Monday, April 16, 2012

Review: The Selection

THE SELECTION (The Selection #1)
Kiera Cass
Young Adult/Dystopian
327 pages
HarperTeen
Available April 24th
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
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.


MY THOUGHTS
Sweet with just a hint of an edge, The Selection is a puzzle that initially feels familiar, the individual pieces all ones we’ve seen before in other stories, but yet Ms. Cass manages to guide our hands through a beautifully and artfully executed assembly where the familiarity quickly fades to a non-issue in the face a truly enjoyable tale. While there is certainly a level of predictability stemming from the presence of the aforementioned easily recognizable plot elements, Ms. Cass quickly reminds us why such elements are so popular, drawing us swiftly into America’s tale when a forbidden love is immediately put to the test as circumstance, opportunity, and pride force the taking of irreversible first steps toward a new fate.

America is a girl we start out seeing in the muted earth tones representative of her level Five status–someone cute and seemingly typical who entertains us without shocking us into forming an instant and visceral connection to her. However, her relationship with Aspen in the wake of her selection slowly begins to imbue our protagonist with different hues, her ordinariness replaced with streaks of bright color as pain and loss etch themselves across her features. Those colors continue to bleed and spread as she navigates the world of the Selected, new facets of her personality revealed with every page until she becomes a swirling mass of color and emotion that catches our eye and holds it, making us wonder how she could have possibly slipped under our radar in the very beginning.

The romantic relationships are crafted with a great deal of care, our loyalty and affection genuinely torn between our short memory of Aspen and the possibilities represented by Prince Maxon, and it's nothing short of entertaining to sit back and wonder how things will progress. Though we spend the least amount of time with Aspen, America’s feelings for him resonate with us immediately, and while we may not be as moved by him as she is given the brevity of our exposure to him, we can’t deny the strength of their connection even as Maxon slowly begins to heal the wounds Aspen left behind, helping America to find the beauty in those puckered emotional scars she thought would keep her from discovering anything real in the gilded cage of The Selection.

Things with Maxon start with an uneasy friendship and progress ever-so slowly into something more, leaving us with a tentative smile on our faces as we try to block out the anxiety over the developments we know are inevitably coming, understanding with 100% certainty that we have absolutely no idea how we’re going to feel when they come to pass. While our delicious confusion concerning the two young men in America’s life secures our emotional involvement in their story, it is her decision in the concluding pages (beware of the abrupt ending) of this first installment that ensures we will pick up the next book without fail, her handling of the general upheaval of her life showing us just how colorful she’s truly become, and her radiance a truly stunning thing to be left with as we close the back cover and being the tortuous wait for book two.


Rating: 4/5

*I will say I think this book is going to be one that sparks a wide variety of differing opinions, but I entered into it just wanting a fun read, and America's story provided exactly that*

46 comments:

  1. I dislike dystopias. Every time I read one, I remember why I don't like them. Yet it's books like these that make me keep trying the genre. This sounds like the type of dystopia that I like more than others - a la Matched.

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  2. That was ... Flowery.

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  3. Alison - I really like them, for some reason the craziness of their worlds really appeal to me. Not sure why:)

    Anonymous - Um. Thanks? I feel like that wasn't really a compliment but I'll just say thank you anyway:)

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  4. Yeah, I think this is definitely the kind of book that I would have to go into with an open mind and not take it too seriously. Just enjoy it and be entertained for what it is. And try to ignore the crappy things the author said. Ultimately, I will likely not find the time to read this as it's not a priority, but I will try to keep my biases out of it if I do.

    P.S. I think your reviews are elaborate and flowery in a very good way!

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  5. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The world this book took place in really sucked me in. The ending got me because it really was abrupt so of course I'm dying to read book 2. As for the romance, I wasn't a big Maxon fan and I'm leaning more toward Aspen currently. Awesome review :)

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  6. I am so happy you enjoyed it so much!! I love the setting and I love the idea and ... let's be honest, the cover is incredibly gorgous!

