"The Selection" chapter 1-6

I think everyone must have heard of Cinderella, but what if Cinderella has an unforgettable ex-boyfriend and a loving family? 

With a beautiful, talented but poor girl and a Prince Charming, "The Selection" is evidently another Cinderella story. After adding a love triangle, it becomes "The Selection", which I consider as the realistic version of Cinderella.

Summary

"The Selection" is a young adult novel written by Kiera Cass. Being the first in a five-book series, it set its background in a country named Illéa, which practices a strict caste system under absolute monarchy.

Through the narrating of the main protagonist, America Singer, the life of different castes are largely portrayed between the everyday conversation with her family. Being a Five, which is only three castes higher than the lowest caste, America lives a lower-class life. The only chance for a girl to raise her social status is to enter the Selection, which is held to choose the prince's wife. Every province will select one girl to be the candidate for the princess. A few days before the announcement of the thirty-five girls being selected, America broke up with Aspen, her secret boyfriend and a Six, because of Aspen's inferiority complex about his caste, but then America turns out to be one of the Selected.

Reflection

When I was reading the first six chapters, I was actually a little disappointed about the slowness and blandness of the plots. I thought it would be more exciting and interesting from its brief introduction on the back cover of the book. However, as I continued reading, I found myself in a peaceful mood, not as impatient as I started reading.

Apart from being a love story, there's much more information hidden behind the romance and is worth discussing. The problem that caused America and Aspen to separate is always a controversial issue.

Which will you choose, love or bread?

Aspen obviously chose bread, but it's hard for me to blame him for giving up his love when he actually starved most of the time. He simply wanted America to live a better life since he wasn't able to provide for her. America, on the other hand, chose love. She did whatever she could to try to help Aspen relieve his load, but instead of receiving his appreciation, she was dumped.

As for me, I will choose bread if I have to make a decision. Love will fade as time goes by while money won't. Having a comfortable life definitely needs money, but doesn't necessarily need love.

PS: The first six chapters are about the time before America goes to the palace and meets Prince Maxon and the other girls, so if you are more interested in the competition of the thirty-five girls, you can start from chapter 7.