The second in the Uglies trilogy. Although not as good as uglies or specials, I still enjoyed this book. It explores some interesting ideas, and demonstrates the motivation for the system of mind control with the violence of the pointlessly warring hunters camp. The ethical waters are muddied so that the reader can see some positives to the actions of the wardens and 'Special Circumstances'.
I was surprised by the alcohol abuse - in the opening pages Tally sucks down Bloody Marys at breakfast to cover a hangover, and the self-mutilation - the cutters making themselves 'bubbly' with knives. Fairly dangerous territory for a young adult book.
Still a good read, but it was mainly about getting the plot ready for the next book.
4 stars.
I think more dangerous territory for young adults (especially girls) is the message from the twilight series which is sit around or walk around clumsily, never do anything special except pine for boyfriend/husband to love you forever. Once he agrees to love you forever, that will complete your life. Oh and have a baby too. Then you'll have a perfect life. Don't worry about having a career or any interest in anything except for your husband who is the centre of the world.
ReplyDeleteAt least Tally is a strong character who has some guts. Though i do think bloody mary's for breakfast and cutting yourself isn't the best message to send, at least she gets out of that and becomes Special!
++agree. I heard on the news that some Australian schools were banning twilight because it was 'overtly sexual'! Wow, way to miss the bigger issues...
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