Book Review: THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection, #1)
by Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection
Published: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

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 REVIEW

First of all, I envy America's talent so much. I've always wanted to have a good singing voice, but unfortunately... Well atleast I am proud to say I know how to play the flute. :P

The Selection is a mixture of fairytale and dystopia. But if you're going to read the book, you can notice that it focused on its fairytale side -- romance. I love dystopian books, but I didn't care it it's not really emphasized in the story. I was moved by America's love story and confusion between the prince and her first love. I also like how she wanted to help her family, her love and closeness to them, especially to her younger sister. She's the ideal type of daughter any parent would want to have.

At first, I don't understand what the numbers are for (One, Two, Three...Eight) but I got it as I went on reading the book. It's called the caste system, which determines their status in the society. I don't want to explain more of it, so let's move on to America's first love, Aspen. I like their love story. The way they sneak at night to see each other, stealing glances and smiles, and how they manage to keep it from their family. I have to say I can relate to them Haha!

I admire Apen's thoughts about the Selection. It's really sad for the prince to have no choice but to pick his future wife from the Selected girls of Illea. And I think Aspen is humble and selfless enough to have America sign up for the competition. But as of now, I have a love-hate relationship with Aspen. Why? Read the book.

About Prince Maxon, well, I think he's really that fairytale prince material. He's handsome, kind, gentle, patient... *swoons* I just kinda pity him thought he's the prince. There's a lot of scenes in the book that made me so.

"For better or for worse, I'd like to know one true love story besides my parents', one that was outside these walls and the rules and the structure. . . .Please?"

Maxon doesnt't take advantage if his position. He knows when to be a friend, just a friend and not a prince. I like guys who know just when to comfort a girl who's in pain. And their way of communication? Aaah! Please read the book for further details. LOL

I love how Kiera Cass brought us a fairytale that would fit for YA readers. This story is different from the ones we have read when we're kids. America and her decisions would definitely hold your attention towards the end.

MY RATING

I REALLY LIKED IT!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kiera Cass

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.

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

"It was over, and I knew that. But you don't love someone for almost two years and then turn it off overnight."

-America Singer, The Selection