Matched

I loved The Giver and this book reminded me of that story in many ways. The way the Society controls all the information, the Big Brother aspect, and the way fear is used to motivate obedience are all familiar hallmarks of a dystopian book and Ms. Condie builds her world seamlessly on this foundation.

While the worldbuilding is all-encompassing and hits all the right notes, the true magic of this story lies in the characters. We feel immediately connected to them, and I appreciated that Cassia begins the story accepting everything the Society tells her and feeling excited about the choices the Society is making for her. When a seemingly small mistake by the Society presents Cassia with an alternate destiny she'd never considered, we slowly inch along that path with her, one tiny decision at a time, until near the end, we're running headlong toward disaster with her and we, like her, can't imagine living any other way. It's a brilliant character arc.

I also really loved that both love interests, Xander and Ky, are really likable. There's no clear winner, really, and that makes it poignant and realistic and so compelling.

One of the things that I think sets this book apart from other dystopians is the use of poetry, mostly by Dylan Thomas, to inspire the characters. The author expertly uses the poems to breathe life into the characters, to challenge their acceptance of their world, and to make it heartbreakingly clear that the cost of allowing the government to safely make every choice for you is a huge piece of your soul.

I have to also give props to the writing style. Ms. Condie has a fluid, lovely style that never gets in the way of telling the story. I was hooked from the first word. I *felt* the poetry, *saw* the drawings Ky makes to explain his feelings, and was just captivated throughout. I can't wait to read the sequel.

I heard so many great things about this novel, but was hesitant that it would be too similar to all the other Dystopian novels I have read.

True,Matched's dystopian society is similar to others. A world where information is controlled- everything is controlled. The government tells its citizens who they marry, when they marry, where they work, when to have children. It even plans the exact day of their deaths. Society has truncated all the arts into what can be called the top 100. (100 songs, 100 poems, etc)

What I love about this particular novel is how instantly I felt connected to the characters from Cassia and Ky to the parents and other adults in the novel. Matched romantic elements do not seem forced or overly dramatic. In some instances it is a simplistic telling with hints of Romeo and Juliet while adding its own dystopian twists. The novel also allows its characters to have doubts about the society. Not only do characters question if their government but they deal with understanding the consequences of going against the government. Even though they may know the government is controlling too much of their world, are they will to sacrifice their current world for one with hardships, disease, and unpredictability.

Compared to other Dystopian novels this book is fair but highly enjoyable for a lighter read.I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Crossed, which was recently released. Fans of the Dystopian genre should read Matched.

When I picked up Matched, I was so excited to finally get to read it. I was hoping that I would love it and wasn't so excited that I would set myself up for disappointment. Turns out, I loved it!

I found myself drawn into Cassia's world, and I what I loved about this story is that it revolved around Cassia's inner journey to make her own decisions and not just a bunch of terrifying, Society events. It's not often that I get outwardly emotional while reading a book but found myself getting a little misty eyed during the scenes with Cassia and her grandfather.

The sequel, Crossed, just recently was released and I'm looking forward to seeing how this trilogy continues. If you're a fan of the dystopian genre, and haven't read this, I encourage you to pick it up. It doesn't move quite as fast as other books in this genre might, and it isn't an "action" type of story either. What I mean is, don't pick this book up thinking it's going to be just like the Hunger Games, because it isn't. I think this trilogy has it's own solid place in the dystopian genre.

The Society has been all Cassia knows, but when during her Matching Ceremony Xander's face appears, followed by a quick flash of Ky's face before fading to black, Cassia begins to have some questions.

She is told it's an error and her life is meant to be spent with Xander, but Cassia can't get Ky out of her head. As Ky and Cassia begin to fall in love, Cassia begins to question the Society, embarking down the path that is away from everything she has ever known and no one ever dares to follow.

I've heard so many wonderful things about this book. I've heard nothing but glowing things about it. I really liked it, but for me it just didn't have a wow factor to push it to the next level. There were so many wonderful things about it, but it just didn't have that addictive quality I crave for in a book.

The characters were my favorite part of this book. I really liked Ky, he was so sweet. Cassia was a strong character as well. Even the smaller characters really just came to life and brought so much to the story. Cassia's Grandpa was another character I simply loved - he was such a nice person.

I loved the society aspect of Matched. The world was just so neat. I really liked all the little details Condie put in. The plot was intriguing, but, for me, was the biggest fault of the book. It just lacked that umph that makes me crazy addicted to a book. I still was interested while I read, but there was never that need to know what is happening next. It was simply good.

The story was a bit slow moving for my liking. Condie did a wonderful job developing the world, but that took a lot of time. The ending was one of the best parts of the book, and has me very excited for the next book. I think the sequel(s) to this book will be even better than this one, as the world is already built and it doesn't need to be developed.

I did like this one, and I would suggest reading it. It wouldn't make my favorite list, but is definately worth your time to read.