Matched

Bibliography
Condie, Ally, 2010. MATCHED. New York, NY: Penguin Books. ISBN 9780142419779.

Plot Summary
The day has finally arrived; Cassia Reyes' Match Banquet, a ceremony where people finally learn of their forever Match. Knowing her future lies in the hands of the Society, she is anxious to learn who she will be Matched with. Cassia is shocked to find her Match is her best friend, Xander, as it is rare to Match with someone in the same City. However, when Cassia goes home to play her microcard for more information about her Match, she is stunned to see a different Match was made. Knowing the Society makes no mistakes and Xander is her true Match, Cassia can't help but wonder if it wasn't a mistake the microcard showed Ky; an aberration who cannot Match. This rare mistake begins to unravel all that the Society has taught Cassia, leaving her to wonder if there is more to life than they were led to believe.

Critical Analysis
Condie has created a dystopian civilization where the Society controls all decisions and enforces their strict rules. The Officials decide where one can work, what they eat, what possessions can be kept, who they will Match with and love, and when it is time to die. There is no room for error or personal choices. While creating this dictated world, Condie writes about Cassia Reyes, a young adult newly eligible to attend a Match Banquet. While Cassia learns her Match is her best friend Xander, she uncovers a mistake made on the microcard showing another Match made; to Ky, an aberration who cannot take part of the Match Banquet. Cassia begins to question the Society and how they made this mistake, as the Society makes no mistakes. Right before her grandfather's scheduled death, he shares with Cassia a secret possession she holds in her compact; forbidden poems that leave Cassia wanting more for herself. No longer feeling secure in the choices made by the Society, she dares to question it all and is no longer able to hide her feelings for Ky. Despite knowing the harsh consequences of these choices, Cassia continues to embark on this quest to answers and freedom, displaying heroine traits. Condie's writing is suspenseful and believable from beginning to end, creating a science fiction story with horrifyingly clear details including forcing innocent people to carry tablets to control minds and prevent freedom of choice or expression. Young adults will find it impossible to set down this chilling yet action filled story.  

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "... the author just as easily tears this world apart while deftly exploring the individual cost of societal perfection and the sacrifices inherent in freedom of choice." 
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Detractors will legitimately cite less-than-subtle morality and similarities to The Giver, but this one's a fierce, unforgettable page-turner in its own right." 

Connections
- For fans of science fiction, interested in learning about the rules of this dystopian world and how a young adult will seek answers and freedom. 
- Young adults looking for action, adventure, science, and romance will enjoy the first part of this trilogy. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Collins, Suzanne, 2010. THE HUNGER GAMES. ISBN 9780439023528.
Condie, Ally, 2011. CROSSED. ISBN 9780142421710.
Condie, Ally, 2013. REACHED. ISBN 9780142425992.

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