Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I recently started reading Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Although I'm only on page 110, the plot has developed significantly. The protagonist, Tally Youngblood, is a 15 year old girl who lives in a society that prioritizes "biological correctness". According to authorities and most members of society, people are born ugly and must undergo an operation at the age of 16 in order to appeal to the natural human sense of beauty. Tally has been waiting her whole life to finally become "Pretty", to experience the lifelong joy of partying and being surrounded by beautiful people. The following quote from the book demonstrates Tally's longing to leave 'Uglyville' and begin her new life as a Pretty:

"She'd spent the last four years looking out at New Pretty Town, wanting nothing more than to cross the river and not coming back. That's probably what had tempted her through the window so many times, learning every trick she could to sneak closer to the new pretties, to spy on the life she would eventually have" (Westerfeld 85).

The setting of this book is very intriguing, a futuristic society that hides information about the past and the outside world, and tricks its members into thinking that a good life comes from external beauty. But as Tally begins to explore beyond the river and as she gains information from her new friend, Shay, she slowly starts to question the principles of the world she's known and admired her whole life. 

I've really enjoyed this book so far. The rising action has begun to build up, with some major events taking place. For example, without giving too much away, Shay tells Tally about her bold, unexpected plan and Tally is brought to the "Special Circumstances" organization and given important information, right before she is about to have her Pretty operation. I predict that by the end of the series, if not the book, Tally will have a change of mind about the concept of Pretties and Uglies. I believe that she will become a dynamic character and will eventually rebel against society. I'm excited to continue reading this book and I can't wait to find out what happens to Tally and Shay.

This link contains book reviews, Q&A, discussion questions and more information about the book, Uglies:

http://scottwesterfeld.com/books/uglies/