Matched is the first book in a trilogy about a dystopian society where the government has perfected the art of increasing health and longevity by controlling everything about citizen's lives. Meals are personalized and portion-controlled, individuals are "matched" with the spouse who will allow them to produce the most genetically perfect children, and people are educated only to the extent necessary for their specific job. In exchange for allowing this much control, they have eradicated health and, for the most part, crime. The novel tells the story of a girl named Cassia who is "matched" with her best friend Xander, but then, through a glitch, also with a mysterious boy named Kai. Presented with choice for the first time in her life, Cassia now has to decide what to do - whether to follow the government's orders or rebel against them.
There are MANY things I loved about this book - I found it really engaging and easy to read and, even though it is very similar to the many dystopian books out these days, still unique. There is a movie coming out soon, and it is the beginning of a trilogy. It should be accessible to both genders (though it is a little more girl-friendly). There is no objectionable content to be concerned about (though I have not read the other two books in the series). I also love that it is rich enough for honors and AP classes to discuss, and there are opportunities to discuss other literature, like 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Stranger, Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar," and Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." My only concerns are that (1) it is rather lengthy - about 400 pages, and (2) it is like Hunger Games without the Hunger Games, meaning it has the dystopian society conflicts and the love triangle, but much less action, which could be a problem for struggling readers who don't do as well with more internal stories (e.g., it's more about her thought processes - there isn't a lot of action).
Loved this book! I've already read book 2 (which is even better) and am anxious for the 3rd. It tells the story of the US in the future when "The Society" makes the decisions for everyone, based on whats best for society as a whole. This includes choosing the matches, jobs, where people live, what art they are exposed to and how often they have free time. The downside to this book is the love story that runs throughout can be off putting to some boys. Of the students who have read it so far, most have really enjoyed it, one (who also disliked Hunger Games) detested this book.
Although the narrator of "Matched" seems a bit naive at times (almost simple, even?), this book is a great read for so many reasons, most articulated above by Ms. Handley and Ms. Gerdes - including the fact that the second book "Crossed" is great, too. A third book and a movie nudge this up this list for me but it might be a bit long for some. Also, guy readers might not enjoy being inside Cassia's head. She's lovely and reflective but, to be honest, there were times when I wanted to whisper, "Make up your mind, girlfriend!"
Matched is the first book in a trilogy about a dystopian society where the government has perfected the art of increasing health and longevity by controlling everything about citizen's lives. Meals are personalized and portion-controlled, individuals are "matched" with the spouse who will allow them to produce the most genetically perfect children, and people are educated only to the extent necessary for their specific job. In exchange for allowing this much control, they have eradicated health and, for the most part, crime. The novel tells the story of a girl named Cassia who is "matched" with her best friend Xander, but then, through a glitch, also with a mysterious boy named Kai. Presented with choice for the first time in her life, Cassia now has to decide what to do - whether to follow the government's orders or rebel against them.
ReplyDeleteThere are MANY things I loved about this book - I found it really engaging and easy to read and, even though it is very similar to the many dystopian books out these days, still unique. There is a movie coming out soon, and it is the beginning of a trilogy. It should be accessible to both genders (though it is a little more girl-friendly). There is no objectionable content to be concerned about (though I have not read the other two books in the series). I also love that it is rich enough for honors and AP classes to discuss, and there are opportunities to discuss other literature, like 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Stranger, Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar," and Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." My only concerns are that (1) it is rather lengthy - about 400 pages, and (2) it is like Hunger Games without the Hunger Games, meaning it has the dystopian society conflicts and the love triangle, but much less action, which could be a problem for struggling readers who don't do as well with more internal stories (e.g., it's more about her thought processes - there isn't a lot of action).
Loved this book! I've already read book 2 (which is even better) and am anxious for the 3rd. It tells the story of the US in the future when "The Society" makes the decisions for everyone, based on whats best for society as a whole. This includes choosing the matches, jobs, where people live, what art they are exposed to and how often they have free time. The downside to this book is the love story that runs throughout can be off putting to some boys. Of the students who have read it so far, most have really enjoyed it, one (who also disliked Hunger Games) detested this book.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the narrator of "Matched" seems a bit naive at times (almost simple, even?), this book is a great read for so many reasons, most articulated above by Ms. Handley and Ms. Gerdes - including the fact that the second book "Crossed" is great, too. A third book and a movie nudge this up this list for me but it might be a bit long for some. Also, guy readers might not enjoy being inside Cassia's head. She's lovely and reflective but, to be honest, there were times when I wanted to whisper, "Make up your mind, girlfriend!"
ReplyDelete