The Selection by Kiera Cass

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.

My Review:
I'm not sure if someone (Jillian?) has reviewed this, but as we usually differ on opinions of books (hence the title of this blog) I figured I'd give it a go.

I was on a waiting list at the library for this book forEVER and when I finally got it, I knew, just knew it was not going to be worth the wait. And for the first half of the book, I was right. "Gah! This is like every other YA book out there! Self-centered, self-destructive, unlikable main character who is motivated by hot guys. Blech!"

BUT, as the book moved along, America became a lot more likable and a lot more relatable and I was completely sad when the book ended. I actually looked up the sequel (The Elite, April 2013), which I never do. Two great guys to choose from, and I can actually see why the guys would choose America, too. I anticipate the next book will be even better with plot holes patched up (I mean, if we are fighting other countries, how come all of a sudden there are rebel troops attacking the castle? Don't you first have to belong to something to rebel against it?) Despite nothing really happening, the characterizations carried the plot, and I'm assuming most of the action will happen in the next book and this one just kind of sets it up. And not that nothing happens--stuff happens--but I guess you just want to see how it plays out and ends, and you don't get to in The Selection. Yay for sequels!