The Selection (by Kiera Cass)

The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Release date : April 24th, 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. (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : I read THE SELECTION quite a while ago. I'd kind of forgotten about it, and when I decided to post my review today and went on Goodreads to get the summary, I was amazed by the reactions to THE SELECTION (controversy put aside). I realized that, generally speaking, people either loved it or hated it. And then I remembered an email conversation I had at the time with a colleague, a reader like me. She didn't like this book, at all. I suddenly remembered the written debate between us two, which was quite interesting : we disagreed on almost everything! The thing is, even when I'm seduced by a book, I always see the flaws in it. It's part of my job. Here, I was so entranced that I absolutely took no notice of every negative element she highlighted. I think I fell into some kind of girly mood at the time, and just dove into the book without looking elsewhere. So, in retrospect, I am quite aware of the weaknesses of this book. But what's more important is the way I felt when actually READING it. So, there you go!

I loved reading THE SELECTION. I enjoyed every page and devoured it... Basically, I had fun! It felt like watching a movie, the story being quite visual and colorful. I liked the contemporary attitudes, which weren't influenced by the fact that everything happened in a castle and with proper etiquette. I liked America, and I enjoyed the love story. The reality TV background works well, and I found the stories and relationships between the girls really interesting.

As for the dystopian debate, I agree about the fact that the political background is not developed enough. This is no HUNGER GAMES. But this is where it won me over too! Don't get me wrong, I love a good context (and THE HUNGER GAMES has a place in my heart that THE SELECTION will never ever replace!). But the lack of complexity felt good because, reading a lot of dystopian novels, I'm getting bored with the long and complicated political descriptions and ramblings which often choke the main plots. So here, simplicity was fine by me.

I understand how some readers found the story and characters shallow. Indeed, this is not a profound read. But, again, I think that was what I needed at the time! I was absolutely immersed in the castle, almost forgot that I had a review to write, and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A good sense of humor, some fine descriptions, emotion, well-written dialogues, a punchy plot : for me, all the good ingredients were there! I had trouble putting the book down and, when I did, I wanted to read the sequel immediately! So, all in all, I say "yay" to THE SELECTION. Since you managed to hypnotize me, you're pretty good. :)