The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection 

by Kiera Cass

Released: April 15, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, Book 1
Followed By: The Elite
Page Amount: 327, US Paperback
POV: 1st Person (America)
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon

OVERALL:

Plot-19/20
Characters-18/20

Creativity-18/20

Writing-20/20

Pace-10/10

Ending-9/10

=94/100 A

★★★★★/5

SUMMARY:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. -Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book blew away my expectations, in a good way! I'll admit I was a little leery to read this book because of all of the mixed reviews and controversy involving such reviews. Let me begin this review by saying that my opinion on this book was not in any way swayed by the author or other reviewers. This is my honest opinion. I wasn't expecting much when I picked up this book. I thought it would be an average love triangle tale with some overused dystopian elements. As soon as I began reading this book, however,  I realized that that was not the case. This book is way more unique than it sounds. It shares the basic premise of The Bachelor, but this book goes so much more in depth as to the society of Illea as a whole and how it runs with castes, which are levels that classify a person's ranking. It's a very interesting dystopian view of the world, one that hasn't been told before. I also really loved that this book encompasses a competition between 35 girls to win over the handsome Prince Maxon's heart. Every girl has a distinct personality and motive for being there. This made drama unfold and interesting friendships to form. 

The characters were amazing! America as the narrator had a very honest and appealing voice. Every emotion that a girl would experience in her given situation was documented, giving this book a realist feel to it. Her relationship to Maxon was quite adorable. Maxon is definitely not what she or I thought he was going to be like. Maxon is an amazing guy with a good and pure heart, not egotistical at all. I'm really excited to see what's in store for these two, as long as America's old sweetheart, Aspen, doesn't get in the way. Aspen is a major jerk and heartbreaker. I'm still pretty angry and what he did to America. Sometimes good intentions just aren't enough. Not a fan of love triangles? Don't worry, there isn't much of one in this book because Maxon is the only hottie in the castle and Aspen screwed up big time. It's fairly obvious who has America's attention very early on. (Team Maxon all the way.)

The ending made me really happy and ready to dive into the next installment. It gave me enough information to be content with the conclusion of the first book yet withheld enough to keep me at the edge of my seat. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about Illea and the ending of the competition, which I'm sure will be answered in the next two books. All in all, give this book a try. It's truly enjoyable and unique. I can definitely say it's one of the best books I've read this year. I just wish I read it sooner. 

My Favorite Part: Maxon and America's characterization.


ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a fun, romantic tale!
Will I be reading the next book? Absolutely! Already have haha! :D
Thanks for reading! Spread the word that It's a Book Thing is back and better than ever!

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

The Geography of You and Me 

by Jennifer E. Smith

Released: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Poppy
Page Amount: 337, US Hardback
POV: 3rd Person
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon

OVERALL:

Plot-17/20

Characters-18/20

Creativity-17/20

Writing-16/20

Pace-8/10

Ending-9/10

=85/100 B

★★★★/5

SUMMARY:

Lucy and Owen meet somewhere between the tenth and eleventh floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they're rescued, they spend a single night together, wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is restored, so is reality. Lucy soon moves to Edinburgh with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father. Lucy and Owen's relationship plays out across the globe as they stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and -- finally -- a reunion in the city where they first met. A carefully charted map of a long-distance relationship, Jennifer E. Smith's new novel shows that the center of the world isn't necessarily a place. It can be a person, too. -Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book was exactly what I expected when I picked up this book. I knew it was going to be more character heavy than plot heavy, because that's what all romance stories are. However, when I first started this book, I was blown away. I absolutely love how Owen and Lucy met in a stopped elevator. It was romantic and believable. No trace of insta love in this book! Lucy and Owen's relationship started out very slowly, even though the connection was present from the start. I really liked how Smith didn't rush their relationship, it made their connection flourish with each postcard exchanged. 

This book also talks a lot about long distance relationships, whether they be romantic or just friendly. Every place Lucy and Owen visited or moved to they sent one another a postcard from said place. I found this to be absolutely adorable. I was swooning during the entire first quarter of this book. The chemistry between the two was so powerful, I couldn't help but root for their relationship even when every odd was against them. This book may not be plot heavy, but the relationships within this book, whether they be between Owen and Lucy or Owen and his dad, made this book a worthwhile and emotional read. 

The characters were very well drawn out. Lucy was a stereotypical, lonely girl, but her voice went hand in hand with the way she acted. Even though there was nothing special about Lucy, she was very likable and relatable because she embodied most female teenagers trying to navigate life and love. On the other hand, there was Owen. I'm sure you all know by now that I love me a good male protagonist. Owen didn't disappoint. His sending postcards to Lucy made me wish that I could take Lucy's place. He's a wonderful person. People are complicated though and distance puts a lot of strain on a relationship, so of course there is some drama. Even the secondary characters were well characterized. Owen's father was a very intriguing character due to his dealing with the death of his wife. It was also interesting to see Lucy's relationship with her mother develop throughout the book. All in all, this book had an entertaining cast of characters.

The ending tied everything up in a nice little bow. It wasn't super spectacular, but the ending still was super cute. I really enjoyed how New York connected Lucy and Owen. I'm glad Smith reinforced that idea on the last couple of pages. It gave this romantic book a thoughtful ending. I really hope Smith writes a novella about Owen and Lucy because I'd love to find out what's in store with them next. Long distance relationships are difficult and I'd be interested to see how they make it work. If you want a romantic, contemporary book, this is the pick for you.  

My Favorite Part: The beginning was absolutely perfect!


ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a fun, romantic tale!

Thanks for reading!

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