    America was a sweet protagonist but I had my problems with Maxon. I wanted him to be more of a man than a boy and I wanted him to shine a little more. I was too... nice for me! But overall it was a fun and cute read.

    I can't wait for the TV show!! CW always does the best shows and I'm looking forward seeing what they do with The Selection!

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  7. WOW! I'M DIYING TO READ the selection, It sound so interesting and fun ... thanks for sharing and AWESOME review as always :D

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  8. I think I might like this book.I don't know why they're comparing it to The Hunger Games though if it's a fun read ...


    Krazyyme @ Young Readers

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  9. THE COVER IS SO GORGEOUS! I am dying to read this book! I am really interested in the story as well!

    Awesome review, Jenny! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  10. Aww, I'm SO HAPPY that you loved it, Jenny! I talked to the author briefly and she's really sweet, so I've been even more excited to read this book than I was before :) It sounds like it'd be a fun and romantic read with an edge like you said -- plus, it reminds us why things like forbidden love are so popular? Yes please! I would love to be reminded! x)

    Beautiful, honest, and sweet review, Jenny! There definitely will be a lot of mixed opinions on this which is totally okay -- but I'm glad that you're reviewing the awesomeness of the book and nothing else :) <3

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  11. I think some of the best escape reads I have read have been ones that people have downright not liked. Sometimes it is the ones we have little expectations for that WOW us the most :)

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  12. Im so reading this...and not because of the crazy bruhaha it has caused but because remember wayyy back when we both discussed how freaking awesome that cover was!!? Im so glad you liked it I cant wait for release day...:D

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  13. Jenny, you should take Anon's comment as a compliment. Being flowery is hard, and you do it so well, with so many colors. It's pretty. People envy your ability.

    This book sounds interesting, but the two loves thing drives me a little bonkers. =/

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  14. I'm curious about this one and wonder how different it is from "Matched". Thanks for the tip to not take this one too seriously. With the popularity of HG, it's hard not to pinpoint all the similarities. I know there is a TV-show production about this book/series that is going to happen soon. The author was in town in Chicago, but I found out too late. :(

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  15. Aylee - Exactly! I found myself being really critical before I picked this one up, so I reminded myself before I started that I read for fun, and then I just really enjoyed this book:) And thank you, my reviews are definitely flowery:)

    Tiffany - Yay! Glad you enjoyed it as well. I'm on the fence with Maxon, I liked him, but Aspen calls to me a bit more I think. It could be due in part to his absence, I just wanted to know more about him.

    Danny - I agree, Maxon could have been a bit more fleshed out, but I feel like he's going to grow throughout the series and be more than a pretty bachelor figurehead. I look forward to that:)

    Lily - Can't wait to see what you think!

    Krazzyme - They're comparing it to the Hunger Games? Really? I wouldn't say they're similar at all other than a slight similarity in a government-controlled world, but otherwise this one is a much lighter read.

    Celine - LOVE this cover! I just had fun reading it, and while I wasn't bowled over by it's amazingness, it's definitely a series I'll be continuing.

    Mimi - I liked that it had a slight edge - it could have been all fluff but wasn't and that was a good thing for me:) I always enjoy reading books that receive mixed reviews, it makes me all the more curious to see what I'll think:)

    Felicia - Perfectly put! I completely agree:)

    Tina - I adore this cover. I would marry it if it were possible:) Looking forward to comparing thoughts with you!

    Amanda - Hahaha thank you:) And the two loves thing I think was done well in this first installment since Aspen is largely absent, but I can tell a more solid triangle will be forthcoming.

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  16. Rummanah - Matched for me was a bit more emotionally intense - there was so much more on the line for Cassia and Ky than there seemed to be for America and Maxon, but I think this books reads a bit quicker than Matched did.

