I picked up Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies” because I was considering it for my 12-year-old daughter. She’s a huge reader across all genres, and I thought it might be a good introduction to dystopian fiction for her. This idea is at the base of this review.

The “Uglies” is a young adult dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where everyone is considered “ugly” until their sixteenth birthday. At that time, society offers a life-altering operation: a transformation into a “Pretty.” This surgery promises not only perfect beauty but also a life of endless parties and carefree living in New Pretty Town.

We follow Tally Youngblood, who can’t wait for her turn to be made pretty and join her best friend, Peris. Even after she meets Shay, a new friend who questions everything about their perfectly engineered world, Tally resists seeing the cracks in the flawless facade. When Shay makes a radical decision, Tally is forced onto a path that changes her life, and her perception of beauty, forever.

First published in 2005, the book is not a literary masterpiece, and the plot is perhaps a little predictable in light of all the dystopian YA that has come out in recent years. Still, the main topic—what defines beauty—is highly relevant. This is perhaps what makes it worth reading: Westerfeld leads us to question what constitutes true beauty and whether external perfection may come at too high a cost, prompting an interesting reflection on identity and self-worth.

Ultimately, my daughter did read the “Uglies”, and when asked to rate it, she gave it an 8.75. I guess that means it’s pretty engaging for a 12-year-old. I’m only prepared to go as high as a 7.

– S –