Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
5,431 customer ratings
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The Selection: The Selection, Book 1
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Customer reviews
- The Selection: The Selection, Book 1
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- Customer reviews
Top positive review
Didn't think I would love it this much
October 3, 2016
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I love dystopian novels, and have read all the usual suspects - Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, Delirium, etc. I loved some, not so much others. When this kept showing up in my recommendations, I just assumed it was because it was so popular, and not necessarily for me. I figured I would read the first one and be done - I was so wrong!! I can't read them fast enough! It's an interesting world they live in, and that's what makes a great dystopian book - when the main characters are just doing something so simple, like falling in love, and yet it impacts the entire political and social scheme. There are really great characters, well developed and believable - sweet, conniving, funny, bitchy. I find myself rooting for girls that are not America, and still being unable to decide who I want America to end up with. It's a riveting story and I can't wait to read more!
58 people found this helpful
Top critical review
‘Mean Girls’ meet ‘The Bachelor’
April 27, 2018
If you combined the dystopian setting of Hunger Games books with the backbiting and forced melodrama of ‘Mean Girls’ and The Bachelor TV series you’d have ‘The Selection.’ While I thoroughly enjoyed the Hunger Games books, I find The Bachelor insipid and boring. Unfortunately, The Selection is much more “Bachelor” than it is Hunger Games and because of that I am not inspired or motivated to continue the series even though book one leaves the reader hanging.
Below are some observations I noted as I read:
- Selection process reminiscent of Hunger Games series, but with less emotional engagement or risk
- The “Princes” selection process is The Bachelor model for selecting fiancés complete with ‘dates.’
- The heroine whines about everything that is different in her life resulting from her choice to participate in the selection. She made the choice to participate to benefit her family so suck it up, buttercup.
- The dialogue often reads like ‘Mean Girls’ in a girls’ locker room a month before prom: gossip, speculation, backbiting, wishful thinking, will he/won’t he ask me out; wild jealousy when girls talk about their respective dates with the Prince.
- Silly names for the new countries: Swendway, Honduragua; feels like the author couldn’t be troubled with more detailed world building.
Bottom line: this is a pale imitation of some of the other YA dystopian novels out there. If you want your young people to read about strong characters in difficult circumstances, look elsewhere.
Below are some observations I noted as I read:
- Selection process reminiscent of Hunger Games series, but with less emotional engagement or risk
- The “Princes” selection process is The Bachelor model for selecting fiancés complete with ‘dates.’
- The heroine whines about everything that is different in her life resulting from her choice to participate in the selection. She made the choice to participate to benefit her family so suck it up, buttercup.
- The dialogue often reads like ‘Mean Girls’ in a girls’ locker room a month before prom: gossip, speculation, backbiting, wishful thinking, will he/won’t he ask me out; wild jealousy when girls talk about their respective dates with the Prince.
- Silly names for the new countries: Swendway, Honduragua; feels like the author couldn’t be troubled with more detailed world building.
Bottom line: this is a pale imitation of some of the other YA dystopian novels out there. If you want your young people to read about strong characters in difficult circumstances, look elsewhere.
88 people found this helpful
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May 12, 2016
[...]
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The Selection is a story of thirty-five girls who are picked to be part of the Selection. They will try to win the heart of the Prince, Maxon while living in the palace surrounded by the best of everything. America didn’t want to be in the Selection, she entered at the request of others never expecting to be picked because she was in love with her secret boyfriend Aspen. Secret because of the cast system they live in and him being below her. Having her own ideas about what Maxon would be like she is thrown off guard when she meets him and all of her pre-conceived notions fall away. While she questions her feelings for everything, Maxon, Aspen, the idea of the crown, and her world she must play the game and survive the politics, other girls, and the rebel attacks.
This series has been out for a little while and I’ve had them on my shelf since 2014 at pre-YALLfest but had not picked them up yet. I wanted to read the series this year for many reasons, one that they were waiting for me and I wanted to knock them out and two because the follow up was coming out so it seemed like a good time before I got spoiled. If I’m honest one of the things that always made me pick up another book/series is that I’ve seen the MC America Singer on pretty much all of the lists for either annoying MC or some other such list and it made me nervous. I have some issues with her through the books, as you have with almost any MC not doing what you think they should do but I didn’t get annoyed with her any more than any other character from other books. So I would say go in without prejudices and just enjoy the story.
