Tammy Blackwell's Reviews > Beauty Queens

You know how when you watch a Tim Burton movie you think to yourself, "That man sees the world differently than the rest of us, and he may be a bit on the crazy side?" I've had the same experience reading the two most recent Libba Bray books - Pritz Medal winner Going Bovine and May 2011's Beauty Queens. (Of course, I know Libba isn't a man, so it's more of "That woman," but you get the idea.)

There were moments towards the beginning of Beauty Queens where I thought that things were a bit too over-the-top (New Mexico's head accessory, anyone?). I worried the book was nothing other than 300+ pages of the author showing off how clever and witty she is. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that now. I should have more faith in a woman who is, hands down, one of the best writers in YA literature.

Because it's still a long way until May, I'm not going to reveal any plot details. Just know that this is one of those books you shouldn't read in public. People generally don't react well to lone strangers laughing uncontrollably. Also, if you don't feel like your own preconceived notions about people were challenged just a bit, you need to go back and read it again.