Review by
Caroline
Review of Uglies
I have read a few trilogies by Scott Westerfeld before, and I can honestly say that this series so far is my favorite. Admittedly, I was quite confused about the cover. This girl is supposed to be ugly? I repeatedly questioned. Realizing then what the book was intended for, I felt moronic for not noticing it before: It was my job to wonder why every normal person was considered hideous.
Perhaps the entire book is a metaphor for a crazy society that focuses only on appearances and how a "pretty" person should look. Reducing beauty to a scientific equation, Westerfeld forces the reader to digest the fact that beauty is impervious to calculation. Sure, the Pretties exist as flawlessly gorgeous beings, but come on, they are practically carbon copies, little ditzy freaks, partying and drinking all day, mindlessly staring at themselves in a mirror.
This may be because Scott Westerfeld is, obviously, a guy, but it is refreshing to read a book about a girl that does not halt the entire story for a page and a half to, with great depth, explain a kiss. Brilliance on his part, that is. In all sincerity, I truly loved the book. (And yes, I do recognize that I pretty much love every book I read-- but I am exceptionally skilled at judging a book by its cover). Uglies is well worth the read, and endlessly entertaining. Read it please!
