a guy is in a wheelchair before setting them up on a blind date. Um, you think? And then she's all upset it ends badly. When said guy nicely offers her a car ride, she worries he's going to ask her to put his chair in the trunk for him. And that would be bad because .... ?
The most realistic part for me is when someone describes the heroine as "really wonderful, deep down." There's a great book here, deep down. Someone please rewrite this story with an intelligent heroine who makes bad choices in men but is so caring and smart that you get why a nice guy would fall in love with her despite watching her stay with a jerk. -
This was my first book by this author, but I'm in for more. This book was not your typical romance. This story and these characters felt so real to me that I found myself thinking about them after I put my kindle down. If a book can do that for me then I know it's good.
Let me start with Libby. I had mixed feelings about this girl from the start. Smart, funny, sweet but with one of the lowest self-esteems ever. Some of her decisions were hard to read. I wanted to shake her and yell at her and just when I was about to give up, she pulled me back in and redeemed herself fully. That is a sign of excellent writing.
The boys. Oh lord, the smart, sexy and charming boys. I couldn't get enough of Will. I was sad when it ended because I want him to be my boyfriend (don't tell my husband).
All of these characters felt like friends and their story felt like one you'd encounter in real life. Loved that!
This is not a story to miss. -
I love to read Annabelle Costa's books! They're well written, and endearing, and I know I'm going on a great trip. The delightful dialogue, and Annabelle Costa's silky smooth writing style, beautifully develop this sweet story. This book is a must-read story because it's heart-warming, insightful, and eye-opening. It's humbling, adventurous, emotional, and dramatic. Most of all, it's a delightfully human story.
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Dating what a ritual!
First time reading Annabelle Costa, thanks to Whitney Dineen. The storyline isn't original but the way it's told is worth the time to read it. Libby is a hot mess that most woman can identify or relate to. Think this would be great story for any young woman who doubts her self worth to read, gives a different perspective on how you see yourself vs how the rest of the world 👀you. Just remember there is sex in the story! -
This book was recommended to me by a friend and it was a very enjoyable (and funny) read. I needed a distraction from some arduous work and it worked. Thanks Ms. Costa!
I liked the characters.
The heroine is silly, a bit dumb, insecure. But she’s kind, even if in devious ways. She’s also selfish and spends too much time inside her head.
The hero is too generous. I’m asking myself now if Annabelle Costa’s heroes goodness and kindness are a way of compensating for their disabilities.
I liked the supporting characters:
The British boyfriend (Jude) tends to be a bit stereotyped but sometimes avoids that.
The heroines’ best friend, her boss, the lawyer attracted to Will.
Petunia, the cat, is a humanizing factor.
The writing style was ok, even if I’m not a fan of first person narration.
I think that the turning from friends to lovers took too long and I would like to have had the emotional intensity of the last 30% of the book before that last part.
Issues like disability, friendship and self-image (the excess weight problem, the social and professional status, etc) were well handled. -
Wonderful hero
The hero in this book, Will, is at the top of my list of book boyfriends. He is super good looking, so kind, so giving , so sensitive...just totally adores the heroine. Libby, heroine, REALLY disappointed in places, especially near the end. I give Will 5+ stars and Libby 3 stars so that averaged to 4 stars. This is a good read that shows that a person with a disability should never be treated as less than...that a real man treats a woman with respect....that on the end love conquers all. There is some strong language and sexual references. Good read I recommend. -
It was a good story. Libby's a bit shallow but not in a dimwitted way. I didn't care much for Jude but Will was a surprisingly good character. This is the first book I've read that was written by this author and I think I'll look into reading her other stories. When all is said and done The Ugly Duckling is a nice time filler.
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Another sweet romance by one of my favorite authors. The characterization is brilliant, and the H and h really came alive off the pages. Loved the growth of the heroine's character. Yes, she was a bit dense at times, but I think that made the payoff better in the end. When she finally came to her senses, it was much more enjoyable and cheer-worthy.
Looking forward to this author's next work! -
Probably the worst book I have read this year. If you want to a story where everyone is awful (except the guy in the wheelchair) this is your book.
