Matched by Ally Condie

For my reviews of other Ally Condie books, click here: Being Sixteen.







Title: Matched (Matched #1)
Author: Ally Condie
Reviewer:  Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating:  Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, who to marry. When she is Matched with her best friend Xander, things couldn't be more perfect. But why did her neighbor Ky's face show up on her match disk as well?"
Opinions:This book was fascinating because the Society was based upon statistics and the laws of probability. Everything is based upon that--including what you eat, what you where, and what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Anyone who strays from what is acceptable, based upon what is expected according to probability is then censured as needed. Because of this you wonder if the characters are doing what they are doing, because they truly want to or only because they are taught that this is what probability allows. 

The characters were intriguing as well. I loved Xander--the boy every girl wants, and no one can think they are allowed. He's introspective, smart, good looking, and more than even Cassia realizes. As for Ky, this jury is still out. I feel there is a lot more to his story to learn before I really discover what I think of him.  And I adore Cassia. She wants to do what is right for her, for her family, for those around her, but she has to determine what "right really means". It makes her an interesting read. I love her strength most of all.

Overall, this was a really great read and I look forward to reading what's next in the sequel, Crossed.