Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Matched
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Condie, Ally - Matched (Matched, #1) - SEPTEMBER BOM -Start Date September 12th 2012
I want to read this one too!!! Hopefully I can get it from the library and jump in on this☺
I want to read this one, and I think I may have it on my Nook already....I think. *goes to look* No, it seems I do not lol. $9.99 for the ebook?! No wonder I don't have it, that's the same price as the paperback. Buying the paperback.
Stefani wrote: "I want to read this one, and I think I may have it on my Nook already....I think. *goes to look* No, it seems I do not lol. $9.99 for the ebook?! No wonder I don't have it, that's the same pric..."The sad thing is this book was on sale a few months ago. It was either $0.99 or $2.99.
Sashana wrote: "The sad thing is this book was on sale a few months ago. It was either $0.99 or $2.99. "That is exactly my kind of luck lol. I thought I bought it when it was a free ebook friday special a year or so ago, but I guess I passed it over. I could have had it cheaper twice *shakes head* I need to impulse buy more :)
I am ready for this one.
I'm taking this one on. Has been on my shelves for a while.
How does it work? We start on the 12th, or we finish it by then and comment? I like bouncing thoughts.
How does it work? We start on the 12th, or we finish it by then and comment? I like bouncing thoughts.
Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "I'm taking this one on. Has been on my shelves for a while.How does it work? We start on the 12th, or we finish it by then and comment? I like bouncing thoughts."
We all start on the 12th and read a certain number of pages per day (usually 50 pages) and answer questions based on each day's reading. But you can share your thoughts instead of answering questions, whatever works best for you.
Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "I'm taking this one on. Has been on my shelves for a while.How does it work? We start on the 12th, or we finish it by then and comment? I like bouncing thoughts."
We'll put up a schedule once I get my hands on a copy of the book or one of the other moderators does. Usually we try to read approximately 50 pages a day and whatever number of days that comes out to is what we read.
Thanks @Sashana, @Lisarenee. I look forward to it. It'll be fun.
I got a copy on hold at the library. I'm hoping to get it before the 12th. :)
I'm so excited to read this with you guys! :) I can't wait. Plus, I was planning on reading Matched this month anyways, so it worked out well for me. :)
Awesome! Glad to have you, Brittney.
I just joined this group. I would love to read this and already have the book. I had planned to read this next month so just bumping up.
Debbie wrote: "I just joined this group. I would love to read this and already have the book. I had planned to read this next month so just bumping up."Great. We look forward to hearing what you think.
Welcome to the group, Debbie!
Sashana wrote: "Welcome to the group, Debbie!"Thanks!
I have this book so I'll try to read along with you and join in on the discussion. :-)
If I am able to get my hands on a copy when I go to the library this weekend, I will be reading along!
I'm 27 on the eBook wait list and 38 on the regular
So nice to see we'll be so many. More the interesting the talk :D
Off side comment: I just realized it was a big skirt when seeing the enlarged pic. I liked the cover better when I thought the girl was wearing tights. Guess I'm tired of the princess-y motif.
Off side comment: I just realized it was a big skirt when seeing the enlarged pic. I liked the cover better when I thought the girl was wearing tights. Guess I'm tired of the princess-y motif.
I have already read this, but I will try to join in whenever I can
Vaguely remember this one. Just read the sequel. I'll have to reread along with everyone! :)
I am in for this one. I have been wanting to read these books for a long time.
If there is room for me, i'm up for this as it also falls into a challenge i have going.
I really loved this book. Totaltarism vs Love in a nutshell
Just picked up the book today from the library. Going to try to start early because I can never seem to keep up during the actual reading :-P
I picked up a copy from the library on Friday morning, so I'm in :-).
I am sooo ready to start this book...
Potential Reading ScheduleI still don't have the book, but went to B&N and jotted down the page numbers and chapters
Date Chapters Pages PPDCQs*
September 12 1 - 6 1 - 68
September 13 7 - 10 69 - 119
September 14 11 - 15 120 - 172
September 15 16 - 20 173 - 230
September 16 21 - 26 231 - 289
September 17 27 - end 289 - 366
Does this sound okay?
Sounds good to me.
Yeap, sounds good. Starting now. Probably won't able to stop, though *chuckle*
I'll have the questions for today's reading up in s few hours.
Discussion Questions/Comments for Day 1
1. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why?
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)?
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured?
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams?
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down.
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this?
