Uglies (Uglies #1)
User reviews
76 reviews with 5 stars
116 reviews
Overall rating
4.4
Plot
4.6(116)
Characters
4.3(23)
Writing Style
4.2(22)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A(0)
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Normal or eternally stupid?
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
What a stunning idea, how could someone come up with such a awesome story? Uglies (normal people in my opinion) are people who haven't undergone surgery to become pretty (people who went under surgery to become stupid. Who would do that? I wouldn't!!). Tally is waiting for her birthday, the day she becomes pretty. But a few weeks until the very special day, Tally becomes friends with Shay, another Ugly. Shay tells Tally that being pretty is awful, she tries to convince her to leave, but to no avail. Shay leaves and Tally is caught up in her escape, she cannot become pretty until she finds the Smoke.
This book is full of choices, lies and hover boards, that will keep you eternally gripped in it's hold. I finished this book in one day since it was so good. I thought the cliffhanger was great, good idea Scot, great way to earn more money, you just need to know what happens.
I disliked the part where Tally volunteers to become pretty, after all that we learned about the consequences of becoming pretty. I thought that was pretty stupid (in Tally's case, not the authors, in that it was clever). I loved Shay quite a bit, but I hated it when she became pretty, and when in the Pretties book how she becomes special. She goes out of line my friends, out of line. I hope she she see the truth someday.
I recommend this book for 12+. Hopefully it will draw in more ever starving prey, like it did for me.
This book is full of choices, lies and hover boards, that will keep you eternally gripped in it's hold. I finished this book in one day since it was so good. I thought the cliffhanger was great, good idea Scot, great way to earn more money, you just need to know what happens.
I disliked the part where Tally volunteers to become pretty, after all that we learned about the consequences of becoming pretty. I thought that was pretty stupid (in Tally's case, not the authors, in that it was clever). I loved Shay quite a bit, but I hated it when she became pretty, and when in the Pretties book how she becomes special. She goes out of line my friends, out of line. I hope she she see the truth someday.
I recommend this book for 12+. Hopefully it will draw in more ever starving prey, like it did for me.
It's out there!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
I rarely read a book that doesn't feature vampires, but I read the entire Uglies Series and enjoyed it. They are definitely out there, but that is what keeps you coming back for more. Scott Westerfeld has an amazing imagination that I think everyone should experience!
Suspenceful
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Brianna
This is the most wonderful book I have ever read! I could not put this book down. This book was a ture page turner. It made me feel "BUBBLY" All I did was read and reread this book then I found out that there was a second book and was imedaitley excited and was carefully watching the dates to when it came out and I Just Love to read. WhenI was done reading this book I could not believe what Tally had done. I just OMG I just love this book best book ever It is almost a crime if you doon't read this book Uglies SO READ THIS BOOK! and i promise it will be the best book you have ever read.
This is the most wonderful book I have ever read! I could not put this book down. This book was a ture page turner. It made me feel "BUBBLY" All I did was read and reread this book then I found out that there was a second book and was imedaitley excited and was carefully watching the dates to when it came out and I Just Love to read. WhenI was done reading this book I could not believe what Tally had done. I just OMG I just love this book best book ever It is almost a crime if you doon't read this book Uglies SO READ THIS BOOK! and i promise it will be the best book you have ever read.
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
The Beauty of Uglies
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Kris
A good book, this novel explored the relationship betweeen physical features and how they impact a person's role in society. The children are raised as uglies and consider each other's looks repulsive until they turn 13 and are given the magical operation to make them Pretties. Its all fun and games right? Well it was until tally learned her brain will also be altered in the operation and then she has to decide what matters the most.
I liked this book and would recommend it to people who like stories about how the world might be in the future. There are three books that follow it: Pretties, Specials, and Extras.
