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Matched By Ally Condie

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. (Amazon)

Category: YA dystopian

Why I chose this book: Recommended based on other things I have read, it's been on my list for a while

My personal opinion (the review): Of the many popular dystopian/futuristic society novels I have read, I'd rate this one near the top. Condie provides more back story and, in my opinion, the most interesting concept of why the society has become as it is. I think this back story is one of the reasons I enjoyed the book so much. 

My biggest complaint was the nothing really ever seemed to happen. There was lots of dialogue and variable situations, but in comparison with other like-minded novels, there wasn't much action and the plot seemed to plod along. 

Warnings (language, violence, "adult" situations, death, etc.): None. In my opinion the lack of violence was actually something that stood out. 

Movie rating equivalent: PG

Protagonist description: Cassia is a sorter. She sees patterns and links everywhere. However, when she sees Ky on her port screen, the pattern of her entire life is broken, and she can never go back. 

Point of view of story: First person

Book length: Medium

Story flow: Fluid, but slow moving 

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): Grandfather

For series:
Independent or integral: Independent 
If you only have time for one, read: Matched

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