The Selection by Kiera Cass

8:16 PM


Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN13: 9780062059932
Genre: Young Adult

Review by Phil

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): 

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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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.

My Thoughts:

First off can we just take a moment and all drool over this cover? I mean seriously, it is stunning. Whoever designed this B.R.A.V.O. Good Job!

So my sister got me this book for Christmas (per my request), and I couldn’t have been happier to open it on that morning. But if you follow me on Youtube and have seen my Christmas haul, then you will know I also got a lot of other books for Christmas as well, pretty much enough to last me the entire year, so your question should be, why did you choose to read The Selection over any of your other books? And to be completely honest, I don’t really know why. It was almost as if some outside source was taking hold of my mind and every time I looked at my TBR shelf my eyes would immediately go to The Selection. I tried to ignore this feeling for a while, but after getting 4 books into the New Year I gave in and picked up the book, and boy am I glad I did.

From page one I was hooked, the writing style was easy and very fluid, Cass never used any words I didn’t already know the meaning too, which is always a plus unless you like that. The best way I could think to describe The Selection is a cross between The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the Bachelor on ABC (granted I have never seen the Bachelor, but I get that kind of vibe from the book).

This is one YA dystopian world that I actually wouldn’t mind living in (granted only if I was high up in the caste system and wasn’t drafted into the army of the never ending war of the new country….eh I’m good where I am now that I think about it). I love how Cass made the world actually believable, where everything is very similar to how it is now (2013), rather than some false utopian /love-sick / war ridden/ amazing technological advancement kind of world. America, our main character, simply loves to sing and paint and watch TV, talk about her favorite celebrities, the only real difference is that the USA no longer exists and the nation it is turned into is is a monarchy at war.

But the reason why I loved this book so much is because I would actually love to watch The Selection on TV. I think it would be really awesome to see these 35 girls compete for the heart of Maxon and their journey on the show. I love competition shows, it is kind of the only thing I watch whether it be The Next Great Baker, Face off, Dance Moms #guiltypleasure, or anything in between, it is kind of my schtick. So it comes as no surprise that this is my favorite read of 2013 so far. The drama from all the other girls living under one roof makes the book even more believable and fun to read. Also adding in the royal flare of competing for a Prince also makes the book that much more interesting.

One main point that I want to make is that this isn’t a thought provoking book, not at all. Only read this book if you are looking for pure entertainment. There are no hidden messages or intense plot lines, it is really just a story. So don’t read this if you are one of those “it isn’t a book unless it has a hidden meaning and gives you a new perspective on life” hipster pieces of shit that I hate, because you won’t be impressed.

My one complaint about this book though is the love triangle. America’s boyfriend from home Aspen told America to enter the selection to win Maxon’s love because he could never give her the life she deserved, so she did. Then they broke up a few days before America was chosen to be one of the 35 contestants, which makes Aspen immediately reconsider breaking up with her. Meanwhile America is heartbroken over Aspen, but at the same time is starting to fall for Maxon at the royal palace. I’m not going to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil it, but lets just say shit happens which leaves America with the choice of Maxon or Aspen. But, what bothers me is that Maxon is the obvious choice! I mean come on America, Aspen broke up with you, he broke your heart and your considering taking him back?! If there is one thing I hate in a book it is a girl with no self confidence, and it seems like America is one of those girls. Don’t get me wrong I still LOVED the book, but that one part still annoys me. I look forward to seeing what choice America will make in the final novels, and I can’t wait to see if she makes the right choice *cough cough Maxon.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read and anyone who is looking for some fun.

I give this book 5/5 stars!

♚♚♚♚♚

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4 comments

  1. Great review! I've been on the fence about this book for a while, but I am trusting your judgement and will buy it next time I get the chance!

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  2. Thanks so much for commenting! And trusting my judgement! It is really good I promise you that!

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  3. Loved your review. I really like this book myself. I can't wait for the Elite to come out.
    New Follower -- Gabby @ Gabby Reads

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  4. Good Review Im glad I found this blog. I Loved this book and just finished The Prince. Cant wait till nexts month for the Elite!

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