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ashe01's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I went into this book being a little cautious. Let’s be honest… the plot description screamed The Bachelor to me, and I am one who is not at all interested in The Bachelor.
But, this plot was good. There was world-building. There was politics. There was the dystopian aspect. It wasn’t entirely about romance, and I loved that.
Who knows, I may change my mind between now and when I finish this series. But at this moment, I think America Singer is the newest addition to my list of favorite book characters. I could feel so many of the emotions she was experiencing, and therefore I felt like I really connected with her. She is such a strong FMC. She thinks through decisions. She is selfless and has a grand heart for others. She’s confident in herself. She’s strong and powerful in her own way. The entire plot of her being in a situation she didn’t want to be in, surrounded by girls who did want to be there, was a very interesting plot and something I enjoyed reading.
I ultimately rated this a 4.75 simply because of something that happens toward the end of the book that I didn’t particularly like, because I think it threw a wrench in what was seemingly becoming a smoother subplot. However, America’s response to this was comforting, as it showed her admirable quality of being able to keep a level head. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to read the next!
But, this plot was good. There was world-building. There was politics. There was the dystopian aspect. It wasn’t entirely about romance, and I loved that.
Who knows, I may change my mind between now and when I finish this series. But at this moment, I think America Singer is the newest addition to my list of favorite book characters. I could feel so many of the emotions she was experiencing, and therefore I felt like I really connected with her. She is such a strong FMC. She thinks through decisions. She is selfless and has a grand heart for others. She’s confident in herself. She’s strong and powerful in her own way. The entire plot of her being in a situation she didn’t want to be in, surrounded by girls who did want to be there, was a very interesting plot and something I enjoyed reading.
I ultimately rated this a 4.75 simply because of something that happens toward the end of the book that I didn’t particularly like, because I think it threw a wrench in what was seemingly becoming a smoother subplot. However, America’s response to this was comforting, as it showed her admirable quality of being able to keep a level head. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to read the next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Forced institutionalization, and Violence
Minor: Bullying, Alcohol, Miscarriage, Rape, and Sexual assault
abby_can_read's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
📖
I remembered when this book released and hold this series had on me. This was among my favorite series.
Having re-read this book, I will say that I hold some fondness for this series and the characters.
This book was alright. I think fondness has me rating it three stars. The characters weren't bad, but they were a little flat. The relationships were basic and the love triangle had me rolling my eyes. The writing style was a struggle stay engaged with. The plot was basic and predictable, and fondness helped me read the book in an afternoon.
I remembered when this book released and hold this series had on me. This was among my favorite series.
Having re-read this book, I will say that I hold some fondness for this series and the characters.
This book was alright. I think fondness has me rating it three stars. The characters weren't bad, but they were a little flat. The relationships were basic and the love triangle had me rolling my eyes. The writing style was a struggle stay engaged with. The plot was basic and predictable, and fondness helped me read the book in an afternoon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Bullying
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: War, Sexual assault, Miscarriage, and Rape
transcendent's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
forgot how much i eat up this type of book, like go fight for that mans hand in marriage!
America as a main character gives me absolutely nothing but i love that she rips into what is obviously going to be her future man because me too! #twinning
the only thing holding this back from probably what is actually a 4.5 star review is the rotten pacing which takes hold as soon as America leaves her home town and arrives at the palace and (spoilers about the relationship btw dont click)her dickhead ex boyfriend comes back into the fray right at the end and thinks he has a right to America's existence as a whole.
otherwise this book is really as i remember it, slay!
America as a main character gives me absolutely nothing but i love that she rips into what is obviously going to be her future man because me too! #twinning
the only thing holding this back from probably what is actually a 4.5 star review is the rotten pacing which takes hold as soon as America leaves her home town and arrives at the palace and (spoilers about the relationship btw dont click)
otherwise this book is really as i remember it, slay!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual assault, War, Rape, Bullying, and Vomit
Minor: Miscarriage
kawaii_rose's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: War
Minor: Vomit and Injury/Injury detail
kaylurzz's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Shout out to the random YouTube video essays that somehow compelled me to read this series.
Kinda goofy but I would have been cuckoo bananas over this had I read it when it first came out.
Kinda goofy but I would have been cuckoo bananas over this had I read it when it first came out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Violence
totallytae_23's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The selection, it was so good, the characters, the set up, the plot twists, I personally liked it best, because of the way the storyline was and how exciting the author made it feel. Finished this one in one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
erica_reads_things's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
An alright and entertaining play on dystopian era YA novels meets the Bachelor. Wasn't the best thing I've ever read but I want to finish the series to know what happens, so that's something! The characters are interesting and I like seeing the development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Classism
Moderate: War
Minor: Death, Violence, and Sexual content
tania_mybookishsecret's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Classism, and Bullying
Moderate: War
Minor: Sexism and Miscarriage
teslis's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I'm obsessed!! I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did.
