Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
In a future world, all sixteen-year-olds must undergo extreme cosmetic surgery to become 'beautiful' and fit in.
Summary
In Uglies, the first book in the series, the protagonist, Tally Youngblood, lives in a future world where everyone is considered an 'Ugly' until they turn sixteen. At that point, they must undergo extreme cosmetic surgery to become 'Pretty'. Tally is excited to turn sixteen and become Pretty, but when her friend Shay runs away to avoid the operation, Tally is faced with a difficult decision: stay and become Pretty, or leave and never be able to return.
Interpretation
Uglies is a thought-provoking novel that explores the idea of conformity and the lengths people will go to fit in. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of a society that values physical beauty over inner beauty and encourages people to conform to a certain standard.
Who is this book for?
Uglies is a young adult science fiction novel suitable for readers aged 12 and up.
Keywords
Science-Fiction, Young-Adult, Dystopia, Conformity, Beauty