Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Dystopia, Science Fiction; 406 pages
Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally’s best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.
Sam’s review:
Tally Youngblood is lonely: all of her friends have already turned 16 and had the operation to make them Pretty and have gone to Prettytown to party. As Tally amuses herself by hoverboarding (think skateboarding through the air) and doing “tricks,” the pasttime of Uglies, she meets Shay, another girl who is still an Ugly. The two girls share some exciting adventures, and eventually Shay leads Tally to a concept that is new to her: maybe turning Pretty isn’t such a great idea after all. Tally’s world turns upside because of her friendship with Shay and the realization that there is another option for living. What follows is a story that zips along with adventure, romance, friendship, betrayal, and self-realization. It’s the first of a trilogy, followed by Pretties and Specials.