♥!The Young Adult Book Club!♥ discussion

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.

Do you think Aspen let America go because he truly loved her and wanted better for her?
Do you think America's parents should have talked her into the Selection? Or do you think they did it all for the money?
Did you like Prince Maxon? Do you think he was sheltered or just overly naive to believe that no one in his kingdom was going hungry?
What did you think about the rebel attacks?
Do you think the story should have held more dystopian elements or just cut them out?
What did you think about the ending?
Do you think America should stay in The Selection for herself?

This book was ok. It was a little confusing because it was all over the place, and sometimes I didn't know if there was even a fully formed plot. I didn't mind Prince Maxon. I think he was sheltered from what was going on in his kingdom, making him overly naive. He might have wondered a little big about that but because the way he was raised where he didn't have to be concerned with stuff like that. I don't particularly like America. The author did not let you get to know her very well, and like the book, America was, like, all over the place. She didn't know which guy she wanted, and you couldn't even tell why she stayed in the Selection. I think that if she still wants to stay in The Selection just for money and her family, I think she should leave. If she really grows to love Maxon, she should sort herself out so she can stop giving Maxon and Aspen mixed messages because she's hurting them. She told Maxon that they should just be friends and he told him a lot about herself and her situation, but I don't think she was fair to any of the boys in her life.
I think Aspen did let America go because he truly loved her. Although he wanted better for her, he obviously did not like the fact that America was beginning to feel differently about The Selection. He wants to keep fighting for America or wait for her, but if I were him, I'd get tired of her being indecisive about everything.
Yeah, I got really annoyed with the ending. It wasn't just annoying because it left you hanging, it wasn't even powerful or however people want cliffhangers to be.
I still want to wait for the next book to come out though and see what happens.
I give this book a 3. (I think I'm gonna use this for my review too :p

I skipped a lot of the boring parts but I'll be generous and give it maybe a two. While I liked the idea of the Bachelor type story I found the book to move very slow. America doesn't meet the prince until page 112. Up until that point basically she is told the rules of The Selection. If she is caught dating anyone but the prince she will be killed. Even though he is dating 35 women pft! She signed up because she is a five and her family wants to be ones. She is in love with Aspen a six and he talks her into it and breaks up with her because he wants her to have more. Kind of understandable since as a six, he constantly struggles for food. America develops a friendship with Prince Maxon to help him find the right girl for him but obviously he is into her. America spends the whole book annoyingly pondering things such as Why does Maxon keep me? Why does he ignore me? Why did he kiss that girl? Does he really like me? I still love Aspen? Why can't I be with Aspen? Do I want to be with Maxon? Maybe I should give Maxon a chance? Maxon was rather dull and oblivious. He is going to be king yet doesn't think that lower castes go hungry? Is horrible with women but calls them all sweetheart and makes out with a bunch of them. I think he was supposed to come off as awkward, nerdy, charming but it came off as gross and skeezy to me. I'm Team Aspen but by the the end I thought they were both too good for America even though they are both pretty douchey. Also by the end all that happens is Maxon gets the Selection down from 35 to 6 girls. The end. Oh and there were some strange unexplained rebel attacks. Not my thing.

Hi everyone! I'm Heather. I'm new to the group. I just finished The Selection yesterday.

To start, I was probably too generous in giving it a four. But I did so because I am honestly interested to see what happens next and in that way, it was successful.

Honestly, I didn't really like Aspen much. I think he let America go because of his pride and his feelings that he couldn't "provide" for her. I think he does love her, but I think it was more his pride that made him send her away. I also think he was kind of following that "If you love someone let them go, if they come back, they're yours," type of thing. I think he wanted to see American run off to this thing, but choose him in the end. Another way to boost his pride, I think.

I don't understand why American didn't tell Maxon that Aspen was the guy who let her go. He knows the whole story, so why didn't she just tell him that up front?

I think in the case of America, we're seeing a girl who has not ever really seen much of the world. She's only ever loved one guy and she's still so young. She doesn't know how to reconcile her feelings for Aspen with her feelings for Maxon, because she -- like so many girls do (I was one of them) -- wanted to believe that she could only ever end up with Aspen, that he was the only in her past, present, and future. In short, she's more than a little naive.

I actually preferred Maxon to Aspen. I can't specifically say why ... Maybe it's because his intentions were clear from the beginning and even though it took America awhile to figure it out, at least it wasn't as confusing as Aspen just sending her off, believing that he was doing the "right" thing.

On a more comical note, it's kind of frightening to think that after the giant World War III (and apparently, World War IV, according to the book), that even though there is a caste system, a strange governmental system, and rebel attacks, The Bachelor, in some strange form, will manage to outlive all of that. Of all the reality shows in the world, The Bachelor is apparently going to be an example of the survival of the fittest. I'd like to go on record as having said that if that's what the post-apocalyptic world has in store, I'd rather not make it that far. LOL ...

