"Uglies" is a beautiful thing

For those of you who haven't read Scott Westerfeld's hot series, Uglies, run to the libary or bookstore. Now.

Uglies is the first in a YA series that is, gulp, science-fiction. I know what you're thinking: "Science-fiction? I'm so not into Star Trek or anything that remotely has to do with aliens."

Rest assured, Uglies is anything but. According to Wikipedia, the science fiction genre includes "speculations based on current or future science or technologies" and that's the thread Westerfeld relies on to weave his tale about teenager Tallie Youngblood.

Tallie lives in the future where where you are not anything until you are Pretty. In this story, being Pretty is not a genetic blessing; rather it's when a sixteen year old undergoes a major operation where his/her body is completely resculpted to fit society's model of what's beautiful. Got scars or too many freckles? No problem, because during the surgery all of your skin is ripped off your body and new skin is attached. Hate that your eyes are too close together? The surgery will restructure your face so it's symmetrical and perfect. Westerfeld's description of the surgery and recovery is so gruesome you wonder why anyone would go under the knife. But then again, that's just what people, teens included, are obsessed with doing today!

The heroine, Tallie, is desperate to no longer be an Ugly but things don't go according to plan when she befriends a rebellious character named Shay just two months before her scheduled surgery. Shay introduces Tallie to a secret group of people who believe the Pretty surgery is dangerous and does more than just alter your appearance. Unforunately, the controlling government will do everything in its power to stop this group from spreading their message and Tallie gets caught in the middle.

Uglies is full of adventure and Westerfeld's social commentary is truly thought-provoking. I'm currently reading the fourth book in the series, Extras, and remain intrigued and excited.

Scott Westerfeld and other authors will be answering fans' questions on-line in March. Check out this link for more information: www.pulseblogfest.com

I'm in the minority

I think I’m the only person in American that isn’t going ga-ga for the Twilight series. I wish I could jump on the teen band wagon but I have so many issues with the series.

Issue #1: Bella is a loser. I’m so tired of her being a klutz and falling over everything. Have you met anyone in real life who’s gotten into so many accidents? Didn’t think so. I’m also annoyed with the constant obsession with Edward. Granted, Meyer paints the teen vampire as a total hottie but when he gives her the boot in the beginning of New Moon she’s blatantly using Jacob to tend to her wounds. Any girl with self-respect would eventually pick herself up and not just lean on another guy for a crutch.

Issue #2: Why is everyone fighting over Bella? Edward’s crazy for her, Mike and Jacob too, but my big question is why? Bella’s described as average in looks, she doesn’t have a sparkling personality, and doesn’t make the effort to seek out friendships. This basically describes me in high school yet I didn’t have anyone chasing me down. I know books are supposed to suspend our disbelief but this is really too much.

Issue #3: I abandoned Eclipse after 20 pages. Yes, the book that was the second hottest, most anticpated book of the summer of 2007 (behind HP7, of course) and I gave it the heave-ho. When I found myself avoiding reading because I knew Eclipse was the book sitting on my nightstand I knew I needed to put my foot down and ditch the novel. I did, however, ask a former student to give me the Cliff's Notes version of the book and I'm so thankful I did abandon the book because the story sounded so irritating.

With that said, Stephenie Meyer obviously knows what she’s doing. I’d kill to have her notoriety and fan base so I guess I should keep my unpublished mouth shut! :-)