Book Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Book Review
Matched
Ally Condie
Publish Date: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Description:
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.

Review:
I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). I’ve seen the book discussed on Twitter and blogs, and absolutely adored the cover! So I was anxious to read it, especially as a huge fan of dystopian YA novels. I definitely suggest you give it a chance too!

Pros:

Although the book is set in the future, Ally builds an amazing and realistic world – frightening because you can definitely foresee it happening! The meals, the exercise, the rigidity is all very concrete and conceivable.
The book ended with a great hook, leaving you anxious for the sequel.
The love triangle is believable, leaving the reader unsure who they’re rooting for!

Cons:

I felt that Cassie’s voice fell flat. It could be intentional – she’s a girl who lives in a perfect world, so why would she have any other concerns? She also has only been exposed to intentional pieces of art, poetry, books, etc – so she couldn’t have a lot of references for metaphors, etc. Still, at times it was hard to really get into Cassie’s head and identify with her.
The present-tense felt a little off in this book. I didn’t feel the sense of immediacy that is usually required of a book written in present-tense.

Share and Enjoy: