Library Tales Publishing Announces the Release of “UGLY” — A Darkly Comic, Multi-Generational Epic by Award-Winning Author David Michael Slater

Library Tales Publishing is proud to announce the upcoming release of UGLY, the highly anticipated tragicomic novel by acclaimed author David Michael Slater, arriving October 28, 2025. The book is now available for pre-order through Amazon, LibraryTalesPublishing.com, and Simon & Schuster distribution partners worldwide.

Spanning over a century and two continents, UGLY is a sweeping, darkly humorous exploration of love, loss, and resilience through the eyes of three generations of women determined to survive a world rigged against them.

“Horrifying, hilarious, and heartbreakingly human—UGLY reads like John Irving rewritten for the #MeToo generation.” — Billie Livingston, award-winning author

“A darkly comic generational journey packed with morbid twists and heart.” — Jason Pargin, bestselling author of John Dies at the End

Book Summary

Charlotte Adams escapes a destitute orphanage in prewar London, only to find herself in the lavish but equally treacherous home of one of England’s wealthiest families. Her daughter, Margot Kenworthy, flees to America's heartland, where she takes refuge in a dangerously misunderstood finishing school. Her daughter, Cleo Portman, heads to Hollywood, where she takes on the predatory modeling business in shocking and unprecedented ways.

In the grand tradition of John Irving, David Michael Slater, acclaimed author ofFun & GamesandThe Vanishing, delivers a sprawling tragicomedy chock-full of remarkable characters and indelible scenes. An unforgettable read, UGLY is a breakneck rollercoaster of a ride.

About the Author

David Michael Slater is a prolific author and educator based in Reno, Nevada. He has written more than 40 books across genres, from acclaimed children’s series (Ned, Sacred Books) to adult fiction (Fun & Games, The Vanishing). His works have sold over 200,000 copies and received honors from the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, the Independent Publisher Awards, and numerous media outlets.

Slater is also an outspoken advocate for education reform and storytelling that challenges conventions.

Learn more at www.davidmichaelslater.com or follow him on social media @DMSauthor.

Availability

UGLY will be released on October 28, 2025, and available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats wherever books are sold.

ISBN: 979-8894410043
Genre: Literary Fiction / Tragicomedy / Women’s Fiction
Publication Date: October 28, 2025
Pages: 491
Price: Paperback $18.99 | Hardcover $29.99 | Ebook $12.99