The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass - Restarting July 12th 2021

[Sarah Elizabeth]

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

[Alba]

just finished chp7

(view spoiler)[

I literally don't know how to feel for Aspen or America.

- Aspen... aghhh I don't know, like at first he is so 'in love' and then he breaks up(?) And then he is with another, and that's even more frustrating. When America gives him food, at first he is happy and then he is sad, because it's HER money and not HIS.

- America is kind of strange human being. She didn't want when her mum told her, or when Aspen told her, BUT when her mother told her that she would let her have half of the money, she accepted. So, I mostly would say that I don't like America.

(hide spoiler)]

[Eli]

Read to Chapter 5 today. I had every intention of reading more, but it was just one of those days.

I feel like this book had one of the best explanations to a world. It was very clear and interesting. So was the introduction of the conflict. I enjoy Aspen and Americas relationship, and I'm interested to see how (or if) it plays out.

I'm excited to start reading again tomorrow!

[Alba]

finished ch16!! :)

(view spoiler)[

- I love Maxon! He is just so sweet and innocent, that finally it becomes cute. I like that he is not trying to kick her out because of just being friends (we know that at the end it will not be like that).

- For America I still don't have feelings, she STILL thinks of Aspen and is really irritating. I mean, I know that you just broke up with him after 2 years, but rest a little and enjoy what you have!

(hide spoiler)]

[Linda]

I've been wanting to read this book for literally years now and somehow this read popped up at the exact right time. Reading chapter 1 now. I'm so excited!!

[Alba]

better if we are more! hope you enjoy it

[Linda]

I am really enjoying it!
Just finished ch7. And I can see where you're coming from in your spoilery section.
(view spoiler)[However, I feel like it is more a case of insta-love for me than it is the "dislike" of characters. I feel like the "we've been together for two years" is just thrown around but since we've only just started getting to know them, I feel like the jump from treehouse to almost getting married was just too big. If a few more pages was spent actually building up their relationship, we'd understand more why they behave the way they do. A part of me definitely understands their behaviors, but it was just too much too soon. On the other hand, since a part of me understands them, I can't help but already love all the characters. Especially Gerad and America. I just hope to see Gerad return more often. (hide spoiler)]

I have no idea if that made any sense, but yeah... Just my thoughts! Starting chapter 8 now.

[Alba]

just finished chap 18!!

A lot of the things that you are kind of asking are explained later in the book

(view spoiler)[

(I'm writing this while reading so I might write a lot )

OMG just read that he kissed her and I can't stop laughing don't know why. Why did she pull away? Why is she not happy??? I have so many questions.

Now that I think of it, I don't like that America is there only because of the food and the money, I mean, he is looking for love, he fall for her, but she doesn't want to because she still like Aspen. I still have a feeling that she has a felt for Maxon a little. Still is frustrating that they ''can't'' be together.

He kissed her again aghhhh!!! He is like a puppy, he is so happy!

(hate Celeste by the way)

(hide spoiler)]

you will fangirl a lot with this one :)

[Linda]

Chapter 10... YOU WERE RIGHT! FANGIRL MODE IS ON!

(view spoiler)[America and Maxon... Sigh. I ship it already WHAT IS GOING ON! (hide spoiler)]

I'm trying to read as quickly as I can (while getting distracted after every chapter by YouTube) because I can't wait what you have said about chapters 10-20 haha

[Alba]

I am distracted really easily by Youtube too xd

[Linda]

Finished ch16 now too! I agree with you on Maxon. And Marlee... That girl is gold. Let's be honest, you know what's going to happen right from the first page, but now that it is slowly starting to happen... Wow.

(view spoiler)[I am as much in love with Maxon as you are. But, I also still like America a lot! I feel like she's slowly starting to move on and even talked to Marlee about what she likes about Maxon. I also really like the maids as characters and the way America interacts with them. The bet about the pants and with the letters home and all is probably one of my favorite scenes so far! (hide spoiler)]

Ikr lol. YouTube is the source of all my procrastination issues oops!

[Alba]

in the middle of chp 23

(view spoiler)[

America is pretty dumb. at least for me. I mean, Aspen appears and then she fells again for him , which I find pathetic! AGHH just so frustrating,!! Go with Maxon! He loves you and would not leave if you didn't want!

(hide spoiler)]

[Linda]

Finished ch18 now too!

(view spoiler)[I think it's not that America doesn't like/love Maxon. I think it's more of a feeling of finding it hard to have to let go of her past and everything she's familiar with. AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!! IT HAPPENED! I'm so happy for Maxon bless him omg

Don't we all hate Celeste! (hide spoiler)]

[Alba]

yESSSSSS

[Linda]

I finished!! What a read. I feel like it switched from a 5 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 4-star read... Wild ride of emotions but also half of the time I didn't feel any. I know this doesn't make any sense, but my own thoughts don't even make sense to me right now. I will definitely be continuing the series though!

[Eli]

I know I’m really behind everyone else XD, but I just finished Chapter 6 and I can’t get over the rules about how America could become Maxes “plaything”. And everything with Aspen...I’m a sucker for drama.

