Uglies

In the year 2035, the once-great nation of the United States has transformed into a dystopian society known as New Portland, a place where the people live and breathe superficial beauty. Every resident, except the very old and sick, undergoes a mandatory transformation at the age of 16 - a radical facelift surgery that alters and perfects their physical appearance. Those who undergo the transformation are given a new name, and they're no longer considered "Uglies" but rather "Pretties." The story revolves around Tally Youngblood, a 15-year-old Ugly girl who has grown accustomed to her society. Tally lives in a world where conformity is key, and individuality is discouraged and even punished. Her life becomes more intriguing with the arrival of Shay, an outcast and a rebellious Ugly who is hiding in Tally's home. Shay has been in hiding for months because she's afraid of being sent to the hospital for a head examination, where she would likely be put on medications if deemed a "troublemaker" by the authorities. Tally has been counting down the days until she turns 16, when she too will undergo the transformation and become a Pretty. Her friends tease her, saying that she'll be "free" from the constraints of being an Ugly. But as she gets older, Tally starts to see a different side of the world. Shay's fear of being sent away from home, and the rumors of the "Special Circumstances Unit" that's rumored to be a prison for outcasts, make her question the value of this "beauty" that everyone strives for. When Shay is spotted by a Pretty and reported to the authorities, she goes missing, leaving Tally alone and scared. The last message Tally receives from Shay suggests that she's heading for the outskirts of New Portland in search of an Ugly village, where outcasts escape the all-pervasive control of the government. With Shay's disappearance, Tally feels an overwhelming urge to find her. She knows that she should be focusing on her preparations for transformation, but something within her resists the prospect of a life without her friend. As Tally decides to break free from her responsibilities and join the Ugly village, she starts to question everything around her - the notion of beauty, the purpose of the transformation, and the strict social hierarchy of her society. Tally starts to see the world through different eyes, not only the surface-level beauty but also the deeper issues that underpin her society. She witnesses the Uglies, who live in poverty, scavenging for food and materials for their makeshift homes. Their living conditions might be harsh, but they're at least free. She also encounters David, a young Ugly who claims to have connections to an Ugly village. David tells Tally that the village is hidden deep within the wilderness, and that Shay had sent him a message asking for her help to be taken in. As they prepare to set out, David reveals that Shay's been part of a secretive group of outcasts who seek to undermine the authority of the government. The group's objective is to bring down the system that enforces these strict beauty standards, allowing individuals to decide their own fate. As the trio ventures further into the unknown, they encounter Peris, a resourceful young Ugly who becomes an ally and a potential love interest for Tally. Together, they navigate treacherous terrain and face dangers along the way, including rogue Uglies and Pretties who are determined to stop them. Upon reaching the Ugly village, Tally's perspective shifts even further. She learns that the outcasts who live here have skills they wouldn't have otherwise acquired, such as hacking and engineering. These skills could potentially be used to fight against the oppressive government and bring about change. However, as Tally settles into her new surroundings, she's torn between her desire to stay with her new friends and the looming transformation that awaits her back home. The Uglies, though free, have very similar issues with conformity, and it's unclear whether their rebellion against the government will succeed. The story's climax revolves around Tally's internal conflict. As her 16th birthday approaches, she receives news that a group of Uglies, led by Shay, plan to sabotage the annual New Year's Eve celebration, a major event showcasing the Pretties and their perfect looks. The Uglies plan to release a chemical that will alter the Pretties' features, rendering them temporarily deformed, a move designed to shame the system and expose its artificiality. Tally is faced with a difficult decision: join the Uglies in their rebellion and reject her transformation, or follow her original plan and "become pretty" as expected. She chooses the former and participates in the sabotage, leading to chaos at the celebration. This act, though small, marks a turning point for Tally and the Uglies. As the novel concludes, Tally reflects on her experiences and the lessons she's learned. She has finally found her true identity, one that lies beyond the constraints of beauty and societal norms. Though the government may still be oppressive, Tally is now determined to make a difference and fight for what she believes in - the freedom to be who she truly is.