About the book: 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: America Singer's world is full of hunger, want, singing and her boyfriend Aspen. She can't imagine anyone better for her than him. But one day, she receives a letter telling her to sign up for the Selection. There would be one girl chosen from each of the colonies of Illea and those girls would be sent to the palace to get to know Prince Maxon and one of them would eventually be chosen by him and they would get married. America is happy where she is and has no plans to fill out the form, but she is eventually persuaded by Aspen that she needs to. Life in the palace is much different from America's life as a 5 in the caste system, and she grows to love many of the girls. Even Prince Maxon has a place in her heart. But is she really in the contest to win his heart, or is she still pining for Aspen?
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked America and I'm definitely rooting for her to win the contest for the Prince's heart. I can't say that I really like Aspen's character, it seems like he's kind of a player and not really at all concerned about what's best for America, just what's best for Aspen. I do like Prince Maxon, I love that he shows concern not only for his own personal safety, but for the safety of all the young women entrusted to his care. He seems as though he really is trying to get to know and care for each one individually. I'm way excited to read the next book in the series!
I was able to borrow this book from my local library.Labels: Kiera Cass, The Selection series, ya