Heather wrote: "I don't understand why American didn't tell Maxon that Aspen was the guy who let her go. He knows the whole story, so why didn't she just tell him that up front? "


Welcome! I think that is why she didn't tell him. She knew Maxon would hate Aspen cause the way he treated her and maybe she worried Aspen would lose his job. Plus I think America just wanted to be able to see and hang out with Aspen again.

First I would like to thank whoever decided to read The Selection this month! I only decided to read it in the first place because I would get the opportunity to discuss it with you guys!!
The Selection for me was like a cup pf cold delicious ice tea in a hot summer day, so sweet and you never seam to have enough! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! I read it from front to back in on sitting!!!

I loved the characters, I think there personalities were well defined!
There were many funny quotes that left me embarrassingly laughing with myself!
I think America is going to be screwed so bad in the next book OH MY GOSH I love it so much!!!
Definitely a Maxon fan, but I also understand Aspen persistence, but Maxon all the way, yes please!
When I finished the book the Acknowledgements started as "Okay, just in case you're really busy or tired because you stayed up late finishing, I want to thank you for reading my book", and that was so funny because I stayed up until 4 a.m. to finish reading it! Look how the author understands us all so well...and at the end she added "some of you just saw the pretty girl on the cover of the book and decided to pick it up" and it's so true but I loved it so much that judging by its cover got me reading it in the first place!

****SPOILERS****

Things I thought would have done better in the book:
-The selection should be more active, something like a Show your Talent, or given some tests to see witch was the most fittest for princess.
-I think the author could have given hints of what the rebels were looking for.

Never read a book in one sitting but I'm glad this one was my first! So worth it!!

@Ana so glad you enjoyed it! It wasn't quite for me but I did love the pretty girl on the cover. As for things that could be better I agree about wondering what the rebels were after. I thought either that should have been completely left out, and the story should have just been more like The Bachelor, or the rebels should have been more developed. I personally wasn't feeling Maxon but he had a few good qualities. I enjoyed a few of America and Maxon's scenes. I think in the next book we will get more of Aspen and that might change minds. America and Aspen had this long epic forbidden love and that won't disappear anytime soon. Aspen will be fighting for her and I'm glad because I see a lot of good in him. He shouldn't have broken up with America but I can understand him not wanting to hold her back.

@Jennifer one thing I loved about America was her honesty, you don't see much of that in girls her age. Maxon thinks about his actions and calculative as a prince should be, on the other hand Aspen is impulsive and is driven by his emotions, I think that in the next book he will say or do something he'll regret... just my honest opinion! I agree with you about the rebels, if the author wasn't planning on giving us hints then she should of have left it out. This only made us more confused and incomplete...

Ana wrote: "@Jennifer one thing I loved about America was her honesty, you don't see much of that in girls her age. Maxon thinks about his actions and calculative as a prince should be, on the other hand Aspen..."

I loved Maxon's character and hope that in the end America chooses him. Aspen was okay but I just feel like he's going to end up hurting her. He never gave her a good reason why he broke up with her and I just felt like he does not love her as much.

Michele wrote: "Ana wrote: "@Jennifer one thing I loved about America was her honesty, you don't see much of that in girls her age. Maxon thinks about his actions and calculative as a prince should be, on the othe..."

I thought he did. He loved her too much to want to see her struggle and starve. He doesn't feel like he can give her everything she deserves. I can understand that.

Jennifer wrote: "Michele wrote: "Ana wrote: "@Jennifer one thing I loved about America was her honesty, you don't see much of that in girls her age. Maxon thinks about his actions and calculative as a prince should..."

Yeah, I see your point. I don't know why but I just really want to see her with Maxon. :-)

Hi guys, I'm Charlotte. :)

1. I'm still not sure about this. I feel like the action was more of something that the author did just for the sake of getting America into the competition, if that makes sense??

2. I think her mom had ulterior motives for climbing the caste, but they did just want the best for their family.

3. I really liked Maxon! A lot more than Aspen, Maxon was just more honest. I think he was sheltered, and naive to how people with less money than him lived.

4. I think they're interesting and I want to read more about them. I think the actual Selection should have ended in the first book. I was really surprised that it wasn't over at the end! And annoyed. :P I'm hoping the next book will go into it more.

5. I think the caste system was very dystopian, but the whole monarchy wasn't that unusual because monarchies still exist today. I liked hearing about the wars and other countries more. I think it could have been more dystopian than it was.

6. I already talked about it, but I just didn't like it. :P The Selection should have ENDED in the Selection! It's being dragged out and it better end by the first half of the next book in my opinion.

7. I think she's staying in it for other people, more than herself. For her family, and for Maxon. Aspen can leave. I know the end was supposed to make her seem empowered, but I still don't see how being in the competition means it's all about her.

