Matched (Matched, #1) in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

Nov 29, 2011 CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I was nervous of reading this book, as I'd read very mixed reviews...some were glowing, while others were very harsh, and I was afraid I wouldn't like it either. But I liked the cover, and the premise was intriguing, so I got it from the library anyway. Turns out, I really enjoyed this book, and I had a hard time putting it down. It's not often I find myself fretting over what will happen to the characters, when I do have to put it down and go do something else. This time I did.
I think this sto I was nervous of reading this book, as I'd read very mixed reviews...some were glowing, while others were very harsh, and I was afraid I wouldn't like it either. But I liked the cover, and the premise was intriguing, so I got it from the library anyway. Turns out, I really enjoyed this book, and I had a hard time putting it down. It's not often I find myself fretting over what will happen to the characters, when I do have to put it down and go do something else. This time I did.
I think this story resonated so strongly for me precisely because I understand a little bit what it's like to grow up in a world that restricts your self-expression. Growing up in conservative Mennonite culture is at least supressive (did I just make up that word?), if not repressive. Certain colors (like red) simply weren't worn, because they were "worldly" colors. You shouldn't have cars those colors either. or have sleeves on your homemade dresses that were too puffy. and you definitely don't speak up to question the religious system of observances. I always felt like a bird trying to stretch its wings in a cage that was too small. that feeling continued when my family switched to fundamental Baptist. I was surrounded by a culture at home, at school, and at church that really did frown on free thinking. That didn't permit too much freedom of expression. My (fundamental Christian) school even had a much different literature program than normal schools. a lot of the classics were deemed too racy, so we only read what Bob Jones University's literature curriculum told us was OK. some Dickens and Shakespeare (although my teacher fast-forwarded through any scenes in film adaptations where the costumes were too racy.) and even some Poe, as I remember. I remember deciding at some point that I wasn't reading enough classics, and picking up the Scarlet Letter to read it on my own. I won't say I loved it, but I felt proud that I'd done it. Clothing were still restricted--not handmade dresses anymore. Decorations and fancy cuts and bright colors were OK. but they still couldn't have too low of a neckline, or a skirt above knee length. Nothing too tight.
And these restrictions were placed on me and those around me by people, at least some of them, that I cared about and/or respected. It was hard to understand how I could disagree on what to me were non-essentials and still fit into the parameters of the faith.
So reading Cassia's story, I UNDERSTAND it. I understand the intoxicating feeling of finding and reading a beautiful poem that dares to hint at dissatisfaction with the status quo. I understand starting to see the cracks in the system, and wondering how they could be right about everything when they were obviously wrong about some things. and I understand the fear that you might get in trouble, or get those you love in trouble. No, I never worried for my life or bodily health/ safety. But I could understand the underlying emotions. So reading Cassia's story only upped those stakes more. I felt her feelings of being trapped and restricted. Her desire to be free. I wanted to wear pants, watch movies, and listen to secular music. She wanted to read more than 100 poems and wear bright colors if she felt like it. and she wanted to chose who she could love, where she could live, and what she could do for a job. Who doesn't?
If you haven't lived a life under such restrictions, it might be hard to understand how glorious forbidden words and bright colors can be. But they can be. they really can.
(Part of me wonders if this story reflects some experiences of the author. I notice her home is in Salt Lake City, and I think Mormon right away. and I have enough Mormon friends and know enough about Mormon life to make me think that someone could feel stifled by some of their rules and expectations.)
Forutnately, the characters didn't distract me from my connection to the story. I liked Cassia. and Bram. and their parents. and their grandfather. Xander. Ky. Condie has done a great job setting up a true romantic triangle, with two worthy choices, both of whom have a piece of Cassia's heart so far. I don't know where the next two books will take them, but I am certainly excited to find out.
In general, this made me think of a young adult Fahrenheit 451 or 1984. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more. I hope the sequels can live up to this book.
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Jul 31, 2012 Nadine in NY Jones rated it liked it

Shelves: dystopian-and-post-apocalyptic, young-adult, lily

from the NPR poll of great Young Adult fiction ...

The Cassandra Clare blurb on the book jacket is probably the most lovely and succinct comment possible.

This futuristic fable of love and free will asks: Can there be freedom without choice? The tale of Cassia's journey from acceptance to rebellion will draw you in and leave you wanting more.

I won't deny this book was slow going at first. I was only reading a chapter or two each night because I kept falling asleep! It was pretty dull stuff. Oo ...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Ashley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Really enjoyed this story. I had been eagerly awaiting its publication and as soon as I finished it I couldn't wait to read Crossed.

As an ardent fan of The Giver, this book was an instant must read. I love the world and it seems so plausible in our future. Which is slightly daunting and brilliant at the same time. I can't wait to see where this series goes! ...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Rhosyn Goodfellow rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance

I was expecting this to be purely guilty pleasure reading, and it definitely hits my guilty pleasure reading buttons, but I was not expecting the depth of creepiness that Condie gives her dystopia.

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Apr 17, 2011 Sarah rated it it was amazing

I can't believe I waited so long to read this. I think this is what one would call "social sci-fi" and it was SO good. I couldn't put it down and it acutally brought me to tears a few times. It's somewhat predictable and it is a bit like a few other stories I've read, but it's well-written and I identified with the young, female protagonist--I really felt like I was IN the story. I'm looking forward to the next book and I highly reccomend this to folks who enjoy YA books. It also captured quite ...more

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Oct 15, 2015 Jasmine rated it really liked it

Very much like a crossover between Divergent and other dysutopian books.

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May 03, 2012 Maggie rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult, romance, series, dystopian, 2012-summer-challenge

This was an easy read! It definitely grew on me. It started off slow and got better and better! I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series! ...more

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