Fiction Friday: MATCHED by Ally Condie

Plot without spoilers: This was a gorgeous, un-put-downable book. Ally Condie's MATCHED tells the story of Cassia Reyes, an upstanding teen citizen in a highly-regimented Society. Her bright future sparkles when, at seventeen, she is matched with the handsome Xander. However, when Cassia opens the microcard containing information about her match, another face flashes briefly on the screen--quiet, mysterious Ky--before Xander's profile appears. Wondering how her perfect Society could have made such a mistake is the first of many questions that will change Cassia's understanding of choice, of love, and of her entire world.

Literary highlights: Condie's wonderful use of color and nature imagery throughout. The wrenching love triangle between Cassie, Ky and Xander. On a more theoretical note, dystopian fantasy is an amazingly rich genre these days and Condie's novel made me think about the power of putting teens searching for love and sense of self into an environment where the government or environment presents huge obstacles to self-discovery.

Finally, just gotta say: Cassie's voice is pitch perfect on every page. I was completely drawn in by this unique young woman growing up in a world where fitting in is the goal of every citizen. Oh, and, LOVE THIS COVER!