A Delightfully Ridiculous Dive into "The Selection" by Kiera Cass
Ah, The Selection. When I heard about Kiera Cass’s novel, I’ll admit, the premise of a dystopian love competition caught my attention and my imagination. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good royal romance mixed with a bit of societal critique? Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would leave me both rolling my eyes and laughing out loud. Reading this book was like watching a beautiful train wreck—compelling in its absurdity.
At its heart, The Selection is about America Singer (yes, that’s her name), a Five in a highly stratified society that ranks its citizens based on wealth and class. She’s thrust into the spotlight when she’s chosen as one of 35 girls competing to win the heart of Prince Maxon. The setup itself seems silly at best, especially when you consider that society has become a bizarre blend of royalty and a reality dating show. Yeah, I didn’t know I needed a royal competition mixed with The Bachelor until I dove in.
The themes of identity, love, and class privilege are central to the plot. As America navigates the intricacies of living in a palace and her conflicting feelings for Maxon and her first love, Aspen, I found myself both cringing and rooting for her. America’s character is a mixed bag—self-centered yet endearing in her naïveté. Reading her misadventures was like watching a toddler attempt to cross a busy street: both hilarious and eyebrow-raising.
Now, about that writing style—Cass has a distinct voice that oscillates between passionate and downright silly. Some passages made me swoon, while others had me questioning the author’s grasp of basic emotions and dialogue. Particularly memorable was Maxon’s rather creepy declaration, “You are all dear to me; it is simply a matter of discovering who shall be the dearest.” I mean, who thought that was romantic? It definitely left an impression on me—and not the good kind.
Despite its flaws, there’s an undeniable charm to Cass’s storytelling. For instance, I appreciated the comedic gold that came from America’s encounters with the other Selected. The over-the-top dramatics provided ample entertainment, which made this read less of a chore and more of a laugh. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t reenact some scenes for fun—my boyfriend can confirm this!
Given its flaws in world-building and character depth, I sometimes felt as if I were reading a master class in how NOT to construct a dystopian novel (a sentiment echoed by several reviewers). Still, there’s something exceptionally engaging about its ridiculousness. Kiera Cass manages to weave a tapestry of implausibility so rich that it becomes captivating in its own way.
In conclusion, if you’re a reader who enjoys irony, a healthy dose of absurdity, and the questionable logic found in YA literature, then The Selection might just be your next guilty pleasure. It makes me reflect on how, sometimes, the books we consider “bad” can be the most entertaining, reminding us that literature isn’t always about perfection—sometimes, it’s about the wild, curious ride it takes us on. I left the book feeling amused, bewildered, and eager to see what misadventures America would stumble into next! Happy reading!
Discover more about The Selection (The Selection, #1) on GoodReads >>