You Could Be So Pretty
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Usborne Publishing Ltd
Published:28th Sep '23
Should be back in stock very soon
"If you loved the Barbie movie, you'll adore this." THE SUN
"The Handmaid's Tale for the Insta generation." THE TIMES
"Razor-sharp and compelling, it is essential reading for every teenage girl." THE OBSERVER
"Holly Bourne is truly a one-in-a-million author." DAILY MIRROR
"A searing exploration of beauty and its meaning for women and girls. Don't miss it." STYLIST
"Ideal for fans of Louise O'Neill and Laura Bates." THE GUARDIAN
LIMITED EDITION FIRST PRINTING FEATURING EXCLUSIVE CUT-OUT DOUBLE COVER available while stocks last
BEAUTY COMES AT A PRICE. AND GIRLS MUST PAY.
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?
Uglies meets The Handmaid's Tale for the new YA generation in this mind-blowing novel from bestselling queen of YA Holly Bourne.
Content warning - this novel deals with issues that some readers may find upsetting, including references to pornography and sexual assault.
If you loved the Barbie movie, you'll adore this. * The Sun *
The Handmaid's Tale for the Insta generation. * The Times, Book of the Week *
A furious, fast-paced feminist commentary on a "post-equality" world, ideal for fans of Louise O'Neill and Laura Bates. * The Guardian *
Razor-sharp and compelling, [You Could Be So Pretty] is essential reading for every teenage girl. * The Observer *
YA author Bourne's much-anticipated dystopian read is a searing exploration of beauty and its meaning for women and girls. Don't miss it. * Stylist *
In a style reminiscent of Orwell's 1984, this brilliant, timely, scary novel explores The Doctrine - the pressure on young girls to conform to high-maintenance beauty norms and the porn-fuelled patriarchy that supports it. Sound familiar? * Daily Mail *
Gripping and smart * Woman's Own *
[A] smart, timely story. * The Times, Book of the Week *
Such a wild, gripping, smart, delicious read! I love it with all my readerly heart! * Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places *
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 *
Holly's novel is brilliant and frightening. If you know a teenage girl, pre-order this for her as the best gift she'll receive this year. * Sarah Crossan, author of One *
I devoured this - so compelling and with such a powerful message. Bravo Holly Bourne! * Katherine Webber, co-author of Twin Crowns *
- Winner of Sheffield Children's Book Award 2024 (UK)
- Long-listed for The UKLA Book Awards 2025 (UK)
- Nominated for The Yoto Carnegie Medal 2025 (UK)
ISBN: 9781474966832
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 25mm
Weight: 335g
400 pages