The Beautiful
#1 of 4 in The Beautiful Series
on Goodreads (38,184)
What’s inside...
In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead, providing refuge to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau after fleeing Paris. Taken in by the Ursuline convent, Celine is quickly captivated by the city's vibrant culture and dangerous underworld, La Cour des Lions, led by Sébastien Saint Germain. After a convent girl's murder in La Cour des Lions' lair, Celine wrestles with her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions of his involvement. As more murders occur, Celine becomes a target and takes action, uncovering shocking truths and an ancient feud among dark creatures, revealing hidden aspects of herself. 'The Beautiful' by Renée Ahdieh, combines romance and mystery in a potent fantasy series, now available in paperback.
Character compass
Celine Rousseau
Odette Valmont
Arjun Desai
Pippa Montrose
Michael Grimaldi
SéBastien Saint Germain
Discussion points
What do you think drives Celine to move to New Orleans, and how would you feel in her situation?
How do the historical elements and the setting of New Orleans enhance the story for you?
What can we learn about courage and fear from Celine's encounters in the city?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the book, and what do these changes tell us about trust and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own feelings and experiences with Celine’s, promoting personal connections to the story.
Discuss the rich descriptions of New Orleans and explore together how setting influences a story’s mood and characters.
Utilize examples from the book to discuss difficult themes like bravery and fear, helping your child articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Propose role-playing different scenarios between characters to deepen understanding of their motivations and choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: In 'The Beautiful', the protagonist navigates through various challenges while learning to accept her unique identity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace their individuality and face life's challenges with confidence, understanding that being different is a strength, not a weakness.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of one’s actions
Explanation: The narrative explores the ripple effects of choices made by characters, teaching that each decision carries weight.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children consider the potential outcomes of their actions and encourage thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: The value of courage in adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'The Beautiful' often face fears and stand up in the face of danger, showing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to confront their own fears and difficulties, understanding that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters learn to forgive others and themselves, which leads to healing and peace.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of forgiveness can help them build healthier relationships and promote emotional well-being.