Synopsis
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.
My Thoughts
Before I read The Selection I read two pretty heavy books and because of that I decided to pick up a fast paced light read. I didn't have the book I was looking for on my shelf, so I decided to borrow this book from a friend of mine. And I have to say, this book surprised me quite a bit. I thought that it would be a stupid girly story with a lot of annoying characters. And even though I still think that America Singer is a pretty stupid name, she herself was not. And honestly the characters were all pretty good!
I did have some problems with the world building, because it's all still a bit vage to me.
Overall I just don't really know how to describe this book. I know that it had it's flaws, it wasn't the most amazing book that I read and it was a bit exaggerated at some points, but it was certainly enjoyable. It was exactly what I was looking for at the moment I picked it up!
So if you're not into girly romance stories, I would still suggest you pick it up! Just give it a try! It's a very fast paced book that won't take up too much
of your time.
Synopsis
'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.'
Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent - even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101 . . .
My thoughts
Let me start of by saying that this dystopian was not like any (ya) dystopian that I've ever read. There is no heroic main character that starts a whole rebellion that changes the whole world. There isn't loads of action and a beautiful love story intwined. But all these things make this dystopian so amazing and disturbing.
The main character, Winston, isn't what you would call heroic and maybe even a bit dull. But he tries to rebel in his own little ways and when he meets Julia they find ways to rebel together. Some people would call what Julia and Winston have together love, but in my opinion it is just a desire to break the rules and have the sort of relationship with another person that they could never have before. And I definitely liked how raw their relationship was, since you can really see the effects that this world has on people and their feelings.
I also loved the complete hopelessness in this book. Because how are you supposed to make a change, or even begin a rebellion, in a world where every move you make is watched. There is not even a way to know for sure if there are other people that have the same doubts that you have, since people barely communicate with each other.
I also thought that the ending of this book was perfect and disturbing at the same time.
So if you like dystopian or classics I'd definitely recommend this to you!
Have you read this book? Or are you planning on reading it? I'd love to know!