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
Uglies: A NEW TYPE OF BOOK! GENIUS!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Kyla
I absolutely love this book! I love how it's in the future! Tally's cool and easy to relate to. In Tally Youngblood's society, when you turn sixteen you get an operation that makes you pretty and perfect. Tally wants nothing more than to be a Pretty and then a Middle Pretty and then a Crumblie instead of an UGLY. But then she finds out from her friend, Shay, that there is a group of Uglies out there that defy the system and they are called the Smokies. Shay wants to go but Tally would HATE to be an Ugly forever. Shay leaves and the government tells Tally that she must go and find Shay or she can't be Pretty. So, naturally, Tally goes to find Shay. But when she eventually gets to the Smoke, the place where the Smokies live, she falls in love with everything and a very cute Ugly boy (I know, contradiction!) named David. Tally decides not to give up the location of the Smoke and throws a locket, that the government had given her to use when she finds the Smoke, in the fire. She believes everything is okay, but turns out, the locket sent a signal out from its location when it was destroyed. The government comes and captures the Smoke with Tally and Shay. At the end of the book, Tally is turned into a Pretty. Throughout the book, Tally thinks she wants one thing, then changes her mind too the exact opposite. The whole story line and concept are great. I loved it so much, in fact, that I'd rather live in the society that Tally lives in in this book. The book called out our society's obsession with being pretty and all the things we do to ruin the enviroment. Tally and Shay criticize our practices and what they said really got me thinking. I think our government and every person out there should read this series. Yeah, Scott Westerfield doesn't know EXACTLY what's gonna happen in the future but I believe he's pretty accurate. I think that if every person on the planet read this series they would change their ways so that the world isn't destroyed. It sure got me thinking, and even though I don't want the world to be destroyed, I sure want Tally's society (Even with the bubbleheadedness. Especially with the bubbleheadedness!). I think Scott has the right idea for the way our society should be (Without the mind rain. Just keeping the bubbleheadedness and operation and stuff.). I love this book, but especially Pretties (Read my review for Pretties.).
~Kyla : )
I absolutely love this book! I love how it's in the future! Tally's cool and easy to relate to. In Tally Youngblood's society, when you turn sixteen you get an operation that makes you pretty and perfect. Tally wants nothing more than to be a Pretty and then a Middle Pretty and then a Crumblie instead of an UGLY. But then she finds out from her friend, Shay, that there is a group of Uglies out there that defy the system and they are called the Smokies. Shay wants to go but Tally would HATE to be an Ugly forever. Shay leaves and the government tells Tally that she must go and find Shay or she can't be Pretty. So, naturally, Tally goes to find Shay. But when she eventually gets to the Smoke, the place where the Smokies live, she falls in love with everything and a very cute Ugly boy (I know, contradiction!) named David. Tally decides not to give up the location of the Smoke and throws a locket, that the government had given her to use when she finds the Smoke, in the fire. She believes everything is okay, but turns out, the locket sent a signal out from its location when it was destroyed. The government comes and captures the Smoke with Tally and Shay. At the end of the book, Tally is turned into a Pretty. Throughout the book, Tally thinks she wants one thing, then changes her mind too the exact opposite. The whole story line and concept are great. I loved it so much, in fact, that I'd rather live in the society that Tally lives in in this book. The book called out our society's obsession with being pretty and all the things we do to ruin the enviroment. Tally and Shay criticize our practices and what they said really got me thinking. I think our government and every person out there should read this series. Yeah, Scott Westerfield doesn't know EXACTLY what's gonna happen in the future but I believe he's pretty accurate. I think that if every person on the planet read this series they would change their ways so that the world isn't destroyed. It sure got me thinking, and even though I don't want the world to be destroyed, I sure want Tally's society (Even with the bubbleheadedness. Especially with the bubbleheadedness!). I think Scott has the right idea for the way our society should be (Without the mind rain. Just keeping the bubbleheadedness and operation and stuff.). I love this book, but especially Pretties (Read my review for Pretties.).
~Kyla : )
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
Ugly, Pretty, Special, Extra, this series has it all!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Gabrielle Carolina
This is a series review! I hope I dont spoil any of the fun, but here is a brief synopsis of each book.
In Uglies, Tally, a fifteen year old living in a culture where people are turned Pretty at age sixteen, there-by gaining the respect and elite privileges of Prettiness. Tally and Shay are two rebellious best friends, one of which, Shay, decides to go and join The Smoke, a band of outlaw uglies who insist on staying that way. When the head of the rumored Specials sends Tally out to find The Smoke and end their rebellion Tally is sure she can fulfill her mission, if for no other reason than to become Pretty! What Tally finds is a camp dedicated to preserving the old ways, ways that destroyed the world once before, but are somehow very freeing and yes, beautiful in its own way. When Tally meets David, an ugly, born and raised outside of Tallys Pretty-centered society she begins to really see herself and this is the tipping point of her new found self-respect.
*Uglies Spoiler Alert!*
In Pretties Tally is finally one of the many, brain-washed beauties that in-habit her Pretty-City. She is in a group called the Crims with Shay and Peris. Zane is the pretty leader of their little group, intent on staying Bubbly! As Tally and Zanes romance continues to grow and their bond deepens with the mutual knowledge of the nano-pills Tally continues to shake the legions that plague her mind and remembering the way things once appeared to Tally becomes easier and easier.