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I love romance comedies but often the main characters and storylines lack authenticity (secret princes, billionaires, two gorgeous leads who have perfect sexual encounters etc.). Of course, sometimes that's exactly what I'm looking for, but other times, I'd prefer a romance with more realistic characters who overcome genuine odds. This book fulfilled my need for that and then some. I was eager to read it because the male lead was in a wheel chair and I was curious as to the direction the author would take the story. I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't "cop out" and make him miraculously be able to walk. I enjoyed that she delved into the nitty gritty of what it's like being disabled, highlighting "every day" issues that never even occurred to me. It was truly eye-opening and has forever changed the way I would approach people in wheel chairs. Now add to that, an author's voice that's natural and a bit comedic, this book was hard to put down! Written from the perspective of the main character, it was as if I were talking to a girlfriend and being thoroughly entertained by the crazy (but realistic) situations she gets herself in. It killed me how much the female lead lacked confidence, but I wasn't put off too much by that, because the character reminded me of so many women that I know. As I said, very realistic, yet everything you would want and didn't know you would want in a romantic comedy - I highly recommend it!
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I have read and re-read this book. Easily my favorite Annabelle Costa. The heroine is 29 year-old Libby, who has some complexes after being somewhat of an ugly duckling in high school. She loses some weight, gets rid of her glasses and braces, and becomes a little obsessed with her appearance. In walks Jude. Jude is a lawyer that Libby meets in a bar. He is objectively attractive (and knows it). He is also a player/womanizer, but Libby turns a blind-eye to his behaviors because she is a little obsessed with how physically attractive he is. They technically start dating, but Jude regularly blows Libby off for work and/or other women. Jude has a co-worker/roommate named Will. Will is sexy, kind, and intelligent, but because he is paralyzed Libby doesn't consider the possibility of dating him. Will and Libby are both kind of nerdy and have similar taste in movies/video games and Will often ends up picking up the pieces when Jude ditches Libby. Its obvious that Will is completely in love with Libby, but she's pretty wrapped up in appearances and completely oblivious to this.
I found both characters very likeable. Libby is a little too into her looks (i.e. stares at her reflection in buildings she walks by and also can't afford food, but regularly purchases incredibly expensive dresses), but she is funny and her relationship with Will is very endearing at moments. Will is perfect, he's incredibly cute and kind. He's intelligent and hard working, but he routinely sacrifices work/sleep to look out for Libby, even when he doesn't think he has a chance with her. I liked all the little moments between them where they were subtly checking each other out or not passing on small opportunities to touch each other. One night they are going to a dinner for the law firm where Jude and Will work and Will asks Libby to fasten his cuff links for her. Its an incredibly sweet/sexy moment between the two of them. I also thought her birthday was incredibly sweet, where she thinks to herself that she doesn't want to be with Jude at all, she wants to be with her best friend, Will.
I did feel like they got together very quickly (and with absolutely no build up) after Libby and Jude broke up. She goes over to the apartment to get her things and then she kisses Will and then that's that. It felt almost like a rebound because her breakup with Jude was so fresh and she was so wrecked over it. (SPOILER ALERT) I also felt that it was completely unnecessary for Libby to sleep with Jude after she got together with Will. This really cheapened her relationship with Will and made her look even more shallow. I did, however, appreciate the realness of her struggle with her sex life with Will. -
DNF @ 21% . I have built up a pretty good tolerance for making it through stories told in 1st person with vapid characters whose heads I would never ever want to find myself in, but Libby takes the absolute cake, plate, and silverware. She was the epitome or rather the stereotype of a dumb blonde (though she dyed her hair blonde--still it applied). I would even gander to say that Libby is what Europeans probably think about Americans, uneducated, self-absorbed, has no concept of the world at large. Girl must have lived under a rock because how could she not know what basic British English words meant? Had she never seen a movie starring British actors based on British events/history? And that wasn't the only stereotype that Ms. Costa delved into. This book certainly didn't pass the eyes of any sensitivity readers and it showed.
Examples:
1) Libby is helping her roommate Martha get ready for their double date, and apparently Martha falls somewhere on the weight scale between a starving Somalian child (the fuq) and an obese guy (hun). Why be so specific about the nationality of a starving child? Because only peoples in the continent of Africa starve?
2) Now we come to Martha discovering that Will is wheelchair bound. What is the first assumption out of her mouth when she spirits Libby to the bathroom once they reach their restaurant (and I have a point to make about that, that's coming up) to tear her a new one? Martha exclaims that Libby set her up with, and I quote "...some weird, retarded disabled guy." Wow. Let me say it backwards, wow. Martha is also supposed to be a grad student at NYU but appears to be intolerant to anyone who isn't able-bodied. Good to know. And yes, I'm well aware that all the -isms you can think of exist and is nurtured in these institutes of higher learning. But why is her automatic assumption that Will is cognitively disabled simply because he's in a wheelchair? Never mind that Libby made it plain that dude's a lawyer, and they ain't handing out lawyer degrees to just anyone, but even if he weren't, its offensive to think that someone who is handicapped lacks intelligence. But of course, you need drama.