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  17. I loved this book so much! I really started out wanting to read the book because the cover was so pretty and Southern-looking even though I wouldn't ever wear that dress...but when I read the book I just fell in love with it. It felt very fairy-tale-ish to me. I've never seen The Bachelor and I don't like the other comparisons being made with it. I just thought it was awesome on its own. And interestingly enough, this is one where I want the girl to end up with both of the guys - I like them both so much! I just can't choose! I am waiting SO IMPATIENTLY for the next book to come out to see where this will go. But seriously, this has been one of my favorite, most fun books read in a really long time. I just LOVED it.

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  18. I have been wavering on this one, was super excited when I first saw it, but then read a couple of not good reviews and then the whole twitter debacle with the author kind of left me with a bad taste, now I am seeing some good reviews and according to you, Jenny it is a fun read. Maybe I need to give this another look. I mean, the dress on the cover, character named America and two delicious guys? Sounds fun!

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  19. I think you are totally right about that note, Jenny. Seeing as how I've already read a wide range of opinions on the book, but sometimes you need to read a book just for the entertainment value, which this book seems to provide an abundance of. I still have my reservations, but your review is swaying me. Thanks!

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  20. I have this one on preorder, and I can't wait to read it. On the other hand, it has certain similarities to another dystopian *cough*wither*cough* that make me a bit wary. Still, I remain highly susceptable to covers featuring girls in pretty dresses.

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  21. What a great review Jenny (as always). Mind you, I'm just so fed up with love triangles in YA fiction, but your descriptions of the characters make me want to give this one a try. Also, I must admit to falling under the spell of the book cover, it's just so gosh darn pretty. Consider me sold though. Can't wait to read about the world that America finds herself in. :)

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  22. Asheley - I remember your review of this one, I'm so glad you loved it! I just had a blast reading it and while there were some definite flaws for me, the fact that I was solidly entertained overshadowed them:)

    Heidi - I definitely thought it was a fun read. Not everyone is going to love it, but I think I've been getting too critical lately, so with this one I just sat back and enjoyed.

    Missie - Exactly! I don't like how much I nitpick sometimes, it sucks the fun out of reading. When I get like that I just try to remind myself reading is fun and an escape from my crazy job and to just relax my need to compare it with the books I've read before it.

    Ruby - Wither had a darker feel for me, that world was a little more horrifying than this one. I'll be interested to see what you think!

    Tammy - The love triangle in this one wasn't too bad, mostly because Aspen is largely absent for majority of the book, so really it's more of a ghost love triangle - America's memories of Aspen competing with the reality that is Maxon. It was just a fun read, not a brilliant, mind-blowing experience but just enjoyable and entertaining in my opinion:)

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  23. This character sounds so interesting. Just based on that alone, I must read it. I also love that it isn't liked by everyone. Means it must be different. I like that. What is reading YA but entertainment? :)

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  24. I want to read it and at the same time I have heard negative things...and then I heard they want to make a tvsries so kind of want to watch that too

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  25. YAY! Glad you liked it Jenny! I loved this book so much!
    Especially since people were judging based on other things. Thanks for the amazing review Jenny!

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  26. This one is sitting on my shelf, begging to be read. The pretty, pretty cover calls to me as does the reality show aspect. Now that I hear the characters are worth getting to know, I'm even more excited! Of course, I'll probably fuss about the "abrupt" ending, 'cuz I'm cranky like that.

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  27. Yes, Jenny it did have an auspicious introduction to the blogosphere. But I do love your review of it and my reason for reading isn't complex. It's to enjoy the world of the book I immerse myself in. The world you so eloquently described is one I think I'll enjoy. So I'll be reading it! Thank you very much!

    Heather

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  28. I'm with you, Jenny: I liked The Selection! I thought it was cute and fun, mostly, but I did think it had some substance. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. :)

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  29. I am so out of the loop. This is becoming a TV show? I had no idea! I've heard mixed thoughts on this book but as you said this type of story is likely to spark a variety of opinions. I look forward to reading it myself! Great review, Jenny. :)

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  30. I think this one sounds soooo much fun- like a mindless guilty pleasure and I am so glad you liked it. I will have to get my hands on a copy, especially b/c I hear it will be made into a TV show? How fun!

