The Princesses Read: Cinderella

Today is the dayyyyyyyyyy…the day that poor Cinderella who I have accidentally taunted over poor Rendz’s (from the amazing Reading with Rendz) head. One day I say it’s an option, the next week it’s another Princess. Oopsies. D: But Cinderella is here…(finally, Rendz would say)!

Each Saturday, I will be showcasing a lovely Disney Princess (or when they run out, some other Disney leading ladies and more) and showcasing what they might be picking up if they were reading YA today. It will be based off their likes, interests, personalities, and their storyline. At the end, I will also feature a book that the Princess would NOT be picking up and a section of books that are based off either the plot or original princess fairytale. Check out more info here on my original post! We’ve done Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Moana, Snow White, Mulan, and Elsa so far! We have also done one non-princess but epic Disney heroine, Alice!

Cinderella!

Cinderelly, Cinderelly! One of the main things that pushes me further back into the obsession with Disney princesses a few years ago was the live-action version of this movie. It was amazing, and even though Cinderella holds basically the two crown rating, really, that movie is so much higher. Cinderella is a kind hearted princess full of dreams and love. She’s humble, optimistic, and graceful. Really, despite getting her name from the cinders she is supposed to be covered in from all of her dirty week, she still manages to be always elegant. Cinderella is forced down by her evil stepmother and evil stepsisters, but she still keeps fighting.

What YA books would be the perfect fit if they were like a shoe in Cinderella’s world?

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Recommended by inkgirlwords

I have yet to read The Selection series yet, but when inkgirlwords commented about how perfect this book would be for Cinderella, I saw that it really would be a great addition to Cinderella’s TBR. I mean, does that dress on the cover just scream a perfect Cinderella dress? Plus, looking at the description, it does seem like something Cinderella could connect to. A supposedly charming prince whose heart is being fought by loads of charming ladies? Both check. Heroines being forced into situations they don’t really want? Both check. Gorgeous gowns, priceless jewels, and names that end in the letter a? Both check. I totally agree this would definitely be up Cinderella’s alley!

House of Furies by Madeleine Roux

Okay, I don’t really think that Cinderella would be all that into horror, but I think she would definitely try this story out just because it sounded a bit like her experience. The main character, Louisa, is pulled from her life and thrown right into servitude in an enigmatic houseowner, Mr. Morningside, who acts a bit like The Devil incarnate. Cinderella basically worked for a devil in her stepmother with the way that she treated her, so I think Cinderella would definitely have a connection with Louisa and maybe realize that maybe there was something just a tad worse than an evil stepmother? (lol, I’m totally lying here – if fairytales have taught me nothing, there really is nothing worse than an evil stepmother)

Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

In the animated version of Cinderella, she has LOTS of little animal friends. In the live action? Not lots of furry friends. So, I definitely believe animated Cinderella would love this one. It involves a plethora of furry and fun friends that definitely help a princess out – just like the birds and mice and all the other fun friends did for Cinderella in the movie. While Anya – our princess in Frogkisser! – didn’t use hers to make a super pretty dress, clean, or create a working carriage team, she did them to help save her kingdom. So I mean, both kind of epic? Anya and Cinderella are a lot alike as well – hard-working, kind, and humble, so clearly they would get along well.

PS I Like You by Kasie West

Does anyone else get the feeling that Cinderella would totally be into adorable romances? I just have a feeling that Cinderella just would get a dreamy look in her eye and let out a contented sigh anytime a ship sailed. While I’m pretty sure Cinderella would like a lot of book genres, I just have this feeling that she would just love romances – and what better place to start than Kasie West for contemporary and romance goodness? This book is my favorite of West’s, and I totally think that Cinderella would so get into the swoons and feels. I also think that she would love how the romance unfolds – the two main characters are kept in the dark on each other’s identity for a huge chunk of the book, much like how Prince Charming is as well (although it’s kind of totally obvious?). I think it would definitely remind her of her adorable romance.

My Fair Godmother series by Janette Rallison

A series about heroines who get their fates/fairytales get screwed up by a fair (yes, only fair) godmother – Cinderella would totally be all about this. I mean, her fairy godmother helped her out so much and gave her the best of time – but wouldn’t it be kind of entertaining to see one that screws up a little bit? I think Cinderella would definitely read this book and look back in fondness on her own time.

A Book Cinderella Would NOT Pick Up

Erm, on second thought, maybe Cinderella might not pick up the Fair Godmother series. She might start to really panic. What if she had gotten only a fair godmother? What if her godmother screwed her all up and got her there too late? Or she didn’t think using a pumpkin was a good idea? Or didn’t tell her about the midnight thing? She might get sent down a tailspins of what if’s and totally ruin her fantastic mood (which is clearly what books do to do people). So…maybe she would pass? 😉

Want to read more about Cinderella? Well, there are lots!

Some of my all time favorite retellings are Cinderella ones. You have the most amazing one ever – Cinder by Marissa Meyer – and the absolutely stunning one, Geekerella by Ashley Poston. Two widely different ones – one in the contemporary genre and the other in sci-fi. However, there are lots more out there! Click here for a list of a bunch of them.

What do you think? What other books do you think Cinderella would read? Who do you want to see next week? Is it time for another Disney heroine or princess? Let’s discuss in the comments below!