Friday, January 14, 2011

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!

5 comments:

Theresa Milstein said...

I just finished this book a few days ago, and I loved it too. My only complaint is how she treats Xander. I think that could've been explored more. But what a great oppressive government. I could feel there was no place to go - no privacy.

storyqueen said...

I am excited to read this one. And I, too, love that cover!

Stasia said...

Thanks for your comments, Theresa and Shelley. I think you're right about Xander, Theresa but, for me, the world-building made it a worthwhile read.

Dawn Simon said...

MATCHED sounds great. Thanks for telling us about it! (And yeah, that cover is beautiful!)

Stasia said...

Thanks, Dawn. BTW, are you getting any writing done?