subject: Pretties Book Review [print this page] Pretties, Scott Westerfeld's second book in the Uglies trilogy, is a continuation of the stunning surprises, and intricate plotline his first book has. As the heroine, Tally Youngblood, is forced to undergo cosmetic surgery and become one of the flawless "Pretties", there are more details about the perfect lifestyle and technology within the sheltered city walls. Through this book, the audience is taken through a wild adventure, only this time, the heroine has become just like her enemies, pretty.
With many unpredictable plot twists, Pretties takes its readers on an incredibly unique and danger-packed adventure. Former friends become enemies, and unexpected heroes arise. As Tally struggles against the ways of the pretty world, she learns truths about herself and the strange new world in which she lives.
One fascinating part of this novel is the fine attention Westerfeld pays to technology. While almost anything can be accomplished through technology within the city, technology has its limitations out of the city. "Hover boards", or flying boards, only work within the city or over veins of metal such as metal deposits found in riverbeds. When Tally travels far enough from the city she finds whole colonies of people living without technology at all.
Despite all these interesting facets of Pretties, the most fascinating thing is the abrupt change in views. In the first book of the series, Tally is an "Ugly", a normal human being. In the second book, Tally is suddenly a pretty and sees through pretty eyes. She now sees normal people as revoltingly ugly and finds it difficult to even look at them. This shift in attitude and personality is unlike anything I've ever read, and makes for a very interesting book.
Pretties is a novel that shows the consequences of a world obsessing over popularity and image, and highlights the things in life that are truly important. So if you're ready to learn and enjoy a journey, sit back, make yourself some coffee, and start reading Pretties. While you're at it, you might want to make sure you are perfectly safe within your home so you don't have to worry about security and can concentrate solely on reading. The best way to do this is to have a home security system.