3) And finally we've come to the waitresses of the Jamaican restaurant the double date takes place. Described as being caramel skinned beauties you'll never guess what their uniforms were. Go ahead guess. Nope. Guess again. Okay, I'll tell you. Ready...thong bikinis! So you mean to tell me that women are serving people food with their ass cheeks hanging out, and they're doing this because it's a Jamaican restaurant and apparently Jamaicans don't wear clothes. Or rather this is just more sexualization of black bodies, because apparently all black women can do is show off our voluptuous peaches to the masses. Gag me.
I'm sure there are more examples of the offensive ish in this book, but I'm doing myself a favor and cashing out now. Will is wonderful from the bit I read and Libby doesn't deserve him. Period. If anything, I wanted Mia and Will together. Who is Mia? Why she's the biracial sidekick only there to exist to make Libby feel better about herself. Libby made sure to tell us that Mia's prettier than her, but she (Libby) gets all the guys' attention when they go out. And it's fine because the guys Libby falls for are douchecanoes, and Mia can do bad all by herself. Yawn.
And my final point before I end this: Ms. Costa has no idea what it means to survive on minimum wage. I can tell you that Libby wouldn't be able to afford designer labels making $
12.00/hr (minimum wage of NY at the time this was published) and live in Manhattan. Absolutely no way, no how. So I think I'm going to say goodbye to this author. This book wasn't for me. -
This book will relate to all girls one way or another. A playful look at one girl's adventures from high school to adulthood from her, not so observant, viewpoint. Libby seems to take her life with a grain of salt except when it comes to relationships. With all the wit of "Bridget Jones's Diary" Libby stumbles through life acutely aware of her shortcomings and oblivious to her attributes. The author shares a similar sense of humor as I, so I enjoyed catching myself finishing Libby's thoughts with the same sarcastic comment. The only reason I'm not giving "Ugly Duckling" a five star review is because I felt a little bit gypped of my "Happily Ever After" storyline. I wish the second part of the story would have been given as much attention and detail as the first.
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Libby - Heroine
Will - Hero
Jude - Hero's roommate
This did not work for me early on. I just think the heroines that the author writes do not appeal to me. It is 100% me.
The heroine goes to a bar with her friend. Someone buys her a drink. She thinks it is this guy, Jude, but it was Will. Anyway, she finds Will attractive because he has a British accent and other stuff. She thinks Will is attractive too, but Will is in a wheelchair. Anyway, she goes home with Jude, has sex with him that night. She wakes up in the morning and Will is there, not Jude.
Libby was an ugly duckling, but then she lost weight, etc. and became a swan. Since her status as a "swan" she has dated men who have cheated on her or just dumped her. Libby is explaining all this to her friend while she is at a bar. She needs to change her actions if she wants to meet decent guys, but what does she do??? She approaches Jude who told her he did not buy her the drink, but that his roommate did. And who does she go home with and have sex with after just meeting him??? Ding, ding, ding...Jude. Not the guy who bought her the drink because he is in a wheelchair.
Libby did not have to have sex with Jude just hours after meeting him. She could have started a relationship with Jude, but it going "there" that night and with no real feelings, just turned me away from the story.
I just could not get past that Libby had sex with Jude the first night they met and the connection was not even that strong. Then she wakes up and goes to the kitchen with only her underwear and it is obvious she had sex with the hero's roommate. Even though at that point, Libby does not really know or like Will, the interactions feel weird because she just had sex with his roommate! I could not connect. Libby and her actions are not the type of heroine that I want to read about. This is a personal preference.
I loved the premise, but the way the whole situation was introduced to me was my issue. The author and the heroine's actions did not work for me, but may work for you. -
Great book!
This story can touch on the struggles of any single woman navigating through the dangerous waters of being single. Definitely related to the character and loved the way the characters were written. -
Rating: R for language, maybe sexual references
Sex: talked about, but not described
Language: 8 F words, multiple Lord's name in vain
Violence: don't remember any
HEA or Cliffhanger: HEA
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: no
Libby is a woman desperate for male attention. She's given up career dreams to enjoy a social life she didn't get in high school. She's superficial, selfish, stupid. She thinks looks are everything, and it takes her a long time to mature.
I wanted to read a comedy, which the prologue is, but the rest is completely uncomfortable until about 70%. She so utterly disrespects herself by how she lets Jude treat her. I haven't been below 170 since 9th grade, and I wouldn't put up with that crap.
----SPOILERS----
Libby starts as an ugly duckling (fat brunette) and becomes a beautiful Swan (skinny blonde). She had dreams of being a vet, but her social life got in the way of succeeding at college. She's now a secretary.
