Jaime's Review of The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection

Kiera Cass

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0062059939

Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating: Liked

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.

I’ve seen The Selection compared to The Hunger Games and quite frankly that bothers me because all Dystopian novels are not like The Hunger Games; just like vampire books are not all like Twilight! That being said I can see where a small part of this book could be compared; there’s a TV show in the story with an enigmatic host who interviews the girls but, that is where the comparisons end in my opinion.

I liked this book I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite but the story is really cute and I enjoyed the characters. I’ll admit I wasn’t a big fan of the MC’s name but I liked her characteristics so I could overlook it. I really loved both the male leads Aspen and Maxon they were both genuine good people and as hard as the situation was they tried to make the best of it. I did enjoy the Bachelor aspect to it I’m not a fan of the TV show but I think Kiera created a version that incorporated the TV show in a fairy tale way that made it work.

I decided on a passage between Maxon and Mer (I prefer her nickname lol) that I found quite funny.

His expression was affectionate but guarded. “I’ve met nearly every woman in this room, and I can’t think of one who would make a better friend. I’d be glad to have you stay.”

My relief was inexpressible.

“Do you think,” Maxon asked, “that I could still call you ‘my dear’?”

“Not a chance,” I whispered.

“I’ll keep trying. I don’t have it in me to give up.” And I believed him. It was annoying to think he’d press that issue.

“Did you call all of them that?” I nodded my head toward the rest of the room.

“Yes, and they all seemed to like it.”

“That is the exact reason why I don’t.” And I stood.

Maxon was chuckling as he rose with me. I would have scowled, but it actually was kind of funny. He bowed, I curtsied, and I went back to my seat.

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