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. (From Goodreads)
Honestly, I was reading this and thinking - this is girly version of The Hunger Games. A group of people selected from different sections of the country, come together and compete in a very public way. Only instead of killing, this is kissing (well, some people are kissing). But it's so easy to forget that comparison because this story takes on a life of its own.
It's impossible for me to talk about this book and not completely gush over the boys. Ho.Ly. Smokes. There are two boys. Two completely different boys - in manner, disposition, looks, behavior, speech - but they are both perfect. I pretty much fell for Aspen in the second chapter and had figured that was it. But Maxon grew on me and totally won me over. I am still undecided. I am both Team Aspen and Team Maxon.
There's this emerging sub-dystopia genre that I'm seriously loving - it's a mix between fairy tale and dystopia. This book reminded me a lot of The Pledge by Kimberly Derting. I actually wouldn't even categorize either books as dystopia, because no one is pretending that they live in the perfect society. They're kind of this new (or probably not new, but new to me) concept where some sort of new order has been established in the style of old realms or kingdoms. So while there are horrible elements to this world, there's enchantment too.
I'm obsessed. The Selection is an obsession. I have never felt the need to watch The Bachelor (although, I will admit to watching Rock of Love) mostly because I never felt the need to watch some people manipulated in the name of entertainment. But, putting this concept into a book is, kind of awesome because us bookish people, we understand manipulation for the sake of plot, but in a book you get some of the actual feelings as well. Plus, America plays this game so well - she's the manipulator and she doesn't even know it. Even when she's put in situations she can't control she effortlessly turns it around so she can remain true to herself.
I can't wait until this book is released on April 24 and I'm really hoping that the CW picks up this pilot for the fall, because I really really want people to gush with. (If you've read it and want to freak out with me I'm so game!)
