You Could Be So Pretty
Summary
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.
Review
This book had me hooked from the very beginning and while it’s only book two of 2024, it’s automatically gone on my favourites.
The book jumps straight into the story, building the world and introducing us to the conflict quickly and easily. I loved both characters, and both are human in a real and honest kind of way.
This book touches on some huge issues, written as a dystopian but actually shining the spotlight on the double standards often dealt with by women. It’s compelling and interesting, deeply authentic and meaningful. I loved it.
That said, I did only give it a 4-star rating and so, you might be wondering why.
The reason is pretty simple. While I did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend it, didn’t have the WOW-factor that would have taken it to a 5-star rating. I did feel as if there needed to be a little bit more background to the story because it is presented as a dystopian.
That said Holly Bourne is one of my favourite authors and this book is another example of her excellence.
