Book Review- The Selection

An amazing and captivating read, highlighting the greatness of dystopian fiction.

From the amazing cover photo, to the fiery outspoken main character America, “The Selection” has some of the best independently developed characters that I have read in a long time. Full of laugh out loud witty lines, that keep you wanting for more.

America is just an average lower caste five girl who works hard to make ends meet for her family. Living in the newly united country of Illea, people live and die in the caste their families have been assigned, but America doesn’t care about castes. Her family survives with just enough food on the table every night while she gets to do what she loves, sing and perform.  While longing to secretly marry the forbidden love of her life, Aspen.

 However, America’s life drastically takes a change for the worse, when the country announces the lottery- A competition for all eligible girls to compete for the handsome Prince Maxon’s heart as well as being crowned, Princess of Illea. Even though every girl in the country eagerly anticipated the lottery, American only sees entering as a way to ruin her life. Ultimately, leaving her with the decision of weighing the importance of the duty to her family, verses that of her secret love.

From the moment the announcer read off Americas name for the Selection, her life became a whirl wind. Everything started to change as she was suddenly thrust into the competition.   Discovering that she must find the desire to stay in the competition, not only as a member of the Selection but for Prince Maxon as well.

The selected girls publically fight, compete, sabotage and form friendships, as they all try to be the girl who catches the Prince’s eye. While America remains in the competition by being who she truly is, an outspoken and intriguing young lady, who throws caution into the wind.  She is soft and caring, yet strong in character and conviction.  America is not afraid of telling anyone what she thinks, including the Prince. Even with her brutal honestly, the Prince can’t help but be enamored with her, keeping her in the competition purely for her strong conviction.  

The richness and depth of Prince Maxon left me in awe and pleasantly surprised, bestowing a new meaning and purpose to the storyline, as well as depth to the characters he encounters. Giving a new intensity to the book that otherwise could have been shallow and void.  

From the concept behind the book, the recreated history and the Rebel attacks on the palace, Kiera Cass gives a new depth of adventure, while showing how palace life is not just ballrooms made of marble and crystal chandeliers. It is one of high stakes, formality and consequences, leaving some  to leave the competition out of fear alone. Forcing America to stand tall amongst the cattiness and forge her own path. Choosing the path not always chartered and in turn making her stand out above the rest. 

I found myself wanting to rush through the book needing to know where America’s heart leads- to take a chance on a future she never imagined or to the safety of familiar arms.

The Selection, is a top pick from 2012. Full of depth and continual spins,  sparking  the Fairytale in all of us, leaving you rooting out loud, for the strong willed America while hoping she will take a leap for love.

Again, true to form, I love a book that was poorly rated by many other reviewers, leaving you to believe you can’t judge a book by its cover you just have to read it for yourself.

Stay tuned for the review of the next book “The Elite” this week.