Fairest is a new spin on Snow White done by Gail Carson Levine (author of Ella Enchanted). It takes place in a country where singing is a major part of the customs. The protagonist, Aza, is a remarkable singer, but is deemed ugly by society and herself. I've read bad reviews on this book, and many of them I believe are not accurate in how they viewed the book. This book is directed to middle school aged kids. It is a fairy tale, I.e. a place where people can fall in love quickly, people can sing as much as they want, etc. Certain aspects may not seem realistic because this is not a realistic fiction novel. Having said that, I loved this book. I first read it when I was in 6th or 7th grade and adored it. I had already read Ella Enchanted, an I was ecstatic to find another book set in the same world. Aza is a very easy character to relate to. Everyone has worried at some point about fitting in, being proclaimed a beauty by society, considered a love life impossible, etc. Yet, even with all the odds against her, Aza remains a pure hearted, caring person. Her relationship with the prince is adorable and sweet. They truly seem to bring out the best in each other. For all of those reasons and more, I have gone back to Fairest again and again throughout the years, and it has a spot on my shelf of books never to get rid of. I hope someday in the future to share this book with an insightful look on looks with my children.