I liked this book a lot though. :3

I also thought it was dumb the Selection didn't end. If Maxon knows America is "the one" then he should have gotten rid of everyone. I feel like he is trying to have a backup plan since she isn't as sure about him as he is her. That is not how love works. I also thought the dystopian details should have been more. Why are countries fighting and why are the rebels attacking. Who are the rebels? I feel bad for Aspen. He wanted better for America. She still loves him. She easily fell back into his arms when he came into her room. I think continuing in the Selection is degrading. How is that for her? Continuing to fight with 5 other girls. Either pick Aspen or tell Maxon you want him. I think she is just unsure and wants to buy herself time.

Maybe Maxon has to keep it going... For appearances. Plus at the end of the book America is still unsure of her feelings for him. She cares for him but she made it to clear that she wasn't interested. If he had sent everyone home except for her and her feelings had not changed then it would of made the royal family look bad.

I can't wait for more interaction with the Queen. I think she's going to be a very complex character.

For me, this was just a nice easy read. Just what i fancied! There wasn't a complicated plot, and okay so the writing wasn't the best in the world. But I found myself smiling through the sections of the book where America, and Maxon interacted with each other.

I liked the book a lot.At first I thought it was going to be stupid a bunch of girls throwing them selfs at the prince first chance got. I was wrong it was interesting to see what America went thought and still is.Now with aspen back in the picture i think she is going to choose maxoit feels like aspen walked out on her.
I give the book a 5;)

I loved this book! I read it in one sitting and even had to lock myself in my room because I didn't want to be bothered when I read it. I was thinking the whole time: "It's as if they combined Hunger Games with the Bachelor" then come to realize that was how they pitched the sale! Ha. I loved it. (: I'm Team Maxon!

Do you think Aspen let America go because he truly loved her and wanted better for her?
- Yes. I do. There is also a part of me that thinks he's just embarrassed to be in a lower level than her. I don't know. I want to see how it plays out.

Do you think America's parents should have talked her into the Selection? Or do you think they did it all for the money?
- Money. No doubt. Her mother was very forthcoming with how it would help them out and even help them gain a few class levels. I like America's sister though, she seems to want America to be happy with Maxon.

Did you like Prince Maxon? Do you think he was sheltered or just overly naive to believe that no one in his kingdom was going hungry?
- I love Prince Maxon! He's adorably naive. I thought the author would make him rebellious, you know, like in some of those movies, but I'm glad he stayed proper. I believe he is sheltered towards his kingdom. I mean, the King wouldn't let him in on some of the meetings, right?

What did you think about the rebel attacks?
- Interesting. Wish there was more detail.

Do you think the story should have held more dystopian elements or just cut them out?
- I think the book shouldn't be labeled a "dystopia" but I do think the elements that were dystopian were critical to the plot.

What did you think about the ending?
- It was brilliant. I couldn't have asked for a better ending! I'm really worried about Aspen though... yikes!

Do you think America should stay in The Selection for herself?
- That's a toughy... I know I DON'T want her to stay and regret it and become whiny. That would be obnoxious. We'll see.

I gave the book a 3.5, but also added it to my "favorites" shelves. I wish there was more action! Can't wait for The Elite. (:

I just finished the book and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the development of them all. In the beginning I loved Aspen and thought there was no way the author could make me like Maxon, but man I loved him too. There is a big part of me that wants America to be with Maxon but feel the love she has with Aspen is that "first love" you never get over. I didn't mind the rebel attacks although I wish there was a little more to them, but I think Maxon is correct that they are searching for something and that we will find out later, what it is. I liked the ending but was surprised that America let Aspen know she was going to give the selection a try. I feel America is worthy of being the future queen, she has courage and compassion that separates her from the other girls.

I haven't read this book but The cover is soo pretty!!! I have heard both good and bad things about this book but since I'm a sucker for pretty book covers I think I'll end up reading this despite the fact I have talked to a lotttt of people who didn't like this book. Am I the only one who falls for book covers like this? It's such a bad habit of mine lol:)

Jennifer wrote: "I also thought it was dumb the Selection didn't end. If Maxon knows America is "the one" then he should have gotten rid of everyone. I feel like he is trying to have a backup plan since she isn't a..."

Yeah, exactly what I think.

'The Selection' was one of the worst books for me because it almost made it. Beautiful potential but lacked to deliver. The characters hovered near that not-quite-there-but-damn-I-wish-they-were mark and the plot was uncertain, wavering and unfocused to say the least.
Wish I'd just downloaded this book instead of buying it.

I sure enjoyed this book. Stayed up late to finish it. I like Maxon for America.Looking forward to the next book!

So many Maxon fans! Anyone else prefer Aspen like me?

