Kiki’s Letter Essay #4: Uglies

I have finished the first half of the book Uglies a 425 page dystopian fiction novel by Scott Westerfeld. This book was published in 2006, and is the first book in the trilogy, the author Scott Westerfeld is the author of 18 books, was born in Texas and spends most of his time either in New York City or Sydney, Australia. I wanted to read this book because in class we are learning about dystopian fiction and many people have said that this is a great book/series and that I should definitely read it.

In the book Uglies, Tally an almost 16 year old ugly living in Uglyville, a place where all the uglies lived before they turned 16 and had an operation to make them pretty, wants to turn pretty and join all her friends in New Pretty Ville and enjoy the rest of her life, but before she turns pretty, she meets a new friend named Shay, Shay does not like the idea of being pretty she would rather stay in her normal state, but in this society that type of thinking is not allowed. So a couple of days before Shay turns 16, she runs away to another city outside the society leaving Tally behind with a riddle of clues in case she ever wanted to go after her and leave the society as well. So on the day that Tally turns pretty they tell her that they need her help to find Shay and all of Shay’s friends as well or else she will not be allowed to turn pretty. So, Tally goes on a wild adventure outside of the society to go find Shay, but on the way she learns more and more about things she never knew before.

 

I was surprised when Tally did not try to stop Shay when she decided to leave the city, Tally, although was a rule breaker at times, always wanted to turn pretty shouldn’t she want that for her friend as well so they can both have fun in New Pretty Ville. I’d compare this author to all the other types of dystopian novel authors they all have the similarity of having a very controlling government and one person or multiple characters in the book don’t like the government and either revolt or leave causing the society to end. If I were the author I would have added a little more background information because at the beginning of the book I was a little confused about the new words they used in this story but as the story went along it became easier to understand.

I was interested by this passage on page 112:

“Tally pulled out the few clothes, which she’d shoved in at random, and found Shay’s note. She read it, looking for clues.

Take the coaster straight past the gap,

until you find one that,s long and flat.

Cold is the sea and watch for breaks.

At the second make the worst mistake.

Four days later take the side you despise,

and look in the flowers for fire-bug eyes.

Once they’re found, enjoy the flight.

Then wait on the bald head until it’s light.”

 

In this passage Tally is reading the clues that Shay left for her to get to the other village. I find that in this passage the author is creating a lot of suspense that makes you think and want to read on to see how Tally is going to solve the riddle and what the riddle means. It also makes you want to think what the clues might be before that part of the clue is solved. I would rate this book so far a 9 out of 10.

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9 thoughts on “Kiki’s Letter Essay #4: Uglies

  1. This will be one of the books being offered in our book-club unit, Kiki. You may, of course, choose to re-read it, or read the sequel, or another dystopian book. I’ve often thought about reading this, and just haven’t gotten around to it. Thanks for posting this letter-essay.

    p.s. A little more elaboration in your Reflection next time, please.

  2. I have read “Uglies” last year for my book club book and I loved it. I agree with you on being surprised that Tally did not stop Shay from leaving. They had become good friends so, seeing Tally give up that easily was kind of disappointing. Also, I thought there could have been more background information in the beginning as well because I had to re-read it 3 times before I really understood what was happening. I can’t wait to hear what you think about the rest of the book!

  3. I have read “Uglies” last year for my book club book and I loved it. I agree with you on being surprised that Tally did not stop Shay from leaving. They had become good friends so, seeing Tally give up that easily was kind of disappointing. Also, I thought there could have been more background information in the beginning as well because I had to re-read it 3 times before I really understood what was happening. I can’t wait to hear what you think about the ending of the book!

  4. Dear Kiki,

    This book sounds really interesting and I really want to read it. I just finished my book and I did not know what to read next. Now I am thinking about reading Uglies because liked your quoted passage because it is a little mysterious and I also liked the way you wrote a very good short summary about the book (something I can’t do).

    Sincerely
    Maddy

  5. Kiki,
    I’m glad you’ve liked this book so far. It’s been recommended for me to read a lot but I’ve been avoiding it for a while (why, I’m not exactly sure). When you finish the book tell me why you think, maybe I’ll read it for our dystopian book club unit. By the way, I liked how you incorporated your reading to the unit. Your quoted paragraph was well selected and got me hooked! Be careful to proofread, there were a few mistakes regarding symbols.

    -Gabi

    1. Kiki,
      Your letter essay is really good. My favorite part is when you put in the quotes. It went really well with what you were saying.

  6. Dear Kiki,
    Great letter essay! This sounds like an interesting book, definently one to my options in the dystopian book club unit. I love your introduction to the book and the background on the author. And personally it is nice to see the cover of the book in the passage. I also loved your summery to the first half without giving away too much but it was just enough to get the story. A couple things you have to work on is the transition into the passage, describe what is goingto happen, I was really confused on what was happening until you explained it after. Also add more elaboration to make your letter essay longer, it seemed too short.
    From, Madigan

  7. kiki
    I have read this book before and I was surprised too when tally didn’t stop shay. Overall you did a great job on your letter essay, I think you should read the book pretties it’s by the same author and it’s a really good book. It has the same kind of idea to it.

    Sarah

  8. Dear Kiki
    I have never read the uglies but it sounds like a really good book. Because of your letter essay I will read it. It sounds interesting, especially with the quotes you put in. Keep up the good work!
    -Erin

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