Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publish Date: April 24, 2012

Hardcover, 327 pages
Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopian
 ISBN: 978-0062059932

My Review:
I admit I was first drawn to The Selection solely because of the cover. The dresses, the girls, what is The Selection? Then I read the blurb and I was sold. I had to read this and I am so glad I was able to read an early copy so I can say, go out and get a copy of this book.

First I've heard The Hunger Games comparisons and other than it being a futuristic dystopian society and a sort of reality tv type game, that is where the similarities end. Where The Hunger Games is more of Survivor-type reality tv, The Selection is more The Bachelor, except young adult and innocent to some extent. I haven't watched The Bachelor, but I can see that this has to be how the show is. But the book is even more complex since the fate of the country is somewhat dependent on the prince choosing his princess wisely. Well that and the fact that there are groups attacking the castle from time-to-time. I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen on The Bachelor.

Now the characters. I loved America. She knows who she is, knows who she loves even though she is not supposed to love this boy. And she will do anything for him, but then the unthinkable happens. I won't go into details because you have to read the book, but of course America ends up part of The Selection and at palace to try and win over the Prince. However America has never really been around others besides her family and her social graces need a little work. But I loved that about her. It made her interesting as a character. She speaks her mind and it's one of the things that lands her close to Prince Maxon from the beginning. Of course there are other girls, some you like, some you don't. This first book in the series skims the surface really setting up the characters of America and Maxon and things going on in the country and world at this time. I have a feeling the girls that are left at the end will come more into play in the next book. Now Prince Maxon, you don't want to like him, but you can't help but love him. If America has had a sheltered life, Maxon has almost been in exile. He seems to do great with social graces but he doesn't really know how to be around girls which really endeared him to me. Imagine an innocent teenage boy, it seems unreal today. But it really worked in the story. I like him and the way he is developed in this first book and look forward to more of him in future books. And the final main character is Aspen. I'm not sure where I stand with him, but it seems you need a love triangle to make a good romance now so he makes three and sometimes I like him and sometimes I don't. But he has his place in the story and I am interested to see where his storyline goes as well.

As the characters develop the plot moves along. I wondered what would happen next. I honestly saw some things coming, but that didn't bother me because Ms. Cass executed things so well in the book. I was never bored and pretty much read this book from beginning to end during the read-a-thon this past Saturday. It was great for that. It held my interest, and I cannot wait until the next book.

The Selection was everything I thought it would be and more and I will anxiously await the second installment. Be prepared for an ending that is somewhat complete but leaves you hanging too. But I think everyone is pretty use to that with all the series books out there now. This one is great and if that pretty cover catches your eye, I have to say the inside is just as great. Lots of fun dresses, interesting characters and a fun plot. It's a little serious, but not completely serious, it makes a nice light read compared to a lot of books out there and was a great escape for me on a Saturday afternoon.

My Rating: 5.0/5.0


About the Book:
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.

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the publisher through Edelweiss for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository, Alibris and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.