Review: The Selection

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Release: April 24, 2012

Source: Purchased

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

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

For the longest time, I avoided reading The Selection because of the drama that surrounded it's release. If you are unaware of the incident I'm talking about, it's probably best that you don't know. I think I needed time to distance myself from the drama, to sort of approach the book with a clean slate, without bias.

The Selection is about a girl named America Singer. She lives a futuristic world where the United States has resorted back to a monarchy. In order to keep peace, and in order to show that the royal family is of the people, the male heir chooses his wife from the common folk through a process called The Selection. Thirty-five girls are choosen (whether at random or not is up to question) and brought to the palace to complete for the royal Prince's affection on live television. It's sort of like The Bachelor. Their world is also divided into caste systems, each with designated career options. America is a five, which means she's on of the "artists". And guess what art she specializes in? She sings. Creative, I know.

Every girl dreams of being a part of the Selection, every girl except America. She doesn't want to be Princess, she only wants to be with her boyfriend, Aspen. No one knows that she and Aspen are dating, though, because he's of a lower caste (a 6), and her family would freak out.. Marrying Aspen would mean she was going "down" the social ladder instead of up. Aspen, though, encourages America to enter in to the drawing for the Selection, only to break up her. WHAT? I honestly cannot express how much I loathe Aspen. And then he feels sorry as she's being whisked away to the palace? I don't think so. In the palace, though, America struggles with her lingering feelings for Aspen, her growing admiration for the prince, and the competition itself.

I guess I might go ahead and say that I found America's name to be very cheesy. Granted, there's a reason for why she's named America, but I still couldn't get over the strangeness of her name. In addition, the writing isn't the best.  It's readable, but rather simple. Somehow, though, Cass managed to keep me turning pages. I think what compelled me the most were the characters. I think it's interesting to meet a girl who does not want to be a Princess. America is fiery, stubborn, but has a good heart. Yes, she may overreact, and there were times I wanted to shake her, but she's a rather well-developed character. I could relate to her in many ways. I've already said how much I dislike Aspen, but Maxon? I love him. I truly hope that he'll pick America in the end. He's charing, sophisticated, but still very human. He's trying to come to terms with rebel attacks, and he's working hard to be the best leader he can be. He's not perfect, but he's definitely trying. Cass also managed to make the story enjoyable, and there were a few twists I did not expect. I can see why people enjoyed this book, and I can see why some would hate it too.

The biggest fault of The Selection lies with its world building. I can't understand why the caste system was put in place,  and I can't fathom why people would be okay being "stuck" in a career without any opportunities to move up in the world. The United states is all about "moving up" that social ladder. It glorifies those people who overcame obstacles and came up on top. This world leaves no room for that sort of advancement, which I have difficulty accepting. However, I am glad that Kiera introduced readers to the rebel attacks. What and why they are attacking is still a mystery, as well as why they waited so long to attack. Hopefully, some of my questions regarding the rebel's motivation and world itself will be answered the in sequel.

It's not a perfect book, by any means, but it's an enjoyable read. I'd say it's more geared toward younger YA readers, but if you're up for some drama and romance check this book out. Don't go in to this book thinking you're going to read a dystopian. Luckily, the cover sort of makes that obvious.

RATING: 3 SLICES

Waiting on Wednesday: The Distance Between Us

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West 

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about

It's safe to say that Pivot Point is my favorite book of 2013 so far. I loved it so much, and Kasie is coming out with another book THIS YEAR. I know right? Excitement. It's a contemporary title, but it looks SO GOOD. And I am SO EXCITED. I need this baby in my life, like now. <3 What are you waiting on?

----

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. Book bloggers present upcoming books they can’t wait to read and share their enthusiasm about new releases.

Blogoversary Day 5: Defining Moments

Welcome to Day 5 of my blogvesary celebration! It's been quite a year, and to celebrate, I've come up with a list of defining moments in my blogging expereince. Again, I have a giveaway below, so be sure to check it out! 

Thanks for stopping by.

1. Meeting amazing bloggers (in person and via twitter):

LAUREN @ The Housework can Wait
HANNA @ The Book Vortex
SHANNON @ Stalk in the Books
SHALENA @ Writer Quirk
MILLIE @ Millie D's Words
EILEEN @ **Singing and Reading in the Rain**
NIKKI @ Fiction Freak

2. Meeting amazing authors like: 

SARAH J. MAAS

STEPHANIE PERKINS (AHHH!)


