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A review by mxcopmy
The Selection by Kiera Cass
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
To say that I had problems with 'the selection' is a bit of an exaggeration, but I don't really know which way my feelings are pointing me. Was this book a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Was this book smooth to read? In a way, yes. To shorten these sentences: this was a big slap to read as a comfort book, but you won't get more than the bare minimum that a book can offer you. If you want to read a brainless book, then you should definitely start with 'the selection'.
Don't get me wrong, everyone at some point throughout their reading experiences is looking for a book that you don't have to think too much about and where you can just flow smoothly with the vibe. This was the initial reason why I picked up this book, to be able to have this mindless experience. At least Kiera Cass managed this well, but it's even more superficial than I expected. You get no plot, zero world-building as well as character development, plus a repetitive story that is a bit stolen from 'the bachelor' and 'the hunger games' (without the gruesome game). I've laughed more often because I cringed at the cringiest names and events in this book than I have found it genuinely funny. You are presented with a story about an insufferable teenager America (yes, sincerely, that's her name) who hates when anyone calls her pretty (boohoo, too bad you're so pretty that everyone would fall to their knees for you) and goes then counterintuitively against the fact that she actually does not want to participate in the selection at all, but still has jealous feelings towards the girls who participate.
In addition, with regard to the fact that this book is labeled as a 'fantasy' genre, I thought it was a bit of a stretch. Dystopian, okay. But fantasy? Not for me.
But I also cannot deny that I often continued reading because of the ease and the pleasant feeling I got. In addition, I certainly cannot criticize a book written for teenagers from a 'mature' point of view (which I have actually done a little bit).
It's just, for me, a little too childish without much substance. But if you're looking for a series to dive into for comfort, then it's definitely a good start :)
Don't get me wrong, everyone at some point throughout their reading experiences is looking for a book that you don't have to think too much about and where you can just flow smoothly with the vibe. This was the initial reason why I picked up this book, to be able to have this mindless experience. At least Kiera Cass managed this well, but it's even more superficial than I expected. You get no plot, zero world-building as well as character development, plus a repetitive story that is a bit stolen from 'the bachelor' and 'the hunger games' (without the gruesome game). I've laughed more often because I cringed at the cringiest names and events in this book than I have found it genuinely funny. You are presented with a story about an insufferable teenager America (yes, sincerely, that's her name) who hates when anyone calls her pretty (boohoo, too bad you're so pretty that everyone would fall to their knees for you) and goes then counterintuitively against the fact that she actually does not want to participate in the selection at all, but still has jealous feelings towards the girls who participate.
In addition, with regard to the fact that this book is labeled as a 'fantasy' genre, I thought it was a bit of a stretch. Dystopian, okay. But fantasy? Not for me.
But I also cannot deny that I often continued reading because of the ease and the pleasant feeling I got. In addition, I certainly cannot criticize a book written for teenagers from a 'mature' point of view (which I have actually done a little bit).
It's just, for me, a little too childish without much substance. But if you're looking for a series to dive into for comfort, then it's definitely a good start :)