Beast by Brie Spangler

We are so excited to be a part of the tour for BEAST by Brie Spangler today! We have an interview with Brie coming up, but first, here are the details:

Beast by Brie Spangler
Published by Random House Children's Books on October 11th 2016
Genres: Dating & Sex, General, Humorous, LGBT, Social Themes, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn’t look like your average fifteen-year-old, so, naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans hats (his preferred camouflage), Dylan goes up on his roof only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg—and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers.

Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out at therapy—until he meets Jamie. She’s funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She’s also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his self-pitying and superficiality. As Jamie’s humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn’t know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn’t listening. Something that shouldn’t change a thing. She is who she’s always been—an amazing photographer and devoted friend, who also happens to be transgender. But will Dylan see it that way?

Describe BEAST in 5 words.

Rage. Hope. Bitter. Sweet. Love.

How did BEAST come about, what was your inspiration? What made you think you had to write this story?

I just really wanted to write a love story! If I have to nail it down to two factors, would have to say the New England Patriots and Disney. I grew up next door to Gillette Stadium and it wasn’t uncommon to see the players milling about at the grocery store, the bowling alley, and of course, the all you can eat buffet. It’s one thing to see these guys on TV, but when you see them in person, it’s just like omg I can barely imagine a human body being that large, especially when you’re a kid and you’re still growing too. In addition to the Patriots, I was a huge, big, enormous fan of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast when I was young, so that’s honestly all it took to light the flames. Once I met Jamie and Dylan, they carried the book through. I won’t say it was easy because writing can be the worst pain in the rear ever, but I could write about these two forever and that’s what made it fun.

What was the hardest scene for you to write in BEAST and why?

Anytime transphobia entered the discussion, it was very hard to write. I want a world where transphobia doesn’t exist but unfortunately we’re not there yet. Describing other peoples’ transphobia towards Jamie was repulsive.

Can you share (without spoilers) a line or section of BEAST that is your favorite?

“I am that monster under the bridge. I will eat your children.”

Since we’re talking 2016 books, what upcoming 2016 release (besides your own) are you most excited to read and fangirl over?

Just one?? Ahhhh!! I loved so many and will love so many more! HOW IT ENDS by Catherine Lo already came out but I loved it. I’m still reading books that are already out but on my near releases list I’ve got WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS, LAST SEEN LEAVING, INTO WHITE, STILL LIFE WITH TORNADO, LUCY AND LINH… the list goes on and rightly so, there’s so many great books out there. 2016 was a great year and 2017 is looking super hot too!

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m a total nerd, I just hang around at home with my family and friends. Love to sew and make little kitschy things and veg out watching TV while I surf the internet. #winning

What are you currently reading?

Currently reading AS I DESCENDED by Robin Talley and it’s bloody good fun.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep writing! I know when you’ve been trying so hard for so long and you get rejections every day and nothing seems to be going well and everyone around you has these skyrocketing careers and all seems lost… keep writing. If you believe in your stories then we will too.

What’s next for you? Are you working on anything right now that you can tell us about?

I am working and writing new YA and it’s very personal to me. Going to go into a subject that has affected my life once and forever: ballet.