MARISSA MEYER (EEE!)



THE LADIES OF PITCH DARK DAYS WINTER 2013 TOUR:
CYNTHIA HAND, BRODI ASTHON, TAHEREH MAFI, VERONICA ROSSIMARISSA MEYER 

  3. First ARC from publisher: 

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson:: This ARC was TOTALLY unexpected, and I devoured it immediately. I will forever be grateful to HarperCollins for providing me my very first physical ARC for review.

4. First e-ARC for review: 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry:: I admit, I just heard good things about PTL from early reviews, and it was up on netgalley. I requested, and was approved (much to my surprise). I was also surprised that I loved the book so much. I loved it so much, in fact, that I drove 3.5 hours to go to her book launch. Yeah. <3

5. Discovering new books: 

Some books I wouldn't have discovered without the blogger community: The Book Thief, Anna and the French Kiss, Shadow and Bone, The Fault in Our Stars, etc. Most of those ended up being a favorite of mine. Reading each and every one of these books, recommended and praised by other bloggers, was a defining moment.  

THANK YOU to my followers, my commenters, and all the friends I've made this past year. I look forward to seeing what the next year has in store. <333 I'll post a recap tomorrow, my blogoversary day. Be sure to enter the giveaway below, though!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Day 4: Favorite Female Characters

Welcome to Day 4 of my blogvesary celebration! To celebrate, I've come up with a list some of my favorite female characters (in no particular order). Again, I have the giveaway below, so be sure to check it out! 

Thanks for stopping by.

JOSIE IN OUT OF THE EASY

Josie is such an admirable character. Despite her circumstances as a poor daughter of a prostitute, she never believed she was as worthless as everyone told her she was. At a young age, Josie moved out. She's strong, determined, and wields her own pistol. What's not to like?

HAZEL GRACE IN THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

It's clear from the first pages of The Fault in Our Stars, that Hazel is full of snark and will power. She's a cancer "survivor", dealing with its after effects as best as she can: both emotional and physical. I admire her a great deal. The ending of the book just broke my heart in ways words cannot describe. 

ANNA IN ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS

Anna is perhaps the most authentic female character I've had the pleasure to read about. Anna is quirky, not the prettiest or the smartest, but she's REAL. She's awkward, funny, and just so much fun to read about. 

CELAENA IN THRONE OF GLASS

Celaena is one complicated girl. One might say she's full of contradiction. She loves make-up, dresses, and balls. She equally loves combat. One doesn't become Ardanlan's greatest assassin without knowing a great deal about combat. She's conceited, but sensitive. She's has snark and passion. Despite all her faults, though, I love her. 

ELINOR IN SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY 

Elinor is such a fantastic heroine! She's brave, stubborn, and can fight zombies with her parasol. It doesn't get better than that. 

ELISA IN THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THRONS 

Elisa starts out as a rather self-depricating, unlikeable heroine and turns into a woman, a Queen. She loves, she losses, and she fights back for her people and her county. Elisa's character growth is one of the best I've seen in YA, especially in the sequel (The Crown of Embers). I honestly can't wait to see what's in store for the newly empowered Elisa in the final installment (The Bitter Kingdom). 

ALINA IN SHADOW AND BONE

Alina grows up believing she's no one special. When a dire situation reveals a dormant power, she finds out that she's extremely special. In fact, she could be the key to saving her suffering country of Ravka. It takes some time, but Alina eventually finds strength within herself. That strength is further seen in the sequel, Siege and Storm (which I have had the pleasure to read).

CLARA IN UNEARTHLY

One thing that usually turns me off "angel" books is that the angel characters are often portrayed in a way that makes them a gary stu or a mary sue. I don't like perfect characters. They're not that interesting to read about. So imagine my surprise when Clara was not only relatable, but also flawed in her own ways. I loved seeing her character growth throughout the story as she learns more about angels, demons, and purpose. 

TRIS FROM DIVERGENT

Tris makes the difficult decision to leave her family and join the Dauntless group. She goes head-in, unaware of what being Dauntless meant. I truly think that Tris is a perfect representation of being Divergent, and she's a reminder that we can't be defined by one singular character trait. I love her strong will and inner strength. Sometimes, that's more important than being able to wield a gun. 

