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A review by moth_meg
The Selection by Kiera Cass
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
The Bachelor for Teenagers x Dystopian Monarchy.
I found the premise really fun, and I think I would've really loved this book when I was younger. I enjoyed this book as a nice, low-energy read for a relaxing weekend- but there are a few key things I think it's missing. Mainly, I was craving political intrigue, conflict, and action.
Despite taking place in a dystopian future of the United States, political tensions play a surprisingly small role in this story. It’s probably a bit unfair of me to rate this book based on what I wanted it to be rather than appreciating it for what it is, but I can’t help myself from focusing on the action and answers I wish the book contained.
In lieu of a heftier plot, I would've gladly taken some solid world-building or character depth, but these areas aren't thoroughly explored either. Even a younger audience is capable of digesting complex characters and themes. Books like The Giver and Ella Enchanted come to mind as examples of books of comparable length and reading level that manage to explore nuanced characters and multifaceted societies.
The dystopian setting takes such a backseat that it leads me to wonder if this angle was only included at all in an attempt to ride the coattails of the then-recent successes of books like The Hunger Games and Matched. Check out this video for a more general exploration of this phenomenon.
Maybe without this half-formed plot thread, Cass could have dedicated more time to the relationships and characters at the core of the story. At a minimum, the themes and focus of the book would be a lot less murky.
On a brighter note, I was happy to see female friendships taking on a major role in the story. Initially, the main character's judgment of traditionally feminine women (heavy makeup, dresses, etc.) and lack of female friends outside of her immediate family led me to worry that this book was falling into the "not like other girls trap". While it certainly toes that line, I think it is redeemed by the fact that America grows to empathize with and respect almost every woman in the story by the end of the book.
The main purpose of The Selection seems to be to set the scene for the rest of the books in this series. While we get to know the main characters and the basics of the world, the majority of plot threads are left unresolved. Likely for the same reason, we don’t see much meaningful development in any character (beyond America learning to make friends).
A list of unanswered questions:
1. Who are the rebels and what do they want? Based on the description of the caste system, I’m tempted to think they have the right idea in attacking the government. Are we really meant to believe these are the bad guys?
2. Why is the history of the country and government widely unknown and undocumented? What's the conspiracy here?
3. Insert about a million questions about how this government functions and why
4. Who does Max choose to be the queen?
5. Does America choose Aspen over Max? While I don't typically care for love triangles, I do think there was (is?) an opportunity for some interesting conflict here as America has to choose between someone who society is telling her she cannot be with (Aspen) and the literal personification of these restrictions (Maxon). On that note, why doesn't America hold more resentment for the government that has forced her into this position? Why is the source of her stress the love triangle itself, rather than the system that created it?
6. What's up with Celeste? Does she get any backstory or development or is she just mean for no reason?
7. Why caused Marlee to change her behavior towards Max and why does she want to continue competing if she's no longer interested in winning? Personally, I'm hoping that she joined the rebels and is about to start assassinating people. Shake things up.
I found the premise really fun, and I think I would've really loved this book when I was younger. I enjoyed this book as a nice, low-energy read for a relaxing weekend- but there are a few key things I think it's missing. Mainly, I was craving political intrigue, conflict, and action.
Despite taking place in a dystopian future of the United States, political tensions play a surprisingly small role in this story. It’s probably a bit unfair of me to rate this book based on what I wanted it to be rather than appreciating it for what it is, but I can’t help myself from focusing on the action and answers I wish the book contained.
In lieu of a heftier plot, I would've gladly taken some solid world-building or character depth, but these areas aren't thoroughly explored either. Even a younger audience is capable of digesting complex characters and themes. Books like The Giver and Ella Enchanted come to mind as examples of books of comparable length and reading level that manage to explore nuanced characters and multifaceted societies.
The dystopian setting takes such a backseat that it leads me to wonder if this angle was only included at all in an attempt to ride the coattails of the then-recent successes of books like The Hunger Games and Matched. Check out this video for a more general exploration of this phenomenon.
Maybe without this half-formed plot thread, Cass could have dedicated more time to the relationships and characters at the core of the story. At a minimum, the themes and focus of the book would be a lot less murky.
On a brighter note, I was happy to see female friendships taking on a major role in the story. Initially, the main character's judgment of traditionally feminine women (heavy makeup, dresses, etc.) and lack of female friends outside of her immediate family led me to worry that this book was falling into the "not like other girls trap". While it certainly toes that line, I think it is redeemed by the fact that America grows to empathize with and respect almost every woman in the story by the end of the book.
The main purpose of The Selection seems to be to set the scene for the rest of the books in this series. While we get to know the main characters and the basics of the world, the majority of plot threads are left unresolved. Likely for the same reason, we don’t see much meaningful development in any character (beyond America learning to make friends).
A list of unanswered questions:
1. Who are the rebels and what do they want? Based on the description of the caste system, I’m tempted to think they have the right idea in attacking the government. Are we really meant to believe these are the bad guys?
2. Why is the history of the country and government widely unknown and undocumented? What's the conspiracy here?
3. Insert about a million questions about how this government functions and why
4. Who does Max choose to be the queen?
5. Does America choose Aspen over Max? While I don't typically care for love triangles, I do think there was (is?) an opportunity for some interesting conflict here as America has to choose between someone who society is telling her she cannot be with (Aspen) and the literal personification of these restrictions (Maxon). On that note, why doesn't America hold more resentment for the government that has forced her into this position? Why is the source of her stress the love triangle itself, rather than the system that created it?
6. What's up with Celeste? Does she get any backstory or development or is she just mean for no reason?
7. Why caused Marlee to change her behavior towards Max and why does she want to continue competing if she's no longer interested in winning? Personally, I'm hoping that she joined the rebels and is about to start assassinating people. Shake things up.