The Selection is Februarys bookclub book and I will 100% read the second one after.
In the begining I had some problems with the main character America, she is a bit of a "pick me", but after reading I feel like its not the case. She dosen't have the same confident and is questioning her normal life to the one she gets to "explore".
The prince Maxon is one of my favorits, he is so nice and trying to help her, but also the others. I thought there first meeting was a bit of a cliche, but its also someting thats growing in me. I liek the sweet and slow pace in the ralationship. I fellt like a young girl when they held hands and kissed! I was all over the place.
I really dislikes Aspen, but its more because I fell like he messes things up, which is why I get anoyed with America.
Looking froward to reading The Elite!!
The Selection is Februarys bookclub book and I will 100% read the second one after.
In the begining I had some problems with the main character America, she is a bit of a "pick me", but after reading I feel like its not the case. She dosen't have the same confident and is questioning her normal life to the one she gets to "explore".
The prince Maxon is one of my favorits, he is so nice and trying to help her, but also the others. I thought there first meeting was a bit of a cliche, but its also someting thats growing in me. I liek the sweet and slow pace in the ralationship. I fellt like a young girl when they held hands and kissed! I was all over the place.
I really dislikes Aspen, but its more because I fell like he messes things up, which is why I get anoyed with America.
Looking froward to reading The Elite!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Bullying
Moderate: War and Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage
amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
3.5
Man this series is rough. The book cover is truly doing so much work here it is gorgeous. I still stand by that this would make a great tv show, the reality tv, pretty dresses, PeasantxRoyalty would be fun. Bummed the tv show never panned out lol
It's a fun trashy dystopian YA read from the 2000s. The love triangle is ridiculous and I can't believe this selection plot spans three whole books before the ridiculous ending it has. America and Aspen's relationship immediately falls apart in the beginning of the story only for her to pick it up again when he returns later in the book (spoiler i guess).
My main problem with the book (and series in general) is the random blatant sexism and racism. The girls in the selection are just wives who will bare children, they're objects, and while this is poked at (maybe once) it's not actually called out for being bad. The racism lies mainly in one character being Asian and is referred to as 'exotic' and also seems to be a 'conglomerate Asian' of just random various Asian stereotypes and cultural dress. But furthermore the two groups of rebels the north (implied Canadians) are described as 'civilized' and 'smart' while the south (implied Mexico and South America) are described as 'barbaric' and 'uncivilized', attacking viciously without purpose. There is also heavy classism. Although this is meant to be a dystopian plot device dividing the characters and their upbringings, the characters who rise classes basically immediately forget their struggles and upbringing and the commentary and morals end up not existing. America easily fits into her new raised class and bosses her maids around while displaying minimal niceties the reader is supposed to commend her for.
Overall this is a simple, albeit lacking 2000s dystopian with blatant problems and racism but at least it has pretty dresses and a fun little plot I guess....
Please ignore 2014 me's review lmao I was 15
It's a fun trashy dystopian YA read from the 2000s. The love triangle is ridiculous and I can't believe this selection plot spans three whole books before the ridiculous ending it has. America and Aspen's relationship immediately falls apart in the beginning of the story only for her to pick it up again when he returns later in the book (spoiler i guess).
My main problem with the book (and series in general) is the random blatant sexism and racism. The girls in the selection are just wives who will bare children, they're objects, and while this is poked at (maybe once) it's not actually called out for being bad. The racism lies mainly in one character being Asian and is referred to as 'exotic' and also seems to be a 'conglomerate Asian' of just random various Asian stereotypes and cultural dress. But furthermore the two groups of rebels the north (implied Canadians) are described as 'civilized' and 'smart' while the south (implied Mexico and South America) are described as 'barbaric' and 'uncivilized', attacking viciously without purpose. There is also heavy classism. Although this is meant to be a dystopian plot device dividing the characters and their upbringings, the characters who rise classes basically immediately forget their struggles and upbringing and the commentary and morals end up not existing. America easily fits into her new raised class and bosses her maids around while displaying minimal niceties the reader is supposed to commend her for.
Overall this is a simple, albeit lacking 2000s dystopian with blatant problems and racism but at least it has pretty dresses and a fun little plot I guess....
Please ignore 2014 me's review lmao I was 15
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Racism, and Classism