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book_cwtch's review against another edition
This was a tough read about the beauty industry, power and masculinity through the views of two teens on opposite sides of beauty culture trying to make it through their formative years. This is so spot on an accurate that it’s difficult to read even as an adult but I’m glad I finished it as the last 30% were really excellent.
Moderate: Rape, Violence, and Alcohol
lonely_leafairy's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of the best books I have ever read. An amazing read, which many claim are dystopian, but it really is what is happening on some women’s day-to-day life. It made me angry, I’ll never cover my blemishes the same way again. I’ll never judge people without thinking twice now. It ruled me up, made me angry, but it caused emotion. That’s what I want from a book. And for anyone who is wondering, there is a hint of WLW romance, though they just kind of brush me off (another reason why this isn’t a five star book)
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Violence, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
This is quite an intense book. Something else I didn’t see listed above was porn, though they call it smut in the movie. It’s moderate to graphic, and might gross some people out, so I wouldn’t say this is for the easily impressionable.amyashcroft's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You Could Be So Pretty is a dystopia written with feminism at its core, set in a world in which the majority of women “Mask” at the beginning of each day, and those who do not are seen as outcasts.
The novel is split between the perspectives of Joni and Belle, Joni rejects the rules of the Doctrine and doesn’t Mask, and Belle is striving to be a Pretty and is working hard to keep up appearances to win the Ceremony. Despite there differences, they’re both fighting for a scholarship for the Education and are forced to spend more and more time together in order to prepare.
This book is so head-on with the issues of the beauty industry and sexism in modern society. Bourne doesn’t shy away from the gritty details and of her own criticisms of normalised sexism that is experienced by teenage girls, highlighting modern issues from porn to eating disorders and the impact these have on beauty standards. I also thoroughly enjoyed the theme of ageism in society; how the main characters are teenage girls, but we also get to learn how society treats the women around them and how their mothers react to the effects of aging.
You Could Be So Pretty is often hard to read, but there are clear trigger warnings for the issues at the start of the book, which is greatly appreciated, as well as support information at the end. This is definitely an older YA novel, probably best for 16+, I’m 22 and struggled to read some of the content! Holly Bourne was able to critique so many different areas of society and by retitling many of the words used to similar ones, it allowed me to read these difficult topics and feel a separation, helping it feel less overwhelming but still have an impact.
I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to discuss it with others when it’s published!
The novel is split between the perspectives of Joni and Belle, Joni rejects the rules of the Doctrine and doesn’t Mask, and Belle is striving to be a Pretty and is working hard to keep up appearances to win the Ceremony. Despite there differences, they’re both fighting for a scholarship for the Education and are forced to spend more and more time together in order to prepare.
This book is so head-on with the issues of the beauty industry and sexism in modern society. Bourne doesn’t shy away from the gritty details and of her own criticisms of normalised sexism that is experienced by teenage girls, highlighting modern issues from porn to eating disorders and the impact these have on beauty standards. I also thoroughly enjoyed the theme of ageism in society; how the main characters are teenage girls, but we also get to learn how society treats the women around them and how their mothers react to the effects of aging.
You Could Be So Pretty is often hard to read, but there are clear trigger warnings for the issues at the start of the book, which is greatly appreciated, as well as support information at the end. This is definitely an older YA novel, probably best for 16+, I’m 22 and struggled to read some of the content! Holly Bourne was able to critique so many different areas of society and by retitling many of the words used to similar ones, it allowed me to read these difficult topics and feel a separation, helping it feel less overwhelming but still have an impact.
I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to discuss it with others when it’s published!
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Mental illness, Sexism, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Violence, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Medical content, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment and Alcohol
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