The Uglies

The Uglies  

by Scott Westerfeld 

Would you give up your ability to think independently in exchange for being happy, beautiful, healthy, and rich? This is the question that 15 year-old Tally Youngblood has to consider as she must choose between following societal expectations of forced conformity and rebelling against the Government and the Special Circumstances (the malevolent government officials).

The Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, is the first novel in the post-apocalyptic dystopian trilogy that takes place at least a few centuries in our future. It is a world where everyone is considered ugly until they reach their 16^th birthday. On that much-anticipated day, the lucky person undergoes a significant cosmetic surgery to achieve society’s idea of pretty. After having received the surgery, they become known as Pretties, and they move to a different, much classier area of the city where they hang out with other attractive people and party. The Pretties spend their time drinking champagne, being insipid and vain, and saying the words “bubbly” and “bogus” all of the time. But as Tally finds out, the tyrannical oppressive government is hiding a dark secret about the dangers of becoming a Pretty, and she will have to risk everything to save herself and her friends.

During the months leading up to her 16^th birthday, Tally questions if she wants to risk becoming a Pretty, and decides to explore the rumours about a secret community called the Smoke outside of the City where people are not forced to change. During her (illegal) adventures outside of the City, Tally meets David, who serves as their connection to the Smoke. Tally quickly finds herself falling in love with this mysterious man. 

Will David help Tally escape the dreaded Operation? Will Tally help save her friends from the government? What happens if Tally gets caught by the Special Circumstances? Or will Tally lose her sense of identity in order to fit in with the rest of her family and old friends? 

The role of peer-pressure is very prevalent in today’s society. It can be very difficult to say ‘no’ to something when everyone else seems to be doing it. Tally finds, however, that she is not the only one who is resistant to conformity and finds many friends who have similar values as her own. Hopefully young adults can relate to Tally’s character and find inspiration though her adventures. 

The Uglies (2005) is followed by the Pretties (2005), and the Specials (2006). There is also a follow-up novel called Extras (2007). All four books have been New York Times bestsellers. The series examines the idea of identity and conformity. Westerfeld’s novels give the reader a glimpse into what the world might become as the media continues to emphasize the important of reaching the ‘ideal body type’ – thin, tall, muscular, tanned, etc. The story serves as a reminder of the old clichés – it is what is on the inside that matters, not the out. Or beauty is only skin deep. Maintaining individuality is very important as well. This is a great book for young adults, especially those who enjoyed Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games as it has a similar theme, but a different story. 

Sometimes it may seem easier to conform because it is popular, but is it right? Is it better to fight to be different, despite the consequences? The series also explores the theme of humanity, manipulation, love and the idea of true beauty. There are also many other thought-provoking concepts that are woven in the plot throughout the series, such as our society’s over-reliance on oil and the costs of war. Although the story is set in the future, it makes the reader think about how society works today.