Amy Carey's Reviews > Pretties

Well, the concept of both Uglies and Pretties is certainly interesting...I usually love dystopian fiction, especially YA fiction, but Uglies and especially Pretties did not live up to my expectations. Honestly, though, what irritated me most about Pretties is that I would definitely NOT give this book to an adolescent or teen. First, the excessive drinking in New Pretty Town. Yes, I get it--the pretties are supposed to be frivolous. Call me crazy or old-fashioned or whatever, but I really don't like the idea of giving young people a book where the characters are almost constantly drinking. Second, I HATE the fact that seemingly the most effective "cures" for pretty-mindedness are starving oneself, cutting, and of course kissing. Seriously? Is this really a message to give kids--you will get an amazing rush and clear your head by not eating for a month and kissing the first boy to look twice at you? (not that I have a problem with kissing, but come on...)

Needless to say, this isn't going to be a book I purchase for my classroom library...props to Westerfeld for an original idea, but not so much on the execution...