Uglies (Hardcover) — Scott Westerfeld

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld paints a vivid dystopian future where cosmetic surgery at sixteen turns all teens into flawless beings—controlled, conformist, and complacent. Protagonist Tally Youngblood eagerly anticipates her turn, believing it to be the gateway to fitting in and belonging. However, when she meets Shay, a rebel teenager who rejects the transformation and yearns to escape the controlled world, her beliefs begin to crumble.

Tally is drawn into a covert resistance of people who choose authenticity over artificial perfection. She must decide whether to accept societal expectations or break free to find her true identity. This 416-page hardcover edition (Vivat, 2025) immerses readers in a powerful narrative about autonomy, beauty, and self-worth.

Westerfeld crafts a society that glitters on the surface but conceals oppressive conformity beneath. Through Tally’s emotional journey, readers explore the cost of engineered beauty and the moral courage of personal choice. A compelling speculative fiction for young-adult readers aged 16+, with intense world-building, ethical dilemmas, and unforgettable characters.