Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Penguin (2010), 384 pages
Description
All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, whom to marry. When she is Matched with her best friend Xander, things couldn't be more perfect. But why did her neighbor Ky's face show up on her match disk as well?
Media reviews
Entertainment Weekly
This first book in a planned trilogy feels just like that: a setup to a larger story rather than a stand-alone read. Having said that, we'll still be in line for book 2.
School Library Journal
[Cassia's] awakening and development are realistically portrayed, and supporting characters like Cassia's parents and her grandfather add depth to the story.
Publishers Weekly
Condie's enthralling and twisty dystopian plot is well served by her intriguing characters and fine writing.
Kirkus
Detractors will legitimately cite less-than-subtle morality and similarities to The Giver, but this one's a fierce, unforgettable page-turner in its own right.
Booklist
The stunning clarity and attention to detail in Condie’s Big Brother–like world is a feat.
Biblion
Dit verhaal speelt in de toekomst in een volkomen gemanipuleerde maatschappij, de Unie. Meisjes worden daar op hun zeventiende gekoppeld aan een partner. Tot haar verrassing blijkt Cassia (17, ik-figuur) gekoppeld te zijn aan haar beste vriend Xander. Maar als ze de stick met gegevens over haar
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partner bekijkt, schuift er over diens foto het beeld van Ky, een schoolgenoot die tot een minder soort mensen behoort en eigenlijk niet gematched kan worden. Cassia is in verwarring, gaat Ky met andere ogen bekijken en wordt verliefd op hem. Voor het eerst stelt ze vragen bij haar door anderen geprogrammeerde leven. Het zorgvuldig opgebouwde, chronologisch vertelde verhaal over de vrijheid zelf keuzes te maken, kent een verrassend slot. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member alaskabookworm
“Matched” by Ally Condie is a dystopian romance, set in a future in which lives are tightly controlled. Career, marriage, leisure, death, and food are determined by the Society. But for all the tight control, people are healthier, happier, and safer. Cassia has a bright future in the Society,
“Matched” is a page-turner, with powerful, yet chaste romantic elements, and a lot of inner tension. The characters are likeable people, who are loyal and loving. Condie builds tension by convincingly describing a character who only very slowly realizes the world she lives in is far from the perfect one she always believed it to be. Her ignorance of the larger world is part of what builds tension, as bits and pieces of “there’s-something-more-going-on-here” slowly comes to light.
Actually, there wasn’t much here I didn’t like. While the dystopian society Condie imagines isn’t particularly original, her story is less wed to setting than to the interior lives of her characters. As such, the setting is similar to comparable novels like “The Giver” and “The Hunger Games”.
I would highly recommend this book to any younger reader who has enjoyed Suzanne Collins’ trilogy or the Twilight series. Furthermore, because of the lack of graphic sensuality and violence, this is a dystopian romance that is far more appropriate to younger advanced readers that the former. I look forward to the next installment. I have a feeling this may be the next “It” series for teen girls.
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but when a glitch in the “Match”-ing (marriage) system flashes the face of two “perfect” marriage partners instead of the usual one, Cassia is thrust unwittingly, and for the first time in her life, into contemplating “choice” and preference. “Wanting” is a dangerous emotion in this Society, and Cassia’s choices begin to change the lives of everyone around her.“Matched” is a page-turner, with powerful, yet chaste romantic elements, and a lot of inner tension. The characters are likeable people, who are loyal and loving. Condie builds tension by convincingly describing a character who only very slowly realizes the world she lives in is far from the perfect one she always believed it to be. Her ignorance of the larger world is part of what builds tension, as bits and pieces of “there’s-something-more-going-on-here” slowly comes to light.
Actually, there wasn’t much here I didn’t like. While the dystopian society Condie imagines isn’t particularly original, her story is less wed to setting than to the interior lives of her characters. As such, the setting is similar to comparable novels like “The Giver” and “The Hunger Games”.
I would highly recommend this book to any younger reader who has enjoyed Suzanne Collins’ trilogy or the Twilight series. Furthermore, because of the lack of graphic sensuality and violence, this is a dystopian romance that is far more appropriate to younger advanced readers that the former. I look forward to the next installment. I have a feeling this may be the next “It” series for teen girls.
