Hardback or Paperback Hardback
Synopsis Cassia is surprised and thrilled that the person Society has Matched her with--her future husband--is her handsome friend. But when she starts to read the digital information about him that she's been given, the face of another friend appears, apparently by mistake. This is the first sign for Cassia that there are problems beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect Society.
Evaluation Lyrical writing, gradual revelation of a society's hidden darkness, and subtle treatment of the tension between safety and freedom mean that this is an excellent book for students to read and discuss. There were parts that I found predictable and unsurprising--but less experienced readers might not. In any case, this flaw is not a deal breaker, because the book is not as much about the revelation of the flaws in Cassia's society as it is about her gradual realizations about herself.
Universal Themes coming of age, freedom vs. safety, the many faces of love
Edginess Nope.
Bonus Factors References to poetry, esp. Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle." Close ties to The Hunger Games and The Giver.
Anti-bonus factors Everyone is white. For some readers, this will feel like a not-quite-as-good version of The Giver, now with kissing! This is clearly the first book in a series and the end is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but it's definitely not resolved, either.
Will they like it? Girls will, especially those who love HG. The love triangle will be a nice bonus. Some boys might, although I'd like to have some test readers. Until the end, most of the action is inside Cassia's head--but the last 50 pages or so are very suspenseful.
Recommendation Terrific for book clubs, possibly now (because this is a book with a lot of buzz), but definitely after it comes out in paperback.
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