“Maybe they didn’t want you to realize that every civilization has its weakness. There’s always one thing we depend on. And if someone takes it away all that’s left is some story in a history class.”
― Scott Westerfeld, Uglies
It’s been about twenty years since I first read Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, and I decided it was time to see how I felt about it now. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in — sometimes books that hit hard as a teen don’t hold up quite the same way as an adult. To my pleasant surprise, Uglies was just as engaging and thought-provoking as I remembered.
A Young Protagonist
Tally, the main character, is undeniably young — you can see it in her decisions, her voice, and her worldview — but it never felt irritating or overly naive. Instead, it came across as authentic to her age and situation. Rereading it with adult eyes actually made me appreciate how well Westerfeld captured that youthful mix of curiosity, insecurity, and loyalty. Tally’s perspective grounds the story and gives readers an honest lens through which to explore a very distorted world.
Uncomfortably Possible
One thing that struck me this time around was how eerily relevant the world of Uglies feels now. When I first read it, the idea of a society built around government enforced “perfection” seemed far-fetched. This time, it didn’t feel so impossible. The way Westerfeld envisioned a world obsessed with image, conformity, and government control feels too reflective of modern culture. That realization definitely added a layer of unease to my reread.
Compelling, Imaginative Story
The writing remains easy to follow, the pacing moves smoothly, and the worldbuilding continues to impress. I loved rediscovering the details of the city, the technology, and the philosophy behind the society’s obsession with their standard of beauty. It’s a creative and surprisingly layered take on dystopia that still feels fresh, even after all these years.
Final Thoughts
Rereading Uglies was a great experience — both nostalgic and surprisingly eye-opening. It reminded me why this book made such an impact when it first came out, and it’s still a fascinating look at identity, individuality, and what it means to truly be “beautiful.” I plan to continue with the rest of the series and the spin-offs as well, even if I don’t post about them all here. Some stories just deserve to be revisited.
Have you read Uglies? Would you reread it?
Hazel Harbor Books 
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