That said I really liked it. I don’t watch any of the dating shows currently but I did watch the first two or three seasons of the Bachelor. This was described as a dystopian royal version of the Bachelor and I totally see it in some aspects. There are thirty-five girls there in the hopes of being the chosen one, princess. Our bachelor is Prince Maxon who has one chance to find a girl he will be spending the rest of his life both in marriage and ruling the country so it’s rather daunting. I really liked him and his attitude towards the whole thing, he knows it’s unorthodox but he doesn’t have many options otherwise and this is how things are so he is making the best of it. He also has good intentions which were endearing. Wanting someone to love and someone to love him rather than his crown. Oh and I knew early on I was Team Maxon, just saying. Not finished with the series yet but I usually stick to my ships.
America was also rather sweet. She is in love and happy with things, content making the best of what she has. I liked that. Then when her heart is broken she is honest about it and wants to help everyone still. Now as things go on she has some less than honest moments to say the least but I understand her confusion and mixed up emotions. As I read I could understand how she would be confused about her feelings developing for Maxon. She’s competing with several girls for his attention and affection, she didn’t plan on it being an issue because she didn’t think she would ever really be in the game so to find you have feelings for him and are in it not for your family but for him it could be hard to reconcile. She makes plenty of mistakes but overall I enjoyed her character and how she looked after others from her family to her maids and fellow girls. Side note one of my favorites is Marley!
This is romance heavy but there are also larger issues at play from the rebel attacks to everything happening within the palace and country itself. There is a love triangle aspect to it which I know for some is an instant turn off but for me, the way it was put forth I can understand it. Now as to the audiobook it was pretty much the perfect length to finish during my trip and the narrator was pleasing to listen to. I’m still kind of new to audiobooks so maybe I’ll be pickier over time but I enjoyed it. So much so I’ve already finished book two and 40% into book three.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The Selection is a story of thirty-five girls who are picked to be part of the Selection. They will try to win the heart of the Prince, Maxon while living in the palace surrounded by the best of everything. America didn’t want to be in the Selection, she entered at the request of others never expecting to be picked because she was in love with her secret boyfriend Aspen. Secret because of the cast system they live in and him being below her. Having her own ideas about what Maxon would be like she is thrown off guard when she meets him and all of her pre-conceived notions fall away. While she questions her feelings for everything, Maxon, Aspen, the idea of the crown, and her world she must play the game and survive the politics, other girls, and the rebel attacks.
This series has been out for a little while and I’ve had them on my shelf since 2014 at pre-YALLfest but had not picked them up yet. I wanted to read the series this year for many reasons, one that they were waiting for me and I wanted to knock them out and two because the follow up was coming out so it seemed like a good time before I got spoiled. If I’m honest one of the things that always made me pick up another book/series is that I’ve seen the MC America Singer on pretty much all of the lists for either annoying MC or some other such list and it made me nervous. I have some issues with her through the books, as you have with almost any MC not doing what you think they should do but I didn’t get annoyed with her any more than any other character from other books. So I would say go in without prejudices and just enjoy the story.
That said I really liked it. I don’t watch any of the dating shows currently but I did watch the first two or three seasons of the Bachelor. This was described as a dystopian royal version of the Bachelor and I totally see it in some aspects. There are thirty-five girls there in the hopes of being the chosen one, princess. Our bachelor is Prince Maxon who has one chance to find a girl he will be spending the rest of his life both in marriage and ruling the country so it’s rather daunting. I really liked him and his attitude towards the whole thing, he knows it’s unorthodox but he doesn’t have many options otherwise and this is how things are so he is making the best of it. He also has good intentions which were endearing. Wanting someone to love and someone to love him rather than his crown. Oh and I knew early on I was Team Maxon, just saying. Not finished with the series yet but I usually stick to my ships.
