The Selection
Reggie Reviews The Selection by Kiera Cass
Synopsis: America Singer is chosen to participate in the Selection, a Bachelor-like tradition that aims to find the ruling family’s prince a bride.
Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!
I’ve seen The Selection many times at my local library and like many of us, fell prey to the supposed cardinal sin of reading. I judged a book by its cover! And let’s be real here, we all judge books by their covers. How else would we decide what to read in a hurry?! However, quarantine has left me with a lot of free time and e-books have become my new best friend since libraries are closed. When my friend recommended The Selection, I was hesitant, but she loves it so much and told me I had to give it a chance. So, I did. And here we are!
The Review
Negatives
- Prince Maxon Schreave was described as just perfect. Throughout the book, I was aching for some flaws, any flaws to humanize him instead of making him this perfect golden boy, especially because we see Aspen’s flaws early on in the story. One instance where he yells at America helped him shed the perfect prince image a little, but I wanted more.
- I thoroughly disliked the whole concept of America being beautiful, but not knowing it. I’d prefer a female protagonist who knows she is beautiful and talented, but still has humility and grace rather than a character whose ignorance of her own beauty is applauded. I wish she was aware of it but did not let it define her and change her interactions with others. America’s ignorance of her own beauty felt like it was conveying the message that a lack of self-awareness is a good thing to young readers.
- America stringing along Aspen and Maxon throughout the book made me dislike her a little. Come on, choose one!
Me to America the whole book
Positives
- The opulence in the book was a treat for the imagination! I loved picturing America’s (and the rest of the girls’!) dresses while they stay at the palace.
- I also enjoyed the female friendships in this book, especially between America and Marlee, as well as the friendship America builds with her maids Anne, Mary, and Lucy.
- Although America made me dislike her sometimes, I absolutely loved America’s boldness. She is unafraid to tell it like it is and express her opinion. I know YA as a genre has an abundance of assertive heroines, but it made me happy to read about another one.
Me when America stood up for her maids
The Verdict
Reggie says:
Worth a read if you like lighthearted royal romances with a dash of love triangle tension.
