Brad About Books: The Selection by Kiera Cass

THE SELECTION
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 327 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: The Selection, #1

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.

I started reading The Selection the day it came out (which was eleven months ago; gosh, I am horrible about posting reviews. I'm trying to get better, though!). And let me tell you, I was fanboying so hard after I finished it. Definitely fun and lighthearted, The Selection is not a book to miss.

Fun is the word that sums up this book. The Selection is FUN! I watch the Bachelor(ette) on occasions, so when I heard that this was a futuristic Bachelor-esce story, I knew that it had to be on my radar. And after I got done reading, I totally felt happy and full of soul. It just has so much fun between the pages and does almost pan out like an episode of the Bachelor: you've got your romance, you've got your drama (Celeste is the absolute worst), and you've got your secret sabotaging. It was super hard to put this novel down.

America was a really awesome protagonist. I enjoyed reading about her and her backstory, and overall, the author did a great job at crafting her character and her development together. The threads of love interwoven throughout The Selection really blew my mind. I noticed that the author put it parts of romance that I didn't see coming, and I adored that part about this novel.

I have two negative things to say about The Selection though: 1) Aspen? Really? That dude is a jerk. 2) I wanted to see more of the rebel attacks. I was expecting quite a lot of action when the attacks would happen, but I was let down when that never happen. But I have heard that they get super awesome and crazy in The Elite, and I'm definitely looking forward to that part!

So overall, The Selection was definitely a highlight of last year. There is no way that this book shouldn't be on your list. Beautifully and seamlessly-crafted, The Selection is one of the best debuts I've ever read.

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