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Book Reviews of Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
ISBN-13: 9780060275112
ISBN-10: 0060275111
Publication Date: 5/30/1997
Pages: 240
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 9

4.5 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

65 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

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.
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 + 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.
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!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
Helpful Score: 1
This is my favorite book. It weaves a beautiful fairy tale, taking a classic story and making it new while not losing its timeless appeal.
necxromantic avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Before reading this, I only seen the film {and loved it}, but I must say that this is EVEN better than the movie. More characters, more adventures, and more historical lore tid-bits to look up if you're interested in the fairy tale genre. As a non-young adult, I think this is really a great book at any age.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 1568 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a delightful re-writing of the traditional Cinderella story, with the heroine not so much a fairy tale princess. She's more like a real, live human, with normal concerns of everyday live and learning. It's supposedly for young adults, but adults with a liking for the slightly marvelous will also like it.
srfbluemama avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked the book so much better than the movie! The movie has a lot more pop culture-type things thrown in, and the prince part of the storyline is completely different in the book. This is definitely a recommended read for preteens and the young at heart!
JujuGirl avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 88 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Even though this is a short book and a quick read, the main character, Ella, is well-developed and so likeable. This is a sweet, delightful new version of the Cinderella fairy tale.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 108 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Some different than the movie but loved the story.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A remake of a classic fairy tale. Very well done. Enjoyable and readable. I recommend for age 12 and above. A Newberry Honor book.
Chesara avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An interesting take on the fable Cinderella. I think most young girls would enjoy it and a good many adults.
abbykt avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I had a really good time with this book. I found it to be funny with well developed characters. I enjoyed the spin on the traditional Cinderella story that Levine adds. I found myself worried for Ella and caring that someday she will be able to overcome. I thought she was strong with a personality of her own despite her curse. This is a book I could see myself reading to my daughter in a couple of years.
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.
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.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 16 more book reviews
If you liked the movie, try the book. It's great!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 15 more book reviews
A little vague at points, but an amazing adaptation to the story of Cinderella. Different from the movie version, though.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 14 more book reviews
Oh, I absolutely ADORED this book ^_^ It was amazing ^_^
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 11 more book reviews
good fairytale book
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 53 more book reviews
Lovely fairy tale. A sorta weird twist on Cinderella that only slightly resembles the original. :)
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 7 more book reviews
This is a great fairy tale!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 48 more book reviews
Awesome take on Cinderella. Very clever and original, with highly likable characters - I have to admit I developed a literary crush on Char! If you were turned off by the film version, you're not alone - they're basically two completely different stories, one very good and the other very bad, that happen to have a title and a couple character names in common - so give the book a chance!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
If you like the movie you will love the book!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 3 more book reviews
Cute, and very "girl power".
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 81 more book reviews
I have read this book so many times my copy is falling apart. I love it!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 29 more book reviews
A Cinderella story filled with princes, ogres, wicked stepsisters and a fairly tale ending.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 17 more book reviews
Better than the movie, I assure you.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 2 more book reviews
this is just a great book to relax and read because you sorta can relate to the story. You feel like your under a spell when you have to do something all the time!

I'm soooooo sure that you will enjoy!
xhollishx avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 68 more book reviews
A great YA book.
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!
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.
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.
Marcia avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 378 more book reviews
Now a major motion picture, featuring Anne Hathaway, star of the Princess Diaries! Ella is a girl with a ost unusual gift, and her story has charmed readers and critics alike.
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.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 189 more book reviews
Delightful re-working of the Cinderella fairy tale.
tchstroo avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 74 more book reviews
I enjoyed this a lot.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 29 more book reviews
A Cinderella story filled with princes, ogres, wicked stepsisters and a fairly tale ending.
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 + 75 more book reviews
Super cute adaptation of Cinderella with a twist! Great story for girls of all ages!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 7 more book reviews
Ella Enhanted is an adorable fairy tale of a girl with a terrible gift, the gift of obidience. This novel will make you think twice ablout wishing your daughter would alwasy do what she's told. Now a motion picture, this book has recieved a renewed popularity. The film, however, does not hold a candle to written word. Ella nchanted is a Newbery Honor Book.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
This is a retelling of the story of Cinderella. I read it a long time ago and cannot remember the details, but a student of mine liked it so well that she read it over and over.
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...
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.
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.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 16 more book reviews
A funny and delightful retelling of the Cinderella story with a charming heroine, an enchanted world, and a touching romance. A great, great book!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 2 more book reviews
A great twist on the Cinderella story!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 26 more book reviews
I ordered this book because I really enjoyed the movie. I was really surprised to find that the book and the movie and not that similar. Both of them are great. It is a nice twist on Cinderella. I loved it.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
One of my favorite books. After you read the book, you need to watch the movie.
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
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
Loved this book!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 4 more book reviews
This book has been my favorite book since I was a 8 years old. It is exciting, sweet, and beloved.Anyone who likes fairy tale retellings will relish this 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 + 11 more book reviews
wonderful story
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 7 more book reviews
Probabaly my favorite book of all time. A fairy curses Ella with the gift of obedience and now she has to do whatever she is told. Even cut off her own head.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 34 more book reviews
As usual, forget the silly movie.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 28 more book reviews
This book also made me to feel like a princess!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on
Newberry Honor Book.

At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift - the "gift" of obedience. Ellla must obey any order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse-once and for all.
LaurieS avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 504 more book reviews
I love, love, loved this book. It was charming from beginning to end and much different from the movie (which I thought was great too). I own this on audio so will be setting this one off into the world.
LaurieS avatar reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 504 more book reviews
I love, love, loved this book. It is thoroughly charming and very different from the movie but both are wonderful.

Book Info:
This refreshing take on one of the world's most popular fairy tales preserves the spirt of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female lead. The heroine is a real live girl: spunky, funny, assertive, and confused like all the rest of us.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 4 more book reviews
Great fantasy fun!
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 10 more book reviews
Good book. Can't wait to watch the movie now.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 11 more book reviews
I soooooo did not read this.
reviewed Ella Enchanted on + 20 more book reviews
The cover of this book is the "new' version with a Mirmax film cover, but is the exact same literature just different cover.