By Ayanna Varma ‘24

“The Selection” by Kiera Cass is a dystopian novel filled with romance, action, and drama.  In Illea, the area where America lives,there is a system of ranking from one through eight – one being the royal family, and eight being those who are extremely poor. America, a teenage girl, is a five and wants nothing to do with the royal family of Illea. Although she is not very wealthy, she is happy with her life because of her love, Aspen. America and Aspen are saving up to get married and live a happy life together.

However, when America’s family is in need of money, her mother desperately wants her to join the Selection, which takes place when the prince comes of age to be king. To pick his bride, the prince first looks at pictures of all the women in Illea. Then, based on looks, he sends a letter to the women he will allow to join the competition. Those who accept the letter must pack their stuff and go live in the palace. While in the palace, the women go through tests to try to win the prince’s heart. When the winner is chosen, she becomes the queen and her family live in happiness. However, the lives of those who lose go back to the way they were before. While the girl is in the competition, she and her family are given the luxuries of the royal family.

America is sent a letter to join the selection; while she wants nothing to do with it, she feels guilty to not help her family go through the struggle that they are facing as they don’t have enough food and money to pay for necessities.

Later that night, she told Aspen about the Selection, and he convinced her to enroll. He was not threatened by Maxon, knowing America’s hate for the royal family. Instead, he thought it would be beneficial for her family to lose some stress. America had no intention to become the queen, but when she met Prince Maxon, she could not help but fall in love.

I could not put this book down and ended up reading the rest of the series because of all the cliffhangers. If you enjoy dystopian books, try this book out – it may surprise you!