America was also rather sweet. She is in love and happy with things, content making the best of what she has. I liked that. Then when her heart is broken she is honest about it and wants to help everyone still. Now as things go on she has some less than honest moments to say the least but I understand her confusion and mixed up emotions. As I read I could understand how she would be confused about her feelings developing for Maxon. She’s competing with several girls for his attention and affection, she didn’t plan on it being an issue because she didn’t think she would ever really be in the game so to find you have feelings for him and are in it not for your family but for him it could be hard to reconcile. She makes plenty of mistakes but overall I enjoyed her character and how she looked after others from her family to her maids and fellow girls. Side note one of my favorites is Marley!
This is romance heavy but there are also larger issues at play from the rebel attacks to everything happening within the palace and country itself. There is a love triangle aspect to it which I know for some is an instant turn off but for me, the way it was put forth I can understand it. Now as to the audiobook it was pretty much the perfect length to finish during my trip and the narrator was pleasing to listen to. I’m still kind of new to audiobooks so maybe I’ll be pickier over time but I enjoyed it. So much so I’ve already finished book two and 40% into book three.
The Bachelor Meets the Hunger Games: A Must Read for Anyone Who Loves Reality Shows and Dystopian YA Romances!
February 23, 2014A dystopian, young adult novel, like the Hunger Games and the Divergent Trilogies, with all of the sinful pleasure of watching a Reality TV Show! Without disputing the symbolism or value of The Selection as literature, I will just say that I found listening to the Audible edition of this book incredibly fun and entertaining and couldn't put my earphones down!
Set in the future, The Selection takes place in a fictional time when all persons are classified by a rigid number caste system with 1 being the highest/best and 8 being the lowest. In this world, a person's caste determines everything from the person's possible occupations to the person they can marry. Amidst this backdrop, Prince Maxim comes of age and is ready to marry. To find his bride, 35 girls are supposedly randomly selected from the kingdom to compete in The Selection in which he will choose his bride. While this is potentially a dream come true for any girl, the one girl in the kingdom who does not wish to be chosen is America Singer. America is secretly in love with Aspen. However, as America is a 5 (artists/musicians of a poor class) and Aspen, a 6 (an even poorer class; members of which typically work as servants) it is a forbidden love which America and Aspen maintain hidden. Aspen, however, wishing a better life for America, encourages her to enter her name in the lottery for The Selection and she is selected as one of the 35 contestants. The Selection chronicles America's struggle to determine what future she really wants; all the while questioning whether she has a choice in the matter at all.
I purchased this Audiobook from Audible a while back, and waited a long time to listen to this one. Wish I had listened to it earlier! I'm now in the middle of Book 2 (The Elite) and am equally loving that one! No doubt I will be shortly looking for the 3rd and last book in the series which is scheduled to be released in May.
Audible Edition: Amy Rubinate does a remarkable job of bringing all of the characters to life in the Audible Edition which truly adds to the total experience!
Set in the future, The Selection takes place in a fictional time when all persons are classified by a rigid number caste system with 1 being the highest/best and 8 being the lowest. In this world, a person's caste determines everything from the person's possible occupations to the person they can marry. Amidst this backdrop, Prince Maxim comes of age and is ready to marry. To find his bride, 35 girls are supposedly randomly selected from the kingdom to compete in The Selection in which he will choose his bride. While this is potentially a dream come true for any girl, the one girl in the kingdom who does not wish to be chosen is America Singer. America is secretly in love with Aspen. However, as America is a 5 (artists/musicians of a poor class) and Aspen, a 6 (an even poorer class; members of which typically work as servants) it is a forbidden love which America and Aspen maintain hidden. Aspen, however, wishing a better life for America, encourages her to enter her name in the lottery for The Selection and she is selected as one of the 35 contestants. The Selection chronicles America's struggle to determine what future she really wants; all the while questioning whether she has a choice in the matter at all.
I purchased this Audiobook from Audible a while back, and waited a long time to listen to this one. Wish I had listened to it earlier! I'm now in the middle of Book 2 (The Elite) and am equally loving that one! No doubt I will be shortly looking for the 3rd and last book in the series which is scheduled to be released in May.
Audible Edition: Amy Rubinate does a remarkable job of bringing all of the characters to life in the Audible Edition which truly adds to the total experience!
