This was definitely a re-read. I've read this book at least three times before. Uglies was one of my favorite books throughout my middle school years. It takes place in a futuristic setting where the world lives in utopian cities where everyone is made to be "pretty" on their sixteenth birthday through extensive plastic surgery. All Tally wants is to turn pretty like everyone else, but when her best friend runs away to live with the Smokies in the wilderness, everything begins to spin out of control.
Don't be deceived: Uglies is not just a girl book. It is thrilling. It kept me at the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. I get just as caught up in the story as I did when I was a young teen. Read this book.
Uglies is by far my favorite of the trilogy, but Pretties is a close second. Following Tally and all of the favorite characters from the first book, Pretties enters a world where Tally has finally fulfilled her dream to become "pretty." However, not everything is as it seems.
Pretties is an interesting mix between dystopia and utopia, creating a world that looks perfect on the outside but is in actuality controlled by a corrupted and cruel government. If you enjoy young adult fiction and want a story that is appropriate, a fast read, and entertaining from the first page to the last, then this trilogy is perfect for you.
I re-read this trilogy in less than a week. (There is a fourth book titled Extras and I own it as well, but I chose not to give it a read this semester.) Specials is a little darker than the first two books in the series. Tally has been transformed into a member of Special Circumstances, someone who is ferocious and unmatched in battle (and a little confused about what side she's on).
One piece of this story that I don't like is the "Cutters," a group of futuristic teen law enforcement who cut their skin in order to feel "icy." While Westerfeld makes it clear that cutting is not a good idea, I simply don't like to see this habit glorified whatsoever in young adult literature.
While I enjoy Specials a little less than I do the first two books, it's still a good read and a brilliant end to a tale of some amazing characters. I'm a big fan of Scott Westerfeld's big imagination. Whenever teens ask me what to read, I'll always recommend these books.
Maggie: A Girl of the Streets by Stephen Crane
I read this classic novella in an afternoon. Crane writes in extremes, sharing with vividness the brutality of the lower class living in New York in the late nineteenth century. This story shares Maggie's descent into prostitution. She is a young and naive girl growing up in relative poverty and an abusive household. Ultimately, Maggie is left in ruin and tragedy alongside other girls who have nowhere else to turn except for the "crimson legions."
While this story is short and brash, I was impacted by its depiction of the characters. At one point, Maggie approaches a clergyman on the streets in hopes that he will stop to help her, but out of fear for his own reputation, the man wrenches away from her and goes about his way. I was reminded a bit of the story of the Good Samaritan.
Overall, this novella is worth a read. Stephen Crane is best known for The Red Badge of Courage, but his other writings are powerful as well.
My Story is incredibly powerful. Elizabeth shares her story about the nine months she spent in captivity as a thirteen-year-old girl. I read her auto-biography in a single day and by the time I turned the last page, I felt both inspired by Elizabeth's strength as well as encouraged to fight through struggles I face in my own life.
Elizabeth shares with clarity the feelings of shame and worthlessness she experienced after being raped. I most appreciated the fact that she never glorified the abuse that happened to her. If you are looking for a book that shares a bunch of gory details, you will not find that here. Elizabeth instead has chosen to use her story of horror as a source of empowerment to other women who have been abused or gone through trauma. Elizabeth writes with maturity and courage, paving the way for girls trapped in situations of abuse to see themselves as valuable, courageous, and beautiful.
House by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti
I've also read this book before, but I decided to re-read after my unpleasant Carrie horror novel experience last month. I crave thrillers; I love the adrenaline of a good scary story, but there is something so desirable about one written by Christian authors whose desire is to expose darkness and glorify the light. House isn't super terrifying, but it certainly has its moments.
Four confused travelers are left stranded at a hotel in the backwoods of Alabama. After they meet the deranged owners of the hotel, the lights turn off and a tin can is tossed down the chimney along with the command to kill one person of the group or have all die at dawn. The four guests are forced into a basement haunted by disturbing secrets, hidden beneath a house that is as alive as evil itself.
I'm a huge fan of both Peretti and Dekker. The novel's style is clearly Dekker's, but the characters and broad story reveal Peretti's hand well. Excellently creepy and a good read.
What books did you read last month?
Three years ago: In Real Life
Four years ago: The Room Full of Zombies
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