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LibraryThing member bragan
A YA novel set in a future in which every aspect of people's lives -- including who they marry, where they work, and even when they die -- is carefully and scientifically controlled. But when young Cassia is Matched with her carefully calculated ideal marriage partner, something apparently goes
I'm really surprised by just how much I liked this book. My only complaint, initially, was that the writing style was overly simplistic, as if written for readers much younger than its apparent target audience. But it quickly won me over, because there's something about the sparseness of the prose that's actually quite appropriate for such an inexperienced character living in such a pared-down and tightly constrained society. And the story is definitely not simplistic. I very much appreciate the fact that the culture it describes doesn't, on the surface, look all that bad. You can absolutely understand why people believe in it, which just makes its subtle evils all the more effectively disturbing. The world-building in general is good, too. There are a few small details that I have a little trouble believing in as directions any society could actually go in, but there are surprisingly few of them, and even those make sense in emotional terms, if not necessarily logical ones.
I don't think Condie is going to win any awards for originality. Arguably, she's jumping on the Hunger Games bandwagon here, but mostly this reminded me very, very strongly of Lois Lowry's The Giver. This one works for me, though, in all kinds of ways that The Giver didn't.
I absolutely must get my hands on a copy of the second book in this series soon.
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wrong. She's shown images of not one boy, but two, both of whom she knows. She's quickly assured that the extra Match is a mistake, but after that, she can't help seeing the boy in question differently. And, slowly, she begins to perceive her own supposedly perfect society differently, as well.I'm really surprised by just how much I liked this book. My only complaint, initially, was that the writing style was overly simplistic, as if written for readers much younger than its apparent target audience. But it quickly won me over, because there's something about the sparseness of the prose that's actually quite appropriate for such an inexperienced character living in such a pared-down and tightly constrained society. And the story is definitely not simplistic. I very much appreciate the fact that the culture it describes doesn't, on the surface, look all that bad. You can absolutely understand why people believe in it, which just makes its subtle evils all the more effectively disturbing. The world-building in general is good, too. There are a few small details that I have a little trouble believing in as directions any society could actually go in, but there are surprisingly few of them, and even those make sense in emotional terms, if not necessarily logical ones.
I don't think Condie is going to win any awards for originality. Arguably, she's jumping on the Hunger Games bandwagon here, but mostly this reminded me very, very strongly of Lois Lowry's The Giver. This one works for me, though, in all kinds of ways that The Giver didn't.
I absolutely must get my hands on a copy of the second book in this series soon.
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LibraryThing member Cathy_Keaton
I give this book somewhere between 4.5 and 5 stars... I found myself falling into its dystopian world so fully, I usually forgot that it wasn't real and that I wasn't actually experiencing it. That's the sign of a pretty darn good book!
The writing is superb. So simple, yet so difficult to master
The love story between Cassia and I-won't-spoil-it really wasn't all that believable though, but there is manipulation on the part of The Society, so it makes you wonder if that interest the two have in each other really is a result of that. Could that happen to two young people matched up by an overbearing society? It makes you wonder, but I would have liked other things making Cassia attracted to this boy whose name I won't mention here.
Otherwise, this book is wonderful, even if not perfect. But, what book is! Read it for a great example of excellent YA literature for our time.
The writing is superb. So simple, yet so difficult to master
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for writers. And, it's a story that thinks, which is ironic, since the characters are not supposed to think, or at least not freely, within their little controlled "Society". The world-building is fabulous, regardless of whether or not it's very original. The main character, Cassia /CASH-UH/ is the best character, the most likable, which is great, but I would have liked to have found somebody else really lovable, as well. Well, her grandfather was very cool, I suppose.The love story between Cassia and I-won't-spoil-it really wasn't all that believable though, but there is manipulation on the part of The Society, so it makes you wonder if that interest the two have in each other really is a result of that. Could that happen to two young people matched up by an overbearing society? It makes you wonder, but I would have liked other things making Cassia attracted to this boy whose name I won't mention here.
Otherwise, this book is wonderful, even if not perfect. But, what book is! Read it for a great example of excellent YA literature for our time.
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LibraryThing member abbieriddle
A true dystopian society series.
"They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom; just enough that wen we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog I saw once when we visited my grandparents in the Farmlands. They've
Maybe it's my age. Maybe I've lived enough history and studied enough history that I can no longer read dystopian books without a slight feeling of dread as truth rings clear in so much of it. I wondered if there would be writers like Atwood or Rand or Orwell that could capture the surreal quality of dystopian society so well. I believe Condie has done this. Though there have been others made into movies, the savage cruelty of those, left me thinking that such a society would be harder to achieve. However, subtle cruelty such as displayed in Atwood, Rand and even Orwel's 1984 are a more likely happening. And Condie has followed suit. It is the slow stripping away of rights followed by a sudden, swift, cruel and crushing seizure of the final rights and a breaking of resistence; finally followed by the giving back of a few that creates a society like this.
