Not Enough Bookshelves: Book Review - MATCHED by Ally Condie

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

Book Review – MATCHED by Ally Condie

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. (from Goodreads)

Due to the hype surrounding Matched, and the absolutely stunning cover (yes I always judge books by them) I was extremely excited to pick up a signed copy of ALA.

Cassia’s voice caught me straight away and I was swept up the excitement of her Match banquet. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I loved everything. The voice was perfect, the writing is astonishingly beautiful and the world building is outstanding; the society is terrifying in it’s perfection and veneer of reasonableness.

This is such a beautiful book. There are scenes that are quietly heartbreaking and achingly romantic and emotions are expressed so wonderfully well. My copy has about twenty turned down pages, to mark passages I really loved. Matched is definitely one of my favourite books of the year and I need to re-read it to really appreciate it.

A word of warning though, if you are looking for a book to fill the void left by the end of The Hunger Games, this may not be for you, despite the dystopian tag. Matched is more reminiscent of the coming of age/romance you might expect from Sarah Dessen. It is quiet, and it is beautiful, and it is well worth reading.

Here’s a taste,

There is so much that I want. I feel it so much that I am water, a river of want, pooled in the shape of a girl named Cassia.

Matched by Ally Condie comes out tomorrow. I’m already counting down for Book 2.

ARC received at ALA

8 comments:

Jemi Fraser30 November 2010 02:53

I really can't wait for this book! It sounds absolutely wonderful! 🙂

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Nic @ Irresistible Reads30 November 2010 03:20

Wow. This sounds like it lives up to all the hype. Great review Alexa. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

By the way, you have been tagged over at my blog if you are interested in participating for 10 things we didn't know about you.

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Kim30 November 2010 03:42

I WANT THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!! You've got me drooling, Alexa!

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Becca C.30 November 2010 03:47

Ahhh, I really really really want to read this! The wait is almost over, it's out tomorrow! 😀

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Vee30 November 2010 21:18

Oh, wow. I love the snippet you shared! This book sounds great 😀

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Nomes30 November 2010 23:09

awesome review.

i love how you compared it to sarah dessen and not The Hungers games – really sets me up for the right vibe. Can't wait to get my copy (hurry up mail man!)

xx

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Alexa30 November 2010 23:32

Jemi – it is!

Nic – It does, totally deserves to be No 1 on the Indie list. Thanks for the tag the meme looks fun 🙂

Kim – soon Kim!!!! Make Joelle keep you updated of her progress 🙂

Beeca – I know It had it's own stand in B&N today, looked very lovely.

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Alexa30 November 2010 23:32

Vee – it is so good.

Nomes – Thanks. Enjoy 🙂

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