[Alba]

same, but the worst is that you will get TOOO muchxd

[Alba]

Linda wrote: "I finished!! What a read. I feel like it switched from a 5 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 4-star read... Wild ride of emotions but also half of the time I didn't feel any. I know this doesn't make any sense, bu..."

Did you actually read it in one day? :0 that's cool

[Alba]

I finished it like an hour ago and... WOW it was awesome! but because of the drama !

(view spoiler)[
still think that America should leave Aspen and go with Maxon but... the author wants to make it difficult
(hide spoiler)]

[Alba]

should we wait for tomorrow to continue with the second one? So at least you can get closer Abby

[Linda]

I won't have much time to read tomorrow through Monday because of work, but we could start tomorrow officially even though I probably won't get around to reading a lot before Tuesday. This'd probably be helpful for Abby too though.

Abby, just be prepared for a whole lot of drama!!

Yes, I finished it in one day! However, this was a rare day in my life with not a lot to do so this is definitely not my regular reading pace.

(view spoiler)[Right now I am team Maxon too! (hide spoiler)]

[Alba]

Yep. Same for me. I’m actually having some exams, so I actually don’t understand why I’m reading so I will be a lot more busy.

Oh la la the drama

[Linda]

I don't even know whether I'm team Maxon or Aspen anymore. They're both great after I've given it some thought... I hope book 2 gives both of them a chance to shine bright again :)

[Eli]

I’m going to be able to finish it tonight. I don’t have any work to do tonight like I did yesterday, so I’m going to get some serious reading in. :)

[Alba]

yey :D

[Alba]

Linda wrote: "I don't even know whether I'm team Maxon or Aspen anymore. They're both great after I've given it some thought... I hope book 2 gives both of them a chance to shine bright again :)"

Actually it's going to be

(view spoiler)[
Team Maxon
(hide spoiler)]

who wins because it says on the little review that is on the back of the book :)))))))

[Alba]

shouldn't we ask for the the thread of The Elite?

[Eli]

I just finished Chapter 17 and...

I don't feel anything romantic for Maxon and America. Like at all. I feel like they are such great friends. Their relationship is so brother/sister to me that I couldn't even imagine them being romantically involved. That said, I love the book so far. I like the plot and the characters are very well written. Sometimes books with a lot of characters, I get some of the characters mixed up, but I haven't had a problem so far.

Also, I agree...Marlee is GOLD! LOVE HER MOST!

Excited to finish this!

[Alba]

Sama with the characters, I normally do like a little plan of the relationship with each person, but I didn't need it for this one.

I don't know how you don't see cHeMiStRy

[Eli]

Just finished!

I am obviously of the unpopular opinion here. After Aspen came back...I couldn't help but be happy about it. I really enjoyed Aspen and Americas chemistry in the beginning. And I understand why he sent her away. He had her best interest at heart, and his only "fault", having held the girl, wasn't even true. I just don't see Maxon and America as a relationship. I wonder if it's all of their banter that made me feel like they're brother/sister.

Also, Americas character is just...SO GOOD!

Also also, can we take a second to appreciate this gem of a line: "Because even though you're dating five other women, I think I'm cheating on you."

4/5 stars

[Linda]

During book 1 I just couldn't make up my mind. Every scene with Aspen and America I was #TeamAspen but then as soon as a scene with America and Maxon showed up I was all for #TeamMaxon again.. And honestly, I didn't care! I just loved reading about all the characters and I love the plot and world that was built. So, for now, I'm just happy being a part of Team Kiera Cass.

[Alba]

what good speech
though I still think I'm the only one who doesn't like Aspen. Can you explain why like him?

[Eli]

#TeamKieraCass!

Personally, I feel like Aspen and America were more romantically compatible. I don't feel like Aspen wronged America in any way. I felt that Aspen had her best interest at heart. And Maxon didn't wrong her either, but to me, Maxon and Americas relationship felt...off.

I understand Team Maxon, but for me, Maxon and Americas love was more platonic while Aspen and Americas was more romantic.

[Eli]

Also a side note: I'm a sucker for broody characters...so that probably explains the whole liking Aspen thing XD.

[Eli]

Katy wrote: "finshed chap 10 AGHHH


(before reading ch10)
woh... Marlee... couldn't you just wait, or tell Maxon that you wanted to go? and then stay with the guard? Still I don't the 2 of them deserved to be ..."

Make sure you're posting to The Elite thread and not this one :)

[Alba]

oh my god got it wrong xd thank you

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

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Date changed. Restarting April 21st 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Stella]

I haven't made it very far into the book but I really like it. I have never read dystopian fiction books so this is my first.(view spoiler)[ I like Aspen he seems really sweet and caring. Also, the scale thing I find interesting, makes America and Aspens relationship a we can't be together so we have to be secret kind of thing.lol (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

I just finished chapter 6 and I really like this book.

