The Selection
By Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Source: Library
Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Though I'm not a big fan of the name America, her character was really great to read about! She didn't want fame and fortune, but instead she only wanted what was best for her family, even if it meant sacrificing herself. She kind of has Katniss qualities in her because no matter how bad she doesn't want to enter the selection to marry the prince, she has to in order for her family to survive. But unlike Katniss, America had a little someone she was leaving behind who she really liked (yeah, Katniss had Gale but he didn't really stand a chance...).
The whole caste system of the new society America lived in was so interesting and really unfair to live in. America is a five, on a scale from 1 to 8, one being royalty and eight being the homeless and most poor. Girls from all over the country enter the selection for a chance to be one of 35 chosen to compete to be brought up to one status as the prince's wife. America knows she can never love the prince, but she slowly realizes he's really not that bad, which makes her life even more confusing.
Sometimes the book became kind of cheesy and cliche, but hey, that's just how I like them (considering the Bachelor is one of my favorite shows...and this is A LOT like that show) :) America got kind of annoying with her whole "I'm not pretty so why does everyone keep saying how gorgeous I am?" kind of act, but other than that I liked her story. Her relationship with her family is really sweet and her dedication to them was great. But the character I really liked was Maxon. He was so caring and learned to put his guard down with America. Even though he's this rich, high and mighty prince, he still cared about the girls' feelings and finding love.
So overall this was a fantastic book that took you on a great journey through a dystopian bachelor-esque storyline. I hated putting it down and seriously can't wait for the next one to come out! And when this becomes a TV show, I'm definitely tuning in for the first episode! So I recommend you check this book out now!
I really enjoyed this book too. I don't really understand what all the drama was about but it is what it is. I agree with so much of what you said in your review as well. I've included the link to my review if you want to drop by and check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://jrafterdark.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/the-selection-the-selection-1-by-keira-cass/
I am really hesitant to read this book because of the Goodreads drama too, but I should probably just put that aside and read it for myself like you did so that I can form my own opinion! Great review!
ReplyDeleteNice review (: I've heard a lot of really great reviews for this book. I'm going to skip the library and just buy this one I think. I really can't be bothered getting into the drama to be honest. I've heard from a lot of TRUSTED book bloggers that this is a good book so I feel comfortable spending my money on it.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
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Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
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There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well
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The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
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