Matched by Allie Condie Book Review

Matched by Allie Condie is a truly fantastic book. It's depth and forethought were obvious and refreshing. This young adult/fantasy book is a post-apocalypse adventure that is rooted in self-discovery. The main character, Cassia Reyes, has been raised in the Society, a dystopia that is much too structured. They're strict enough to choose the citizens' Matches, their life partners. When Cassia is Matched with Xander Carrow, her best friend, she is elated. But when she goes home to watch her micro card (a small chip that includes details about the Matches that each pair gets once they're Matched to get to know their partner), the screen shows a different face. Instead, it shows one of Ky Markham, a boy she has seen around but doesn't know very well. The Society never makes mistakes. At least that's what Cassia thought. She is reassured by the Society that it was a simple mistake, a glitch in the chip. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, his face up on that screen. What did it mean? Did they give her the wrong Match? Then she starts questioning the Society itself, if it's Utopian impression is just a cover of an insufficient attempt at redemption. Although I thought this nearly impeccable book was a good read, there were some flaws. At some points there just wasn't enough urgency to Condie's writing. Likewise, the conflicts and conversations had a tendency to be somewhat dull, not much of a urgency to read into. She made good overall interest, but some points I thought were just too slow. Upon reading this book, I have been able to recognize the connection between Condie's points and our society as it is currently standing. I am not making any judgements, nor am I taking sides, but after interpreting Condie's hidden meanings and her underlying themes (exemption and free will), I have come to agree with Cassia and her choices. Her determination is modern and quite nicely displayed. Overall, I would give Matched by Allie Condie a definite thumbs up. This book is a great read and is very wonderfully written. A-