*Pretties Spoiler Alert!*
Specials begins with an epic party bust, better than the first two! Shays special Specials, The Cutters, are off to find the Smokies infiltrate spy and expose their tricks. The reader has the unique experience of seeing this society through the eyes of an protagonist turned antagonist. As a Special, Tally begins her journey by intimidating others and believing herself to be superior to all of those around her, even her boss Shay and her love, Zane, who is barely hanging on, unable to fully heal from the brain damage the nanos have caused him. Tally does find her way back to herself in time to fight against her society in the Diego War, but at what cost?
Extras is the fourth in the series, and quite possibly the final in the saga. This book is told from the perspective of Aya, a Japanese kicker in the time after the mind-rain. Tally is an immortal in this society, and everyone wants a piece of her high face rank. Kicking, or reporting, on oddities around the city is the fastest way to popularity. Lucky for Aya Fuse she has a story that could make her even more popular than Tally, but what will it mean if she exposes what she believes to be the truth behind a storage facility high in the mountains and the presence of strange, glowing creatures?
The UPSE Saga is a personal favorite, lets just get that out of the way. All four sit proudly on my Mod Podge Bookshelf, along with the companion novel, aptly named, Bubbly to Bogus. Tally is also one of my very favorite heroines, I want to be Tally, if only for the complications her society places upon her shoulders and the way she overcomes them from within. Her problems never have the most tidy endings, instead rolling over into the next novel, all dependent on who her society will create next, using her body and brain as their personal playground.
In Uglies, Tally, a fifteen year old living in a culture where people are turned Pretty at age sixteen, there-by gaining the respect and elite privileges of Prettiness. Tally and Shay are two rebellious best friends, one of which, Shay, decides to go and join The Smoke, a band of outlaw uglies who insist on staying that way. When the head of the rumored Specials sends Tally out to find The Smoke and end their rebellion Tally is sure she can fulfill her mission, if for no other reason than to become Pretty! What Tally finds is a camp dedicated to preserving the old ways, ways that destroyed the world once before, but are somehow very freeing and yes, beautiful in its own way. When Tally meets David, an ugly, born and raised outside of Tallys Pretty-centered society she begins to really see herself and this is the tipping point of her new found self-respect.
*Uglies Spoiler Alert!*
In Pretties Tally is finally one of the many, brain-washed beauties that in-habit her Pretty-City. She is in a group called the Crims with Shay and Peris. Zane is the pretty leader of their little group, intent on staying Bubbly! As Tally and Zanes romance continues to grow and their bond deepens with the mutual knowledge of the nano-pills Tally continues to shake the legions that plague her mind and remembering the way things once appeared to Tally becomes easier and easier.
*Pretties Spoiler Alert!*
Specials begins with an epic party bust, better than the first two! Shays special Specials, The Cutters, are off to find the Smokies infiltrate spy and expose their tricks. The reader has the unique experience of seeing this society through the eyes of an protagonist turned antagonist. As a Special, Tally begins her journey by intimidating others and believing herself to be superior to all of those around her, even her boss Shay and her love, Zane, who is barely hanging on, unable to fully heal from the brain damage the nanos have caused him. Tally does find her way back to herself in time to fight against her society in the Diego War, but at what cost?
Extras is the fourth in the series, and quite possibly the final in the saga. This book is told from the perspective of Aya, a Japanese kicker in the time after the mind-rain. Tally is an immortal in this society, and everyone wants a piece of her high face rank. Kicking, or reporting, on oddities around the city is the fastest way to popularity. Lucky for Aya Fuse she has a story that could make her even more popular than Tally, but what will it mean if she exposes what she believes to be the truth behind a storage facility high in the mountains and the presence of strange, glowing creatures?
The UPSE Saga is a personal favorite, lets just get that out of the way. All four sit proudly on my Mod Podge Bookshelf, along with the companion novel, aptly named, Bubbly to Bogus. Tally is also one of my very favorite heroines, I want to be Tally, if only for the complications her society places upon her shoulders and the way she overcomes them from within. Her problems never have the most tidy endings, instead rolling over into the next novel, all dependent on who her society will create next, using her body and brain as their personal playground.
The Toys in these Scott Westerfeld books are so cool! Even being a girl, I want to ride a hover board! I love Tally's relationshipss with Shay, Zane and David. Ill say it now, Zane is my literary love in this novel. There is just something so self-sacrificing about his character, and Tally really loves him, I mean really, really loves him.
