Matched by Ally Condie

Here’s a quick bit about this book from its amazon page : “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Cassia’s feelings of security disintegrate after her grandfather hands her a slip of paper just before his scheduled death at age 80. Not only does she now possess an illegal poem, but she also has a lingering interest in the boy who fleetingly appeared on her viewscreen, the one who wasn’t her match, the man she will eventually marry. What’s worse, she knows him—his name is Ky, and he is an orphan from the Outer Provinces. How could she love him as much as Xander, her match and best friend since childhood?

The stunning clarity and attention to detail in Condie’s Big Brother–like world is a feat. Some readers might find the Society to be a close cousin of Lois Lowry’s dystopian future in The Giver (1993), with carefully chosen work placements, constant monitoring, and pills for regulating emotional extremes. However, the author just as easily tears this world apart while deftly exploring the individual cost of societal perfection and the sacrifices inherent in freedom of choice.

My Take

This is one of those books that pulls me in and keeps me locked into it the entire way through. I find this type of immersion signifies not only great world building but wonderful story telling capability. I found myself deep in thought over things happening within it. I was surprised by the events as they happened. I can’t imagine having my freedom of choice taken away. Imagine not being able to choose your vocation, where you live or even who you love. You don’t get to choose your clothing or food.

I felt for Cassia, who was trying so hard to find her way. Her parents were wonderful and supportive. Ky was a great character. Not nearly as naïve as Cassia but very caring and guiding where she was concerned.  Her grandfather was inspiring, a man living on his terms as much as possible. 

This book had me looking around at our society. While it may not be perfect it’s certainly far from anything contained within the pages of MATCHED. The circumstances in the book, present a scary look at a future, while I know it would likely never occur, still a chilling tought.

As a writer, not being allowed to write was terrifying enough.  It almost made me weep to think of all of the art, poetry, books, songs, etc. destroyed.  I’m won’t spoil any of this for anyone. I only want to say, I hope there’s a second book. I’m dying to see what happens.

I loved the cover! I thought it had kind of a double message too. While on the surface it looks pretty enough, if you tilt it or the sunlight hits it, you see all the iridescent coloring on the cover. Giving the message that there’s more than surface beauty, most things require closer examination to truly shine.

This I’m giving 4 giant kisses!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Librarything as part of their early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”