Uglies

                                                      Uglies 

                                                         by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies is a 4 book series, which is written by Scott Westerfeld.  The first book was published in May, 2005. The beginning of this book is slow and it took a few chapters before the action kicks in. I know this sounds boring already, but I promise you that there is a big chance I might change your mind by the end of this book review. I, for one, was hypnotized by the thrilling and action packed plot of Uglies. You might or might not enjoy the futuristic setting of this certain book, but I hope you will listen to that risk taker part of you and try reading Uglies. So finish whatever you need to do, lock your door, prepare yourself for an unimaginable adventure, and start reading Uglies.

Set in the future, being Pretty means you are thrown in to a world of high technology, parties, fun and exceptionally beautiful people. The turning point from a lonely, shy, and despicable Ugly to a bright, happy and extraordinary Pretty happened when you turned 16, as the operation is able to turn everyone into supermodel beauties. Tally cannot wait to be a Pretty, but her newly acquired friend, Shay, has different thoughts about this. When she decides she wants to keep her own face, the government starts to keep tabs on her. The Smoke, a refugee camp for runaway Uglies, presents a new option for Shay. An escape. And when Shay slips into the unknown, the gruesome fight between Uglies and Pretties begins. Will Tally choose to turn to the darker side and betray her best friend, or will she stand up and fight for her life?

I chose this book to review because the moment I started following the flow of the plot, I was mesmerized by the difficult choices certain characters had to make. Each chapter contains a different surprise, like when you turn a corner and someone goes ‘Boo’. Life is full of these unexpected events, and that’s why I felt that this book has some connections to reality even if it’s in the future.

We follow Tally Youngblood’s journey through the treacherous future. Shay finds the courage to fight against the tyranny, and when Tally follows her into the hidden world she finds more than she can ever imagine. Love shatters the surroundings, and good intentions take a darker turn.  Will Tally choose to fight for a better future, or lead a Pretty fake life? I guess that leaves you up to the challenge of actually reading the book. Page by page, chapter to chapter. Hard, isn’t it?

The dangerous side effects of the difficult choices some make and the extraordinary actions the characters take may leave you astonished and paralyzed. Are you up to the challenge? 

Kato MS