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  31. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! Ive read such a wide variety of reviews on this one that I haven't had a strong urge to read it. I think if I saw it at the library I might give it a try. At this point I'm not sure I have any expectations at all so perhaps I would enjoy it as well.

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  32. I just snagged this one from Edelweiss and I'm very curious to see how I'll feel about it. It sounds like it has quite a few elements that I'll enjoy, but there are definitely others that seem off putting. Still, I do hope I enjoy it and your review makes me more optimistic.

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  33. Assuming I didn't know there was a controversy revolving around this one a while ago, I'm still not sure this one would be a book I'd normally pick up because the premise kind of sounds like a reality TV show, which I'm just not into. On the other hand, it might be perfect for a bit of mindless reading.

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  34. Fantastic review, Jenny. The cover has definitely caught my attention and the plot appears to have caught yours too!

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  35. Ooohh, I'm so glad you enjoyed this Jenny! I've read so many reviews, all with differing opinions, but I think I'm definitely going to give this a go! (Especially since there's a FORBIDDEN LOVE! :D) Fantastic review, as always, Jenny! I can't wait to get started on this myself :)

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  36. A absolutely love your review Jenny, everytime you write something positive about a book, I'm dying to read it and I'm struggling not to buy a copy (as I'm on a book buying ban) ... I'm dying to read The Selection, it sounds amazing ! And I also want to read it because of the tv show adaptation :)! Fabulous review my dear !!

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  37. I've said this a few times, and I'll say it again: I think it's going to depend on people's mind-sets and expectations when they enter into the book. If they come in expecting an ultra dystopiany novel, they're not going to get it, but, I think, if I begin with the mentality that this is a love story at heart with a Cinderella flair to it, I'm going to enjoy it.

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  38. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Jenny, I know this book didn't work out for some people, but the fact that you found it a fun read then great! Thanks for the honest review! :)

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  39. When I first heard about this one I can't say that it sounded like my kind of thing, but I'm not sure I've ever known a book to divide opinion so strongly, and that in itself makes me want to check it out now (also I will probably take a look at the TV show, so I will probably read the book first!)

    Glad you enjoyed this one, Jenny! :)

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  40. You are so right about the difference of opinions. If you go into this just wanting to enjoy reading it and not think too much, you will probably love it. Great review Jenny!

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  41. I've heard so many differing thoughts on this book. After reading your review though, I think I DO want to read it. ;) It sounds like your liking for America just kind of snuck up on you. I'll be adding this one to my list.

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  42. I've read so many varying reviews on this one!!! Ive been putting off reading it actually! :/ but a FOUR from Jenny means its totally worth a shot!!!

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  43. I was very surprised by this book. Sure, there's some minor issues, but I really liked it! I can't wait for the second one. It's super fun and I think Maxon has great integrity. America's is a strong heroine. I hope the CW pilot makes it on the air. I'm looking forward to seeing Aimee Teegarden as America!!

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  44. Ohh! I'm so glad you liked it. :D It does sound like a fun read and I'm looking forward to giving it a try. It sounds quite different, so I'm definitely curious! Great review as always, Jenny! I've missed a lot these past weeks. o:

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  45. My dear! awesome review =D I pre-ordered this one a while ago and I hope to get it soon!! aaah!!! even though I heard good nd bad reviews about it, I still feel very compelled to read it. I might be one of those people who really loved it =D and thnx for warning me about the ending >_< aaah!!!

    muah!! have a great weekend Jenny! =D

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  46. I am trying to figure out why I read your review before writing my own as I now feel hopelessly inadequate compared to your lovely prose. I just adore your reviews and if I hadn't already read this book, this definitely would have prompted me to pick this up!

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