I really enjoyed it. Thought the young woman's character just got ...
588589
I  really enjoyed it.  Thought the young woman's character just got a bit old.  She never learns from her mistakes.  Annoying.  Sometimes the plot was predictable.
2113342
I was a little worried when I started this book. As a woman in her forties, I thought I wouldn't be able to relate to a nineteen-year-old female. I have a daughter that's that age and one that's a few  years older and sometimes they do things that make me want to pull my hair out.

The main character of this book, Emily, did make me feel that way at times but since I'm not intimately attached to her like my daughters, it didn't have the same impact and I found myself enjoying the book!

I did end up with some emotional investment in Emily, as one does with most characters but obviously in a different way than my own offspring.

What I liked about Emily the best and what drove me most crazy about her was her independence. At such a young age, everyone makes several stupid mistakes and it's expected however it can go various ways and while Emily wasn't always emotionally mature (who is at nineteen?) she didn't let it stop her from screwing up and moving forward. In reality, some people become scarred, needy or hesitant from their mistakes but Emily just kept pushing. I admire that kind of strength.

Her love interest, MItch reminds me of some of the boys my daughters have dated and even more so of some I did! He wants to be mature but the fact is, he's a young guy and it's just not in the card for many, many years. If you're married, you'll completely get that! His effort and intentions are solid but wow, he's clueless most of the time. It's not his fault, it's just how they are at that age. I found myself giggling at him because he just is what he is. If you dated anyone in college, you'll recognize some of his traits in Mitch.

I enjoyed the relationship between Emily and Zainab (which admittedly, I have no clue really how to pronounce). Friendship like that, at that age is always intense and fun but rarely does it last. These characters left me with the feeling that theirs would though. Women at that age would be well served to have a Zainab in their lives.

The story tackles some interesting issues-Emily is a young college student and while the average college student isn't usually all that mature, she's even less. It makes the story even more interesting.

The book takes a good look at college life, the ups and downs, the pressures, the peer issues and how something so important for our futures is truly given to people at an age where it's a lot to handle.

Someone once said 'youth is wasted on the young' and that is very true...this book is a reminder of that for me.

It's a great read for someone going through this stage of their life but is also a great read for someone, like me, long past it because we can read it and think, "wow, so glad I'm done with that!"

I recommend this book!
1709778
i loved it. i think young readers will identify the main character's struggle to be who she wants to be instead of who somebody else wants her to be.
3866004
I was instantly drawn in from the beginning. It took place in the future but very relatable in this day and age. It left me asking myself what's next?
2587358
I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the soundtrack too, I know some people didn't,  but I liked the modern.  It was visually appealing and I loved the clothes and costumes.
4756627
It lefte saying wow. It had me in my feeling. I really enjoyed it. Great read
4866334
It was beautifully written.  She has a definite knack for fleshing out the characters. Glad I read it!
3051867
This book had been on my wish list for awhile, and I finally picked it up when we were on vacation in Florida a couple of weeks ago. I started it yesterday afternoon and found myself already finishing it earlier today. The book had me intrigued (and laughing) at the first line: "The early summer sky was the color of cat vomit." Tell me that doesn't catch your attention. Admittedly, as I continued reading, the story took a bit of getting used to and felt like it was off to a slow start, but that was mainly because Westerfeld had to devote many pages to what I call the backstory before he could really get into the action and crux of the adventure.

Westerfeld has created an interesting story that focuses on topics that teens (and former teens and probably tweens, too) can relate to: body image, peer pressure, self-worth and self-confidence. But with Uglies, he's done this in a very creative, captivating way. Westerfeld's writing style isn't earth-shattering and his futuristic ideas take some getting used to, but overall the book was a very easy, fast read, despite being over 400 pages. I really liked Tally and grew quite attached to her--Westerfeld did a great job with her character development. I could see it coming when she unwittingly notified the authorities (the "Specials" or Special Circumstances) of her whereabouts with Shay (and other uglies, known as the Smokies) and was interested to see how her apparent betrayal would be handled. I was not disappointed. The book closes with Tally making a difficult but necessary choice that sends her back to become a Pretty. And naturally, that's where Uglies leaves off and Pretties begins.

