Uglies: Recommended for teens with issues

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies is a futuristic teen adventure book that will keep even adult readers enthralled from the first page.

Tally is ready to be pretty. When you turn sixteen in this futuristic world, you are plucked from school and taken to have the “operation” that turns you from an Ugly into a Pretty. When you’re pretty you can do anything. You get to move to New Pretty Town and party all night long if you choose and Tally can’t wait to join her friends who have already “turned.”

By turn of chance Tally meets Shay. Another “Ugly” like herself who happens to share her birthday. As their friendship grows and they embark on new adventures together, Shay lets Tally in on her secret: She doesn’t want to be pretty. Tally can’t understand her new friend’s defiance and refuses to run away with her. When the authorities find out that Shay is missing however, they know that Tally is the key to finding her and now Tally must face a choice: Betray her friend, or stay ugly… forever.

I was sad when this book ended. I can’t wait to read the second book and I would totally recommend it to any teen who is having issues with how they look or with society’s idea of what beauty is. Westerfeld’s message is simple, but surprisingly hard to grasp for many youths these days: Embrace diversity and be yourself. Rave reviews! Five stars!

Julie Waineo, one of our earliest guest reviewers, earned an MBA at Bowling Green State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in French. Now living in Virginia with her husband and dog, Julie is an avid reader of not only fantasy, but historical fiction, the occasional “chick lit,” and children’s literature.