The Selection by Kiera Cass

~For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To 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. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. 

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.~


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Let me just start out by saying that this is one of my favorite books I have ever read--by far. Probably the only one that could top it is Revolution by Jennifer Donnely (I am a little obsessed with it.) I could not put this book down, until I got to about the last chapter..I purposely did not read it for a week just so I could save the ending..haha. :)


If the picture doesn't draw you in, the story line will. I mean 35 beautiful girls all vying for a handsome princes attention--how could you not love a story like that? 

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Set in a time where who your ancestors were affects everthing in your life, America Singer fights to make a difference and marry the love of her life..Aspen. The thing is, Aspen is a six and, America..is a five. In their world this is a big difference. Here is a breakdown of the social standings or as the book calls them castes:

~This is a general idea of where professions fall within the castes described in The Selection. I realize it doesn't list every possible job on the planet, but hopefully this list makes the divisions a bit clearer.

Ones: Royalty, clergy

Twos: All celebrities such as MTV-type musicians, professional athletes, actors, models; politicians as well as all officers in any policing, military, firefighting, or guarding position which are assigned by draft.

Threes: Educators of any kind, philosophers, inventors, writers, scientists of any kind, doctors, veterinarians, dentists, architects, librarians, all engineers, therapists or psychologist, film directors, music producers, lawyers.

Fours: Farm owners, jewelers, real estate agents, insurance brokers, head chefs, project managers for construction, property/business owners for things like restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Fives: Classically trained musicians and singers, all artists, live theatre actors, dancers, circus performers of any kind.

Sixes: Secretaries, wait staff, housekeepers, seamstresses, store clerks, cooks, drivers.

Sevens: Gardeners, construction workers, farm hands, gutter or pool cleaners, almost all outdoor workers.

Eights: Mentally or physically unwell (particularly if there is no one to care for them), addicts, runaways, homeless.~

America knows that she loves Aspen, but she doesn't know if he wants to marry her. Then one day America gets a letter in the mail, an opportunity for her to become the Prince's bride and, all she has to do is compete for his love and affection with 35 other girls. But the thing is, America doesn't want any part of this contest..she knows she could never love Prince Maxon, but Aspen encourages to sign up..just so he knows she has the opportunity of a better life. And then, the unthinkable happens...America is chosen. She now gets to live at the palace, eat amazing food, become friends with girls she would of been a servant too...and possibly fall in love with a dashing prince. 

Here is a list of all 35 girls in the Selection:

Marlee Tames from Kent, Four
Elayna Stoles from Hansport, Three
Tuesday McKay from Waverly, Four
Olivia Witts from Zuni, Three
Fiona Castley from Paloma,Three
Celeste Newsome from Clermont, Two
Emmica Brass from Tammins, Four
Samantha Lowell from Sonage, Three
Tiny Lee from Dakota, Three
Kriss Ambers from Columbia, Three
Briel Pratt from Sota, Two
Ashley Brouillette from Allens, Three
Janell Stanton from Likely, Three
Amy Everheart from Atlin, Three
Tallulah Bell from Hundson, Two
Anna Farmer from Honduragua, Four
Kayleigh Poulin from Sumner, Three
Emily Arnold from Labrador, Three
Elizabeth O’Brien from Fennley, Three
Natalie Luca from Bankston, Four
Lyssa Bow from Whites, Five
Hannah Carver from Bonita, Five
Elise Whisks from Angeles, Four
Jenna Banks from Midston, Three
Clarissa Kelley from Belcourt, Two
C.C. Lands from St. George, Four
Laila Toil from Panama, Four
Reeli Tanner from Denbeigh, Four
Mikaela Coveny from Calgary, Three
Camille Astor from Baffin, Two
Mia Blue from Ottaro, Three
Zoe Peddler from Lakedon, Four
Sosie Keeper from Yukon, Four
Leah Sacks from Dominca, Three
America Singer from Carolina, Five

You should by far pick up this book and read it...it is amazing. Check out the authors Pinterest page for The Selection here: http://pinterest.com/kieracass/the-selection/

Love, Grace Elizabeth Nickols :) xoxo