May 21, 2012

The Selection - Kiera Cass






Young Adult
Pages:  336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012

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.

To be completely honest, I spent a while refusing to read this book. It has been a very controversial book since Wendy Darling, a very trusted Goodreads "citizen" reviewer, posted a one-star review which made the author and agent react in a most distasteful and unprofessional way, not to mention hands-down childish. The issue was so popular that made it to PW. Then, came the CW planning to base a new show on this book as well, which apparently didn't make it after all. I had refused to grab the ARC from the conventions I've been to and from Amazon Vine when the chance arose. But when Harper offered me the audio version for review, there was my chance to satisfy my curiosity without having to actually read the thing. When books are controversial, regardless of how negative the controversy is, sadly, they spark curiosity and it ends up working in their favor. Just ask E.L James.

So I finally unwrapped the mystery of The Selection. And... uh maybe my expectations were too low, or maybe I was just so set on not enjoying it, that the total opposite happened. Funny how that works. I mean, yes, dialogue is extremely childish and not at all believable, the main character's name was outrageous (America Singer) and the too-stupid America deserved a loud slap more than half the time, BUT the story was fun! More than fun, it was creative and simply a great idea for a book. Part dystopia, part fairy tale and features a reality show where one girl becomes a Princess? How did I not think of this before!? I bet if this book gets big maybe Simon will make one for Prince Harry! *cackles*

Overall, I wont lie, I very was entertained throughout the story. The audiobook reader was very good, so I really enjoyed the situations as she told them. Dialogue became even more awkward sometimes as it was being told, but I can't deny I find the concept fascinating. I am actually sad I wont get to see this thing play out a la Gossip Girl. Pretty interesting to have a non-reality tv show based on a reality show. I did wish while reading that the cameras were on the girls at all times which would've totally complicated the plot to the point of awesome, but I guess it didn't fit in the middle-school version of romance that this has. Another fact: I don't think any book could live up to that purrfect cover!

If you like Fairy-tales and have patience with Bella-type female characters, you will enjoy this one!


4 comments:

  1. I heard about the controversy surrounding this book too... I like the concept so I'll probably read it. The show isn't axed for sure yet. I think they're thinking of reworking it. I like the concept and I think it would be an interesting tv show.

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  2. Our experiences with this book are eerily similar! I honestly expected not to like it and then I got a little hooked. It was a guilty pleasure kind of book for me.

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  3. I initially refused to read this book too because of the controversy but then I broke down and ended up really liking it. I like fairy-tales, girls in pretty dresses, and lite-dystopia so this book just worked for me although it's definitely not the book for everyone.

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  4. Hmmm, I love fairytales, but the whole Bella part.. I have had enough with her while putting up with reading Twilight (still stuck in Eclipse). I don't know it I want to force myself to that again :p

    And it sounds pretty interesting, but I don't know what to think of it yet :)

    http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com/2012/05/waiting-on-wednesday-13-adrienne-stoltz.html

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