Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The Blurb On The Back:

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?

Tally can't wait to turn sixteen and become Pretty. Sixteen is the magic number that brings a transformation from a repellant Ugly into a stunningly attractive Pretty, and catapaults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be Pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the Pretty world - and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn Pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Brilliant book and it's wonderful to see a writer willing to write science fiction aimed at teenagers that taps into current issues. Most definitely worth a look.

Henry Tumour by Anthony McGowan

The Blurb On The Back:

As if school bullies and his mum's tofu sandwiches weren't enough for Hector Brunty, he now has another dilemma: a talking brain tumour.

Henry Tumour turns out to be the perfect alter-ego, advising Hector on haircuts, high-fashion, and tactics for snogging the best-looking girl in school. Controlling his speech and brain chemicals is quite enough, but soon Henry Tumour is trying to make more decisions about Hector's life than he'd like.

Can Hector overpower his tumour in order to get what he really wants ... before they both go under the knife?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Funny, original and gripping although the f-word and knob jokes won't be to everyone's tastes.