So-called Fiction

So I recently read this book called 'The Uglies' by Scott Westerfield. The book is based in this world where as you turn sixteen, you undergo a life changing operation to make you a 'Pretty'. The operation changes you mentally and physically; lips are made fuller, hair is made glossier and minds are made ditsy-er. Before this operation, you are classed as an 'Ugly'.

As brilliant as this book is, it's mildly discomforting. The realisation that in some ways, the storyline of this book uses a similar scenario to our existent generations is slightly unnerving... 

What Westerfield could have been playing on is the subject of self-consciousness. In our day and age, we try desperately to change our appearances in order to please others. Some of us even alter our personalities to make us more exceptable in society. We all moan and groan at others for it, but we're all guilty whether it's intentional or subconscious.

We make these changes as we start to feel the need to fit in, i.e. mid teens. The time when the majority of people are more focused on their appearance than their futures.

So as ridiculous and 'fictional' this book is, it's not that far from reality.

Lizzie x