Reviews

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

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calistacyq's review against another edition

5.0

Descriptive, action-packed and interesting, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is about a girl who lives in a dystopian society that uses plastic surgery to turn people from "ugly" to "pretty" when they turn sixteen.

Summary: Tally Youngblood is an "ugly". On her sixteenth birthday, she will be able to go through an operation that will turn her "pretty" and allow her to live more comfortably. Then, Tally meets Shay, who tells her about a group of people living outside the system, and her life derails.

Tropes/Genres:
• dystopian
• science fiction
• romance
• insta-love
• young adult
• post-apocalyptic

Review: This is such an interesting book! I like how the author handled the concept of people being grouped into "uglies" and "pretties". The idea of the operation that turns uglies into pretties is so harrowing, seemingly erasing parts of a person that are deemed flawed by the government. For example, scars are removed during the operation, but scars tell stories too. It's an interesting concept.

Tally is such a good main character to follow. She's flawed but likeable. One can tell from a mile away that her mindset is a result of her upbringing. She seems very superficial, dividing people by who's "ugly" and "pretty", but that's how the society she lives in works. It's so nice to see her grow throughout the book after leaving the city and appreciate natural beauty. There's beauty in imperfection too!

It's interesting to see how her worldview keeps getting challenged by people who don't conform to societal norms or share the same ideas. Beauty is not just about one's appearance; it's also in the way that people carry themselves. There's something empowering about confidence.

David is such a sweetheart. I feel so bad for him, but I love how devoted he is to Tally. He trusts her wholeheartedly. He's such a cinnamon roll. I don't even blame Tally for what happened because she was blackmailed, and she didn't even mean for whatever had happened to happen. I love David and Tally despite everything that went wrong because they're good for each other. I love how David made Tally question her worldview and taught her about the old world. I love them for each other.

The concept of the city is insane, and I can't imagine living in a world like that. The Special Circumstances are also kind of scary. You first get introduced to a city that seems to be just all about one's appearance, but this book slowly reveals that it's not what it's all about. The writing is very descriptive, and the pacing is good. The characters are all meaningful in their own way.

I recommend this book to dystopian readers who want to try out the concept of a post-apocalyptic society where people are brainwashed to think they're ugly until they perform cosmetic surgery when they turn sixteen.

a_reads77's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

noabeth's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

heathercottledillon's review against another edition

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4.0

Tally Youngblood can't wait to turn sixteen. Not because she'll get her driver's license, but because she'll finally go from Ugly to Pretty. In the futuristic society she lives in, everyone gets an operation when they turn sixteen. An operation that leaves their skin perfect, their faces completely proportional, their eyes large and beautiful. Every single element of their appearance is designed for flawless beauty. Plus New Pretties get to move from their dorms in Uglyville to New Pretty Town, where life is one big party. There is no fighting, crime, or jealousy in New Pretty Town because no one has any advantages over anyone else. It's a system that was put in place hundreds of years ago, after the Rusties nearly ruined the world with their wars and destruction of the environment. It's a system that Tally believes in. Then she meets Shay. Her new friend has heard rumors of another place, way outside the city, where people stay Ugly. It's called the Smoke, and people there believe it's better to keep their own faces, that being Pretty is shallow and unnatural. Tally doesn't buy it, but when Shay disappears and Tally is captured by the Specials--scary Pretties who run the city and want to Tally to lead them to the Smoke--Tally finds herself in big trouble. If she doesn't betray her friend, she will never become Pretty.

This book really sucked me in, and it's one that will stay with me. At first, I thought the premise was ridiculous, but as I read it began to make more sense. There are real reasons why the world decided that it was smart to make everyone Pretty, and some of their reasons are valid. I like that this dystopia isn't totally black-and-white. The new society has some clear advantages over the old ways--they don't have any war or serious crime, and they take care of the environment instead of destroying it like the Rusties (us!) do. Still, there are obviously some serious moral problems with what they're doing, and even more things come to light as Tally discovers some ugly secrets about what's really going on in her city. This kind of stuff makes you think about what is worth giving up to get rid of the bad parts of human nature. Tally frustrates me sometimes, but I ultimately like her. She makes some big mistakes, but when you consider how difficult it is for her to go against the philosophy she was raised with, she is actually quite strong. The ending is a perfect set up for the next book in the series. This is a good one for people who like sci fi but want the story to emphasize issues and characters more than the technology or setting. There are certainly some fun futuristic elements, but the main focus is on the plot.

sar_123's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lyntwhit's review against another edition

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4.0

good book. i would recommend this. i appreciate the not-so-subtle messages that come through, but am glad they don't bog the novel down more. the idea that everyone turns pretty on their 16th birthday to even the playing field is an original premis. Can't wait to read The Pretties, the next in the series.