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The Selection by Kiera Cass

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): 35 girls are chosen from throughout the kingdom to compete in what is called The Selection. Prince Maxton will choose his bride from among these women. While most girls would kill for the chance to to compete in The Selection, America Singer wants nothing to do with it. However, as "chance" would find it she ends up there anyway. As she gets to know Prince Maxton and experience life at the castle, America's view begins to change. 

Category: YA

Why I chose this book: A friend had given it negative reviews, but then I saw some positive reviews online, so I decided to find out for myself. 

My personal opinion (the review): Overall I don't recommend this book. The "adult situations" were longer and more frequent than I would have liked. Also, America is just so whiny. However, I was interested enough in the whole process to read until the end of the series (and the extras).

Warnings
Language: Maybe 2 or 3 words
Violence: Two rebel groups were mentioned. 
"Adult" situations: Some descriptions of intimacy went further than I would have liked, but I have a low tolerance. All instances ended before they went "too far," but I would be cautious about letting early teens read it. 
Death: None

Movie rating equivalent: PG:13

Protagonist description: America is so wishy washy about everything in her life and what she wants out of life. I want to like her, but every time I start to move that direction she does something that frustrates me all over again.  

Point of view of story: First

Book length: Short

Story flow: Slow, but fluid

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): I'd have love to known more about her maids

For series:
Independent or integral: Independent as first in the series

Series review as a whole: Very slow but there was enough the keep me reading the entire series (plus the extras).

If you only have time for one, read: (which one): The Selection as first in the series, but don't waste your time. 

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