Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfield
Reviewed by: Courtney
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 425

Uglies is the first book in a series of four. It is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic, futuristic society, where look are key. You are considered an 'ugly' until you reach the age of 16; when you have the operation to make you a 'pretty'. Tally, the main character of the series, is sick and tired of the ugly life and can't wait to become pretty and live a life of luxury. She is just about to turn 16 when her best friend leaves the city to join an outlier group that was supposed just a myth. She left to avoid the operation, and tried to get Tally to go with her. All through the book, Tally wrestles with staying and leaving and encounters countless unexpected obstacles along the way. She begins to realize that her once-so-perfect society really isn't so perfect after all, and her next move really surprised me. Scott Westerfield does a great job of creating a whole new interesting, mysterious world of dystopia that I had never read before. His series is a good read for anyone up for the adventure.