Matched by Allyson Condie

Matched is the first of a dystopian Trilogy written by Allyson Condie.
The official summery is:

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, whom 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?

The story is great for Teens. This series has some romance in it, a bit more than I would prefer for my daughters, but nothing over the top or graphic. Really just kissing and hand holding. Ok, I am in denial that they are teens. And they both liked the first two books. Anyway, the story follows a teen girl who lives in a society that is completetly fabricated to keep people safe and perfect. Safe. This is a relative term that could be good or bad. What are they kept safe from? Maybe they are not as safe as it would seem. Maybe the society is not all it is made out to be. Journey with Cassia, Xander and Ky as they grow up in a society that has controlled every possible aspect of their life. Explore with them if this is a good thing or bad and what can be done. 

The first book moves more slowly than warranted. It is largely 3rd person, which is not my preferred style of writing. Loads of description. It really sets the stage for the following book, Crossed, and so it is really important to read it to get the whole picture. It ends with a bang and leaves you hanging. The second book is all action and suspense. Lots of description here too. It also leaves you in a bind. What choice will Cassia make? What do I want her to decide? Ahhhh............ The third and final book, Reached, comes out this November and the library does not have it available for reserve yet. So, I might have to wait a while, which is going to be suspenseful in and of itself. I am eager to read it and see how things turn out!

We have now read all three. This is a great series. My 13 year old and I really enjoyed it. It moved too slowly for my 15 year old. I think that this is a great book and it will provoke kids to think about society and the purpose of it.

The Trilogy by Ally Condie

Matched
Crossed
Reached