(Additional Note: My actual rating is 4-1/2 stars but I round up for sites like Amazon.)

I really wasn't sure at first if I was going to like this book, but in the end I really did. I was a little turned off by Westerfeld's treatment of various issues that may or may not have led to the Rusties' (that's us, if I'm not mistaken) downfall, but was able to separate that from the real story that was being told.
1180329
I've had a thing for historical fiction lately and this one seemed right up my alley.  Especially since I know next to nothing about the children of Queen Eleanor and King Henry II.  I enjoyed it a lot.

I find Joan particularly fascinating.  What a world to grow up in and surrounded by some of the most talked about rulers in history.  I think she was a little naive in her relationship with her parents, but what child would honestly think they would use her in such away against one another.  I especially enjoyed her world travels.  In a time were I don't think many people got to see much more than the area surrounding them, Joan got to see a lot.  She live in France, England, and Sicily.  Plus she travelled with her brother King Richard during the crusades. She saw much more the women of her time period would ever dream about seeing.  I also enjoyed her whit.  She spoke openly and sometimes without thought.  While, it got her into trouble, I also think it showed her true spirit.

I was expecting some sort of romance, but was not prepared for it to happen towards the end of the book.  I was beginning to think she was going to be miserable in Sicily forever. I'm use to reading about women being married off in their teens and being expected to perform their "wifely" duties.  But, sometimes it still comes as quite a shock to read about it.  It's always interesting to read about the way women were used in political schemes.

The book is marketed to young adults, which I'm afraid might be the wrong genre.  It doesn't have a lot of romance and action that I think a lot of teens are looking for.  I think teens who already enjoy historical fiction might enjoy this though.  I also think a lot of adults would like this.
2389260
I looked at this book not knowing exactly if I was going to like it, but I thought I would try it away. Boy, am I glad I did! I liked the characters and really felt like I knew them, the plot was somewhat original and followed its own rules, and the action was fast-paced enough that I didn't feel it lagged in spots. One of the things that I really liked is that it didn't feel like it took place in the past even though it did. I have always preferred books to be more contemporary and this book felt that way. I really enjoyed the friendship/relationship between Moira and Edwards (Keenan) and the pace was very natural. I would definitely recommend getting this book, and I am definitely going to be picking up more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penner Publishing for providing an advanced copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This review is also posted on Goodreads and NetGalley..
3200905
This was a surprisingly good read. As the main two characters are male, young, free and naive, I, at first, didn't think I would enjoy it, being a 50 something grandma, It turned out to be a story that is told really well with interesting characters introduced along the way. It ended far too soon. I'm looking forward to the next story.
132329
Interestingly, how the character was changed is not mentioned, but the path of her growth and development as a new creature is believable and relatable.  I especially enjoyed the the young girl- with an intelligent personality.  I will be looking for new stories from this author. He delivered a story that is frequently told from a totally different perspective- that is what I enjoyed.
4056082
I've read a lot of Sarah's fan fiction, but this is the first original novel of hers that I've had a chance to sit down with. I really enjoyed it! It was a good story, and I liked the sexual tension and slow build-up.

The telepathy was a fun add-in, and I thought she wrote that realistically, making it a real challenge for Flynn instead of something he just automatically got the hang of using. I was very sad to get to the end, and would love to see more of these two characters. Especially with the GFT killer still at large. Don't leave me hanging! LOL!
1768066
I loved it. I laughed, cried, yelled at and rooted for the chatacters. I'm looking forward to more from her.
4471568
I really enjoyed this story about a young woman who realizes life happens everywhere.  Perfect read for a single 20 something girl/lady/woman (whatever we are).
4544402
Loved it, thought it was really great!

Janae makes it quick and simple to understand such a complex dynamic.

Her use of the Avatar movie as an example helps to give a vivid mental picture.

Wow, I feel like I got soooo much in such a short time.

Was given new insight into my relationships and vulnerabilities.

Plus, is a fun read while being very serious.

I enjoyed it and can't wait to read the second book in the series.
436124
It's not Downton Abbey, but I really enjoyed it