The Selection is a dream for most girls. It’s a time to escape your given caste,
to try and win over the heart of Prince Maxon. And even if the prince doesn’t
pick you to be his bride, you still had the time of your life at the palace.
But America Singer never wanted that. She didn’t ever need anything fancy
to be happy. Now America has to leave behind her whole life to go to the
palace, including Aspen, who she shared a secret – but serious – relationship
with for a while now. She doesn’t want to spend time with some stranger
prince she’s never met.
However, Maxon isn’t like what she had thought. He’s extremely kind, a great
listener, cares about the country (much more than his cruel father does), and
is actually hopeful to find love through the Selection. America hadn’t
considered that Maxon may be a normal person, not just another snotty
prince.
“What do you think my chances might be of finding a soul mate in the group
of you? I'll be lucky if I can just find someone who'll be able to stand me for
the rest of our lives. What if I've already sent her home because I was relying
on some sort of spark I didn't feel? What if she's waiting to leave me at the
first sign of adversity? What if I don't find anyone at all? What do I do then,
America?”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection
The Selection is a beautiful and warming romance novel. I love America, her
attitude, just everything about her. She’s strong-willed, and isn’t afraid to
speak her mind or have her own opinions. She’s definitely a major girl boss.
And Maxon is just as amazing. He’s humble, funny, caring, and sweet.
America finds that she can talk to Maxon easily, like they’d known each other
their whole lives.
Plus, I enjoy the other elements within the book. The whole problem with the
castes is a big deal, and America expresses her feelings about them
throughout the entire book. She even influences Maxon’s opinion about how
the world is working, and shows him that it’s not as perfect as it seems from
within the castle.
“I couldn't joke about the person who'd saved me from facing absolute
heartbreak at home, who fed my family boxes of sweets, who ran to me
worried that I was hurt if I asked for him.
A month ago, I had looked at the TV and seen a stiff, distant, boring
person-someone I couldn't imagine anyone loving. And while he wasn't
anything close to the person I did love, he was worthy of having someone to
love in his life.”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection
I really loved this book. There are few to none boring parts, and it hooks you
from the beginning. The Selection is a three book series, but it has two other
books that are told from the perspective of America’s daughter, which I also
thought were very good. Overall, I would definitely highly recommend The
Selection for anyone who enjoys a sweet, heart filling romance.