There is so much in it that I want to talk to you about but I'd like to begin with what might be the most fundamental question: How and why did you choose Cinderella as the fairy tale to reimagine? I still remember the first time I read it and how it moved me. Nina La Cour : Ash has resonated so profoundly with so many readers. In the Q&A below, LaCour and Lo reflect on why this novel has resonated so strongly with readers for the last decade:

And even though it’s grounded in the familiar elements of the Cinderella story we all love - the dead mother, the cruel stepfamily, the prince in search of a wife, and, of course, the girl herself, so beautiful and good - it surprises us with its lyricism and its newness, especially when it comes to the King’s huntress, Kaisa, who gives Ash more than she had ever dreamed of having. It trembles with hope and longing and magic. It’s dark and moody even as it glitters with golden fairy dust. Here's what she said about the book: Malinda Lo’s Ash is the best kind of fairy tale. The book, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2019, comes recommended to you by the Printz-winning author of We Are Okay, Nina LaCour. This month, Bustle Book Club is reading Ash by Malinda Lo, a retelling of Cinderella in which the main character grieves her dead parents, finds her power, and falls in love with another girl - the King's huntress, Kaisa. Follow along with the book club on Bustle and join the conversation on Goodreads. In June, We Are Okay author Nina LaCour recommends Ash by Malinda Lo. Each month, the Bustle Book Club asks an author to recommend a book they think everyone should read.

Ash malinda lo goodreads