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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Aug 14, 2013 Stacy rated it it was ok

Eh - i was not impressed with this book. How many times have we read this story before? Dystopian society where everything is controlled. A young woman who starts to question all that she knows...the dreamy rebellious boy. Ugh. At first i thought this was a total "The Giver" rip-off and then i thought it was a rip-off of "Uglies" and even "The Hunger Games." Really, this is just a mismatch of all of the above. I will recommend it to my students who like this sort of story but there is nothing ne ...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Jennifer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, do-not-own, library

3.5 stars. It didn't grab me nearly as quickly or completely as The Hunger Games did, and it took a long time for me to really start rooting for the heroine. And I was left with way too many questions about the Society and its rules. By the end, however, I was invested enough to want to pick up the next book in the series. ...more

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