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Ugly
Being a doctor empowers you in ways civilians cannot imagine, and Terry has helped the rich and famous of Hollywood stay young and perfect for years past their prime. He thinks he's seen everything, but he hasn't seen someone like Brittany before.
I turned around in slow motion, reeling, and saw the repellent creature behind the counter staring at me. Even more repulsive, she was starting to smile. Her teeth were horrifically staggered.
"Maybe you should stay," she said, happily.
I tried to shake my head, but it just jerked spastically. I tried to speak, but my tongue was thick and my lips couldn't form the words. I just gulped and floundered like a goldfish dumped from its bowl onto the floor. And then this creature shambled out from behind the counter and crossed the room, her shadow growing as she grew closer until it devoured me. She turned off the lights, put the CLOSED sign in the window, lowered the curtains, and squatted down next to me.
"You're pretty," she told me...
I turned around in slow motion, reeling, and saw the repellent creature behind the counter staring at me. Even more repulsive, she was starting to smile. Her teeth were horrifically staggered.
"Maybe you should stay," she said, happily.
I tried to shake my head, but it just jerked spastically. I tried to speak, but my tongue was thick and my lips couldn't form the words. I just gulped and floundered like a goldfish dumped from its bowl onto the floor. And then this creature shambled out from behind the counter and crossed the room, her shadow growing as she grew closer until it devoured me. She turned off the lights, put the CLOSED sign in the window, lowered the curtains, and squatted down next to me.
"You're pretty," she told me...
- GenresHorror
86 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2016
39 people want to read
About the author
Mick Garris
43 books57 followersMick Garris is a producer, director, screenwriter and novelist specializing in the horror genre. He has had his hand in dozens of films and television shows, published several works of fiction, and is perhaps best known for his long and fruitful association with author Stephen King.
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 7, 2025
This was both good and disappointing. Good in that Garris is a talented prose writer and, presumably unconstrained by studio script-writing restrictions, is able to explore more explicit crevices of his creative mind in independent publishing (especially for someone known for his network television Stephen King adaptations). This has me wondering which other horror filmmakers I would like to see take a bloody stab at prose. I will always love movies, but taking into consideration current sensibilities of political correctness (and yes, it's rampant even in the inherently dangerous genre I adore), I just can't trust studio productions to allow an artist's vision to be properly respected. Even if scripts just started being published, unencumbered by any ideological, studio, or focus group meddling, I would be refreshed to partake.
Ugly is a very Hollywood story and deals with the vanity of the Beverly Hills lifestyle. The narrator is an unrelenting narcissist, aesthetic plastic surgeon, and has a Patrick Bateman-esque obsession with keeping up appearances. And that is where my disappointment comes in; not for anything in particular to do with the story, but because the cover--yes, I judged--gave me Brian Yuzna's Society vibes and I got something spiritually closer to American Psycho. To clarify, I'm not disappointed in what I got, but in what I didn't get, for which I can ultimately only blame myself, as I prefer to avoid as much as possible before diving into my reading selections. High risk, high reward. Nevertheless, I'll soon find myself in possession of Mick's other literary endeavors.
This is a graphic tale of sex and violence and could be described as a somewhat tamer iteration of what the extreme purveyors of vileness and filth like Edward Lee and Wrath James White might produce. I somehow inadvertently have now chosen two books recently that have reversed the sex roles of the expected rape-and-revenge sub-genre (hooray for equality?), both which involved a man being tranquilized and Viagra-dosed against his will. Despite my harumphing that I wasn't treated with a congealing, orgiastic flesh heap as indicated by the apparently allegorical cover art ("My life was devoted to beauty, yet all I could see around me was ugliness,") I found this to be a well-written and grotesque little story. Now let's see what literary nastiness you've got up your sleeve, Joe Dante.
Ugly is a very Hollywood story and deals with the vanity of the Beverly Hills lifestyle. The narrator is an unrelenting narcissist, aesthetic plastic surgeon, and has a Patrick Bateman-esque obsession with keeping up appearances. And that is where my disappointment comes in; not for anything in particular to do with the story, but because the cover--yes, I judged--gave me Brian Yuzna's Society vibes and I got something spiritually closer to American Psycho. To clarify, I'm not disappointed in what I got, but in what I didn't get, for which I can ultimately only blame myself, as I prefer to avoid as much as possible before diving into my reading selections. High risk, high reward. Nevertheless, I'll soon find myself in possession of Mick's other literary endeavors.
