The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: April 24, 2012
ISBN: 0062059939

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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:

The Selection was a nice book. I had fun reading it. I felt something was missing though. The concept was interesting but it was hard for me to relate. The setting was in the world where there's a caste system. America Singer, the heroine, is a five and her family is barely making enough money to survive. I found out a bit later that the ones are the people who are the richest and the higher the number the people are categorize, the poorer they are. America's parents and ex-boyfriend suggest her to join the selection. The story started out as her life was falling apart and being in the selection is what holds her together. The interactions between America and Prince Maxon was good. I just wanted more. I don't expect a fairytale story but it was almost there. It could be that the timing for those two are just not right. There were memorable girls from the selections but I wanted to know them more. The dates the prince had with the girls was nice but a bit short. Overall, The Selection was not bad but the story could expand even more. I guess that was why there was two more books after this. I'll continue on to Elite to see what happen to America.