The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection #1. HarperTeen (April 2012) Library

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.

All I can think of to try to describe The Selection is the Bachelor in a dystopian world. Now that may be eye roll worthy for a lot of people but the competition took a back burner in my mind while reading The Selection. Why?

America Singer. 

Just one of the oddest named protagonist I've read in a while but someone who is caring towards her family and friends, tries to be honest, and has a rebellious heart. I got to know her before she is picked as one of the thirty-five selected to win over Prince Maxon's heart. America always tried to be supportive and sweet towards others but made sure her voice is heard. She isn't overly dramatic and doesn't get herself in a bunch (bunch being the operative word) of problems - thank goodness. She isn't annoying or thinks she's a special snowflake. She doesn't mention how different she is from everyone and the book doesn't imply that is what makes her better than everyone. She's just a girl in love before she gets chosen. She doesn't want to be Queen. She's been chosen by mistake. Then she gets close to Maxon and slowly she thinks that maybe this whole competition isn't so bad.

"True love is usually the most inconvenient kind."

Maxon is considered to be a stiff when America first describes him. He turns out to be caring, protective, sweet, and overall the best guy. I was giddy the first time they met because I knew from their first words to each other that I would love them together. Also, he talks properly and it's pretty adorable when he has a mischievous look in his eye. *Sigh*

"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try to live without them."

And then there is Aspen, America's secret love. He's a caste below her and that is a bit of a tense subject with him. Aspen is tough and takes care of his family as much as he can. He has a lot of pride which I wasn't particularly fond of. Aspen and America are undeniably in love.  I just can't help but lean towards Maxon right now because there is so much interaction between him and America that I just want them married already.

The government is having some rebel trouble and there is a war going on. There is also what I think is a secret that is going to come out soon, but I haven't the faintest idea what. There's a bunch of tension sure to come in The Elite. I have all this nervous energy because of a certain situation. I can just imagine how The Elite will play with my emotions. The cruelty of it all...

The Selection isn't a book you should pass up. The characters, romance, and rebellion left my mind occupied and wanting more. *Runs and grabs The Elite*