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology?
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands.
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Day 1 1. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why?
I would choose passion. I wouldn't want perfection because then I might never live up to the other person's expectations. In the long run, passion is what keeps things going between two people.
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)?
I think that communication is key for any relationship. I also think that you have to have common interests and beliefs.
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured?
I don't think she is truly feeling love. I am not sure exactly what she is feeling but I think that she feels a bit relieved that she already knows her match. I am not sure that she feels pressure so much as that she knows that she doesn't really have a choice.
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams?
Maybe so they can control the people better? I am not sure.
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down.
I wondered this myself. It sounds like the government likes to be right and that it is some kind of game to predict the outcomes of certain choices.
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this?
I think in this genre, all books seem to feel the same way. It doesn't make them any less enjoyable to me though.
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology?
What happens when there is an accident and then all of the people with one specialization dies? Or how do they ever come up with new and better ideas? It seems creepy on so many levels.
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands.
I did think this at first, but now I am not so sure. What if it was someone else trying to mess with the system?
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens?
It sounds like they do, but it also sounds like their bodies may be preserved. Maybe they are kept in some kind of dream like state?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Day 1 1. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why? Passion Perfection would be hard to live with in the long run....
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)? Never... Nothing worth having is perfect....you just have to "learn" to pick your battles...lol
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured? Hmmmm would I want to be given the OK to be "romantic" with my childhood best friend.....NOT I think she feels pressure cause he expected it....
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams? Sound like they want to be "all controlling"
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down. I think you are given the choice,it just adds to their data...
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this? nope
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology? No free thinking. If it pertains to me, the "goverment " will tell me...
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands. Yep,but too bad the only person she could tell just ummm left?
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens? Yep If they control who you marry and what job you have,wouldn't they control your death too?
@ Laura#6 - While I do agree that many YA dystopian books generally have similar themes, I will add that the standout books/authors do a good job of adding a new twists to an old theme. I'm literally thinking of many books while I'm reading this book (saying to myself "Oh, this happened in Delirium, this happened in Divergent) which is not good. I can't enjoy a book that is too generic but it's early yet. I might change my mind. BTW this books is reminding me so much of The Giver.
#8 - Initially I thought a third party might be trying to put Kyle and Cassie together for whatever reason but when it mentioned that she saw Ky and he 'disappeared' I started to get suspicious. BTW was Ky the boy who almost drowned? I literally speed read the last 25 pages because I had to go to my night class.
#9 - That is a great theory, Laura! Why do you think they are being kept in a dream state though?
@ Sue4 - So do I but I don't think we have control of our dreams so how could they benefit from something we have no control over? It crossed my mind that the sleeping tags might be used to monitor if they were taking their pills or not. But I don't know how sleep tags would be able to do that so I wrote it off.
5 - I think this is the government's way of throwing them a bone. "Hey, you can't pick your spouse or you career, but you can pick this pretty dress!"
9 - True that!
Discussion Questions/Comments for Day 11. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why?
I am really hoping we get more reasoning behind this "love triangle" they have brewing. Xander is fantastic and she really hardly even knows Ky, so where's the dilemma? That she feels bad for him? I hope it's more than that.
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)?
I look at it like this...relationships begin because of passion, but eventually that passion fades and is replaced by love. Love is admiration, respect, knowledge of your partner, the ability to look up to them and be proud of them, time, history, and that creates love. And those things help the love last through the hard times. Relationships based solely in passion rarely last.
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured?
I think she's expecting too much out of herself. I think she probably has had a crush on Xander and been dreaming about him for years....but now that they're matched and its "allowed" she doesn't and sees it as a sign. When it probably isn't.
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams?
In some ways dreams give you a view into someone's subconscious. Into the things that may be bothering them in the day that they aren't talking about and things like that.
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down.
I think it's to give them the illusion of control. If they think they have some semblence of control over their lives then they are less likely to rebel.
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this?
They are very similar in a lot of ways, I agree.
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology?
Knowledge gives you power and empowers you to make choices and be free. It's the same reason that it was illegal to teach your slaves to read in colonial America. A slave who can educate themselves is a dangerous thing.
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands.
It's possible, though I'm not sure how that would happen if he's an outsider on the fringes of this world.
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens?
Absolutely. When your health is likely to start declining and you become more expensive to keep around while contributing less...out you go.
