Book Inspection: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Plot Sketch: Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has lived at the Théâtre Illuminata since she can remember. After years of constant trouble, the Theatre Manager has had enough. She's destructive, so she has to go. With help from the fairies of A Midsummer's Night Dream, and Nate, the pirate, Bertie comes up with a plan to not get kicked out onto the streets. Since none of the players can leave, the story gets really interesting as one of the players tries to figure out how to leave.



Verdict:
I heart it! I really do! There are so many stories out there that seem to be derived from other stories, legends, etc. Lisa Mantchev does a superior job of using characters from other playwrights and weaving her own distinct, unique story, which is unlike anything else I've read. This book was a breath of fresh air that I kept running back to during a very frustrating week around my house. The imagery was perfection; I had very vivid mind's eye pictures of the story across every single page. I avidly recommend it to anyone who will listen. Amazing debut Lisa!



The Gauntlet:


At what location does most of the story take place?

The Théâtre Illuminata

What is the main character's name?

Beatrice Shakespeare Smith

Does I Heart Monster like the main character?

Oh yes, very very much. I just want her to come live at my house.

How long did it take I Heart Monster to finish the book?

A few days, but, I was constantly interrupted. It says a lot about Lisa's writing style that I was still interested in reading the book after all of the incessant bother I've been through at home.

Did I Heart Monster get stuck at any points in the book? If so, why?

Nope.

Is this a good read for Monster?

Sure. I am handing it off to him to see what he thinks!

What, if anything, would I Heart Monster change to make the book more interesting?
Nothing! I really really liked it.

Did I Heart Monster like the ending?
Definitely and I can't wait for the next installment.

Does the author have a website?
Yes! Taste The Bad Candy Also check out the site for the series, Théâtre-Illuminata.com

Stats:

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312380968



Acquire It:

Preorder: Amazon $11.55
*prices accurate at of time of posting. subject to change.


Notes: Lisa has very graciously agreed to do an interview with I Heart Monster, so keep your eyes peeled for that coming soon!! This book was the subject of my very first Ambitious Edition post. I am so excited that I really really liked it.

Have questions you'd like to see added to The Gauntlet? Email me.