Matched
by Ally Condie
Dutton Books (Penguin Group), 2010
366 pages
In a futuristic society, free will is no more--the Officials decide everything--who you will marry, where you will work, where you will live, how many children you will have, and the exact date of your death--because it's been decided that eighty years old is the optimal age--if you live past eighty, you will get diseases and die. Better to plan your death, have one last meal, say good-bye to your friends and family and go peacefully away.
In this society, the Officials have decided what songs are important, what poems are great, what texts to save, what works of art are worth saving, what history is important--there are no free-thinkers or creators.
Cassia is just sixteen and is waiting for her matching banquet, the day when she will see who it is she will be matched with and marry. She can't wait! It's a strange twist of fate when she sees her match--it is her childhood friend Xander--a boy she already knows and loves like a brother. It gets complicated when she sees another face on the screen. It's a mistake, of course. She is meant to be with Xander. But, what if, that other boy is really the one she wants?
Fans of science fiction, dystopian fiction, and romance will like this novel. The reader will keep turning the page wondering what will Cassia choose? The ending leaves an opening for a second book and possibly a trilogy.
Fast-paced, well-written and entertaining, Matched is a must-read.
Highly, highly recommended grade 7-up.
No language, no sex.
FTC Required Disclaimer: I purchased this book for my library through the Scholastic Warehouse. Matched is available through Scholastic.
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