@Stefani1 - So do I. Cassie also seems wish-washy. She is happy she got paired with Xander but she's sad that she doesn't get to live through all the 'newness' of the letter.
#2 - That's a great answer, Stefani! I had a hard time answering this question personally because I think passion and perfection can be a double edged sword. I wouldn't want my relationship with someone to be based purely on passion and I sure as heck would want or even aim for perfection because it would get old pretty quick.
#4 - Again, great answer. Maybe that why she said she wish she could understand her dreams but someone else could (I'm assuming the people who monitors their dreams)
#5 - Ditto!
I dont have much time, so I'm just gonna write down my answers, if that's ok? I hope so.1. I would chose passion over perfection because with passion there would be a higher potential for happiness then perfection.
2. I think passion because it could turn into perfection for you. When you're passionate about something you really want to make it work, so if you have a passionate realtionship it could very well lead to being the perfect relationship for you.
3. I don't think she feels obligated to love him instantly, but I think she feels like she needs be able to love him and think of him as a partner as soon as she can.
4. Dreams usually have a deeper meaning of what you think and how you're supposed to evolve as a person. I think that they montor the dreams to help with the match since she mentioned it's her little brother turn next, but never mentions anything about her parents. Plus later on, it says that they don't make the chips or matches until a couple hours before the Banquet.
5. Just because someone knows all of their personal data, doesn't mean they will do what you think. It's the girl's one night to stand out from everyone so some girls may pick something out of the box. Plus the societey seems very controlling, so they let the people make some very minor decisions about their life.
6. This book actually doesn't remind me of any other distopic novels...
7. Well, if someone knows everything, they have a lot of knowledge, which gives them a lot of power; which is a big no-no for the gouvernment. The gouvernment wants all the power and all the control.
8. I thought his name was Ky...? Either way it could be possible but we have no way to say for sure since we don't know a lot about him.
9. Well, in the synopsis I read it says that the Society decides when you die: so yes, the Society does kill the seniors.
1. I like to think I would choose passion but I feel like its hard to know how I would react if I was conditioned to choose perfection as cassia is in her society.2. I think that wanting to make your partner happy and it turn receiving the same from your partner is important to a relationship. I also agree that communication is imperative to a relationship.
3. I think she has been taught to block out any love for Xander for so long that she is probably entirely confused about how exactly she feels. She probably feels a lot of pressure to love him now and its hard to foster a good relationship when you are under pressure like that. I thin that if toy have to be matched and learn to love that person she is in the best position because she has a friendship to base that love off of.
4. I think to try to analyze thoughts that are uncensored. Probably to take warning of people who may be a threat to society or may have other mental " Instabilities."
5. I agree w brittney in that a think people must feel like they have some control over there life or they will not agree to being controlled at all. Giving them the choice to pick a dress from a few designs and choosing there summer recreation from a few options is the way to keep rebellions from happening.
6. No! I agree. It reminds me of The Giver.
7. It reminds me of grocery shopping. There is so many cereals to choose from that sometimes I do indeed feel overwhelmed. The problem however is that it doesn't mean I want my government to choose my cereal for me! Weird analogy k know but that is just how I thought of it.
8. I can't say for certain but it does seem suspicious that he is an aberration. I need to get to know him better before I decide.
9. Yes that is the feeling I got from this for sure.
Please excuse any weird typos as I typed this on my kindle!
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 7 - 10
10. Something just came to mind. Could seeing Ky's face on her port screen be a signal/message to someone else (maybe someone in the government)? Grandfather's reaction to the news made me think. It's like he knew more than he was letting on.
11. People in Cassie's society rarely have to worry about unexpected death. They know, for the most part, that they will die on their 80th year after the final banquet. What is one pro and con of this society's method of death?
12. Would you want to know the age that you were going to die? Or would you prefer to be oblivious? Based on your answer explain why.
13. Cassie thinks the final banquet is a "luxury" and "fair" but I think it's sad that they can't even cry at the loss of their grandfather in the nursing home because it would be viewed as them not handling it well.
14. So Laura was partially right in that the government does preserve you...in a sense. [See her answer to question #9]. The society freezes your DNA in hopes of reusing it in the future. What do you guys think of this, creepy or cool?
15. This society has many strange laws but I can understand the logic behind many of them except for the one where you can't share food. What's that about? How does sharing or not sharing food affect the greater good of a society?
