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Review: Uglies

Tuesday 5 February 2013
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Edition: Simon & Schuster (Library) Paperback
Released: 8th February 2005
Series: Uglies #1
Pages: 425 approx.
Links: The Book Depository | Author's Website

Tally can't wait to turn sixteen and become Pretty. Sixteen is the magic number that brings a transformation from a repellent Ugly into a stunningly attractive Pretty, and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be Pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. 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 the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn Pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

MY REVIEW:

Straight off let me just say that I actually had a different edition cover than the one pictured above. The one I had was blue and had a surgical tray of dolls bodies on it... It was strange to say the least. I couldn't find a decent sized image of that cover though so that's why it's not included in this post and, in all honesty, I didn't like it that much. This one is much better. Anyway. On to the actual book. Personally, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have liked to but, at the same time, I still enjoyed it.

The main reason that kept me from loving this book was the pacing. For me, it's vital that the book I'm reading has a good pace. Unfortunetly, I just found Uglies a little too slow at times. Not only was the beginning a bit slow-going for me but throughout the book there were intervals where my attention would waver because the pace would suddenly drop. I do know a lot of people that have read this book, however, who didn't find the pacing an issue so I suppose it just comes down to your book pet peeves.

The storyline overall was quite unusual and intriguing - not to mention dystopian! ;) That vision of the future is terrifying for me. I would just hate to live in a world where everyone is turned 'pretty' at the age of sixteen! Wouldn't you? Though, at times, the main character, Tally, did seem a little brainwashed when it came to her world's values (like being pretty is everything), I could understand that she was only acting like that because she had grown up knowing only that life and being told the same thing over and over. Due to this I found I could empathise with Tally and I slowly started to warm to her. She was a likeable and well-developed character overall. David was also another enjoyable character. They were so sweet when they were together. :') I also thought Tally and Shay were a little like Lena and Hana out of Delirium. With Tally being more cautious like Lena and Shay being more rebellious and out going like Hana's character.

In conclusion, though I would have liked to have enjoyed Uglies more than I did, I'd still recommend it to those of you that think it would be there type of thing. Even to those of you who love dystopian; this book has a really unusual storyline that I'm sure you could all admire. I feel like this review has sounded pretty negative... but let me just stress, I did enjoy it! The ending was a shocker as well - and Tally did a really honourable thing! That honourable thing, you ask? Well I'm not going to tell! Better check this book out for yourself if you're that desperate. ;)

THREE/THREE AND A HALF STARS! :)
 
Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo


8 comments :

  1. Hey,
    It's so funny that you review this book now because yesterday I bought it but quickly swapped it for Looking for Alaska. Sorry you didn't enjoy this book as much as you would of hoped, that's always a bummer. Plz check out my blog.


    - Sunny @ www.asupersunnyspot.blogspot.com

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  2. I totally love the idea of these books. I agree with you - it would be beyond awful to suddenly turn "pretty" at a certain age. So in these books, does "turning pretty" mean just waking up on your 16th Birthday and having a new face? Or is it more complicated?

    Anywhooo, brilliant review, Rachel! It's a shame you didn't enjoy this as much as you were hoping, but I'm glad this didn't fall flat. Although like you, pacing is incredibly vital when I'm reading! x

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  3. It's a pity you weren't mad on this, but I'm glad you enjoyed it still :) Not sure if this would be my thing, but you never know, I might like it :)

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  4. Pacing is a HUGE deal for me as well, especially when the book is too slow. I'm one of these people that really needs something face to keep my attention. So, I think the slow pacing would definitely bother me. But the concept does sound so intriguing, and I love that you warmed up to the main character in the end. =)

    Fabulous review, Rachel! I'm going to have to pick this one up soon, just because I've had a copy FOREVER and it's about time for me to read it.

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  5. I actually picked up UGLIES last year and read a couple of chapters but I got so bored to the point that I dropped it. It is true how slow the pacing is but also I am a huge dystopian fan but I really didn't enjoy the whole plot of 16 turning pretty thing..

    great review,
    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

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  6. Hey,
    Thanks for checking out my blog and leaving a comment, it means a lot me. This year my goal is to get 100 followers, so do you think you could give it a follow. Thanks so much. I couldn't help noticing that your on Team Stefan from TVD! Me 2, even though I love Damon I have to say that Stefan is 100% perfection. Do u watch the vampire diaries on tv, I love it!!!

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  7. Fantastic review, Rachel! :) I have had this one my wishlist for a while, the series is so intriguing. Plus, it is dystopian which makes it awesome! ;)
    I'm glad you enjoyed it even though some of it wasn't quite as good as you hoped. I hate slow pacing, it makes the book drag on for so long and it gets boring.
    I loved Lena and Hana from Delirium so I think I'll like Tally and Shay :')
    Thanks for sharing! <3

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  8. Great review! I have been wanting to read this series since I first started blogging way back in March last year! I also prefer this cover, the one with the dolls are just a bit too freaky for me :p

    I don't like slow-pacing, but this book looks great so I'll give it a go! :D xxx

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