Reading Away...

I used to read Young Adult books a lot especially in high school, however I got bored with the same exact storyline and themes in every YA single book I read. I moved on to more adult fiction books eventually. I first heard about this book awhile back and I didn't get a chance to read it till now. However, I am glad I did read it because it was a nice read. I ended up finishing it within a day which was great. 

The Plot 

The Selection is about a young girl named America Singer. The book is set in a dystopia setting. In this society, there are eight castes and each caste has an assigned profession  For example, America's family from caste five. Members of Caste Five are entertainers, artists, and singers. In this society, there is something called "The Selection." The Selection is where the Prince of Illea, Maxon will pick his life partner out of thirty-five girls from all over the country from all these different castes. Our main character, America isn't too keen to be entered in the selection despite all the wealth, power, and opportunities it offers. Her mother, and her secretive boyfriend from a lower caste, Aspen urge her to enter the contest. She agrees to enter, thinking she will not get picked. 

However, America is chosen to participate in the selection. As she participates in the selection, America realizes that she is drawn to both Aspen and Prince Maxon. 

The plot and themes reminded me of the Hunger Games a lot. The storyline is basically  Hunger Games with the bachelor twist. Even a few minor characters in the book, reminded me of characters from the Hunger Games. Even though, it was a Hunger Games ripoff, it was entertaining. I enjoyed the book. The writing was good 

The Characters

I am a bit indifferent about America. I am not sure how I feel about her. She develops into a strong-willed character towards the middle and end of the book. One thing that really bugged me was her indecisiveness between Aspen and Maxon. It was driving me crazy. Few moments in the book, I felt she was playing both of the other male characters. 

I don't have much to say about Aspen. Even though, Aspen is one of the main characters, I felt that his character was not very developed in the novel. We don't exactly get to see much of him and don't get to chance to get to know him much either. 

Prince Maxon was the standard nice prince. He was caring, genuine, and thoughtful especially to America. Sometimes, I felt she didn't deserve that. But once again, I don't have much to say about him either. However, I enjoyed reading America's and Prince Maxon's interactions. 

Overall: 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a great short read for me. Even though it is a Hunger Games ripoff, I still found the book and its premise to be entertaining. I love the whole competition concept in the book, it differently made things interesting. 

I kind of wished the characters were little more developed in the book. However since it is a trilogy, there are probably more details to be covered about the characters in the other books. I want to read the second book of the series, Elite. But, I heard and read that the second book isn't that great compared to the first.  

I am giving this book four out of five stars because I was entertained. I liked the concept of the novel despite the similarities to Hunger Games. I ship America + Prince Maxon. I want to see where their relationship ends up in the next book. If you are looking for quick nice read and something like the Hunger Games, I definitely recommend The Selection.