The Synopsis:
This novel takes place in a dystopian future with a very structured class system. I don't normally like romances but the author had me at dystopian. In the Selection, a person is born into her class (labeled One to Eight) and in most cases must stay there. Ones are royalty and Eights are the homeless. The main character, America, is a Five, a member of the artists' caste. There are very few ways to leave your caste. Being in a higher caste means better living conditions: more money, more food, and a better house. America's family can barely make enough money to put food on the table. Enter the Selection. The Selection is one of the few ways a woman can improve her living situation and possibly her caste. How? It's easy, she competes with the prettiest girls in the kingdom to become the wife to the prince, the heir to the throne. All a girl has to do is get the prince, Maxon, to fall in love with her. It sounds simple but no one should get between a woman and a
The problem is that America does not want to marry the prince. She wants to marry the boy she loves, a Six named Aspen. A marriage to Aspen will not improve her living conditions nor her family's but even just participating in the selection will result in a hefty paycheck for America's family. With a heart heavy with obligation, America enters the competition. The longer she stays in the competition, the more her family is paid. This is an opportunity that America can't pass up. What she doesn't expect is that Prince Maxon would truly give Aspen a run for his money in the love department.
Questions for Discussion:
- What did you think about the book? What did you love about it? What did you hate about it?
- How do the rebels effect the plot line?
- If you were in America's position, how would you react?
- What do you think of Maxon? and his family?
- How would you feel about the other contestants?
- Who is your favorite contestant (besides America)? Who is your least favorite contestant?
- Would you choose Aspen or Maxon?
- What do you think is in store in the next book?
Themed Desserts (yes, desserts plural!!!!)
In the spirit of the Selection, I asked my fellow book club members to choose between two deserts.The first I call the Aspen. It is a black forest brownie with a cherry cheese cake topping. You can find the recipe I used from Womans Day here.
I named the second choice, the Maxon. It is a brownie baked with a surprise inside--full size peanut butter cups. It is then layered in a dish with bananas, fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce and peanuts. Here is the recipe from Woman's Day.
So go get baking these delicious treats and enjoy them as you read the book! Or host a book club and enjoy the treats with friends.
. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time. I've also never felt so inspired. The book describes the life of August Pullman, a 5th grade boy with a facial difference and his attempt to attend public school for the first time. He has been homeschooled all his life both out of medical necessary and to protect him from the possible cruelty of other children. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is its narration. While some chapters are narrated by August, others are narrated by his sister, kids from school, and other people in his life. While August is an extraordinary boy, he wants to be an ordinary kid like everyone else. Seeing August from the perspective of his friends and family really helps the reader to understand August's struggles as well as the struggles of those around him. Be sure to read the bonus chapter about Julian--it's one of the best parts of the whole story,The different strokes of narration come together to create a painting of acceptance, kindness, and compassion. I honestly felt like a better person just for reading Wonder.