March 20, 2016
Words cannot express how awesome this book was... I checked it out from the library on a whim. I honestly didn't know anything about it, but it was in the recommendation section on Overdrive so I put it on hold. A few weeks later, I got it and started listening.
I finished that same day. Amy Rubinate did a great job, and I will be looking into more of the books she narrates.
Also, the story itself was so gripping... I loved it.
I've never seen the Bachelor, but there's a very similar vibe to what I expect happens in that show... but in a dystopian future with many historical aspects such as a caste system.
There was a lot of me clutching my phone closer to me, because of drama. A few times I definitely yelled at America... both for her insolence and because she was being awesome, but dangerously so.
I will absolutely be continuing this story. Highly recommend it! Read it immediately.
Story: 5 Platypires
Narration: 5 Platypires
Total: 5 Platypires
I finished that same day. Amy Rubinate did a great job, and I will be looking into more of the books she narrates.
Also, the story itself was so gripping... I loved it.
I've never seen the Bachelor, but there's a very similar vibe to what I expect happens in that show... but in a dystopian future with many historical aspects such as a caste system.
There was a lot of me clutching my phone closer to me, because of drama. A few times I definitely yelled at America... both for her insolence and because she was being awesome, but dangerously so.
I will absolutely be continuing this story. Highly recommend it! Read it immediately.
Story: 5 Platypires
Narration: 5 Platypires
Total: 5 Platypires
February 10, 2015
This was my second audio book. I realized its really handy to listen to an audio book while I do busy work like graphics, blogging, and all that other stuff since I can't actually read. The Selection has been on my list for ages. Finally, on a lazy weekend I started it knowing my daughter could listen to it with me. This was a different dystopian type tale. I mean it has its moments of harsh reality like all of them do, and its a bit odd that they have to go through this whole Selection process. Think Hunger Games meets The Bachelor because the dates and how they talk is SOOOO like the Bachelor but the whole rating system and when they got cleaned up for the Prince. I have to admit I'm not favoring Maxon. He had these incredible moments of sweetness that made me go awwwwww. Then he was all mean about the Celeste thing. I mean yeah, he explains that its because he's got pressure later. But then he's whining that he's sick of being told what to do. But dude. America told you she's a a-hole, she's an a-hole. I guess it's cheaper to keeper. Oh, and it will lead to more drama in the books lol. I don't believe he kissed the one chick on the roof. I think that's a lie. It seemed out of character for him based on his kiss with America.
At the moment I'm digging Aspen. Don't like the name so much but he's willing to fight. I wonder if Maxon knew he had competition if he would be as aggressive. At times America got on my nerves but I think that was more the way the narrator played her. She seemed to keep America very monotone and the rest of the characters when they would speak seemed to have more color. I'm starting to notice that narrators make or break a books when you listen. The book ended on a slight cliffhanger type ending with Aspen laying down the game, Maxon being a little bit passive, and America willing to give it a shot with him. Personally, I don't think she's gonna cope well because I think Celeste is going to be around until the end and I don't know if I can cope with that. If she is I might have to stop reading lol
Anyways, this was a very sweet, fluffy easy young adult story and I will be continuing.
*I listened to a copy via Scribd*
At the moment I'm digging Aspen. Don't like the name so much but he's willing to fight. I wonder if Maxon knew he had competition if he would be as aggressive. At times America got on my nerves but I think that was more the way the narrator played her. She seemed to keep America very monotone and the rest of the characters when they would speak seemed to have more color. I'm starting to notice that narrators make or break a books when you listen. The book ended on a slight cliffhanger type ending with Aspen laying down the game, Maxon being a little bit passive, and America willing to give it a shot with him. Personally, I don't think she's gonna cope well because I think Celeste is going to be around until the end and I don't know if I can cope with that. If she is I might have to stop reading lol
Anyways, this was a very sweet, fluffy easy young adult story and I will be continuing.
*I listened to a copy via Scribd*
June 5, 2016
I'm not sure why I read this book, honestly. Many of my students have read it and a few friends and everyone loved it, but I kept cringing at the comparison to The Bachelor. I cannot stand that show (sorry if you're a fan). So why did I read it? Peer pressure.
Some things I'm not a fan of: the love triangle. OH MY GOSH the love triangle. It's overwhelming how big this love triangle is!
