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The Selection by Kiera Cass Because this series is so popular here at Massey, I wish I could say The Selection was a good book, but it's really not. It is not well written. If it is meant to teach us to be who we are and be true to ourselves, then the plot itself works against the characters, who I found to be flat and not particularly well imagined.
The main character, America Singer (she's a singer, imagine that!) is a cross between Cinderella and Katniss Everdeen. She is both pathetic and brave at the same time, but I don't entirely buy it. Her love interests are equally unbelievable - Prince Maxon is the guy who has no experience with life but can run a country, and he feels the need to find a bride through playing a nation-wide competition of The Bachelor in his castle. Please. America's boyfriend, Aspen, is a gorgeous guy with no money and no future who insists America try to win the heart of the prince. Aspen has spoken to America many times of marriage, then decides she should try to marry the prince, then breaks up with her for her own good, then follows her to the castle to kiss her all over again. It just isn't convincing to me. Don't get me wrong, I totally see why young ladies like this novel. There is a fairy-tale element here that can't be denied. When America actually gets to the castle and gets to wear all the pretty dresses, and catches the eye of the prince, I got a bit caught up in the romance too. I couldn't help but cheer for her. Until, that is, her situation becomes her "new normal" and I lost interest in the outcome. I would never tell a student to avoid this book. It is a very popular choice, and I can see why. But if you are looking for a dystopian YA romance, there are better novels out there. Delirium (also reviewed in this blog) is similar (and dare I say more well written). Hunger Games involves a similar love triangle, and if you haven't read it, you should. Divergent has an equally tough and stubborn main character, whose struggles do not become first world problems like America's do once she gets to the castle. If The Selection is the selection for you, go for it. I liked it well enough, I guess. I didn't love it at all.
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AuthorThis book lover's blog is brought to you by the Learning Commons at Vincent Massey School, Calgary. Specifically, Ms. Gammon and various student book reviewers. We want to share our favorite titles with you! Archives
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