High Level Review: I love a dystopian story with an underlying message. This is aimed at middle grade/high school, which is when I initially read it. On this re-read, I still find it to be a sweet point of view and a disturbing world (which is what you want from a dystopia).

Plot: In this high tech future Earth, everyone gets plastic surgery when they turn sixteen. Our FMC is very excited for her turn, but a new friend lets her in on a secret: there are people who don’t go through with the surgery, and they don’t live under the watchful eye of the city. Meeting them just might change everything.

Praise: The world is fantastically eerie. I love the importance that is shown on the value and influence of friendships in young people’s lives. The POV of a young girl is done well. And I think this is awesome commentary overall on societal norms, beauty standards, and propaganda. 

Critiques: There are some topics that could have been handled with a bit more care. It is a very sensitive topic, but this book definitely does not allow for things like size inclusivity among many other things.

CW/TW: Blood, body dysmorphia, body shaming, eating disorders mentioned, self harm, recreational use of (fictional) drugs, fatphobia, hospitalization, needles