The Selection

The Selection, Book 1

By: Kiera Cass

Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Fall in love - from the very beginning. Discover the first book in the captivating, number one New York Times best-selling Selection series.

Prepare to be swept into a world of breathless fairy-tale romance, swoonworthy characters, glittering gowns, and fierce intrigue perfect for listeners who loved Divergent, Delirium, or The Wrath & the Dawn.

For 35 girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, 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, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Prince Maxon - and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Don’t miss The Betrothed, a glittering royal romance sure to captivate Kiera Cass’s legion of loyal listeners and lovers of courtly intrigue alike!

©2012 Kiera Cass (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

charming

The author Kiera Cass did an astounding job with this book. America came across as a well rounded character, not shallow in any way. She was not a love sick puppy that was dying for the prince's love and attention. This story reminded me of a dystopian type of Esther story, where the prince must choose his future bride. I look forward to the next book.

great dumb teen drama, unintended implications

The narrator did a great job. but the story... I have some issues with teen love triangle, but that's a staple if the genre. I'm less enthused by the casual racism in the world building about ww3. I'm not a fan of the way that the caste system itself is framed-- that the only real issue with it is that lower caste people might not have enough to eat. And yes, that's obviously bad, but... it feels like the author is okay with the system existing, if that means a) their main character can be a rags-to-riches Cinderella type princess, and b) that authoritarian rule is fine if the Right Person is in charge. none of this is explicit, and the book ends in the middle of the story-- the second book sends to be named The Elite, which is the remaining few girls from the initial eponymous "selection;" which is to say: I'm not actually reviewing the whole story, bc this book doesn't have what feels like an ending, it just Stops, and the above criticisms may be covered in more detail in the next book... but they're not in this one, and tbh I'm still unsettled by the unfortunate implications running through this work, about how and why things were framed as they were, and how that informs the reader-- and the target demographic of teens & young adults are exactly the kind of age group who are vulnerable to the kind of anti- Chinese rhetoric that's sprinkled throughout, and the idea that if you're nice to your maids, it's fine that they don't have a choice about being a maid, and really they prefer it here!

I picked up this book to immerse myself more in the current YA romance genre bc that's what I write in, primarily. I want to read both the good and the "bad," but... I'm not sure whether I want to continue with this series or not, at this point.

Amazing

I'm almost 40 and I enjoyed this. The process of the selection and America's journey makes you feel invested in her as a person.

Decisions, decisions

What made the experience of listening to The Selection the most enjoyable?

It was a quick 'listen', light and enjoyable. Kind of Cinderella with a smidge of the Twilight love triangle and Hunger Games (contestants selected from districts, televised, rebels).

Who was your favorite character and why?

America, of course! She starts the story in a place where she has stable relationships - her family, her craft, and her secret boyfriend. Then the boy she loves rejects her, and fate whisks her away from all she's familiar with to be a contender for the position of bride to the Prince. A chance most girls would want, right? Not America. She's still hurting emotionally, out of her element socially, and trying to figure out both competitors and the ins and outs of life in court. Her first meeting with the Prince is a near disaster. Despite it all, she survives and grows. She makes friends, takes care of the staff who are assigned to take care of her, and even talks to the Prince about areas of concern within the country - hungry people, the need for expanded education, and origins and motivations of the rebels.

Which character – as performed by Amy Rubinate – was your favorite?

I guess America...all the characters were good.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

One door closes, another opens...who knew it would be so tempting?

Any additional comments?

I liked the book enough to purchase the 2nd...is that endorsement enough?

great story. mediocre reading.

Would you listen to The Selection again? Why?

i might. if i go through listening to the whole series once i've finished it. i'm already on the second book and i hope the story stays as good as it was.

Any additional comments?

decent ya fiction. not the absolute best, but good nonetheless.

LOVE the book, HATE the voice reading it.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No, the voice reading the book is hard to listen to.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The voice was monotone and strained.

Hunger Games meets The Bachelor

the premise is fun and intriguing though a little simplistic I was engaged throughout and will order the second book

Loved it!

La historia está muy entretenida y te transporta a la escena de cada capítulo
Me encantó:)

Now I listened to it

I honestly have to say I listen to books while I drive to work. This narrators voice is monotone it’s almost like listening to a automated voice most of the time. I do however love the story itself and hope they re make this audible with someone a little less Ben Stein. With that being said I bought the second audible because it’s a good story.

Good story / no fan of narration

The narration is not my favorite. It seems the narrator ends all sentences on an upswing. I like the story it’s different and interesting, just not crazy about the reading of it.