Matched by Ally Condie

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.

This is one of those books I saw so much about and loved the cover. The summary really draws you in, especially with the mention of a passionate love triangle. I found this read to be similar to The Giver by Lois Lowry, and I am not saying the world itself (tho some similarities exist, but I think if the dystopia genre continues to take off over the next year like it has been, I think similarities will happen.) I was referring more to the style of writing. You know that chart we teach in school to show rising conflict, resolution, falling action etc.? The chart leads up to a big moment, and in most books there are several big moments that we as readers are led up to. In Matched and The Giver it's more like a flat line, a constant. Even with the bigger moments, like when Cassia and Ky are practicing writing and aren't supposed to or when Cassia passes Ky's artifact to Xander, I paged over them.

My favorite part of the book is the Match Banquet. I thought this was the most captivating. I thought it captured Cassia's nerves well and I was happy she got matched with &%^$#@. I really thought that the book was going to be about their relationship and their struggles. I hate to say but I might have enjoyed the book more if it had.

Some quick thoughts:

Not my favorite.... is there a sequel?

I like the mother in this one

AGENT CONTEST ALERT It's over at YAtopia. You get a chance to work with the awesome Vicki Motter. She is looking to build her client list and is looking for YA and Adult Paranormal/Urban Fantasy. You need to do a three line pitch. On the post they also have an interview from Motter to help you figure out what she is looking for! Good Luck.