Really cute and enjoyable!

After reading two books that were so intense (but still amazing), I was in the mood to read something cute and fun. The Selection came at the perfect time. I had put myself on the waiting list to borrow an eBook copy from the library, and I got an email from them just after finishing a book!

I found the story to be a lot like the Middle-Grade novel Princess Academy in a way. I loved everything about this book and the main character, America, was a delight to read about. She's witty, and fun, but has a serious side. This also has a bit of a Cinderella story going on, which I liked. It was interesting to read all about the different castes and what they did. Also I loved that we got to see palace life. Although they are so much richer, the royal family (well at least Maxon and the Queen) seem to be really normal.

I've already talked a little about the characters but I loved almost everyone in America's family. May, Gerad, her father, and her older sister were great characters. May was hilarious! But I wasn't a fan of her mother, who seemed a bit too pushy, and her older brother, who was really fame-hungry. Now let's talk about Aspen. Whew... he is...well... I'm not sure how to describe my love for him. He is so close to being perfect. I liked how Ms Cass chose to make him with flaws. He has a bit of a temper, but deep down really cares for America, and his family. They were so cute together in the beginning!! Moving on to Prince Maxon. I really liked him, too. There aren't many situations where I find myself in love with both of the guys. In this story I'd be fine to learn that America ends up with either of them. Maxon was adorable. It is so obvious that he doesn't spend much time around girls his age, and is pretty close to clueless about dating. But, the friendship that evolves between him and America is perfect. The romance was a bit awkward, but I love the two of them together. I can't go into all of the girls that were Selected, but wow, some of those girls are crazy!!

The ending was really well done. Both of the guys were so accepting about what America chose to do, and I loved that. I also liked how she decided to do what was best for her instead of forcing herself to do something she wasn't 100% sure about.

Overall, I loved this book! I am so excited to read the next book, and the novella from Prince Maxon's perspective! Maybe there'll be one from Aspen sometime...? Anyway, this was such a good book!! It made me want to be younger again and still be into dress-up and play princesses. :)