Book Review: The Selection

 

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published: April 24, 2012

Pages: 327

Summary: The Selection is the opportunity of a lifetime for most girls living in Illea. It is the chance to win the heart of Prince Maxon and the coveted role of Princess. America Singer, however,  does not wish to be part of this glittering pageant. She is content with her secret boyfriend Aspen, even though he is caste below her. So naturally, she is chosen for one of the desired 35 spots in the Selection.

While America is in the castle she learns a lot about her country, the rebels, and Prince Maxon, whom she may have seriously misjudged.

Review/ My thoughts: I don't know why I was hesitant to read The Selection. Perhaps it was the fact that it was yet another dystopian novel released in 2012. Maybe it was the fact that it was another book with just a girl in long dress on the cover (even though in this case it kind of fits). Or maybe the fact that it was being compared to the bachelor.

Whatever the reason, let it be known that I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner. I loved The Selection!

The story sucked me in almost immediately. I was so fascinated with this dystopian world that Kiera Cass. The caste system; people's places determined by wealth from the numbers One to Eight, One being the richest; was an interesting spin we don't see done in the dystopian worlds being written recently.

Let me also just say I liked America's character a lot. I liked the way she carried herself, I liked her honesty, I also liked the fact that she didn't go after Maxon out of spite for Aspen. I generally appreciated her character, which is something I don't say very often.

I, of course, adored Maxon. I was bracing myself for the worst with him. I was afraid he might be a little bit of a jerk, but I was pleasantly surprised. Maxon was sweet, timid, responsible, and refreshingly inexperienced.

As for Aspen, I don't really see his charms in the same way America, I just personally found him annoying.

The rebel attacks were so interesting to me. They were so nondescript and quick, I find myself going "And? And?! AND?!" For the first time in a while we are not part of the rebel group, we part of the group they hate. That's an interesting perspective change.

This book was so fast- paced ad interesting, I finished it in about a day.

5/5 Stars

 I recommend this book to everyone.

 

 

Book Review For Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: February 26, 2013

Pages: 325

Summary: Taken place over the course of 1986 two misfits find love sitting next to each other on a bus.

Review/my thoughts: First off I want to say I absolutely loved this book! I was grinning like a complete idiot the entire time I was reading it. My usually problem with contemporary romances is that often while reading them they feel rushed, like of all sudden you meet someone and you're in love (as if it was that simple). The was not the case with Eleanor and Park. There is a slow ease into their relationship allows you to wade into the waters of their love instead of making you dive in head first. The timid nature of both the characters is sweet and endearing.

The relationship also felt realistic. Park is initially embarrassed of Eleanor, and the embarrassment doesn't fade for some time, as it would be for most teenage boys.

Also Eleanor's home life broke my heart.

Park's parents were pretty funny. They might have been my favorite secondary characters.

Of course, one of the best things were the eighties pop culture references, mostly (awesome) music.

After careful contemplation, I decided Rowell wrote the best possible ending for this book (I think we all know what happens next ;p).  

This book made me laugh, cry, and go awww... without it being too mushy.

I honestly recommend this book to everyone and I don't want to say anymore or I'll spoil everything.

5/5 Stars

Book Review for Slide by Jill Hathaway

 

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Publisher: Balzer +Bray/ HarperCollins

Published: March 27, 2012

Pages: 250

Summary: Vee Bell is not your average teenage narcoleptic. In fact, when she has one of her "episodes" she is not actually asleep. She slides into someone else's body. One night she slides and witnesses the murder of her sister's best friend, Sophie. Vee is the only one who knows that Sophie didn't commit suicide, she was murdered, but with no hard evidence Vee is going to have to prove this one all on her own.

Review/ My thoughts: The actually idea of sliding was actually really intriguing to me. The best thing about this book was Vee developing her "weakness" into a strength. Vee learns how to control her sliding and use it to her advantage. I also liked Vee's relationships with the other charaters, though I wished we could have gotten more into, I felt like the story cut off with more to say (though I guess that's why there's a sequel).

One of the things I did not care for in this book was both of the romantic stories. The one between Vee and Zane felt rushed and fake. And the ending between Vee and Rollins, though I preferred him to Zane, also felt a little artificial. If you can't pace out a romantic story correctly, don't bother.

 

I felt like Jill Hathaway was trying to hard with the mystery aspect. When every character has a motive and is made to seem suspicious, minus one that sort- of makes them (rightfully) the number one suspect. Don't get me wrong I did question all the characters, but I felt as if most of them were just diversions.

 

Overall a pretty fast- paced read. It will keep you interested. I just wish we could have seen some more character and relationship developments, but other than that,

3.5 out of 5 stars

For anyone who likes mystery, with a little paranormal aspects

Book Review for Dustlands: Rebel Heart by Moira Young

Rebel Heart by Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Published : October 30, 2012
Pages: 432


 Summary: Rebel Heart picks up immediately where Blood Red Road left off. Saba, Lugh, Emmi, and Tommo are all together and attempting to make a journey west to meet up with Jack. Saba is facing some serious PTSD from the battle at the end of book one, and it soon becomes clear that Lugh, as well, is battling some inner demons from his stay with the Tonton. Some disturbing news about Jack makes its way to the group, that makes him seem untrustworthy, especially in Lugh's eyes who has seemed to take a real disliking to Jack. The also news about a new way of living in a place called New Eden. Which is being ruled by the Pathfinder, otherwise know as DeMalo, who has put a price on Saba's head.


Review/my thoughts:I haven't read Blood Read Road in almost a year. And though I've had Rebel Heart for a while now it kind of got shuffled to the bottom of my TBR pile. I only actually started it because I had nothing else to read for the time being. At first it seemed like a slow read, but I'm glad I persevered because, wow, did it pick up fast.

I forgot how much I liked Moira Young's interesting writing style and the amazing dystopian world she created with it. I forgotten how much of an awesome heroine Saba was. Even though the first half of the book is filled with her fighting her conscience about some of the things she has done, she eventually(with a little help) finds her way back to herself.

And Lugh, ah Lugh. He turned out to be a jerk for most of the novel. Was I the only one thinking if I knew he was going to be this big of a pain I wouldn't have been so happy to get him back at the end of the first book. Seriously, he was so... mean. Especially to Saba. I understand his skepticism about Jack. What older brother wouldn't be protective of his little sister? But he treated her horribly, especially at the end. Which I don't think she completely deserved.

Emmi was awesome. She was brave and fiery. I love that her and Saba are begging to become closer.
I felt bad for Tommo, although he took rejection with surprising grace. Maev was possibly one of the best characters in this book. I liked a lot of the new characters, even though they were minor they were written really well. The animals in this book are incredible.  Can I please have a pet crow and wolfdog?   DeMalo was... interesting. definitely not what I was expecting. Although I have a feeling we'll see his darker side pretty soon.  And Jack, even though he wasn't in it as much as the last book, he always stole the show.

Was I the only one who thought it was interesting that they called our generation the Wreckers?

 Even though this book's theme is some-what dark, I had a lot of fun reading the adventure the adventure this group went on. It was not what I was expecting in a completely positive way, and I can not wait for the third book.(2014? Seriously?)

4 out of 5 stars

For anyone who likes dystopian adventure, or who read the first book in the series