Thursday, March 3, 2011

Matched::A Bookanista Review






For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice. (From Amazon)

What I liked about this book: It was written for teens. With teen themes, teen choices, teen angst. It is a book that will make a teenager think without needing any graphic violence or sex or language to to make them see what is right and wrong.

The characters: They are totally normal, almost to the point of mundane, but that is their most endearing quality. You love them because of the every-day circumstances life has put them in. Especially MC guy: he washes dishes every day for his vocation--his hands are always red and chapped--and it makes him so real you can't help but love him.

The romance: It was sweet, simple, and grew from nothing into something really amazing. You felt it from the very beginning and totally understood its motivating power. Sort of like... True Love! I like that.

The other thing: This will sound weird, but not much happens in this really long book (I'm not joking!). But it is good from the beginning to the end! Ally Condie does a great job with the pacing--a great talent indeed.

For other Bookanista reviews, click on the links below!






9 comments:

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I still don't have this one, and I still WANT IT big-time. Soon. Very soon. :-)

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Such a beautiful book. I was reminded of it when I read Delirium--that sense that not a whole lot of action, but you're still drawn to it because the premise and the characters are so great!

Krispy said...

I really enjoyed Matched too for all these reasons! It's a quiet but captivating read.

B.J. Anderson said...

Great review, Bethany! I will have to put this on my never-ending list of books to read.

Bethany Wiggins said...

Krispy, I couldn't have said it better!

Sarah said...

LOVED the book. Intense and well-written like Hunger Games, but far less bloody. Can't wait for the next book. Kudos to Ally for her first book!

Theresa Milstein said...

I enjoyed it, though I wish Cassia and her match could've been muchier. The surveillance they were constantly other always felt oppressive, which I thought was really well-done. I thought they'd get caught at each moment.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've had this book on my wishlist for ages - I'm bumping it up :)

Shana Silver said...

I know exactly what you mean about nothing much happening yet it being completely engaging!!! I loved this one.