"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