Yet here I am, needing to find out what happens. So there is something to be said about the quality of the story because it is keeping me interested. I do wish they had gotten someone else to read this audiobook, though. I think I may have enjoyed it more than I did. I chose to read the second and third one instead of listening to them.
For more thoughts on this book, check out the full review at [...]
Some things I'm not a fan of: the love triangle. OH MY GOSH the love triangle. It's overwhelming how big this love triangle is!
Yet here I am, needing to find out what happens. So there is something to be said about the quality of the story because it is keeping me interested. I do wish they had gotten someone else to read this audiobook, though. I think I may have enjoyed it more than I did. I chose to read the second and third one instead of listening to them.
For more thoughts on this book, check out the full review at [...]
June 8, 2019
This is definitely a fun read. It's not great literature, but the storyline of a Bachelor-style competition set in a fantasy/futuristic royal world is a pleasurable bit of self-indulgent brain candy.
The author makes a few unfortunate choices which marred my enjoyment. The salon where female members of the royal family spend time is called 'The Woman's Room' - which made me think of a bathroom every time they went there.
But all in all, it's a fun read.
The author makes a few unfortunate choices which marred my enjoyment. The salon where female members of the royal family spend time is called 'The Woman's Room' - which made me think of a bathroom every time they went there.
But all in all, it's a fun read.
April 18, 2014
The Selection
Why I Loved It
Entertainment! I enjoy listening to audiobooks before going to bed. I usually listen for thirty minutes to an hour but with The Selection by Kiera Cass I was up all night.
I remember thinking that I would just listen to one more chapter and needing to find out what would happen next and before I knew it I was at the end and the audio was stating "We hope you've enjoyed The Selection" and you know what--I did, I really did enjoy it.
I'm sure if I took time to analyze things I could find some weak points but I'm not going to do that because I feel like the author gave me exactly what I wanted--a book that I became lost in.
The narrator, Amy Rubinate, did an amazing job. The story flowed flawlessly and I could easily picture all the events taking place as she read.
The Selection offers an entertaining escape into a future world of caste systems, Kings and Queens, a Prince in need of a Princess, and a revolution in the making. It has romance, drama, action, and a touch of mystery all delivered by great characters that you can't help but enjoy.
I highly recommend the audio version--It's great!
My Book Source: Library
Why I Loved It
Entertainment! I enjoy listening to audiobooks before going to bed. I usually listen for thirty minutes to an hour but with The Selection by Kiera Cass I was up all night.
I remember thinking that I would just listen to one more chapter and needing to find out what would happen next and before I knew it I was at the end and the audio was stating "We hope you've enjoyed The Selection" and you know what--I did, I really did enjoy it.
I'm sure if I took time to analyze things I could find some weak points but I'm not going to do that because I feel like the author gave me exactly what I wanted--a book that I became lost in.
The narrator, Amy Rubinate, did an amazing job. The story flowed flawlessly and I could easily picture all the events taking place as she read.
The Selection offers an entertaining escape into a future world of caste systems, Kings and Queens, a Prince in need of a Princess, and a revolution in the making. It has romance, drama, action, and a touch of mystery all delivered by great characters that you can't help but enjoy.
I highly recommend the audio version--It's great!
My Book Source: Library
August 21, 2015
The Selection is not War & Peace but neither does it pretend to be. It's a light romance very suitable for pre-teen and teen reading. For some reason I can't quite put my finger on, as a not-Young Adult, I really enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down. The tone seemed to invite readers to briefly put away their stark realism and societal commentary in order to escape and simply enjoy the tale. If I had to compare the feel of it to anything, I think it would be The Princess Diaries. I've already started on the next in the series!
September 9, 2018
This book kept popping up on my suggestions list and I kept passing it over. I decided last week to give it a try and Wow was I mad for putting this off. Read this in 1 day and started immediately on the second book. If you like books like the Hunger Games and Divergent then you’ll love this! I’d never heard of this author before but love the style of writing and flow of the book. Give this series a try!’
February 25, 2019
Predictable. Short. Certainly nothing approaching literature, but good ear candy if you want a completely effortless and chill listen sitting in rush hour traffic, trying to stay calm as you inch your way home.
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