MATCHED

Author: Ally Condie ISBN: 9780525423645 11/2010 YOUNG ADULT/SCI-FI/FANTASY Publisher: DUTTON

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.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The good thing about young adult stories is that the set of themes presented are different from those of a typical adult romance. A lot more emphasis is put on story and character development instead of the romance, although romance is still pertinent. This can help or hurt a plot, depending on how well each aspect is examined and carried out. Overall, MATCHED handled each bit excellently.

First of all is the incredible plot. The idea of a perfect society is always appealing at first, but, after further thought, there are so many things you can see go wrong. In MATCHED, the perfect society is one that makes all the decisions, including a person's career, spouse, and even the food eaten. In the absence of choice is a utopia devoid of diseases, defects, and the promise of a long and healthy life to age eighty.

This balance of pros and cons is accepted overall by society, since a long, happy life is a nice thought. But the main character, Cassia, starts to question everything in the face of an incredible event unfolding. From there, her life and thoughts completely change. It's a fascinating process as she goes from humble, obedient girl to rebellious, free-thinking young woman.

Also worth praise is the pace and style of writing. Sometimes it reads like a regular novel. Other times, it's like reading poetry. The whole time, it is enthralling. The tension creeps up on you and refuses to let go. It's an emotional and engrossing experience.

The romance was a bit disjointed and awkward, but in relation to the societal constraints as well as personal limitations, it fits and flows well. There is a love triangle, but the outcome is fairly predictable, although not to the point it isn't enjoyable.

This book impressed me. I like to be lost in a story to the point that when I'm forced to stop reading, I momentarily forget where I am. MATCHED does that in a jarring way and has you thinking about it long after the last page has been read.

If you like thought-provoking stories and don't need heavy romance to enjoy a story, then this is an excellent book for you. If you have a teenaged daughter, this is a great read to open up communication and teach life lessons, as well. Make room on the keeper shelf for this one and keep an eye out for the next installment, since this is the first in a trilogy.

Sunny Lore