UGLIES is a Great book (set in a stifling and yet alluring post apocalyptic civilization in which all aspire to be beautiful and well taken care of) that covers many of the same topics covered by GemX but much much MUCH better written. You will enjoy this even if you’re not a SciFi fan.

Really explores ideas of environmentalism, beauty – both physical and internal, the value of friendship, betrayal and redemption…. Plus, not only all this, but I love the cover!

Go READ it.
:-) (Unlike GemX, I was VERY happy to realize that this is part of a series of books. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one – Pretties.)