Tallylives in a world where yoursixteenth birthdaybrings aesthetic perfection: an operation which erases all your flaws, transforming you from an'Ugly'into a'Pretty'. She is on the eve of this important event, and cannot wait for her life to change. As well as guaranteeing supermodel looks, life as aPrettyseems to revolve around having a good time. But then she meetsShay, who is also fifteen - but with a very different outlook on life.Shayisn't sure she wants to bePrettyand plans to escape to a community in the forest - theRusty Ruins- where Uglies go to escape ' turning'.Tallywon't be persuaded to join her, as this would involve sacrificing everything she's ever wanted for a lot of uncertainty.When she is taken in for questioning on her birthday, however,Tallygets sent to theRuinsanyway - against her will. The authorities offerTallythe worst choice she could ever imagine: find her friendShayand turn her in, or never turnPrettyat all. What she discovers in theRuinsreveals that there is nothing 'pretty' about the transformations... And the choiceTallymakes will change her world forever.