I've just finished this book, and I'm sad that it managed to disappoint me...

Do you think Aspen let America go because he truly loved her and wanted better for her?
Odd, but yes, I think that was the case. What else? I mean obviously he is in love, it's another problem that he makes good decisions poorly.

Do you think America's parents should have talked her into the Selection? Or do you think they did it all for the money?
It all comes back to money, eh? Probably, but not necessarily. I think this one's about love too. America's parents just want the best for their children, and well, themselves, but not in a selfish way. After all those hard years, it would be nice for them to finally be able to just sit down once, let out a breath and be utterly calm and content. Stress makes you miserable, and that leads you to make hard decisions. If America really didn't want to go, if she said no after all their efforts to change her mind, I think they wouldn't have forced her longer.

Did you like Prince Maxon? Do you think he was sheltered or just overly naive to believe that no one in his kingdom was going hungry?
I liked him, but not as much as I wanted or expected to. I think he needs more time with America to drop all the unnecessary formalities to become the Maxon I know is under there, but has yet to crawl out of his shelter.
I don't think he was naive... How could have he known what was happening among the lower castes? It's not like he's spending his time outside the palace, and I don't think he's allowed to. Maybe the king was just ignorant but knew about the situation, maybe even he didn't, we can't know about that. But Maxon wasn't naive. It's like saying someone's naive because they don't know how many people live in China. Non-sense.

What did you think about the rebel attacks?
I think they were probably the most interesting parts of the book. Though they could have been more... I don't know, they could have been a little bit closer. We haven't even seen one rebel, just heard the bombing of the first attack, but that was all. And Maxon's theory that they are looking for something... I don't know, obviously he must be right, but I can't imagine what that something could be.

Do you think the story should have held more dystopian elements or just cut them out?
The Selection didn't really feel like a dystopian novel actually. It was more like an alternative reality. So there were four WWs, and new countries were funded, and there are castes... But that's about it. I wouldn't really call it dystopian, and it was bothering me a little that I was supposed to look at it that way. It would have been better if it ran only under the label of fiction and fantasy.

What did you think about the ending?
It shouldn't have been an ending. It wasn't time. I think it was a mistake that they split the story into three books, it would have been way better, were it only one. There was no cliffhanger, just a promise au mode d'Aspen, and an urge to strangle the truth out of America. I think she is being a witch for playing the two guys like this. It's selfish and it makes her unworthy to have either.

Do you think America should stay in The Selection for herself?
I think she should stay away from The Selection for herself. But well, it will be her problem to deal with the remorse later. I think it's terrible what she's doing with Aspen and Maxon, they don't deserve it. And her excuse is that she doesn't know what to do? Huh? Seriously? I'll tell her what to do! Grow a spine and tell Aspen what's the deal with her and Maxon, vice versa. Yeah, she's staying in The Selection for herself, because it flatters her that two boys want her, but that's just cruel and selfish and she really should know better.

I finished this story a few days ago and finally got around to discuss it :)
Overall I did enjoy the book, I like the idea of dystopian Bachelor themed book, and I just LOVE the cover.

I liked both Aspen and Maxon. You can see that Aspen really loves her and that he whishes the best for her, while Maxon is getting to know her and finds himself falling for America even though he knows in what kind of situation she is.
I liked the whole romance part, but I felt the dytopian parts with rebels are left unfinished. I feel like they're just mentioned to make the romance more tense.

I gave this book 4 stars.

i have so many things to say about this book. but i will answer one question here:

Do you think Aspen let America go because he truly loved her and wanted better for her?

Yes. He did that on purpose because he has nothing to give her. He is in a lower caste. BUT.
I think Aspen is still in love with her and never stopped loving her. And I think America is the same. Gosh, i was actually warming up with the idea of Prince Maxon and America, but then Aspen was there again. I don't know anymore. I just can't wait what will happen. It seems like Prince Maxon will fight for America's love too.

gaaah.

I hope the TV series in CW will push through.

Wasn't in the group when you read it, but finished it a couple of months ago any way and thought I would comment. I really loved this book, I know some things could have been done differently and some may say in a better manner, but I just found it to be enjoyable. I loved Maxon and I caught myself smiling so many times during the reading it was almost comical in itself. Eventually my friends started to get really annoyed because I wouldn't talk to them until I finished a chapter. :)

Everyone, tell your friends to watch the show when it finally comes out so we can have 1,000,000 seasons. I meant 5 ;) or longer. The more the better

I'm a sucker for pretty covers so that was what compelled me to read this book in the first place. :P I actually liked it a lot. It was at first a blatant copy of the Hunger Games but throughout the book it developed its own personality. I am envious of the way Kiera Cass writes and wish I could do that myself. The only complaint I had about this book was the main character, America. I liked her better as the book progressed, but she annoyed me a little bit.