Crossed by Ally Condie

Here's a quick little blurb from the product page: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy in search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Take

 I liked Matched a lot and was anxious to see what Crossed would bring.  It wasn't disappointing.  I liked the fact that Cassia was stronger and more independent in this book.  There are some surprises that I never saw coming.  I like the new characters added to the mix as well.  I really enjoyed the time they all spent in the canyon, and getting to know the farmers that came from that area.  Whenever I read these books it always brings me around to thinking about This Perfect Day by Ira Levin (re-released and I desperately need to re-read).  I think it's very dystopian nature reminds me of it.  However, I would swear there are little whisperings around the edges that smack of similarity (only in minor details).  It's left off in a place making me want more.  I can't wait to read the third installment.  So definitely pick this one up and do yourself a favor and pick up This Perfect Day as well.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 kisses!!

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.”