LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
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.
Amy McKay
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About
You Could Be So Pretty Synopsis
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.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781474966832 |
| Publication date: |
28th September 2023 |
| Author: |
Holly Bourne |
| Publisher: |
Usborne Publishing Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
393 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Young Adult Fiction
|
| Other Genres: |
|
Press Reviews
Holly Bourne Press Reviews
Holly Bourne is a vital feminist voice of our generation - a voice resolved to break the dangerous silences around sexism. Her writing peels the varnish off patriarchy, celebrates the power of female solidarity and friendship, and bears witness to both the pain and the joy of being a woman in the modern world. - Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season
I devoured this - so compelling and with such a powerful message. Bravo Holly Bourne! - Katherine Webber, co-author of Twin Crowns
This book will make you angry, in a good way. Holly shines a light on the dysfunctional way our society keeps women and girls small and apologetic by relentlessly targeting our bodies in a way that's as clever as it is compelling. I couldn't put it down. - Natasha Devon
You Could Be So Pretty reads like a compulsive thriller, but this dystopian story felt frighteningly real. Vital, compelling, heart-wrenchingly relatable - this book is a shot of adrenaline, an empathetic friend and a furious call to arms. I loved it. - Laura Wood, author of The Agency for Scandal
I haven't been able to look at myself, or social media the same way since reading this novel. Belle and Joni stole my heart. - Florence Given, author of Women Don't Owe You Pretty
Author
About Holly Bourne
Holly Bourne is the author of Am I Normal Yet?, How Hard Can Love Be?, What’s a Girl Gotta Do?, The Manifesto on How to be Interesting and Soulmates. She graduated with a first class degree in Journalism Studies at University of Sheffield and spent two years working as a local news reporter on the Surrey Mirror, garnering a nomination for Print Journalist of the Year in 2010. During her time there, Holly uncovered many national and international stories that received huge press coverage. She was nominated for Print Journalist of the Year – but found she didn’t have the stomach for the job.
Her first two books, Soulmates and The Manifesto on How to be Interesting, have been critically acclaimed and translated into six languages. Am I Normal Yet? has been chosen as a World Book Night book for 2016, and shortlisted for The Bookseller YA Book Prize.
Her own experiences of blatant sexism, drove her to write Am I Normal Yet? - the first book in the critically acclaimed Normal series about three girls who start their own grassroots feminist campaign group. The trilogy has inspired young girls to start their own groups all over the UK and Holly tours schools and festivals to talk to young people about gender equality. To mark the release of What’s a Girl Gotta Do? – the last book in the trilogy – Holly launched the #IamaFeminist social media campaign which trended worldwide. She lives in Lewes.
She worked as a journalist for TheSite.org an advice and information website for 16-25 year olds, click here to read a Q&A with Holly.
More About Holly Bourne
