The Selection by Kiera Cass

I picked up The Selection because of that gorgeous cover. How could I resist a book with a pretty dress? I did hear some fairly negative review. A few people on Goodreads couldn't finish it. But I love it. It was a fun, fast read.
America Singer lives in a post-disaster North America. Something happened and now the United States along with parts of Canada and Latin America are now called Illea. I really wished there was a map. I had a hard time figuring out the boundaries of Illea. There's a monarchy ruling Illea. The king and queen have a son and he needs to find a bride. There's a call for young ladies of Illea to enter into The Selection for a chance to be the prince's entended. It's all very Bachelor.
When I first heard about The Selection there was some comparisons to the Hunger Games. Put that out of your mind. At least in this book (it looks like there is at least one more) there's very little violence and most of the time the Selected girls aren't involved. America doesn't have to fight anyone to the death. America also isn't Katniss. I did feel some slight resemblances. Both are devoted to their families. Both leave boys behind to go off to their adventures. Both are from "lower" classes and have struggled. But whereas Katniss is strong and feels like she can do anything, America isn't. Not that I couldn't relate to Katniss but I felt that America was more like me. She's trying to do the right thing. I really connected to her.
Overall I enjoyed The Selection. It was the very definition of a beach read, light and fun. It was definitely brain candy. I will be read the next in the series. Others who shared their thoughts on The Selection: Book Journey, My Friend Amy, Makeshift Bookmark, Paranormal Indulgence, The Overflowing Library, Books Devoured, Read. Breathe. Relax., Reading With Tequila, Becky's Book Reviews, Steph Likes Books, and What I Read and What I Thought.