The chilling ends of the Diego War in Specials are still tingling inside me as I imagine the scene Westerfeld painted so vividly, so painfully.
Extras is my least favorite, I wanted in equal parts to experience a new world and go with Tally on a new adventure, letting her and Davids new relationship go less unnoticed. I really didnt feel like these desires were completely met, though the characters were still great, the plot lacked something Specials had left hanging- so perfectly- in the air, what with Tallys final warning to the world at the end of the third novel. Well, perhaps I will get my wish completely fulfilled eventually, I think I would love a fifth book from Davids perspective, going back to being in an Uglies mind after the Mind-Rain would be so cool!
My favorite, as you may have guessed is Specials, I cant even talk about it anymore without spoiling, what I feel you need to experience, in the moment. Pretties and Uglies are both amazing companions to each other, they are so different from the last two, which is the magic of these books. Though Westerfeld remains in one mind throughout the first three novels each time Tally goes under the knife your own perceptions of Tallys world change, along with the vernacular, the tone of the novel and the body you are inhabiting as you tackle the world with Tally. Read these books!
A word on the covers: They are all so cool, though I think Aya looks too cool, almost Special in a way. I get that an Extra is different than an Ugly, but I wanted something less sexy, less powerful, but secretive from Aya. Tally on the Specials cover is well, lets just say it, shes Icy! I dont like the Pretties cover at all, but the Uglies cover is what caused me to delve into the books in the first place. There is that sense of mystery to self, you know that Tally isnt even aware of her self, or her strength because she is hiding among all the greenery. Bubbly!
What is in a name? You know what I think the coolest name is in these books? Its Shays nickname, which in this society is Shay-la; I think Shayla is so pretty! Tally is super cool and you come to appreciate it as you read. Zane is also pretty Bubbly.
http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot.com/
A word on the covers: They are all so cool, though I think Aya looks too cool, almost Special in a way. I get that an Extra is different than an Ugly, but I wanted something less sexy, less powerful, but secretive from Aya. Tally on the Specials cover is well, lets just say it, shes Icy! I dont like the Pretties cover at all, but the Uglies cover is what caused me to delve into the books in the first place. There is that sense of mystery to self, you know that Tally isnt even aware of her self, or her strength because she is hiding among all the greenery. Bubbly!
What is in a name? You know what I think the coolest name is in these books? Its Shays nickname, which in this society is Shay-la; I think Shayla is so pretty! Tally is super cool and you come to appreciate it as you read. Zane is also pretty Bubbly.
http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot.com/
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
One of The Best Out There
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Haley
Summary: (From Goodreads) Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her licensefor turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you 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 worldand 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.
Review:
First let me say that the first time I read the summary I knew I'd love it. I loved how truthful and eye-opening this story was. It awoken me to a strange reality, Uglies made me think. And I love books that make you think. From the first sentence to the last word, Uglies had me hooked. Somewhere near the end though I became a bit bored, it dragged out just a bit, but as the end kept nearing, the story picked right back up again.
Tally was such a real feeling character I was lost for words after I finished it. She's easy to relate to because she feels what practically every girl has felt at some point. That she is ugly. Each character had me smiling, laughing, and cringing. Every chapter flew by in minutes. Everything about Uglies will make you take a step back and go, wow.
The only real problem I had was I didn't feel that strong connection with Tally as I would have if it was in first person. I usually read in first person, but it was different and still rewarding after reading Uglies in third. I recommend that you go and buy (or borrow/check out) and read Uglies as soon as you can.
Summary: (From Goodreads) Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her licensefor turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you 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 worldand 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.
Review:
First let me say that the first time I read the summary I knew I'd love it. I loved how truthful and eye-opening this story was. It awoken me to a strange reality, Uglies made me think. And I love books that make you think. From the first sentence to the last word, Uglies had me hooked. Somewhere near the end though I became a bit bored, it dragged out just a bit, but as the end kept nearing, the story picked right back up again.
Tally was such a real feeling character I was lost for words after I finished it. She's easy to relate to because she feels what practically every girl has felt at some point. That she is ugly. Each character had me smiling, laughing, and cringing. Every chapter flew by in minutes. Everything about Uglies will make you take a step back and go, wow.
The only real problem I had was I didn't feel that strong connection with Tally as I would have if it was in first person. I usually read in first person, but it was different and still rewarding after reading Uglies in third. I recommend that you go and buy (or borrow/check out) and read Uglies as soon as you can.