(view spoiler)[ I am really upset with Aspen I wanted him and America to be together. I know she was obviously was going to be picked to join The Selection but I didn't think they would have to break up. Also, I am trying to picture what America and Maxon's relationship would be like. Also, I like hearing the laws or rules of Illéa.(I think that is right) (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

I just finished chapter 8. I don't really know what i am supposed ot be typing but...(spoiler is long)
(view spoiler)[ I think Aspen is sweet but why was he holding another girls hand where he knew America would be?? He is a rollercoaster of emotions and I need his point of view because I don't understand him and I can't forgive him until I know the other side of the story.

Also, Marlee seems so sweet I love her already!!!!! I really hope she isn't faking because America needs a nice friend.

I am questioning Ashley like I want to think she is sweet but idk if she is shy or just not friendly.

Celeste I think she is kind but since she grew up as a two she might just have been taught to not act nice to people below her but I think I can like her unless she messes with America or Marlee or anyone.

Honestly, I need everyones point of view I need to know their past so I can understand them better. (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

I just finished chapter 10.
(view spoiler)[ I think I already like Prince Maxon he seems hopeful ad mature. He is very kind to America and she was a little hateful to him when he helped her but I could totally see her with him. (I ship!!)

Also, Marlee is so sweet, I just hope it isn't an act.

America's maids are so sweet. I feel so bad for them because I know they don't get why America doesn't want them to be helping her. I was hoping for her to be like good friends with them instead.

Also, I really want America to be like friends with everybody kind and nice because she needs more friends and I think honestly I want to be in America' position because most of them seem so sweet. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Stella wrote: "I haven't made it very far into the book but I really like it. I have never read dystopian fiction books so this is my first.[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ This scale thing made feel that I am in ancient times. They used be all such strict rules about marriage and scales then. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Stella wrote: "I just finished chapter 6 and I really like this book.

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ We definitely get to know more about the world but personally I am not liking the rules of scales and sexuality here. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Stella wrote: "I just finished chapter 8. I don't really know what i am supposed ot be typing but...(spoiler is long)
I think Aspen is sweet but why was he holding another girls hand where he knew America would ..."

(view spoiler)[I for one definitely needs to know what is exactly going on inside Aspen's head.
I have my doubts for Marlee. I have a feeling she may back stabb America in the future.
Ashley seems a kind person.
Celeste is a snob. Being a two maybe made her think she is above them all.
(hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Stella wrote: "I just finished chapter 10.
I think I already like Prince Maxon he seems hopeful ad mature. He is very kind to America and she was a little hateful to him when he helped her but I could totally se..."

(view spoiler)[ I didn't liked Maxon calling America dear again and again. It felt a little cheesy too. (Personally)
Maxon seems a little matured and genuinely looking a wife. He is also respectful.

I too hope America will become friends with her maids.
(hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Till chapter 13
(view spoiler)[ Poor Lucy! She really had a tough life.
I wonder what these rebels actually want. Getting these attack so frequently is so dangerous. (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

Pragya wrote: "Stella wrote: "I just finished chapter 10.
I think I already like Prince Maxon he seems hopeful ad mature. He is very kind to America and she was a little hateful to him when he helped her but I c..."

(view spoiler)[ Oh my gosh, yess!
I think the author described the scales well, but it definitely is not right (I hope that maybe when Prince Maxon is the King he will change the rules.)

I am worried Marlee doesn't have good intentions.

Prince Maxon saying dear made me think of an old man talking to a young woman. I am sure he was taught to say certain things to them but it definitely feels cheesy since he is a teenager.

I heard that The Selection is heading to Netflix and I hope they cast a natural red head for America and her sister. Also, I hope they make the cast have teens playing parts that are teens. (No offense to adult actors and actresses.) (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

There is gonna be a Netflix movie. That was the precise reason I picked this book so that I have finished reading before it comes out.
Yes, I agree they should cast teens actors for the role but I highly doubt they will.

[Stella]

I just finished chapter 15

(view spoiler)[ Oh my freakin goodness. Ahhhh. Maxon is so sweet to America and it is so obvious they are literally perfect for each other. He is making so many excuses just to talk to her and see her. The fact that he is comfortable telling her the truth and she is too!! He is so kind and sweet to America and I shipppp!!!! Ahhhhh!!! The fact that they have like secret messages and inside jokes. I think I read it soo fast because it is so good but I need to work on reading slower so I can take it in one thing at a time. I want him to just marry her already but I don't think America is no where near ready, she just doesn't know it yet but they are perfect.(Also, I think everyone needs a Maxon in their life, or at least I do.)

Also, Lucy she is so sweet and I feel so sorry that had happened to her.

I wonder what the Rebels want? I am thinking that maybe something happened in the past like they wronged them and the Rebels are getting revenge maybe and that no one knows because it was covered up.

AHHHHHHHHHH!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Stella wrote: "I just finished chapter 15

Oh my freakin goodness. Ahhhh. Maxon is so sweet to America and it is so obvious they are literally perfect for each other. He is making so many excuses just to talk to..."

(view spoiler)[ Maxon is so good. I think there is a reason for both rebels group to act in such a way. Maybe America will help Maxon find out and bring kingdom in peace.
(hide spoiler)]