16. What were you expecting to be on the paper that grandfather gave Cassie? I certainly did not expect poetry! Were you more surprised or disappointed by the revelation?
17. We got to see a littler more of Ky during today's reading. What do you think of him so far?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Day 1 1. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why?
I think it would depend on the definition of perfection and of passion. Are we talking superficial perfection or something deeper. Are we talking a passion of the same beliefs and things or just the lustful feeling. Until you're placed in the position I don't think you can truly predict which you'd pick.
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)?
The recipe for a good relationship = friendship, respect, attraction, similar beliefs
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured?
I think she was wanting a fairy tale and looking forward to who could fulfill her ideal match. The whole matching seemed like such a big event and the thought of meeting that perfect someone for you was probably a fun thing to fantasize about. I think the dream perhaps would always exceed the reality of it.
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams?
I'm listening to the audio book and I don't recall the sleeping tags.
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down.
I doubt it, it would probably just try to recalculate itself to not make the mistake again.
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this?
I think dystopia books in general try to hit upon our fears of government controlling every aspect of our lives. I think that is why these topics seem so common place in these books.
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology?
They don't think for themselves. They are all similar and don't question authority.
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands.
I think she needs to talk to him and find out. From the story she told I'd guess no. Besides he works in a food disposal or something which is not very high tech. How would he get access?
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens?
The grandfather did make a statement about how a dead man can't talk when she confided in him.
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 7 - 1010. Something just came to mind. Could seeing Ky's face on her port screen be a signal/message to someone else (maybe someone in the government)? Grandfather's reaction to the news made me think. It's like he knew more than he was letting on.
He did seem like he was trying to tell her something but she just quite didn't understand.
11. People in Cassie's society rarely have to worry about unexpected death. They know, for the most part, that they will die on their 80th year after the final banquet. What is one pro and con of this society's method of death?
I think it could make you not appreciate the small things in life until you know it's almost time to die. I think that it also doesn't take into account normal biology...some people live to be 100 and are healthier than I am right now.
12. Would you want to know the age that you were going to die? Or would you prefer to be oblivious? Based on your answer explain why.
I don't think I'd want to do. I prefer to live life not really knowing if tomorrow is my last day or next week. It forces me to appreciate things right now, rather than waiting to appreciate it later, because there may not always be a later.
13. Cassie thinks the final banquet is a "luxury" and "fair" but I think it's sad that they can't even cry at the loss of their grandfather in the nursing home because it would be viewed as them not handling it well.
That whole thing was rather creepy. I couldn't help thinking of death row inmates and how similar that was.
14. So Laura was partially right in that the government does preserve you...in a sense. [See her answer to question #9]. The society freezes your DNA in hopes of reusing it in the future. What do you guys think of this, creepy or cool?
Creepy, definitely. I think they are really using the DNA for something else.
15. This society has many strange laws but I can understand the logic behind many of them except for the one where you can't share food. What's that about? How does sharing or not sharing food affect the greater good of a society?
I think it has to do with the fact that Society has dictated THIS is exactly the food and amount you need to be healthiest. By sharing food you are throwing off that balance.
16. What were you expecting to be on the paper that grandfather gave Cassie? I certainly did not expect poetry! Were you more surprised or disappointed by the revelation?
I was a bit surprised, but when I thought about what we know about her grandfather it made sense.
17. We got to see a littler more of Ky during today's reading. What do you think of him so far?
He seems very kind hearted but mysterious at the same time.
10. I think it was a message of some sort but I'm not sure whether or not her grandfather knows what it means. Maybe its a message from the outer provinces to the people of society. 11. A pro is knowing being able to prepare and have goodbyes before you leave but a con is you may be dying yeeard before you need to.
12. I would prefer to be oblivious. I know I would spend too much time thinkjng about how much time I had left and not enough time enjoying while I was there.
13. I would definetly have a hard time remaining calm in that situation. I think the society's advice would just be to pop a green pill though.
14. Creepy. I don't want to be brought back from the dead that's just weird. I think they may be keeping the DNA for something they are not letting on to. I think the grandfather asked his son to get rid of th DNA on purpose. I don't thinm the officials would be do worried about finding the DNA of just one individual if it doesn't mean something more to them.
15. I agree with Stefani. But it seems weird that at the final banquet its buffet style except for the person dying. Is there something different on their food?
