This is a sci-fi trilogy that I’m very tempted to pick up. The ideas espoused in the books are so plausible and errily logical that you are afraid that it may actually happen one day. Stumbled upon the existence of these books via BoingBoing, the trilogy tells the story of:
… a dystopian world where children are raised by the state and subjected to mandatory cosmetic surgery at 16, wherein they are rendered physically “perfect” on the basis that symmetrical, statistically average people with giant eyes are charismatic, convincing, and are afforded advantages by their peers; in the twisted logic of the Westerfeld’s state, imposing this surgery on all creates an egalitarian basis for society.
No one is heeded merely because she is beautiful; no idea is disregarded because it originates with someone who is ugly.
(emphasis mine)
BM, I think you would get a kick out of reading these books too. 
13 Responses to “Uglies – Pretties – Specials”
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- “Specials” by Scott Westerfeld
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- Singapore November 2006 – Day 8
“In a world of extreme beauty, everyone normal is ugly”
That is an eerily logical quote. The fallacy of composition I’d say, where everyone yearns to stand out, and those who stay put or unable to catch up any further gets kicked out of the game.
Seen the movie “Gattaca”?
Argh, paisey… I screwed up the quote… should’ve been “anyone”…
Yup Gattaca is a movie that comes to mind immediately. Though that movie is about “genetic beauty” rather than physical, the principles are the same.
this sounds like an expansion on Harrison Burgeron by Vonnegut – I read that in Jr Great Books in 7th grade!
tony: wow long time ago. I haven’t read the Vonnegut book, though any theme about arbitrary societal classes (genetics, wealth, appearance, race) are intriguing to me.
I want!!
I go find!!!
[...] You know the book’s basic premise from my earlier post about it: which is that a dystopian future has deemed it logical and beneficial that everyone is “pretty” such that a completely egalitarian society can be achieved; and that the system mandates compulsory and extreme plastic surgery at the age of 16. [...]
[...] Current reading “Specials”, the third book of the “Uglies” series. I’m totally absorbed by it and ironically enough, it’s contributing to my current writer’s block. You’d think an interesting story would stimulate my mind and carry it off into a wild new direction or something. But nope, freaking nada. [...]
i don’t get why in the third book Tally always has to cut herself!! talk about self mutilation!!
Emily: it’s because she felt numb in the mind, and needed the stimulant. Like all the Cutters.
ahhhh i can’t believe that the trilogy is over, what am i supposed to read now??? and i don’t get how at the very end of specials, tally decides to start a new” special circumstances”~~~~
Kelsie: I read on Scott Westerfeld’s blog that he is writing a book based on events after the first trilogy. But it wouldn’t focus on Tally. Full details here:
http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/?p=190
DUDE I LUV THIS SERIES ITS DA BEST!!!! I RECCOMENDDD THESE!!!!! WOOO! GO TALLY! SHAY IS A MEANI HEAD..I HATE HER! *GROWLS* u’ll have 2 read to understand wat i’m sayin dudes.. =] go hover boards!