Jude, blonde Brit, buys Libby a drink, and she wakes up in his apartment with a hangover. Will, wheelchair roommate, makes her eggs and tells her Jude asks her out for tonight. She buys a new dress, goes over, but no one's home. Will arrives, takes her up, they enjoy beer and a movie they both love. Jude is an hour late and calls her Lily. Will corrects him. Jude wants her to arrange a double date for next Friday. At the restaurant, he ogles the waitress.
She gets her roommate, Martha, to go, but didn't tell her he's in a wheelchair; that costs Libby her scarf. They go to a Jamaican restaurant with bikini-clad waitresses that Jude ogles; he's not a good lover; all he's got is looks and an accent.
Saturday Jude works again. Will accompanies Libby to the zoo, putting his work off until Sunday, paying for everything. Eventually, they're having Wednesday dinners and playing Xbox, and Will puts off work regularly.
Will essentially says he's in love with her (though he says her name is Michelle), and she feels jealous. They go to a work party, and he has sex with and spends the night with a Michelle who leaves the next morning before he wakes up, still calling him Bill.
Her cat gets found out in no-pet building, and Will agrees to take it. Jude doesn't want it, but Will owns the place. We learn her high school crush, Caleb, labeled her Fattest Ass and caused tons of bullying.
Libby's best friend Mia is in love and they go on a double date. With Will, because Jude canceled. They have a ton of fun.
At a law firm party, Libby learns to play pool with Will, to Diane's consternation. Then he's sick, and Libby takes care of him. He doesn't like full length mirrors.
They go to Burger King and get in a food fight. Her boss shows up; Will did work for him a year ago. Libby is getting thoughts of sex with Will.
Her birthday, she and Will are waiting at a bar when Jude cancels. They have a good time until she wants him to kiss her. Then they play darts, get a little drunk, dance and she falls in his lap. He gets her sober, she goes to his place to be with Jude, except he's with someone else.
Will kicks Jude out. Jude confesses Will lied about Jude's wanting a second date. Will says he wanted to get to know her better, and the only way would be through Jude. She's sad he only wants to be friends.
She spends all day Saturday with Will. He kisses her, confesses she's the girl he's been talking about. They make out, watch movies, play, and she sleeps on his shoulder.
Their relationship is beautiful. He can't feel anything below his belly button (catheter, Viagra or injection). He's the first boy she's told I love you to. Both sets of parents love the relationship.
They go out with his friend from college who talks about Will's past girlfriends. Lawyer, chemistry doctorate. He invites her to live with him, then she could work part-time and go to school.
They go to a work party, Will has a work emergency come up with the beautiful Diane, and Libby gets drunk. No one's even talking to her, and she feels like the ugly duckling again. Jude shows up, says Will's singleness is because he's a workaholic, not because of the wheelchair. Jude kisses her, Will's upset, Will drives her home and wants a break.
She sees Caleb in Starbucks. He had no idea about the list, had a crush on her, actually tried to get up the nerve to kiss her. How could she think he'd do that list? She realizes how messed up the last 12 years have been.
She goes to Jude's, is leaving when he arrives. She's so cold, she goes in. Jude tells her Will went out with Diane. Libby goes home. She loves Will, she realizes she messed up. He won't return her calls. 3 weeks.
She goes to his office. Diane says Libby is stupid, ugly, fat. Tells her Will said he never truly loved her. Before Libby can get back on the elevator, Will sees her. She bursts into tears. They go into his office, he tells her he's angry. He apologizes for his part of the party fiasco. He knows he loves her because she's the only one he ever wanted to blow off a deadline for.
He proposes at the party for his promotion to junior partner. -
This is the second book I have read by this author. I did not enjoy it. I only finished it because it is important to me to finish a book. But it was a struggle, I almost gave up twice. I did not care for the heroine Libby. The only reason I gave it one star is because of the hero, Will. He was great. He was patient, kind and very understanding. Libby was immature, vain, superficial, irresponsible and self-centered for most of the novel. I am an avid reader. It is a rare instance when I have had such a negative response towards a main character and especially the heroine.
In the first chapter we find Libby abandoning her friend Mia to go hook up with a stranger (Jude). Later when Mia is introducing her to someone she really cares for, Libby can’t even be happy for her and immediately just thinks of herself. She was also a jerk to Will several times. Once when Will told her something in confidence; she betrayed him. She lamely justified her actions. She said it was for Will’s benefit; however, it really was for her gain. Another time, while doing some matchmaking for Will, he made only one request of Libby and she again--just thinking of herself--totally disregarded his wishes which led to a lot of embarrassment for him. And after they finally get together (only spoiler alert) in Chapter 24—Libby betrays him spectacularly. Libby claims to count pennies. I guess she does that when she’s not buying high priced designer outfits, that she can’t afford, to impress people.
