Beauty Queens

By: Libba Bray

Narrated by: Libba Bray

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The 50 contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner. What’s a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program - or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan - or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up? Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness.

©2011 Libba Bray (P)2011 Scholastic Audio

loved it!

This is a fantastic listen, the authors voices are spot on. I highly recommend it.

Not Your Average Lord of the Flies Story

I thought this book would resort to cannibalism or taking out the competition but boy, was I wrong. The satirical nature and the tone of the book help build up an intricate world (not so different from our own) where the Corporation appears to be in charge of everything, including beauty pageants. What starts out as a dark comedy almost dissolves into a satire that deals with real world issues that are still relevant today. It does seem a bit preachy at times but does bring up a lot of great points.

The audiobook was really fun to listen to. Libba Bray does a great job at the different voices and I really liked the effects that were used as well. However, my one complaint is whenever Sosie spoke I had to lower the volume. I know it's intentional for the character but when I wasn't expecting it it was a little startling.

One thing that I wasn't fond of in the book was when the pirates came into the story. They just felt unnecessary in the long run because they didn't really enhance the story. It just felt too out of place, though I did enjoy the climax of the story. And the girls were awesome.

Such a Ride!!

If you could sum up Beauty Queens in three words, what would they be?

Just Listen to it! All I have to say:)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tiara- super funny!!

What does Libba Bray bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

All of the Characters voices! She did a Fantastic job!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh out loud!

Hilarious

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, Libba Bray is a perfect narrator for a hilarious book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely burst out laughing often. I was glad I mostly listened to this by myself in the car.

Funny, Feminist Satire

This was sold to me as Lord of the Flies but with girls, which is apparently going to be a movie soon. But honestly, this is way better than that. Borrowing the same plot device (That is, removing people from civilization in order to deconstruct their socially programmed ideas and behaviors) Libba Bray's imagination conjures up girls from dozens of cultures, backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations or identities, and lets them runs wild. It's telling that when a book is about boys trapped on an island, all they wanna do is kill each other, whereas Beauty Queens is all about friendship and self love. Far from bringing out the worst in this girls, isolation from the corrupting influence of patriarchal culture and media instead breaks down the artificial walls between them and allows to them to find empathy and connection with people they'd have thought of as enemies or rivals before.

Laugh out loud hilarious!

I pick d this book up at the library not knowing what to expect. One chapter in, I knew I had to get it on audio, because I had a road trip with my 16 year old son coming up. He and I laughed non-stop. In addition, it has some great lessons about allowing girls to be individuals. Flaws and all. The author's narration was spot on. Her characters came to life. I loved everything about this book.

Amazing book!

This has been my oldest daughter's favorite book for years, and now I can see why. We listened to it together on a long road trip, and it kept us entertained and laughing the whole time.

I love the cast of characters, and the empowering reactions they have to a variety of situations.

Best narration I have ever heard

Where does Beauty Queens rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far the most entertaining audiobook I have ever heard. I'm sure the narration elevates the book from what it would be if it were read.The book's insight into popular culture is dead on and the satire is laugh-out-loud funny.

What did you like best about this story?

Libba Bray's brilliant performance.

What about Libba Bray’s performance did you like?

Libba's tone, voices and accents are perfect. She should have been an actress.

No one left unscathed

Libba takes a shot at everyone in this book. You can't take it seriously even though there are some serious messages hidden in the humour. This is NOT an 11-13 year old (which is the category it's in). Save it for your older teens. Near the end Bray starts to lose focus and like Going Bovine, needed an editor to say "reel it in" but overall the book was a keeper.

Fun, Funky and Fresh

The main problem I had with this book is the action/humor where not consistent. Half a dozen scenes could have been edited. With that said...this is the ONLY thing negative about this book. This book was LOADS OF FUN to read. Very funny. Drive-thru Plastic Surgery? Christian Pole-Dancing. Love it. Bray as a reader? BRILLIANT. One of the best performances I have listened to. Teens will eat this one up. Very new. Very fresh. I can't wait to see the movie.