You Could Be So Pretty

by Holly Bourne

At first glance this is a dystopian novel, but on closer reading it becomes clear that it is a depiction of the reality of many girls and women. The story is alternately narrated by Belle (a Pretty) and Joni (an Objectionable) who live in a small town under the Doctrine. Forced to spend time together whilst competing for a scholarship, they gradually start to understand each other’s perspective. This is a heartfelt feminist novel that highlights the difficulties for young people of navigating a world of social media influencers, ubiquitous violent porn, unrealistic body images, and the meaning of the word ‘choice’.