"A feminist triumph of a scarily familiar dystopia, this is Holly Bourne at her absolute best. Read it, share it, talk about it"
Belle and Joni live in a society firmly controlled by the Doctrine; Belle is a loyal follower, Joni is not. Belle is the most successful Pretty in school, a Chosen One and soon to be crowned winner of The Ceremony – she Has It All. Joni is Objectionable, she is hated by everyone for her repulsive looks and opposition to the Doctrine.
The Doctrine insists that the Bad Times are over, that True Equality has been achieved and every woman has a choice how they live. But when a woman’s worth is judged solely on appearance, how much choice does she really have?
This is a scathing comment on modern image-obsessed society, which holds a mirror up to much of the ridiculous expectations and controls placed on women of all ages. With hugely impressive skill, Bourne has created a world that is undoubtedly familiar, but distant enough to allow objective consideration of the societal norms and illusion of choice that Belle and Joni exist under. Language is played with to present familiar objects and concepts in new lights, making the reader consider not only the story presented, but their own lives and society.
This is one of those rarest of reading experiences – a book that you consume rather than simply read, a book that will change the reader forever. It will make you both angry and tearful for what women and girls smilingly endure. It belongs in the hands of every teenager and everybody who cares about them.
| Primary Genre | Young Adult Fiction |
| Other Genres: |
Uglies meets The Handmaid's Tale for the new YA generation in this mind-blowing novel from bestselling queen of YA Holly Bourne.
In Belle and Joni's world there are two options for girls: One, follow the rules of the Doctrine like Belle: apply your Mask, work hard to be crowned at the Ceremony, be a Pretty. Or two, fight the rules like Joni: leave your face bare, work hard to escape to the Education, be an Objectionable. But maybe there is a third option...
Change the rules.
Reclaim your power.
If you can... What would you choose?
Warning - this novel deals with issues that some readers may find upsetting, including references to pornography and sexual assault.
You Could Be So Pretty features in the following genres: Young Adult Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Speculative, dystopian and utopian fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Girls and women, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Fiction, Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
You Could Be So Pretty is available in Paperback
You Could Be So Pretty was written by Holly Bourne and published by Usborne Publishing Ltd
You Could Be So Pretty has 393 pages
£8.09