KATNISS FROM THE HUNGER GAMES 

I had to include Katniss (it's sort of a given). I don't think I've ever come across a person who actually hated Katniss. She has an instinct for survival, and I admire the fact that her feelings always come second to her friends and family. She's not fierce because she survived the Hunger Games. She's fierce because her of convictions and her unwavering determination.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Day 3: Favorite Male Characters

Welcome to Day 3 of my blogvesary celebration! To celebrate, I've come up with a list some of my favorite male characters (in no particular order). Again, I have the giveaway below, so be sure to check it out! 

Thanks for stopping by.

Hector from The Crown of Embers

Hopefully this won't be too big of a spoiler, but I LOVE Hector. I'd wear an I <3 Hector shirt any day of the week. I didn't think that I've ever met a character with such a perfect mix of stoicism, passion, and loyalty. He's like the perfect guy. 

Peeta from The Hunger Games

Who doesn't love Peeta? I mean, sure, I liked Gale, but Peeta stole my heart. He's kind in a way few guys are. He's a gentleman in every sense of the word, with a smile and sense of ease that could melt any girl's heart. 

Chaol from Throne of Glass

Perhaps a little more "rough around the edges", but what can I say? I like captain-of-the-guard characters. They're strong and mysterious. So yeah, I love Chaol, his tough exterior, fierce loyalty, and quiet admiration for Celaena. 

Tucker from Unearthly

Cowboy. What else do I have to say? I didn't like Tucker at first, but once his defenses were down, I fell for him. Hard. Too bad he only has eyes for Clara. ;) 

Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss

Something about foreign names and foreign accents (especially a British accent) makes me swoon. I know I'm not the only one who adores Etienne, faults and all. I appreciate the fact that he isn't perfect, though, and I appreciate the fact that he faces his shortcomings (no pun intended). 

Cricket from Lola and the Boy Next Door

Cricket isn't swoon-worthy in the typical sense. I never got a sense that he was that "hot", but somehow, his personality shined through. He's sensitive and quirky, with a good sense of humor. I like that in a guy, and I liked how REAL he felt. He's definitely "the boy next door" kind of guy, and I love him for that.

Four from Divergent

Four is incredibly brooding and mysterious. He's the type of guy that I'd probably admire from a distance, but wouldn't make the first move. Admiring Four from a distance is just fine by me. 

Daniel from Something Strange and Deadly 

Sure, Daniel is a little cranky, a little frustrating, and a little moody. But I like him. He's intelligent, loyal, and even a little mysterious. I feel hard for him while reading Something Strange and Deadly.

Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars

What can I say about Gus? He's just perfect. Funny, intelligent, wise, and so brave. The Fault in Our Stars was just as much his story was it was Hazel's. I cried and I laughed with Augustus, through all his ups and downs. 

Kenji from Shatter Me/Unravel Me 

Kenji is far from perfect. He's obnoxious, conceited, and has a tendency to rub some people the wrong way. But underneath that fun-loving, humorous exterior is a guy who is able to prioritize. He's strong, dedicated, and isn't afraid to be honest. He's able to put Juliette in her place, when she kept moping about Adam. I admire him so much for that. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Day 2: Favorite Authors

Welcome to Day 2 of my blogvesary celebration! To celebrate, I've come up with a list some of my favorite authors (which was TOUGH, let me tell you). Also, I have another giveaway below, so be sure to check it out! 

Thanks for stopping by.

STEPHANIE PERKINS

I adore this woman. She's funny, compassionate, and just writes the best swoon-worthy guys (Etienne and Cricket <3). I had to fortune to meet Stephanie last year, and she's just so adorable. I'm dying to get my hands on Isla. Her books are so romantic, funny, and heart-warming. They're sure to put any one in a good mood. That alone has put Stephanie on my list as one of my favorite authors.

SARAH J. MAAS

Sarah's journey to publication has been the most inspirational for me, perhaps because I followed her all the way from Fiction Press. It was such a joy to finally read the news that her book would be published. It was an even greater joy to meet her in person last year at the Southern Festival of Books. Thank you, Sarah, for loving your fans so much. And thank you for writing such a kick-butt heroine. Celanea's story deserves to be told, and I will devour any book chronicling her adventure. 

SUSAN DENNARD

Where do I begin? Susan is the epitome of awesome. Her blog posts about revising are so helpful, and the blog posts she write about her struggles are SO encouraging. It helps us aspiring writers know we are not alone. And how can I forget the BAMFwordbattles that have helped me write those words! Susan and Sarah are a tour de' FORCE. Here's to hoping we'll meet some day. And here's to hoping I won't 'fan-girl' too much, because Something Strange and Deadly was amazing and Eleanor a fantastic heroine. I can't wait to see where her story is headed, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next.

