Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second book of the series Uglies. The book is about Tally Youngblood turning "pretty" and the side effects she endures when she becomes "pretty." The side effects make people sort of dumb, unable to think problems through, and she cannot cause a dispute. In the world of the Pretties, robots do everything for the people, making people lazy and think less.

After Tally becomes "pretty," she believes she is living the life. She is really popular and has a hot boyfriend. Tally's looks are beyond perfect, and she is extremely rich. But it all changes once she gets a message from her past self, making Tally remember what really happens once you turn "pretty." Tally now wants to reverse her "pretty" process. She splits pills with her boyfriend, David, to reverse what happened to them when they turned pretty. Later, Tally and David fight the government to get others to reverse their "pretty" damage.

I love this book. Westerfeld displays brain damage. I love seeing how well this system works in the book. It is genius for the government to do. But I must admit the book is dark, and I would provide a content warning because it involves people starving themselves, cutting themselves, and covering themselves with tattoos. I recommend this book because it keeps you on edge throughout the book. My favorite part is when Tally meets David's parents again because things get intense.

Review by: Lauren

Lauren is a teen volunteer at the Granada Hills Branch Library who is a senior in high school from the San Fernando Valley area.

—Rachael Zak, Young Adult Librarian, Granada Hills Branch Library