This is a graphic tale of sex and violence and could be described as a somewhat tamer iteration of what the extreme purveyors of vileness and filth like Edward Lee and Wrath James White might produce. I somehow inadvertently have now chosen two books recently that have reversed the sex roles of the expected rape-and-revenge sub-genre (hooray for equality?), both which involved a man being tranquilized and Viagra-dosed against his will. Despite my harumphing that I wasn't treated with a congealing, orgiastic flesh heap as indicated by the apparently allegorical cover art ("My life was devoted to beauty, yet all I could see around me was ugliness,") I found this to be a well-written and grotesque little story. Now let's see what literary nastiness you've got up your sleeve, Joe Dante.
Want to read
April 21, 2017This hardcover copy is numbered 678 of 750 copies, and is signed and numbered by Mick Garris.
July 14, 2016
A great book to cut your teeth on to enjoy the fine works by Mick Garris.
No one writes the seething "conspicuous consumption" of the sun blinded Los Angeles better than Garris. His protagonist's contempt for anything less than physical perfection is akin to a good sommelier describing the finer points of an expensive cabernet but with far more vitriol.
If you survive what is easily one of the most revolting rape scenes ever written, you'll be treated to a celebration of narcissism that will make you chuckle all the while being completely appalled.
Despite showcasing the absolute worst of humanity in pursuit of achieving the absolute best in what we all want to see looking back at us in the mirror, this story is a terrific read from page one all the way to it's hysterical punchline.
You'll finish this in a few hours as it's a fast and enjoyable read. Highly recommended and can't wait for Garris' next foray into the madness that he writes so well!
No one writes the seething "conspicuous consumption" of the sun blinded Los Angeles better than Garris. His protagonist's contempt for anything less than physical perfection is akin to a good sommelier describing the finer points of an expensive cabernet but with far more vitriol.
If you survive what is easily one of the most revolting rape scenes ever written, you'll be treated to a celebration of narcissism that will make you chuckle all the while being completely appalled.
Despite showcasing the absolute worst of humanity in pursuit of achieving the absolute best in what we all want to see looking back at us in the mirror, this story is a terrific read from page one all the way to it's hysterical punchline.
You'll finish this in a few hours as it's a fast and enjoyable read. Highly recommended and can't wait for Garris' next foray into the madness that he writes so well!
April 19, 2018
Ugly indeed, scary as well.
September 28, 2017
Interesting novella about an arrogant cosmetic surgeon is drugged and raped by a woman he considers to be loathsome. Unable to get past the incident, he tracks her down and exacts his revenge. A little WTF, but I liked it and recommend it.
December 29, 2025
An excellent, fast-paced read from one of my favorite storytellers. This tale blends the vain, egotistical nature of American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman with the polished excess of Nip/Tuck’s surgeons, then adds a dash of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for good measure. Just when the story lulls you into the comfort of a happy ending, it delivers a sharp reminder that it was never meant to be one. Well done, Mick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
No character development, ugly woman was basically an item based not only on the character; but the author’s lack of background description.
Read it if you want to fly through 80 pages, skip it if you want to read something of actual substance.
Read it if you want to fly through 80 pages, skip it if you want to read something of actual substance.
February 17, 2018
Was kind of weary to start reading this book. But once I started it I was surprised at how well written it was.
I thought on no .... another beautiful person hating ugly but keep reading it and the ending will surprise you. I laughed and said alrighty then. That’s a great way to end a book!
Hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did!
I thought on no .... another beautiful person hating ugly but keep reading it and the ending will surprise you. I laughed and said alrighty then. That’s a great way to end a book!
Hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did!
June 4, 2019
Ugly is a most fitting title for this story; more so than any other story I have ever read. Everything about this story is ugly, from its characters to its plot to its narrative style. I really think this novella may not have been meant to be enjoyed by anyone, but rather to repulse its audience.
The main character is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. He is as superficial, materialistic, and condescending as they come. He looks upon anyone below his social strata as cattle; people that don’t deserve to breathe the same air or occupy the same space as him. He really appears to be a kindred spirit to Patrick Bateman from the novel American Psycho.
Ugly starts off as if it is a story of his comeuppance, so to speak. While in a local coffee shop (one that is worthy of his patronage of course) he is nevertheless disgusted by the less-than-attractive barista. This does not go unnoticed by her and she proceeds to lock him in the store, drug him, and rape him. She then discards him, unlocks the front door, and retreats to her locked office. This, of course, is repugnance on a scale that he cannot abide.
The rest of the story is his revenge. He kidnaps the barista and takes her to a private clinic in his home. There, he proceeds to perform extreme cosmetic surgery on her (against her will), doing multiple procedures that should have been spaced over many months, or even years, in just a few days.
The author describes all of this in very harsh, unsettling detail. The style of the narrative is intentionally meant to be graphic and distasteful. This is first-person narration as well, so perhaps that style is fitting, seeing as it is from the viewpoint of such a despicable human being.
