13 books like Uglies

13 books like Uglies

January 27, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there fellow bookworms! Looking for a thrilling dystopian adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Well buckle up, because I've got just the book for you: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Prepare to dive into a world where beauty is mandatory, but not everything is as pretty as it seems. In this futuristic society, everyone undergoes a mandatory surgery at age 16 to become physically perfect and conform to society's standard of beauty. Our protagonist, Tally Youngblood, can't wait for her turn to become a "Pretty" and live carefree in the city of New Pretty Town. But when Tally's rebellious friend Shay opens her eyes to a whole new reality, Tally finds herself questioning everything she's ever known. Uglies explores themes of identity, conformity, and the true meaning of beauty. It's a pulse-pounding adventure filled with twists and turns that will make you question the value society places on physical appearances. So get ready to join Tally on her epic journey of self-discovery, where danger lurks at every corner and secrets run deep. If you enjoy Uglies and can't get enough of thought-provoking dystopian novels, don't worry! I've got a whole list of incredible recommendations to satisfy your craving for more. From The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins to Divergent by Veronica Roth, these books will take you on captivating journeys that will keep you up all night, eagerly turning the pages. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into a world of excitement with these hand-picked book recommendations. Happy reading!
The Book Cover Image for Uglies
The Book Cover Image for Uglies
Dystopian
Adventure
Coming of Age

Divergent

In a dystopian society, "Divergent" follows Tris Prior as she discovers her unique identity and challenges the rigid system that divides people based on their traits. With action, romance, and exploration of identity, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
Author
Veronica Roth
Year Written
2011
Divergent
Dystopian
Adventure
Survival

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel set in a future where children from different districts are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the oppressive regime and fights for survival and rebellion.
Author
Suzanne Collins
Year Written
2008
The Hunger Games
Dystopia
Coming of Age
Societal Control

The Giver

"The Giver" is a dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where the absence of pain and emotions is maintained through strict control. When twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen to receive memories of the past from the community's sole Receiver, he starts to question the society's true cost of harmony.
Author
Lois Lowry
Year Written
1993
The Giver
Dystopian
Young Adult
Romance

Delirium

"Delirium" is a dystopian novel set in a world where love is considered a disease and is eradicated through a procedure. The story follows Lena, a young girl who discovers the power of love and questions the oppressive society she lives in.
Author
Lauren Oliver
Year Written
2011
Delirium
Dystopian
Romance
Rebellion

Matched

"Matched" is a captivating dystopian novel where society controls every aspect of its citizens' lives, including who they marry. The protagonist, Cassia, is thrown into a whirlwind of rebellion and self-discovery when she falls in love with someone other than her pre-determined match.
Author
Ally Condie
Year Written
2010
Matched
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

"The Maze Runner" is a gripping dystopian novel where a group of young boys are trapped in a maze, with no memory of their past, and must find a way to escape before time runs out. As they face deadly creatures and unravel the mysteries of the maze, the story delves into themes of survival, friendship, and sacrifice.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
The Maze Runner
Dystopian
Young Adult
Thriller

Legend

"Legend" is a dystopian young adult novel set in a future where the United States is divided into two warring factions. It follows the thrilling journey of a prodigious teenage criminal, Day, and a driven young prodigy, June, as their paths intertwine in a quest for truth and justice.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2011
Legend

The Selection

"The Selection" is a captivating and romantic dystopian novel where a young girl is thrust into a competition to win the heart of a prince. The book delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for acceptance, making it an engaging read for fans of romance and dystopian fiction.
Author
Kiera Cass
Year Written
2012
The Selection
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Young Adult

The 5th Wave

"The 5th Wave" is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity is facing waves of deadly attacks. The story follows a young girl named Cassie as she fights for survival and seeks to uncover the truth about the alien invaders.
Author
Rick Yancey
Year Written
2013
The 5th Wave
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Red Queen
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Superpowers

The Darkest Minds

"The Darkest Minds" is a gripping dystopian novel following the story of Ruby, a teenage girl with mysterious powers who becomes a part of a group seeking freedom and safety. As Ruby unravels the truth about her abilities and the oppressive society she lives in, she must navigate a world full of danger, betrayal, and hope.
Author
Alexandra Bracken
Year Written
2012
The Darkest Minds
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Science Fiction

The Knife of Never Letting Go

"The Knife of Never Letting Go" is a gripping dystopian novel that follows Todd Hewitt, the last boy in a town where everyone can hear each other's thoughts. When he discovers a patch of silence and a mysterious girl, Viola, Todd embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about his world and protect Viola from those who seek to control her.
Author
Patrick Ness
Year Written
2008
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Science Fiction

Uglies

In Uglies, set in a dystopian future, Tally Youngblood is eagerly anticipating her sixteenth birthday when she will undergo a surgery that will transform her from an "ugly" to a "pretty." However, as she becomes involved with a group of rebels, Tally starts questioning the true cost of beauty and the control of the society she lives in.
Author
Scott Westerfeld
Year Written
2005
Uglies

FAQ

Overview

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is a gripping dystopian novel that transports readers to a future where society's obsession with beauty takes a dark turn. In this world, everyone undergoes a surgical procedure at age 16 to become physically perfect, conforming to the standards set by their society. Tally Youngblood, the spirited protagonist, eagerly anticipates her own transformation into a "Pretty." However, when she befriends the rebellious Shay, Tally is exposed to a hidden world of people who denounce the surgery and embrace their authentic selves. As Tally navigates the complexities of this divided society, she must question the validity of their beauty-centric culture and ultimately decide where she stands. Westerfeld's Uglies explores themes of self-identity, conformity, and the true essence of beauty. It delves into a thought-provoking narrative that challenges the superficiality of societal norms. Packed with thrilling twists and turns, Uglies keeps readers engaged as they traverse a world where danger and secrecy intertwine. It's a fascinating read for fans of dystopian stories who crave a thought-provoking exploration of individuality and the consequences of striving for a homogeneous idea of perfection.

Length of Read

Main Characters

- Tally Youngblood: The spirited protagonist who challenges societal norms and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. - Shay: Tally's rebellious best friend who introduces her to a world beyond the superficiality of their society. - David: A mysterious boy who becomes a love interest for Tally and opens her eyes to the truth about their world. - Dr. Cable: The cunning and manipulative leader of the society, who plays a crucial role in Tally's transformation. - Peris: Tally's childhood friend, who undergoes the transformation into a "Pretty" before Tally and drifts away from her.

Ending & Meaning

In the exhilarating conclusion of Uglies, Tally Youngblood finds herself torn between loyalty to her new friends and the manipulative Dr. Cable, who holds secrets that could change everything. As Tally races against time, she must make a choice that will not only impact her own fate but also the future of the entire society. In a heart-pounding climax, Tally's actions unleash a chain of events that expose the flaws of their beauty-obsessed world and force everyone to confront the true meaning of freedom, individuality, and acceptance. One of the central themes in the ending of Uglies is the importance of self-discovery and embracing one's true identity. Tally's journey throughout the book reflects the struggle to break free from societal expectations and find her own voice. The ending highlights the power of individuality and the courage it takes to challenge the status quo. Additionally, the book explores the dangers of conformity and the consequences of sacrificing personal freedoms in the pursuit of an idealized version of beauty. It encourages readers to question the value placed on physical appearance and to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Ultimately, Uglies reminds us that true beauty lies not in perfection but in embracing our authentic selves.
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