Matched by Ally Condie

 

Matched by Ally Condie

Dutton Juvenile, November 30, 2010

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

I have been waiting forever for this book...early reviews were absolutely positive, so I actually broke down and pre-purchased it for my nook. I waited until vacation actually started (December 1) to begin reading, only to find out I'd forgotten to download it once it was released (and couldn't download while in "airplane mode"). ARGH!

But once I WAS able to start reading Matched, I couldn't stop! The hype is very well deserved. The writing is spectacular and the world Ally Condie has created is absolutely amazing. It's not just another book where some unknowns govern what they think is best for society...although it is about that. But this Society monitors every little thing you do--your meals are prepared and brought to you (created according to your personal nutritional demands), your dreams are monitored (each family member takes a turn with the skin tags at night), and of course you have no control over who you marry or fall in love with! It's an incredible world and I have great respect for Ally for creating it, and can't wait to see how the world develops (disintegrates?) in the upcoming books in the series.

I found Cassia's feelings quite believable and realistic. She's known Xander forever, so one part of her already loves him, and that part is relieved and excited to discover he's her Match. However, there's another part of her that won't quit asking, "What if?" I can't say at this point if I'm Team Xander or Team Ky. Both seem likable enough...I can't wait for book 2, Crossed, scheduled to be released "in 2011."

(P.S. Ally posted on her website that she thinks Neil Diamond would be a perfect Grandfather, and I thoroughly agree. I think he's the perfect image for this character!)
(purchased eBook for my nook)
Enjoy your reading!
Christi