Unfortunately, the victim is also a despicable human being; one who has let the hurt from the treatment of others turn her into what she despises. Instead of being able to empathize with the victim, you are left disliking her almost as much as the doctor. To top it off, after the pain of the surgery subsides and she begins to heal, she begins a narcissistic fascination with her new body and Stockholm syndrome sets in.
The doctor applauds himself for his Dr. Frankenstein creation; his improvement over God. He soon realizes that she is now “hot”, even by his standards, and decides he wants her. But this time it is on his terms, not hers.
I have enjoyed the television adaptions Mick Garris has done for Stephen King’s work. This is the first I have read of any of his own works as an author. Ugly is a story that is clearly not to my taste. However, as I mentioned previously, if his intent was to repulse, then this story is a glowing success.
The main character is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. He is as superficial, materialistic, and condescending as they come. He looks upon anyone below his social strata as cattle; people that don’t deserve to breathe the same air or occupy the same space as him. He really appears to be a kindred spirit to Patrick Bateman from the novel American Psycho.
Ugly starts off as if it is a story of his comeuppance, so to speak. While in a local coffee shop (one that is worthy of his patronage of course) he is nevertheless disgusted by the less-than-attractive barista. This does not go unnoticed by her and she proceeds to lock him in the store, drug him, and rape him. She then discards him, unlocks the front door, and retreats to her locked office. This, of course, is repugnance on a scale that he cannot abide.
The rest of the story is his revenge. He kidnaps the barista and takes her to a private clinic in his home. There, he proceeds to perform extreme cosmetic surgery on her (against her will), doing multiple procedures that should have been spaced over many months, or even years, in just a few days.
The author describes all of this in very harsh, unsettling detail. The style of the narrative is intentionally meant to be graphic and distasteful. This is first-person narration as well, so perhaps that style is fitting, seeing as it is from the viewpoint of such a despicable human being.
Unfortunately, the victim is also a despicable human being; one who has let the hurt from the treatment of others turn her into what she despises. Instead of being able to empathize with the victim, you are left disliking her almost as much as the doctor. To top it off, after the pain of the surgery subsides and she begins to heal, she begins a narcissistic fascination with her new body and Stockholm syndrome sets in.
The doctor applauds himself for his Dr. Frankenstein creation; his improvement over God. He soon realizes that she is now “hot”, even by his standards, and decides he wants her. But this time it is on his terms, not hers.
I have enjoyed the television adaptions Mick Garris has done for Stephen King’s work. This is the first I have read of any of his own works as an author. Ugly is a story that is clearly not to my taste. However, as I mentioned previously, if his intent was to repulse, then this story is a glowing success.
July 14, 2016
I read this book in a few hours. I found the writing very simple which didn't surprise me once I read his bio. It was an interesting premise but I think the author should keep to television and movies. There was lots of "product placement" throughout the novel. High dollar items that fit the lifestyle of a beauty obsessed plastic surgeon to the stars. I didn't know most of the references since I'm not in the 1% of the population that can afford such things. It's a disturbing topic to be sure, but the plot had tons of holes that made me question choices the author and brought me out of the story. I don't think that any of the characters were developed enough. The "protagonist" didn't have anything at stake and the "antagonist" wasn't developed either. It was a fun attempt at horror that just didn't pan out for me. A nitpicky detail that I couldn't get past was the improper use of the word nauseous - it was used wrong TWICE! Makes me wonder if anyone was editing his work or if he's resting on his TV laurels and friendships.
July 31, 2016
It's no secret that my favorite director of all time is Stanley Kubrick. The man was a genius in his field. But he was just that, a director. He didn't write, create, or act. Take all that other stuff into account and you get Mick Garris.
Mick has been another favorite of mine for a long time - partially because he works very close with Stephen King, but mostly because he's just that good at what he does.
And Ugly is no exception. It reads almost like American Psycho but not in the annoying "stream-of-consciousness" way.
Terry is a plastic surgeon who is the best in his field. Perfection is the norm for him and he looks for it daily. Until he meets Brittany.
How far will revenge take you?
Mick has been another favorite of mine for a long time - partially because he works very close with Stephen King, but mostly because he's just that good at what he does.
And Ugly is no exception. It reads almost like American Psycho but not in the annoying "stream-of-consciousness" way.
Terry is a plastic surgeon who is the best in his field. Perfection is the norm for him and he looks for it daily. Until he meets Brittany.
How far will revenge take you?
November 6, 2016
Very interesting novella which features an egotistical and highly skilled Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. He prides himself in not only in this work, but how he looks himself. Then one day he is physically assaulted by someone he considers "ugly." This person becomes his next patient/project in the private and secluded surgical room of his Malibu estate.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews