Matched by Ally CondieMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining book that falls somewhere in between The Giver and Twilight. I think I would have appreciated the storyline more had I read this before any of the other hit Dystopian books that have come out. The story just seemed too familiar. Two love interests that capture one girl's heart. Desperate situations that call for some kind of rebellion. The pretty girl has bronze hair and green eyes.
I don't doubt this series will be a hit. I never read the last Twilight book or any of The Hunger Games (though I probably will soon--HG not Twilight book). I think this book is fairly mild where violence and sensuality is concerned. However it looks like the rest of the series may follow along those lines (as the other big hit series have done).
One idea that has set this book apart from others is the matching of companions and arranged marriages. Of all the elements in this novel, I thought this was most creative on the author's part.
If I had to choose The Giver, Matched, or 1984 for the best book that deals with heavily socialistic government, Matched would probably be my last pick. But still very interesting and worth reading.
The only other flaw I find with the love interests in this book as I did with Twilight is the immature and shallow view of true love. I basically learn that teenage love progresses only as affection progresses and is heavily dramatic. Show me a book like Mrs. Mike or These Is My Words and I'll show you a good love story of depth and value. I just hope that books like this don't give young teenage girls the wrong idea of what true love is all about. If you don't analyze this too heavily (like I'm doing) you probably will find the love story entertaining as I did.
6 comments:
Sounds interesting! I LOVE your new blog layout! So cute!!!
Ok. I need one recommendation for a good love story... I agree with the shallow view of love part. What is your absolute favorite???
I guess I could just always read Pride & Prejudice again. It never disappoints.
Curious... Why didn't you read the last Twilight? Did someone tell you that it is just crazy weird??? (Because it is!) and I'm a little nervous as to how the movie will go, what with all the young teenage following, not that adults should have to watch a young vampire on honeymoon either.
The Hunger games are interesting (sticking with that socialistic society theme) but I would suggest book on tape. Unless you can stand. The whole book. Written. Like. This. I know it's for dramatic effect, but it goes way to far. And I'm not perfect at spelling or grammar, but there are errors ALL OVER THE PLACE! It's like they skipped the editing stage so they could publish it as fast as they could.
Speaking of novels, sorry I always write them in your comments. :-P
I will stop now.
Haha. Alea you are funny. I haven't heard anyone talk about the grammar of The Hunger Games. I could see how that would get annoying.
All time favorite love story? Before I recommend anything I would wonder at what genre you prefer. If you're like me you'll read anything. I resonate more with the love stories that are very real...that usually involve some hardship and sacrifice and even semi-sad endings. If you would like a P&P type I would go for North and South (and watch the movie after cause it is good too). I recently read one called "Christy" that I really adored--definitely a favorite. Otherwise I would go for These Is My Words or Mrs. Mike. You'll like any of them.
Have your read The Poisonwood Bible? It has some romance in it and is a very intense read. I liked that one too.
About Twilight--I read it when I was single and was totally falling in love with Edward. It creeped me out. I obsessed over the first few books then realized that they were somewhat depressing me. I know this is all very weird and I'm even embarrassed to admit it. I just dwell too much on things and I didn't need to walk around feeling like I wished I was Bella. No thanks. I also didn't like where Stephanie Meyer was taking it and the way she was writing about their relationship. I was still curious and got the insider's scoop on what happened from my little sister but ultimately decided not to finish out the series.
i love reading your book analysis' (what the heck is the plural of that word?)
I saw this book featured on a local talk show and wondered about it. i like hearing all the different aspects about the book that you liked and disliked. keep em coming.
kayla i just read your comment above mine and i TOTALLY get the same way about some books....
i internalize them WAY too much and think about them all the time to the point where i just need to put it down cause it's scary. seriously i don't like that feeling! it's like i'm not living in the present, and you're right, it can be depressing sometimes. It's so interesting how too much of a good thing can be bad. Even if you're embarassed to admit it, i'm glad you did, cause then i know that i'm not some disfunctional person. haha.
I got to read some of this book before she got published. i think she is such a clever writer. it's awesome to see her out there.
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