Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

Released Date: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: Hardcover (366 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Matched #1
Genre: Dystopian Society
Author Website: http://www.allysoncondie.com/
Overall Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)

Description:  Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:

"Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs."

"Ky can play this game. He can play all their games, including the ones in front of him that he just lost. He knows exactly how to play, and that's why he loses everytime."

"Once you want something, everything changes."

"I came up on the screen, too, Cassia. But he was the one you chose to see."

My Musings: Before I purchased this book, I read many mixed reviews that had me going back and forth on if I even wanted to waste my time reading this. Many people seemed angered that the author received a million dollar deal for this trilogy that seems to be a rip off of the highly acclaimed "The Giver" by Lois Lowery. Being a big fan of "The Giver", I wasn't sure how I was going to react to Ally Condie's version of a dystopian society. After finishing, I arrived at some interesting thoughts.

There are definite similarites, but there are also different variations to "The Giver". I wouldn't discredit this book, because she really has some interesting thought provoking quotes weaved through out the book. Though there are any major battles and steamy romance scenes, I still felt satisfied with alot of the plot. I don't think this is a total rip off of Lois Lowery's book.

Cassia was a very interesting character to follow. She has this burning passion for freedom to have her own thoughts and choices. This passion is the driving force to everything she does. For instance, when she betrays the Society and embarks on her own adventures.

Another favorite element in the book was the strong family unit that Cassia is a part of.

Overall, I can't wait for the next book to become available. I wish there were so more intense scenes to push my emotions over the edge, but I only pray they will be made so in future books.

Cover Art: The front is very simple, but I love how the vivid color stands out.

Reading Order:
Matched
Crossed
Unnamed matched #3