RUTA SEPETYS

When I first met you, Ruta, we got on the subject of writing and I admitted I tried to write, but unsuccessfully. You didn't hesitate to tell me that that was 'ok' and that writing takes a lot of time and effort. Thank you for your encouraging words, for supporting me, and thank you for your amazing books that have changed my perspective on life by writing about the past.

VICTORIA SCHWAB

This girl has a way with words. I love her books, and I can't wait to read what she writes next! On top of that, though, Victoria is just an awesome person. She's super fun and super encouraging. From one fellow PLUNCH girl to another. 

KATIE MCGARRY

I read Pushing the Limits, not knowing what to expect. And I fell hard for the book, its characters, and its author. Katie just has a knack for writing about love in a way that isn't always pretty. But it's real, it's raw, and it's what sustains us in the end. Her characters are broken, rough, but they manage to find their way in the end. 

LEIGH BARDUGO

Leigh is the epitome of cool. She's a make-up artist, musician, and author. Not to mention, the books she's written are fan-freakin'-tastic. I've have the pleasure of reading Shadow and Bone and an ARC of Siege and Storm, and AH! The world is so vivid, with so many swoon-worthy guys. And Alina. She's such an amazing, and perfectly flawed character. I will buy anything this woman writes. 

CLAIRE LEGRAND*

I usually don't claim an author a "favorite" until I've read at least two of their books, but I have to make an exception for Claire. I read The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls and was floored by her talent as a writer. Victoria had such a strong voice, and her writing was pitch perfect. Not to mention, she's a former piano player (LIKE ME). I will honestly buy anything Claire writes (and I'm especially anticipating Winterspell, her YA retelling of The Nutcracker.)

RAE CARSON

I LOVED The Girl of Fire and Thorns. I ADORED The Bitter Kingdom. Rae has managed to solidify my love for Fantasy. I love how she incorporates Religion, I love the world, and I love Elisa. Her character growth is one of the best I've read in YA. If only I could find I real-life Hector in my life, I'd be set. THere's not doubt, I'll be eagerly following Rae's writing career as she ends her first trilogy and begins her second (it's a historical with fantasy elements set during the GOLD RUSH! How exciting!).

Honorable Mentions:

John Green

Kasie West
Brigid Kemmerer

*Claire's debut was MG, but I still put her on this list because of her upcoming Winterspell. Hey, my list, my rules? <333
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Day 1: Favorite YA Books

HOORAY! Citrus Reads is now a year old! *throws confetti* In light of this event, I've got books to giveaway and favorites lists to share. First up? Favorite books in YA. I originally intended to list 10, but  I COULDN'T CHOOSE JUST 10. I had to slide in an 11th entry.

Thank you, EVERYONE, for sticking around with me, especially over the past few months when I was busy and had no time to blog. I <3 each and every one of you for your support and shared love of books. I would not have the book collection I have today, if it weren't for all the amazing reviews and recommendations. I would not love YA as much, without this community.

SO, here is my favorites list (with a few 'honorable mentions'). If you're interested in the giveaway, it's listed below.

Favorite YA books since I started blogging (in no particular order): 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Just One Day by Gayle Foreman

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

The Unearthly Trilogy

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Honorable Mentions (Adult, MG, and YA)

*The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire LeGrand
*A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
*Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
*Divergent by Veronica Roth
*The Lunar Chronicles (Cinder and Scarlet) by Marissa Meyer
*Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi



Now, the giveaway! I have a total of 6 books, but there will be 5 winners. The books are as follows:
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer ARC (possibly signed?)*
Prodigy by Marie Lu ARC (possibly signed?)*
Entice and Embrace by Jessica Shirvington (SIGNED)
The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (SIGNED)

and

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (PAPERBACK; SIGNED)

Just enter the rafflecopter below.

*NOTE: A group of authors put together a YA2U tour that includes authors Marissa Meyer and Marie Lu. They are coming to Cookville, which is an 1.5 hr drive. I can't guarantee 100% that I'll be able to go to the signing, but IF I do, I'll get the ARCs signed. If I can't, the winner will just receive the ARC. Please understand that the signature is not a guarantee.


  a Rafflecopter giveaway