The future is bleak, people. Imagine a world where everyone is deemed “ugly” until they undergo a massive cosmetic surgery to become “pretty.” Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, not so fast. In Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” this dystopian society is anything but perfect.
Meet Tally Youngblood, our protagonist and resident Ugly. But fear not, because on her 16th birthday, Tally is set to undergo a miraculous transformation into a “pretty.” Big eyes, clear skin, and a perfect bone structure? Sign me up!
But Tally’s plans for her Pretty-fication are put on hold when her friend Shay runs away to join a group of rebels who refuse to undergo the surgery. Cue the secret police forcing Tally to betray her friend and infiltrate the rebels’ group.
It’s a classical tale about betrayal, loyalty, and really bad haircuts. Tally, on the other hand, has some serious hair issues. Tally finds herself repeatedly betraying her friend in the name of becoming Pretty. It’s a cross between “Mean Girls” and “The Hunger Games.” But instead of fighting to the death, they’re fighting for the right to have a nose job.
Westerfeld does a great job of crafting a dystopian society that’s both terrifying and believable. The idea of a world where everyone is forced to look the same is eerily reminiscent of the world we live in now, where beauty standards are unrealistic and unattainable for the majority of us. Plus, the action and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But let’s talk about the characters. Tally is a flawed but relatable protagonist, and her journey from blindly following the status quo to questioning the world around her is both satisfying and inspiring. Shay, on the other hand, is the ultimate rebel with a cause. She’s not afraid to challenge the system and fight for what she believes in, even if it means going against her best friend. And let’s not forget about the supporting characters, like the enigmatic Dr. Cable and the charming David. They all play a crucial role in the story and add depth to the world-building.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Ify, is this just another YA dystopian novel?” To that, I say yes and no. Yes, it has all the tropes of the genre – the oppressive government, the rebellion, the romance. But what sets “Uglies” apart is Westerfeld’s ability to make these tropes feel fresh and exciting. And the ending? Oh boy, the ending. I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say it’s a doozy. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to immediately pick up the next book in the series.
In conclusion, “Uglies” is a book that will make you question everything you know about beauty, society, and the power of friendship. And it’ll make you want to get a new haircut. Trust me on that one. And to quote Tally herself: “Maybe it’s not about logic and reason. Maybe you just have to go through hell to find out where the heaven is.”
