Saturday's Book Recommendation: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
I'm "reading" the Scott Westerfeld series that starts with Uglies. I'm actually listening to them on audiobooks. I love these Playaway versions of audiobooks that our library carries. They have a pretty limited selection of Playaway books, but I like that I can just plug my earbuds in and listen. I don't need a CD or cassette player.
So, back to the book. Uglies is fairly long, and I think some parts are a little slow. Just a little. I never thought of quitting the book.
The concept itself is what got me and kept me interested. Imagine a world where everyone gets "pretty" surgery when they turn 16. It's automatic, and everyone can't wait until they change from being an ugly to being a pretty, who gets to party every night. Now, imagine rumors of people who ran away from the city to live in the wild. Why would anyone think of such a thing when you are guaranteed anything you want (just ask the "hole" and it gives you lunch, party clothes, etc.)?
Uglies is a tale of questioning authority, thinking independently, being different from peers, accepting yourself, coming of age, love, betrayal, faithfulness, and a good story.
Scott Westerfeld leaves you hanging at the end, so you'll have to pick up Pretties. Since I just finished that book today, I'll probably recommend it next week.
I recommend this series to young adults and older, mature elementary students. I picture 7th and 8th graders as the ideal target audience for it. It would also be terrific for book discussion groups. The ethics in it are intriguing.
So, back to the book. Uglies is fairly long, and I think some parts are a little slow. Just a little. I never thought of quitting the book.
The concept itself is what got me and kept me interested. Imagine a world where everyone gets "pretty" surgery when they turn 16. It's automatic, and everyone can't wait until they change from being an ugly to being a pretty, who gets to party every night. Now, imagine rumors of people who ran away from the city to live in the wild. Why would anyone think of such a thing when you are guaranteed anything you want (just ask the "hole" and it gives you lunch, party clothes, etc.)?
Uglies is a tale of questioning authority, thinking independently, being different from peers, accepting yourself, coming of age, love, betrayal, faithfulness, and a good story.
Scott Westerfeld leaves you hanging at the end, so you'll have to pick up Pretties. Since I just finished that book today, I'll probably recommend it next week.
I recommend this series to young adults and older, mature elementary students. I picture 7th and 8th graders as the ideal target audience for it. It would also be terrific for book discussion groups. The ethics in it are intriguing.
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