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Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me. She meant to bestow a gift. When I cried inconsolably through my first hour of life, my tears were her inspiration. Shaking her head sympathetically at Mother, the fairy touched my nose. "My gift is obedience. Ella will always be obedient. Now stop crying, child." I stopp...  more »

So begins this richly entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who wants nothing more than to be free of Lucinda's gift and feel that she belongs to herself. For how can she truly belong to herself if she knows that at any time, anyone can order her to hop on one foot, cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom--and she'll have to obey?

Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's spirited account of her quest to break the curse is a funny, poignant, and enchanting tale about an unforgettable heroine who is determined to be herself.

Eden Riegel provided the voice of Young Miriam in the animated feature film Prince of Egypt, and has appeared in the film Into the Woods. Her television credits include recurring roles on New York Undercover, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. On Broadway, she was one of the original cast members of Les Miserables and performed in The Will Rogers Follies.

From the Cassette edition.
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ISBN-13: 9781400090594
ISBN-10: 1400090598
Publication Date: 4/13/2004
Edition: Unabridged
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 6
3.9 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)
Book Type: Audio CD
Other Versions: Paperback, Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

 reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Don't make yourself think this is a "girl's book". It's not. Every guy I know who's read it liked it.

Gail Carson Levine always leaves you waiting for more. There is nowhere in the book when you can put it down but at the end. The characters are extremely rich- there is much more to them then "good" and "bad". It is one of the best retellings of Cinderella. If you like fairy tale retellings, this book is for you.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a really clever Cinderella-twisted tale - a good read for anyone young, or in between! Gail Levin has a style similar to J.K. Rowling - with wild and crazy thoughts that make you think of the oddities of life and people. Ella is a most enjoyable character. She will stick with you, long after her story has ended.
alierose avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book was incredible. It was my favorite when I was younger, and has continued to be a favorite. It's comical, adorable, and entertaining. Filled with every element necessary for a proper story, it's simply magical. I've probably read it 25 times. And don't be fooled by the movie, it's nothing like the book. The book is about 5,000,000 times better. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. :) Not to mention it's squeaky clean, with no profanity or questionable content.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Ogres, fairies, princes, wicked stepsisters, glass slippers, gnomes....this book has it all. A cinderella story with a twist.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 496 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book, my dauther and I read it out loud together as it had a bit of vocabulary that was tough for her. Too bad the movie was nothing like the book!
Read All 65 Book Reviews of "Ella Enchanted"

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 reviewed Ella Enchanted on
If you love fairy tails with a twist then this book is for you. The story will probably remind you of Cinderella, but Levine's characterization and story telling are excellent in my opinion and this book is definitely one I would recommend to anyone who appreciates fairy tales. Ella Enchanted is easy to read, but I believe adults would enjoy it just as well as children.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 2 more book reviews
The book was much more enjoyable then the movie. It is one of those books that could be read over and over again.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 29 more book reviews
A Cinderella story filled with princes, ogres, wicked stepsisters and a fairly tale ending.
ealair avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 2 more book reviews
A highly comical twist on that traditional Cinderella tale this book has everything to keep young readers (of both genders) amused clear through.

Ella is a witty heroine that's easy to relate to and cheer on and the story's plot continues to twist and grow so there's never a dull chapter.
Shondah avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 3 more book reviews
watched the movie before I started reading it...

big mistake...

didn't get into it....maybe someone else likes it better...but I really couldn't get into it...
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 75 more book reviews
Super cute adaptation of Cinderella with a twist! Great story for girls of all ages!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 350 more book reviews
I watched the film first. I got this book for free (on paperbackswap) for My sister-in-law since she enjoyed the book when she was younger. I told her I saw the film and she handed me the book and said I must read it. She said, "The film took bits from the book then pooped on it and then made something completely different and stupid and horrible."

This book takes much from the tale of Cinderella but made its own unique and having more descriptive build-up. It certainly is a great book for girls. I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I liked to read back in middle school (I was in 8th grade when it was published).

Ella was "gifted" by a fairy as a baby to obey commands given to her. This story is about her struggle to obey and hopefully overcome what she thinks is more of a curse than a gift (though the fairy would argue over which it is: a curse or gift). Whenever something is commanded of Ella, she does do it, though she doesn't enjoy having to do it. She meets the prince and forms a bond of friendship with him. He never tells her what to do and considers her opinion unlike the majority of those she meets. She hopes to be able to break the curse she was given for various reasons throughout this story.

My sister-in-law was right, this book was much different and much better than the movie (I didn't really even like the movie, honestly - so I didn't really even want to read the book). This is pretty much a romantic comedy and I thought it to be quite fun.
kvissa7waldner avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 5 more book reviews
I may be a little bias, but this book is one of my favorite books, EVER! I like the story line very much, but I think it's the witty way it was written that endears it to me. Definitely a keeper!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
Loved this book!
annettemarie avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 6 more book reviews
This is a favorite story of ours, and the audio book is very well done and pleasing to listen to.
Shellaree avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 270 more book reviews
A fun read for anyone who loves fairy tales. And you don't need to be a preteen, teen or any of the "younger" ages to enjoy this book.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 16 more book reviews
If you liked the movie, try the book. It's great!
sari-lynn avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 207 more book reviews
An updated retelling of the Cinderella story. Quick and entertaining! Recommended for adults as well as kids.
WhiskeyBat avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 28 more book reviews
one of my absolute favorite books from when i was younger. a fun, unique, and empowering twist on the old fairy tale. definitely better than the movie! if your daughter liked the movie, encourage her to read the book, there is a lot more to it.
mummay avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 18 more book reviews
A delightful take on the fairy tale. Easily as entertaining as The Princess Bride. If you like giants, fairies, ogres, and little girls. You will find this magical adventure to your liking. Very funny, left the whole family in stitches as we read it aloud. Once you have read the book, watch the film!
xhollishx avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 68 more book reviews
A great YA book.
jasabangan avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 8 more book reviews
"Ella Enchanted" is an endearing fairytale and a very fun read, indeed. Gail Carson Levine's style pulls the reader into the story, allowing the person to vicariously experience the moment. Although I haven't read the book in a while, "Ella Enchanted" left an eternal impression on me. (On a side note, the book is a THOUSAND TIMES BETTER than the movie.)

I recommend this book for everyone to read!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 3 more book reviews
A great retelling of Cinderella with a twist. Very fun read, and great for anyone with a taste for fairy tales. Don't let the awful movie keep you away from reading this book, they are nothing alike.



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