The Artist the Biker can't Ignore

Mars Vol. 1 by Fayumi Soryo
Why did I read it?
As I've mentioned before, I like to vary what I read, and there is nothing more varied than Manga, which reads from right to left instead of from left to right :) I went to a program today, and some kids were asking what I was reading. They thought it was pretty cool that the book read backwards. Mission accomplished! Mars is a graphic novel that is 15 volumes long, but I like the way it begins.
What happened?
Rei is a rebellious bike racer with no fear. Every hot girl waits their turn to be with him, and then he moves on. Kira is a terribly quiet girl who no one is brave enough to talk to. But, something draws them together and them, nor anyone they know, can ignore the connection they have. Rei begins to appreciate Kira's skill as an artist, and Kira starts to realize that Rei is more than just an arrogant, confident punk. Rei protects Kira from a jealous classmate and an advancing teacher, but their friendship becomes even more special and complicated.
What did I like or not like?
I think it's cool that star-crossed lovers and forbidden love cross cultures and languages. This is a story that has been told countless times before. But, reading a Manga version that was originally written in another language is pretty cool.
P.S. There is a teacher who comes onto Kira, and there is some brief discussion of Rei's sleeping with other girls.

BeastNYC in the Subway

Beastly by Alex Flinn
Why did I read it?
There is a buzz around this book right now because of the movie that just came out. But, I actually started going for Cloaked which is another modern fairy tale that Alex Flinn just finished. I wasn't quite sure which fairy tale Cloaked was based on, so I figured I'd enjoy it more than Beauty and the Beast which I've heard a million times. But, I was wrong. Beastly was awesome!
What happened?
Kyle Kingsbury has it all. He has a gorgeous girlfriend, as much money as he could possibly need, and a famous father. Born into all this awesomeness, Kyle doesn't even notice all the people that he hurts with his selfishness. That is, until he ticks off a witch and gets turned into beast. Thats right! An honest-to-goodness beast, complete with a permanent fur coat, fangs, and razor-sharp claws. Kendra, the witch, gives Kyle two years to find someone who he can truly love, and can truly love him in return. Exiled to a modern castle by his father (who is interested more in appearances than his son), Kyle looses hope of a normal life. Until a thief stumbles into his greenhouse and gives Kyle a chance with his daughter!
What did I like or not like?
Even though this is "a tale as old as time" this modern retelling is really good! Alex does a great job keeping all the plot elements there while still giving them a fresh perspective. I think the theme of loving someone for who they are instead of how they look still strikes true and I enjoyed every minute of it.
P.S. I just watched the movie last night and really enjoyed that too. But, it has very little to do with the book. Its kind of like a modern retelling of a modern retelling lol.