UGLY

In this contemporary YA novel, a teenager discovers who she truly is.

Nicole Summers doesn’t really get along with most people at her Oklahoma high school. Nic, a sophomore, gets bullied in class, and students make comments about her in the hallways. One guy calls her “a big lesbo.” Afterward, Nic muses: “God, I hated this shit. And I didn’t think I was a lesbian, anyway. But everyone acted like I was. How could everyone else know something about me that I didn’t know myself?” She’s lucky if classmates are willing to even acknowledge her existence. But at least Nic has her art and her best friend, Sam, to keep her company. Sam shares her pal’s love of dragons, art, and fantasy figurines, but none of these hobbies make Nic popular. A long time ago, the two hatched a plan called “Operation Social Interaction for Nic.” Frankly, it’s not going well. But when Sam comes to her pal with the terrible news that she’s moving to Scotland, the two are suddenly desperate to find Nic a friend so she won’t be alone at school. Sam makes Nic promise to be more open and affable when they’re in club meetings. But Nic barely feels comfortable in her own skin. How is she supposed to relax around other people? Nic soon realizes she needs to spend more time figuring out exactly who she is before she can identify if there’s anyone at school she can confide in. In Vincent’s intriguing tale, the appealing main character is embarking on an important journey of self-discovery. Nic eventually finds that being like all the other girls isn’t really for her. With short chapters and a steady pace, the novel does a superb job of holding readers’ attention, which is vital for a YA book. But while Nic’s hunt for a new friend is integral to the plot, the abundance of characters introduced throughout the narrative can get a bit overwhelming for readers not paying close attention. Still, the compelling story will resonate with young adults going on their own difficult journeys and should help them feel less alone.

An engaging, if overstuffed, tale about an artistic teen’s evolution.