16. I was expecting poetry because that's what they talked about together and he seemed to be speaking in verse.
17. I think he will keep Cassia's secret as he offered her help. I think his father was killed perhaps because the death in the movie they saw seemed familiar to him and made him cry. I think he is going to try to change society with Cassia perhaps. I definitely feel like I'll be rooting for him.
10. Something just came to mind. Could seeing Ky's face on her port screen be a signal/message to someone else (maybe someone in the government)? Grandfather's reaction to the news made me think. It's like he knew more than he was letting on. Not sure...11. People in Cassie's society rarely have to worry about unexpected death. They know, for the most part, that they will die on their 80th year after the final banquet. What is one pro and con of this society's method of death? Pro is knowing how much time you have and not worring about an "early" death. Con would be,having it all planned for you. Wouldn't you start taking early years for granted,you know you will time later.....
12. Would you want to know the age that you were going to die? Or would you prefer to be oblivious? Based on your answer explain why.I want to be oblivious, so I can live each day like it might be my last... Remembering to those you love, that you love them..
13. Cassie thinks the final banquet is a "luxury" and "fair" but I think it's sad that they can't even cry at the loss of their grandfather in the nursing home because it would be viewed as them not handling it well. How can that be "fair" Crying is part of greving wich is part of death.
14. So Laura was partially right in that the government does preserve you...in a sense. [See her answer to question #9]. The society freezes your DNA in hopes of reusing it in the future. What do you guys think of this, creepy or cool? To me it is creepy. they might also learn to clone people...lol
15. This society has many strange laws but I can understand the logic behind many of them except for the one where you can't share food. What's that about? How does sharing or not sharing food affect the greater good of a society? I wondered if they use it as a reward system? You get deserts when you age?
16. What were you expecting to be on the paper that grandfather gave Cassie? I certainly did not expect poetry! Were you more surprised or disappointed by the revelation? No and it was a poem about fighting back....
17. We got to see a littler more of Ky during today's reading. What do you think of him so far? I like him, he has so much more dept than Mr. Perfect, Xander....
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Delirium (other topics)Divergent (other topics)
The Giver (other topics)
Matched (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of Matched by Ally Condie. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 1 - 6
1. (Pre reading question) "Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion."
If you were placed in a situation where you had to choose between passion and perfection, which would you choose and why?
2. (Pre reading question) Do you think you could have a long lasting relationship which was based solely on passion/perfection? What are the 'recipes' for a good relationship (in your personal opinion)?
3. "For the first time in my life, I am allowed to dream of Xander." (Fast forward a few sentences) "I did not dream of Xander. I don't know why."
Do you think that because they are now, matched Cassia feels obligated to love Xander instantly? Are her feelings for him are simply platonic or does she really love him but feels pressured?
4. Of everything I've seen so far the sleeping tags are most unique. Why would the government want to monitor its citizens dreams?
5. One has to wonder, if the government compiles enough information to know which dress you'll most likely pick because of "personal data" then why even give the girls the chance to pick? If Cassia picked a dress that wasn't her taste then I wonder if the well oil machine would break down.
6. So many elements of this book (the 'energy' pills, matching process, job process etc) are reminding of other dystopia books that I've read in the past. Eerie! Am I alone in this?
7. "Such specialization keeps people from being overwhelmed. We don't need to understand everything."
What is wrong with this ideology?
8. Cassie sees Kyle's face on her port screen. Do you think he was responsible for this breech in Matched protocol? Seems like we have a rebel on our hands.
9. "Tomorrow my grandfather will go too."
Somehow I don't think Cassie means going on vacation. Based on context clues do you think this society kill their senior citizens?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 7 - 10
10. Something just came to mind. Could seeing Ky's face on her port screen be a signal/message to someone else (maybe someone in the government)? Grandfather's reaction to the news made me think. It's like he knew more than he was letting on.
11. People in Cassie's society rarely have to worry about unexpected death. They know, for the most part, that they will die on their 80th year after the final banquet. What is one pro and con of this society's method of death?
12. Would you want to know the age that you were going to die? Or would you prefer to be oblivious? Based on your answer explain why.
13. Cassie thinks the final banquet is a "luxury" and "fair" but I think it's sad that they can't even cry at the loss of their grandfather in the nursing home because it would be viewed as them not handling it well.
14. So Laura was partially right in that the government does preserve you...in a sense. [See her answer to question #9]. The society freezes your DNA in hopes of reusing it in the future. What do you guys think of this, creepy or cool?
