The Selection (The Selection, #1) in Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading BCPL SRC

Mar 03, 2014 Franklin Park Public Library rated it liked it

Shelves: staff-pick-of-the-week, abraham-lincoln-award-2015, joyce-s-shelf, deanna-s-shelf

Ever wonder what a mash-up of reality television and a Young Adult novel would be like? Look no further in Kiera Cass' The Selection, a cross between television's The Bachelor, Big Brother, and YA romance and dystopia.

In a futuristic United States, America Singer and 34 other young ladies are chosen to participate in The Selection, a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Prince Maxon. The winner becomes the bride of the handsome prince and is destined to be the next Queen. While most se Ever wonder what a mash-up of reality television and a Young Adult novel would be like? Look no further in Kiera Cass' The Selection, a cross between television's The Bachelor, Big Brother, and YA romance and dystopia.

In a futuristic United States, America Singer and 34 other young ladies are chosen to participate in The Selection, a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Prince Maxon. The winner becomes the bride of the handsome prince and is destined to be the next Queen. While most see this as the opportunity of a lifetime, America hates the idea of leaving her family, appearing on television to the entire country, and most importantly, turning her back on the boyfriend she has been secretly dating. The Selection is an interesting combination of TV and books and a good pick for romance readers. Coincidentally, the CW network has optioned the rights of the book to turn it into a television series. - Joyce A. (2 stars)

The Selection, a 2015 Lincoln Award Nominee, had an interesting concept. The story revolves around America who is one of 35 girls selected to go to the palace and vie for the future king’s heart. This novel was The Bachelor meets awkward and confusing love triangle meets country at war. The biggest problem I had with this novel was the dialog. When a character was excited rather than that excitement or anger being showed with vivid word choice an exclamation mark was just throw in. Overall, some of the dialog felt forced and unnatural which made it hard to buy into the characters and their developing relationships with one another. The other problem I had was with America herself. She finds it very hard to let go of her first love yet I don’t feel a true sadness from her for most of the novel. Her depiction of her heartbreak is heard rather than seen or felt and leaves her feeling one-dimensional and unrealistic to me. Aspen’s reappearance at the end of the novel was also an under developed plot choice. That being said there was something between America and Maxon that brought some light to this novel. Although some of their interactions could have been better written I feel that readers will likely devour the next two novels to see what happens in this strange love story. - Deanna B. (3 stars) ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Laura rated it liked it

Shelves: 2012, ya-lit

I really thought this was a stand alone and was a bit annoyed to find out that there's going to be at least one more book. Perhaps I am finally ready to give up YA?

Anyway, this is kind of a combination of The Bachelor and the much, much, much better Princess Academy. America Singer is selected to be one of 35 girls who compete to be selected as Prince Maxon's betrothed. Prince Maxon's parents are the queen and king of Illea, a dystopian-ish nation formed from the United States after World War Fo ...more

Like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Beth rated it liked it

In The Selection by Kiera Cass, North, Central, and South America have merged into one country called Illéa. The country has a rigid caste system, and the various castes are referred to by number. When it is time for an Illéan prince to marry, a process called The Selection occurs. One girl is selected from each of the 35 provinces to come to the castle and compete to marry the prince. The girl he chooses and her family will all become Ones, which is a dream come true for those in lower castes w ...more

Like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Katelyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorites, cover-lover

After reading books like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" it was hard to not think of "The Selection" as a fight-for-life type book. New recruits thrown together to be weeded through... just brought back some memories. But, where in some ways it could be viewed as such, it really wasn't - think more along the lines of 'The Bachelor' just with higher stakes, i.e. the bachelor is the freaking Prince(!), who alone can rocket you from status as low as a Five all the way to a One with a simple choi After reading books like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" it was hard to not think of "The Selection" as a fight-for-life type book. New recruits thrown together to be weeded through... just brought back some memories. But, where in some ways it could be viewed as such, it really wasn't - think more along the lines of 'The Bachelor' just with higher stakes, i.e. the bachelor is the freaking Prince(!), who alone can rocket you from status as low as a Five all the way to a One with a simple choice.

I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. Prince Maxon was definitely sweet, I think I would have a hard time not falling for him also if I were one of the few selected. Even though, after only having read the synopsis, I thought for sure I was going to be Team Aspen - it's just my nature with these books. But, it turns out I'm not really on either side. I see the good in both of them, feel for both of them, and after having just finished the 'Infernal Devices' series you can only imagine how stinking happy I am to have another series where I like BOTH GUYS! ::sighs:: It's sarcasm, I'm afraid. I LOVE the other series, but Jesus that put me through the emotional ringer... I need a break from these guys!!

America Singer. Such spunk. I like her, a lot. I feel for her as well, making choices that will effect the rest of your life is tough, especially when your not sure which is right.

The only thing I'm going to say that could be SPOILERY is this...

Seriously, don't continue if you don't want to hear my rant about some SPOILERY subjects!

America. Obviously you and I both know these meetings with Aspen are going to be found out about eventually. Probably by freaking CELESTE, no less so she can blackmail you with them or something ridiculous. Why risk it?! I mean, I like Aspen just as much as the next girl.. and I get it, he is your First Love, and you spent the last two years planning a future, albeit a HARD future, with him. BUT - you could at least tell Maxon. I mean, seriously. He would be upset, but ONLY because Aspen hurt you, not upset that he was there - do you not trust him that much? I just foresee some problems for the next book, possibly some indigestion for me in my reading future. All I can ask is that 'The Elite' NOT end with a freaking cliff hanger, I don't know if I could handle it. Not with the final book being possibly over a year away! ::Big Sigh::

Overall, I ate this book up! It was funny in parts, sad in others, and I just enjoyed every minute of it. Can't wait for the sequel! ...more

Like · see review

Nov 01, 2016 Jennifer Bowers rated it liked it

I'm a sucker for a fairy tale. This takes place in modern times, but in a mythical, post-American kingdom. It's Divergent made pretty, or the Hunger Games without the killing. It also reminded me somewhat of the Book of Esther, without the sex. ...more

Like · see review

Feb 03, 2013 Devon rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014, adaptations-to-watch

So. I was super hooked on this book from the beginning. But the ending was kinda blah. So, that being said. I'm still super excited to read the next book. This series is like hunger games meets the bachelor. I think I would have liked her to be naive of her feelings to Maxon until the very end of this book or the second. I'm not sure how I feel about aspen being there.

I'm not really sure what else to say... ...more

Like · see review

Nov 09, 2013 Ellon rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this story. I love America's character (although I'm not a huge fan of the name). Prince Maxon is pretty great too. It was interesting (although a little predictable) watching their friendship grow.

I just wish the end wasn't such a cliffhanger. ...more

Like · see review