Review of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Garcia ( Stohl

 I don't know how I missed reading this YA novel but after reading fairly good reviews for the movie, I decided it was time to read the book.  This tale of star-crossed lovers is full of Southern eccentrics and seems to simply drip with Spanish moss.  In spite of that or maybe because of that, I really loved this book.  The characters, Ethan and Lena, drew me in from the first page.  When Lena is bullied because she's so different, you root for her as you root for any bullied kid.  But Lena finds her hidden powers and fights back, especially when she has Ethan in her corner.  The supernatural aspects of the book were different enough to feel new and unusual - also loved the Civil War elements.  Highly recommended - four Elves