Rating: 3 stars
Cover Synopsis: It's a few years after Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules the world is in a cultural renaissance. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol: Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules. Aya Fuse's rank is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. Aya makes an explosive discovery that may change the face of the brave new world forever. If she kicks this story, she'll be propelled into a world of fame, celbrity and extreme danger.
This is the fourth book in the "Uglies" series. It's a more complex story premise. Set in a futuristic Japan, which now has a fame-based economy. The more popular you are, the richer you are. "Extras" gives an interesting examination of our present-day celebrity culture.
I liked the book, but perhaps not as much as I liked "Uglies." The main character Aya is like a member of the paparazzi: She tries to uncover interesting stories to put out on her feed in hopes of becoming famous. I kept trying to empathize with her, to view her as a journalist seeking the truth. But I never quite hit that level of respect for her: Her motivations were never to save the world and humanity. Her motivations -- even when she came to understand the gravity of the situation -- were always selfish. She was always so intent on getting CREDIT for the story, not just to make sure the story got out there.
All in all, a good read, though. Deep themes, interesting characters, intense plot-line. (Though some of the twists and turns were pretty outrageous and unbelievable.) I read the 417-pager in two days.