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
"Uglies" Series is Anything BUT Ugly
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Super Reader Girl
What if at 16-years-old we could all have an operation to make us
beautiful? No one would stand out unfairly as more or less beautiful
than another. Everyone would be attractive to everyone else. What if
society were perfectly orderly and technology took care of our every
need - and whim? What if our only "job" was to enjoy ourselves until we
hit adulthood? And what if you began to think that maybe life might not
be so awful without this operation...but opting out was not an option?
The Uglies
series is truly anything but ugly. I really enjoyed these books set in the
(maybe not so distant?) future! I loved the premise and how it makes
you look at things like beauty and individuality a bit differently.
It was a little slow for me for the first section, but picked up after
that. I was a bit disappointed on a decision the main character, Tally,
chose somewhere near the middle of the book, and it made me
uncomfortable for much of the rest of the book, but overall I liked it. Very clean book, telling what I felt was a very
unique story.
Definitely a page turner for me. Highly recommended!
(Super Reader Girl Reviews: http://superreadergirlreviews.blogspot.com/)
What if at 16-years-old we could all have an operation to make us
beautiful? No one would stand out unfairly as more or less beautiful
than another. Everyone would be attractive to everyone else. What if
society were perfectly orderly and technology took care of our every
need - and whim? What if our only "job" was to enjoy ourselves until we
hit adulthood? And what if you began to think that maybe life might not
be so awful without this operation...but opting out was not an option?
The Uglies
series is truly anything but ugly. I really enjoyed these books set in the
(maybe not so distant?) future! I loved the premise and how it makes
you look at things like beauty and individuality a bit differently.
It was a little slow for me for the first section, but picked up after
that. I was a bit disappointed on a decision the main character, Tally,
chose somewhere near the middle of the book, and it made me
uncomfortable for much of the rest of the book, but overall I liked it. Very clean book, telling what I felt was a very
unique story.
Definitely a page turner for me. Highly recommended!
(Super Reader Girl Reviews: http://superreadergirlreviews.blogspot.com/)
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
Adventure Sci-fi at it's best!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Trillian
This book is exciting adventure sci-fi at it's best! It's futuristic, post-humans-almost-destroy-the-world and pretty awesome. In places it reminded me of Orwell's 1984, Alex Garland's The Beach and the video game Fallout 3. I love all three and combined with a good handful of teen drama, this book was brilliant.
Although it is a Young Adult book it didn't read like teen fiction - in a good way! The plot gave just enough away to make me want to keep reading, without being too obvious. The characters well written and believable - and I actually cared what happened to them, almost right from the start. Descriptions were enough to get the imagination going without giving every bit of detail away. If I were to write a book, I'd want it to be like this one!
This book is exciting adventure sci-fi at it's best! It's futuristic, post-humans-almost-destroy-the-world and pretty awesome. In places it reminded me of Orwell's 1984, Alex Garland's The Beach and the video game Fallout 3. I love all three and combined with a good handful of teen drama, this book was brilliant.
Although it is a Young Adult book it didn't read like teen fiction - in a good way! The plot gave just enough away to make me want to keep reading, without being too obvious. The characters well written and believable - and I actually cared what happened to them, almost right from the start. Descriptions were enough to get the imagination going without giving every bit of detail away. If I were to write a book, I'd want it to be like this one!
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
A Pretty World
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by SarahJane :)
Tally was born ugly, just like everyone else born into Tally's world. All Tally ever wanted to do was be pretty. But prettieness isn't like our pretty today. Prettieness is a gift given to you on your 16th birthday, an opperation that changed you from an ugly to a pretty. A few months before her 16th birthday Tally meets Shay, a rebellious girl that doesn't beleive in the way that their world is run. Then shay starts talking about this other world outside of uglies and pretties a world frobidden of the special circumstances. But what if Shay's right? What if the opperation isn't really what they have been told? was there a secret that the Special Circumstance keeping from all the people?
Tally was born ugly, just like everyone else born into Tally's world. All Tally ever wanted to do was be pretty. But prettieness isn't like our pretty today. Prettieness is a gift given to you on your 16th birthday, an opperation that changed you from an ugly to a pretty. A few months before her 16th birthday Tally meets Shay, a rebellious girl that doesn't beleive in the way that their world is run. Then shay starts talking about this other world outside of uglies and pretties a world frobidden of the special circumstances. But what if Shay's right? What if the opperation isn't really what they have been told? was there a secret that the Special Circumstance keeping from all the people?
G
Guest
#1 Reviewer
Latest Additions
GET A YABC BUTTON!
We have all sorts of YABC buttons for your website. Grab one here and link to YABC!