'Ugly Girls' by Lindsay Hunter is this raw, unfiltered dive into teenage girlhood, and the main characters, Perry and Baby Girl, are absolutely unforgettable. Perry's the kind of girl who acts tough to hide how vulnerable she really is—she’s got this chaotic energy, like she’s constantly teetering between rebellion and desperation. Baby Girl, her best friend, is quieter but just as complex, clinging to Perry like a lifeline while secretly yearning for something more. Their dynamic is messy and heartbreaking, full of crass humor and tender moments. The way Hunter writes them feels so real, like you’re eavesdropping on their late-night Walmart runs and whispered confessions. It’s not a pretty story, but it’s one that sticks with you long after the last page.
What I love most is how Hunter doesn’t romanticize their lives. These girls aren’t 'quirky' or 'manic pixie'—they’re flawed, sometimes downright unlikable, but that’s what makes them compelling. The book’s grit might not be for everyone, but if you’re into stories that don’t sugarcoat adolescence, Perry and Baby Girl will haunt you in the best way.