Tuesday, December 28, 2010

[Book Review] MATCHED by Ally Condie

Science Fiction/Young Adult

Hollye reviews MATCHED by Ally Condie (Dutton Books, 2010)

This book is set in the future. Society now dictates who you are to marry, when you are to die, what kind of job you will have, what kind of meals you will eat according to your dietary needs, and even how many calories you should have. There are only 100 poems and 100 songs for people to read or listen to. There is always an “official” watching you and there is almost no crime.

Cassia is 17 years old--now ready to be “matched” with the person she is to marry. Teens her age all over the world go to their cities’ banquet halls to see who they are to marry. Cassia is shockingly matched with a childhood friend from her neighborhood, which almost never happens. Usually, they are matched with people from other places and will move to be with their husbands. Upon learning of their matches, teens are given a microchip with all the information about their future spouses. Cassia puts in her microchip at home that night and another person’s information from her neighborhood is on the card. Did the “officials” make a mistake? This is when Cassia begins to question her society and the rules governing them.

I really enjoyed this book. It was said to be the next, Hunger Games. Although I really enjoyed this book it did not compare to the Hunger Games series. It was much slower paced and left many questions by the end of the book. I think that many teens will relate to Cassia and her friends. Many teens will understand why Cassia begins to question the rules of her society.

Hollye Ferguson, Parkway Village Library

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Comments:
Hollye,
I agree. I enjoyed the book but felt like it needed more editing. It just seemed a bit long.

I HATED the end (because it ended)! I wanted to know more! I will probably read the next book in the series to see what happens to Cassia and Ky.

I hope it is the "next big teen series" but I fear its length will scare off many teens. Thankfully the YA publishing is growing by leaps and bounds and there is a book out there for everyone!

Beth, Highland Branch
 
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