In Case you Missed it - The Selection by Kiera Cass

Published: April 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 336

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

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. 

Review:

I believe Special K did a review of this title a few years back but for the life of me, I cannot find the review to point you to her opinion.  I do remember her loving the girly dresses though. :)

The Selection has been on my radar for quite awhile now.  Not only are the covers gorgeous (I am such a book snob....I wonder what kind of shoes she has under that gown?) but the story sounds fascinating.  Let's review...

So a new society has been divided into a numbered caste system.  You can be in caste One through Eight.  If you are a One, you are royalty. If you are an Eight, you are homeless.  When the Prince comes of age to be married, eligible girls between a certain age can apply to be a part of The Selection.  They are entered into a draw and each province will send one girl to the Selection process where they will spend time with Prince Maxon and eventually he narrows his choice down to the last girl who will become his princess.  

At first, I wasn't so sure of this system.  It's a little bit like The Bachelor (crossed with the Hunger Games)...but with a bigger prize of ruling the kingdom and marrying into royalty.  I like the idea that The Prince will be considering all castes and marrying someone from his own country rather than someone from another for political ties.  However, I wasn't sure whether to be horrified or intrigued that The Selection is like a glorified high class televised game show.  Good thing I decided to be open-minded about it because I REALLY enjoyed The Selection.  The storyline for book #1 was a tad predictable and there were moments when I wanted to shout loudly at America through the pages but I enjoyed it so much that I have started telling people about the series...I only hope that Book #2 and 3 are as good.

 

Spoiler alert because I need to rant -

 

Celeste is horrible.  How is she not kicked out of this competition by the end of book #1??  She is the epitome of mean girls everywhere, manipulating every situation so that they can outshine their competition rather than shining because of her own merits.  During one scene, Celeste tries to bully America into switching dresses and then rips America's gown right before The Report.  Yet America does not tell Maxon about their encounter.  Was that a classy thing to do or stupid?  What would you have done?

 

OK, the spoiler is done.  Sorry, mean girls who bully drive me mental....

 

Besides Celeste, most of the characters in The Selection are fairly likeable.  Granted, America has a few qualities that seem to constantly get her into trouble but it keeps her spunky and definitely makes her stand apart from the crowd...in a good way.  All in all, I loved the Selection.  I was a little concerned that it would be more surface than substance but Ms. Cass did a good job at creating the foundation for some great characters and a recipe for a good storyline.  Looking forward to Book #2!