15. This society has many strange laws but I can understand the logic behind many of them except for the one where you can't share food. What's that about? How does sharing or not sharing food affect the greater good of a society?
16. What were you expecting to be on the paper that grandfather gave Cassie? I certainly did not expect poetry! Were you more surprised or disappointed by the revelation?
17. We got to see a littler more of Ky during today's reading. What do you think of him so far?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 11 - 15
18) Do you think Cassia should have destroyed the poem?
19) What did you think of Cassia's father destroying her Grandfather's DNA? Would you have if your father had asked you to? I think they couldn't bring you back but they could create a clone.
20) Did you notice how Xander seemed 'stricken' about Em's (I hope I'm getting the character's name right) matching? Could Xander have hoped Em would have been matched to him? Could he have gotten a faulty Data card as well?
21) There was a description of the flowers being given about how by being hybrids a lot of they variety and hardiness of them was bred out (or some such thing--again sorry I don't have the book and rewinding with a CD is not an easy thing). Do you agree its sounds a little like what they're doing with the people in Cassia's society?
22) Are you surprised Cassia hasn't told Ky he showed up on her data card? Would it be too cruel a thing to do?
23) Did you like how her Grandpa's last words to her were don't be afraid to wonder?
24) Everyone is starting to get their work assignments. What position do you think Cassia will get?
25) Do you think the red pill kills people?
26) What did you think about Em's nervous break down? What exactly are in those pills? Are they addictive? Why aren't abberations given capsules?
27) Why do you think Cassia hasn't confided in Xander, her best friend?
28) Is the cotton wood seed a sign of hope? It kind of reminded me of the truffala trees from Doctor Seuss--If someone cares...
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 16 - 20
28) What do you think of the fact writing has been eliminated? They are attempting to make cursive a thing of the past in our schools. Do you think eventually typing will be the only means of writing in our society as it is in Cassia's?
29) What do you make of Ky's story?
30) What do you think of Cassia's jealousy of Libby? Were you surprised to know Ky knew she was jealous and that he liked it?
31) What did you make of the date with Xander?
32) Why do you think they took everyone's artifacts?
33) Do you think Xander knew the compass was Ky's?
34) If the error on Cassia's data card hadn't popped up Ky's picture do you think she'd have ever noticed him? Do you think part of what she feels for Ky is sympathy because she knows he will never be matched and not by choice? Do you think she would have ever questioned the Society if the error never happened?
35) Why do you think Ky throws the games?
36) Does it seem strange that Cassia's mom is going on such a long trip? Is something changing in the Society? It just seemed strange that they starting collecting artifacts and all.
37) Do you think Xander suspects that something is going on between Cassia and Ky?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 21 - 26
38. In Cassie's society they have a Hundread Poems, Songs, Art, History etc preserved from the past. If you could preserve ONE book, movie, and song from the present (or past) to be preserved for the future what would they be? No cheating! You can only select one item for each category.
39. Cassie noticed a shortage of Officials in the game room, there were extra patrols in the boroughs, and her mom went on a mysterious work trip. What do you think is happening? I'm thinking that there might be something (like a riot) going on in the outer provinces and the government is trying to contain it.
40. Ky says he isn't an anomaly "yet". Do you think this was just bitterness because of his circumstances or could he be involved in something else all together?
41. What do you think of Cassie's meeting with the Official who talked to her about her relationship with Ky? Was it wise for her to say that she thinks that people should be able to choose who they are matched with?
42. The Official said that Cassie didn't commit an infraction and that that part of the announcement was a mistake. This is the second accident that involved Cassie, do you think someone is setting her up? Or were these mistakes purely coincidental?
43. I didn't expect Cassie's mother to say that the warning (cutting down the trees) were meant for her! Between Cassie, her mother, and father I'm surprised the family isn't an aberration yet.
44. Cassie and Ky are still progressing with their relationship even though they are being watched. If you were in Cassie's situation what would you differently? The same?
45. Where do you think Ky is getting his information? He knew about the archivist and fake singers. How is he acquiring this knowledge when he has such a low status in the society? How did he manage to get the birthday poem without giving away his artifact? Could Ky be a spy of some sort? He has a lot on Intel.
46. Do you think it was wise of Cassie to sort Kyle into the higher group? Surly the society has data that will tell them what she did. Do you think she will be punished for this or will her tampering go unnoticed?
Discussion Questions/Comments for Chapters 27 - End