Book Review: "The Selection" by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection #1)

Kiera Cass

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Hardcover: 327 pgs

Summary:

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.(Goodreads)

Review:
     I've had The Selection for quite some time and finally decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised as to what I found inside. I really liked the concept of The Selection. In a world where a person is stuck in the caste they are born into the selection is a way for a select group of girls to change their lives. The main character, America is in for a huge shock when she is chosen to participated in the selection. Not only does she move from her small home to the palace she is suddenly surrounded by a bunch of girls from different castes than her own.

    America reluctantly signs up for the selection never thinking in her wildest dreams that she would get chosen. But when she is picked as one of the 35 girls her life changes forever. America doesn't have a lot of friends so fitting in with the other girls is not easy. One thing I really like about America is that she refuses to change in order to fit in. She has a stubborn side which comes out during her stay at the palace. America doesn't want to change for the sake of the competition. She tries to stay true to who she is by staying quiet yet keeping her feisty personality. Not only are these girls competing for the attention of the prince but the selection is televised throughout the nation. Which means they have to not only impress the prince but the nation as well. But behind the glittering walls of the palace lurks a danger that threatens those who live inside. Groups of rebels attack the palace which puts the royals and the girls on edge. I'm hoping The Elite will shed some light onto who the rebels are and what they are after. The rebel attacks add  a touch of danger to this tale of competition.

     Of course what book would be complete without a hot guy or two? America has to leave everything and everyone behind when she gets chosen to participate in the selection including her boyfriend Aspen. Aspen seems like a nice guy. His pride starts to cause problems in his relationship with America. He wants to be able to provide for America which is difficult since he is in a lower caste than her. To me it seems as though America's looks play a big part in their relationship. Prince Maxon's personality slowly gets revealed throughout the book. I really liked him. He's strong, capable, and at times a little vulnerable. He goes out of his way to make the girls feel welcome. And at times he does things which proves he is listening to their concerns. If I had to pick a side I would go with the prince not because he's wealthy and could provide for America but because I just really liked the development of the relationship between him and America. There is still time for Aspen to change my mind. But as of right now I am Team Maxon.

     I really liked The Selection. It is an interesting look into a world that is far different from my own. I also enjoyed how we are able to see how those in the lower castes live as compared to those in the upper castes. The book was very descriptive and I was able to picture the scenes as I read. I was completely drawn into the dazzling world of The Selection. One's caste rarely changes but when it does a person's life is changed completely and forever.

Cover:
     I am definitely a fan of this cover. I think it's gorgeous. I love the vibrant color of the dress as well as the mirrors that reflect America's image everywhere.