Uglies is a dystopian novel set in a society where everyone gets a mandatory cosmetic surgery at 16 to become a “Pretty.” The story follows Tally Youngblood, a 15-year-old girl eagerly waiting her transformation. However, she starts doubting the system when she meets Shay, a rebellious girl who resists the operation and introduces Tally to the Smoke, a hidden city of people who reject societal beauty standards. When Shay runs away, the authorities give Tally a proposal: find Shay and betray the Smoke or never become Pretty. As Tally goes undercover in the Smoke, she begins to question everything she has been taught. She falls in love with David, a boy raised outside the city, and discovers the horrifying truth—the surgery not only changes one's appearance, but also brainwashes individuals to be obedient. Now Tally is stuck between choosing to be Pretty and living with the rest of her friends or joining the Smoke and living in danger.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it explores themes of beauty, conformity and free will. Tally’s character development—from a naive girl waiting to change to a strong, independent thinker—is captivating. The book raises thought-provoking questions about societal pressure, self-identity and the idea of perfection. Some plot twists did feel predictable, and the romance between Tally and David sometimes lacked depth. However, the themes and suspense make it an amazing read, especially for fans of dystopian fiction. Overall, this is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that challenges ideas of beauty and individuality. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and books with deeper societal messages because it is an amazing combination of the two.