The heroine, America Singer, does not wish to enter The Selection. She’s happy with her life, even though there are hardships, and above all, she has a loving boyfriend whom she wishes to marry. Unfortunately for America, she belongs to caste 5, a caste above her boyfriend. But she doesn’t have qualms about it, in fact, she’s willing to go a caste down to be with him. By the way, caste 6 are slaves while caste 5 are musicians and artists.
America’s mother wants her to join. Because of that, she has decided to have a bargain with her daughter. If she registered to be part of The Selection, America will be able to have a little freedom in her job, and she gets to keep half of her earnings. America saw this as her bread and butter in order to be with Aspen, that’s why she has decided to register. Unfortunately for America, she was one of the “lucky 35 girls” who gets to enter the palace and compete for the heart of the prince.
I’ve read reviews about The Selection and says that this is more like a mash up of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor. And I got to admit, that it’s a little like that. The mechanics of who’s who in The Selection is very much Hunger Games-like, the only difference is it’s not a fight to the finish… because the girls need to compete for the love and affection of the prince.
Anyway, I like the heroine. She’s funny and witty, and she has a big heart. Maybe that’s because she’s just a step up from the caste of the slaves? Maybe. I also like the part that she’s honest. She’s able to tell Prince Maxon that she’s not there vying for his attention when they first met. She’s loyal to her family, she fishes to continue in the competition because her being there means food on their table, and a more comfortable life. It’s weird that I like her with these qualities, yet I so want her and the prince to be together in the end.
I hate to admit this, but most the “happenings” inside the palace where attacks of the rebels, girls competing to be the prince’s wife, and, America and Maxon’s friendship. Honestly, I am really irritated at some point that “they’re just friends”. The story just moved, again, when America’s old flame, Aspen Ledger, was appointed inside the palace. I hated that part though, but in a way, America was freed from her old feelings. Though she admitted that she still loved him, but they can’t be the same as they were. Prince Maxon admitted that he likes America, but then again, he doesn’t want her to feel like she’s a prisoner without free will. He wanted her to decide if she wants to stay or not… if she wants to be with him or not. And whatever her decision will be, Maxon said that he will accept it. America finally realized that they’re not just friends, because they were more than friends. In the end, she’s finally able to settle things out with Aspen. She said that she’s still in love with him, but, no, they can’t be back to how they’re used to be. Props for Maxon!!
It seems like America will be the one deciding, and not the Prince.
On the other hand, The Selection book 2 will be out Spring 2013.