Libby has a type. This led her to be attracted to gorgeous jerks. (There are extremely good-looking men in the world who are (gasp) actually nice guys.) I know I should have more sympathy for Libby. After all due to something that happened in high school (a later chapter touches on this), she has low self-esteem/self-respect. But I find it hard to do so. When Libby was in high school, I figure she was maybe a size 12 or 14 at the most. And she’s now is size 10? She called that fat. Um, okay.
And although Libby is a grown woman she often thinks and acts like a teenager. This story reads a bit like a YA novel. There are a couple of lines that support this (i.e. McDonald vs. Burger King discussion, curly fries being special, and French fry fight etc.). I was waiting to see growth and self-realization. There was very little but it did not occur until the epilogue. Too little, too late.
I do not recommend this book. Contains profanity and sexual situations. -
Reading two books about the Ugly Duckling is a little bit too much for me. The tru
The Ugly Ducklingth is that
The Ugly Duckling wasn't my cup of tea, and I am giving it 2 stars. I felt the heroine is a brain-dead, superficial Millennial.
Libby couldn't be more self-absorbed if she tried. Her entire world is losing weight, dyeing your hair, spending exorbitant amounts of money (that she can little afford) on clothes, all to make herself into something she was not and attract men. The men Libby drew were only interested in one-night stands with the substance-empty void she had created and become. She finally begins to mature and accept herself for who and what she is, unfortunately, not until she was in her 30s.
The truth is I liked Will, and he is the only realistic character.
Annabelle Costa managed to do justice in treating disabled characters and the concrete ramifications of their disability for their relationships, including sexual ones, is respectful while often graphic, with no trace of smarmy sentimentality.
I am happy that I got
The Ugly Duckling through my Kindle unlimited subscription because I know that I will not continue with the series, but I will give the author a second chance. I think I have another book of
Annabelle Costa in my digital TBR. -
This is one of those books that the title kind of gives it away, I guess like some movie titles, you start and could almost guess 70 percent that it’s what you expect it to be. For both men and women, being single can be a Herculaneum task and in many ways Libby struggles but not in the sense that she doesn’t consider relations just that her main issue is that she sees herself as an ugly duckling growing up and then kind of flourish later to be satisfied with herself not being ugly based on her standards and society’s definition of a good looking woman. This touches on self-esteem issues and I know “ugly ducklings” in life who have so much confidence you would think they are a Miss World or a Miss Universe. But Libby despite in her younger days being seen as an ugly duckling, it was good to see that she changed her image and could date like other women. Making a round-about turn with her appearance to date or catch a man didn’t really make it quite the Cinderella story I was hoping for. Her situation is typically seen in life and so the author did the right thing to have a story that even if her readers are not or were never seen as ugly ducklings, there are those of us who can identify some that we know in our circles as we may know someone we consider to be an ugly ducklings.
Libby is insecure but as there are so many other girls out there who are insecure and super simple, I liked her personality in a limited way and so I found myself being sympathetic to her at times and would have wanted to see a kind of proper Cinderella story since that’s what the title had put in my mind. To introduce disability in this story took me by surprise and was very welcoming in the story. I am sure all readers will see a little Will, Kaplan and Libby in people we all know. The characters were relatable and the story is fair and moved at a reasonable pace. A quick light read. -
This book is more of a 2.5 for me. I would have given this book a higher rating if I'd liked Libby, the main character more. She was very vain, not terribly sharp, and at times quite insensitive. I understand she still felt like an ugly duckling inside which is why she was so vain, but I still didn't like a lot of her choices. For example, she bought expensive dresses just to impress her boyfriend even though she was broke. This happened numerous times and not just once. Although she wasn't an outright bitch, she was self centered (i.e. set up a blind date between two people she knew wouldn't like each other just to get a date with a guy she was interested in). I kept reading with the hope that she would grow up and redeem herself but it really didn't happen.
Jude, her boyfriend, was a superficial player, insensitive at times, and inconsiderate. Although I didn't like him as a person, I admired the author's ability to create a realistic jerk of a character who does just enough to keep Libby hooked.
I liked Will's character a lot. He was very sweet and intelligent, and didn't let his disability hold him back. I enjoyed getting to know a character with paraplegia, and how his daily life and relationships were affected as a result. I honestly don't know what he saw in Libby nor did I feel any sort of romantic connection between them - she just seemed to take advantage of their friendship.
I would have liked to see more interaction between Libby and her best friend, Mia. I believe development of other secondary characters and/or creation and development of new ones would have enhanced the story more.
