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Cira | Allentown High School, Grade 11
Rating: *****
The Selection tells the story of a group of girls who compete for a chance. And in a world where your life is laid out for you before you are even born, a chance is everything. Especially, if that chance is to become royalty. In preparation for his life as king, Prince Maxon holds the Selection, in which a group of girls throughout the country compete for his heart. The story follows America Singer, who seems to be the only girl who doesn’t want to be selected. For America, being selected means leaving her home, family, and secret lover, Aspen. But what she soon realizes is that being selected holds much more than a chance for crowns and jewels, but perhaps love.
I could not put this book down! The book is full of drama, it’s almost like The Bachelor with royalty. As a reader I fell in love with America Singer’s wit and strong will. Having a strong female lead was so refreshing in a romance novel and provided a much more realistic take on love. But nevertheless, the book was still full of swoon-worthy moments that made me obsessed with Maxon and America’s relationship. I had to go out and buy the rest of the series immediately after I finished this book. I definitely recommend this book to any lover of drama, romance and wonderful storytelling.
Isabella | Manalapan High School, Grade 11
Rating: *****
This dreamy futuristic world that America Singer lived in was no joke. Set in Illea, there is a caste system that ranks families based on their money and careers. America was a Five, three castes away from being an Eight which was the lowest rank. She is met with a dilemma where her mother desires for her to be entered into the Selection, a grand competition between thirty-five girls for the hand of the prince. If America won the Selection, she would automatically become a One along with her family. But America also was in love with a boy named Aspen, who was a Six, so she did not want to leave him behind to marry a prince. However, Aspen manages to convince America to enter the competition. In the Selection, America is greeted with many struggles and is required to adjust to a new life that she never expected to be hers.
If you liked reading Red Queen and the Lunar Chronicles series, this book will be perfect for you. The way Cass illustrates her unique concept of the futuristic country is amazing. You will be transported into an environment that you will never desire to depart. I admired the descriptiveness of Cass' writing to exemplify her characters' emotions and surroundings. It is guaranteed that you will be stuck reading this book until you complete it.
Katrine | Manalapan High School, Grade 11
Rating: ***
The opportunity to become a princess is the chance of a lifetime among the thirty-five girls. When America Singer, being nominated is a nightmare. This forces her to turn back on her secret love and leave her home to enter a fierce competition. As one of the lowest social status, she stands out compared to the wealthier girls. She gains the ability to live in a palace and gain the role of a noble. As the competition goes on, America finds herself torn between her old life and her new.
The plot developments were a bit predictable throughout the novel. For example, I thought the author trying to create a love triangle was boring. It was forced, cliche, and wasn’t done well. However, I admired how America deeply cared for the well being of her family. She didn’t want to be part of the competition, but she joined so she can provide money. This revealed a selfless aspect of America compared to other one dimensional characters. Although this book wasn’t perfect, I believe it’s a simple read if you enjoy romance.
Shivani | Biotechnology High School, Grade 9
Rating: ***
Want to start a new book series? May I present to you, The Selection, aka The Hunger Games meets the Bachelor meets the Princess Diaries. America Singer lives in the country of Illéa, the future of North America, a place with a strict caste system. There she lives as a 5, not totally poor, but not rich either. Then, she gets the chance of a lifetime, the Selection; 35 girls are given the opportunity to live like royalty and compete for the hand of Prince Maxon. However, America sees becoming one of the Selected as a nightmare, because she has to go against her secret beloved Aspen, meaning she has to compete for a crown she doesn’t even want, in a castle being constantly attacked by rebels. But the more she stays there, the more she realizes that maybe Max isn’t so bad, and the future she once wanted may not even compare to what she is destined for.
Now, i would be lying if I said I didn’t pick up the book for the cover (that dress is gorgeous!). The truth is, aside from the bad names and a good chunk of pretty privilege, this book is truly a guilty pleasure. The main character is a bit annoying, but I absolutely love the idea of royalty, ball gowns, etc. This was definitely one of my favorites when I was younger, and maybe you’ll like it too!
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