Matched by Ally Condie

Book Summery:
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. -goodreads.com
Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Wow...my mind is still reeling from this one. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've read such mixed reviews. Many have compared this book to The Giver by Lois Lowry (one of my favorite childhood books), but I thought it was more akin to 1984 by George Orwell. I had the overall sense "things can't get any worse" and then they do, which is the same feeling I had when I read 1984. Overall, Ally Condie did a fabulous job of creating a distopian society. The rigid rules and lack of freedom were highly emphasized. The reader gets a sense of urgency and desperation from the characters. They have such little control over their life, always wanting more (even though it's forbidden). I found myself instantly absorbed in Cassie's life. She makes large strides throughout the entire book, both emotionally and intelligently. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, rooting for the impossible. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this sad tale and can not wait for the next installment in this trilogy, Crossed, which comes out this November. For more info, check out Condie's website here.

Favorite Quote:

"...I'll tell her and everyone else that I know: they are giving us pieces of a real life instead of the whole thing. And I'll tell her that I don't want my life to be samples and scraps. A taste of everything but a meal of nothing. They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom; just enough that when we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog..." (p. 249)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really think the cover is fitting to the story. The color green is mentioned several times, and has a special meaning to Cass. I also like the feeling of helplessness and entrapment that the green bubble provides. The sparseness the cover definitely sends a message as well. A perfect cover for this story!

Overall Rating: