The Selection

The Selection

By Kiera Cass

Published by Harper

Published on April 24, 2012

Summary taken 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.

How can I tell you how much I loved this book with out ruining it for you?  This book was fabulous!  The best way I can describe this book is a "fluffy, candy -coated dystopian, the competition of the bachelor with the mystery of the Hunger Games" (yeah I did it, I threw THAT book in there!).  Let me stop comparing it to things and get down to the book:

The cover: 

Come on, does it really even NEED any explanation?  This cover is fantastic!  Probably my favorite cover of 2012 so far.  Yes, it is a girl in a dress- but that isn't what makes this cover.  The reason this cover is so gorgeous is because it has a red head, a blue dress that pops from the paper, and a clever array of mirrors behind the model.  The title is even complete with a tiara design.  I love that the girl is in an over the top ball gown and looks very natural - that is exactly what America wanted.  

The characters:

The characters are what makes this book.  It is obvious that there is a love triangle going on. And before you say "oh no, not another one!", the author has done a fabulous job reinventing the wheel with this love triangle.  There is no insta-love going on here.  I can't give you too many details (that would ruin the book), but the characters (both main and sub) are what drives this book.  Kiera Cass did an excellent job with her characters- they feel like real people that I want to care about.  I love Maxon.  That is all.

The story:

This book had the perfect combination of story elements:  a mystery too big for one book, a broken love, a new love, fluffy pretty dresses, (did I mention a prince?), a bigger social justice theme, and a fun poke at the obsession of reality television.  I read this book in one sitting (and was probably a neglectful mother and terrible wife while doing so).  I really couldn't put this book down- I HAD to know what was going to happen next.  This book really does live up to the hype that surrounds it- get this book in your hands now!  You won't regret it!