Review: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: May 3rd 2011
Series: Uglies #1
Source: paperback (borrowed)

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Summary: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. In just a few weeks she'll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she'll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world--and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally's choice will change her world forever...

Review:  I really enjoyed the issues that Uglies addressed about how everyone has a certain taste as to who is considered pretty and who isn't. There is a resemblance to The Hunger Games but I would say that if I were to compare, The Hunger Games had much better world building. 

It was a little creepy and haunting when I read the descriptions of the Rusty Ruins. It sounded so tangible and it is actually frightening to even consider the fact that the demise of the world as we know it, is all because of our preferences. 

The technology in Uglies sounded extremely cool and by the end of the book I was itching to get on a hoverboard. I would also love to have a wall that produces anything I want...books please. Another thing I really liked about it was the adventure! Yummy! I love how there was very little time wasted lazing around or 'planning' or just talks about life. The pacing was really consistent throughout the book and there was a clear peak in the story which I really appreciated. 

Tally's decisions were sometimes hard to relate to but I guess having grown up in the society where being a Pretty is everything, we cannot really blame her for the choices she makes. David was lovable but the love triangle thing is soooo old! I am sick of reading about them. So I guess I am not really reading this for the romance but more for the adventure and to see how the dystopian word turns out. I didn't really get the whole deal about being a Pretty. Partying all day is supposed to be fun??? Well I guess I am not the average teenager. :P

Overall, this wasn't a favourite but it is a pretty good story and I think everyone should at least read the first book in the series. I would definitely read the rest of the series because I am curious to know what happens next and to try and understand the world that has been built in the Uglies series.

My rating:

Recommended for dystopian and adventure lovers!