I just loved The Selection. I think it's a really interesting idea, and I could see hints of Cinderella, The Bachelor/The Bachlorette and The Hunger Games.

You can definitely see the connections to the Bachelor, because Prince Maxon has to pick his wife from 35 women who are "randomly" selected from all over Illea. They get randomly eliminated, and plenty of opportunities to talk with Maxon as well as go on dates with him. As for Cinderella, America reminds me of Cinderella in the sense that she goes from being poor, and having to go without things, to being a potential princess who's status has been raised just by being one of the Selected. Plus, there's the obvious prince/princess thing.

As for the Hunger Games, I know that seems random. But there's something about the way both societies are structured. In The Hunger Games, each district has one thing they do and are known for, and the further you get from the capitol, the worse off you are. In The Selection, there is a caste system, and each number is assigned a specific job. The higher your number, the worse off you are.

As for the book itself, I loved the idea of it. It was completely predictable, so I wasn't surprised by anything that happens. But as predictable as it is, I loved it. I couldn't wait to see what happened next, and there's definitely an assortment of characters.

I completely hated the ending, because it really felt like Cass forgot to finish it. It just ends, with no warning. It's going to be a long wait until the next one comes out.

I give it a 5 out of 5. As irritating as the ending was, and as predictable the book was, I still loved it. Great idea, and interesting elements abound in The Selection.