In light of recent history - I can't help but read such books and wonder at the rights we give away and become satisfied with a "little bone" while we become "comfortable and placated like a dog and roll over".
This will series will be added to my dystopian section of reading requirements for Jr high or High school Lit Analysis. I can't wait to see the discourse as it is compared with Rand's "Atlas Shrugged", Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" and Orwell's "1984". I think a good assignment will be to see what similarities and differences each society depicted has and how the individual is shaped and treated. As well as think about how a society can avoid becoming dystopian - as it seems the general thought is: a few can decide the best for all, and control of the masses with "equality" is best.
This book directly addresses the individual: Is individual thought important, are our stories important, is individual choice important?
Looking forward to see if Ky and Cassia and Xander discover what they are seeking and if they are the catalyst for change or the change itself.
"They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom; just enough that wen we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog I saw once when we visited my grandparents in the Farmlands. They've
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had decades to perfect this; why am I surprised when it works on me again and again and again? .....Even though I am ashamed of myself I take the bone....." Maybe it's my age. Maybe I've lived enough history and studied enough history that I can no longer read dystopian books without a slight feeling of dread as truth rings clear in so much of it. I wondered if there would be writers like Atwood or Rand or Orwell that could capture the surreal quality of dystopian society so well. I believe Condie has done this. Though there have been others made into movies, the savage cruelty of those, left me thinking that such a society would be harder to achieve. However, subtle cruelty such as displayed in Atwood, Rand and even Orwel's 1984 are a more likely happening. And Condie has followed suit. It is the slow stripping away of rights followed by a sudden, swift, cruel and crushing seizure of the final rights and a breaking of resistence; finally followed by the giving back of a few that creates a society like this.
In light of recent history - I can't help but read such books and wonder at the rights we give away and become satisfied with a "little bone" while we become "comfortable and placated like a dog and roll over".
This will series will be added to my dystopian section of reading requirements for Jr high or High school Lit Analysis. I can't wait to see the discourse as it is compared with Rand's "Atlas Shrugged", Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" and Orwell's "1984". I think a good assignment will be to see what similarities and differences each society depicted has and how the individual is shaped and treated. As well as think about how a society can avoid becoming dystopian - as it seems the general thought is: a few can decide the best for all, and control of the masses with "equality" is best.
This book directly addresses the individual: Is individual thought important, are our stories important, is individual choice important?
Looking forward to see if Ky and Cassia and Xander discover what they are seeking and if they are the catalyst for change or the change itself.
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LibraryThing member lalawe
I'm a humongous fan of young adult dystopian fiction, and lucky for me, there's been a slew of awesome books lately. This book reminds me of a cross between Hunger Games and The Giver - it's as addictive as The Hunger Games, but with the less violent plot of The Giver.
I literally could not put this
What was I disappointed in? The ending felt abrupt, and it's definitely set up for at least a sequel.
I literally could not put this
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book down. The main character's change from complete and unquestioning belief in her society to being willing to fight against seemed believable. The world building was amazing and intriguing, and it was fun to try to figure out the origin of the rules of the Societ. And scarily enough, some of the policies seemed almost logical to me (ie, careers picked based on aptitude).What was I disappointed in? The ending felt abrupt, and it's definitely set up for at least a sequel.
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LibraryThing member Poemyhero
I was really excited about this book. There was something about the cover and the storyline that was captivating. Though the storyline is similar to that of many others... I thought, well maybe the author will make it her own because many great authors take basic storylines and make them their own.
With that said, I thought the book was rather boring, predictable, and just unexciting all together. I didn't really feel any connection with the characters. I started to feel one for Ky but the writing just didn't draw me in. It is such a great premise of a world where everything is controlled, even love. The premise makes a statement about control and why we must have our freedom to choose. This book, in my humble opinion, did not make that premise shine. I wish it did. I really wanted it to. Actually it was frustrating to read. I'm not sure why it is a Lone Star book. I think there are many better choices. Overall, I did not enjoy it and would not recommend it.
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Well, I think she did make it her own and not in a good way. Yet I will say I'm not sure why people are saying that elements of it were taken from The Hunger Games. I've read the whole Hunger Games series and the only matching factor is that they are both dystopians. Otherwise, there is no other common ground.With that said, I thought the book was rather boring, predictable, and just unexciting all together. I didn't really feel any connection with the characters. I started to feel one for Ky but the writing just didn't draw me in. It is such a great premise of a world where everything is controlled, even love. The premise makes a statement about control and why we must have our freedom to choose. This book, in my humble opinion, did not make that premise shine. I wish it did. I really wanted it to. Actually it was frustrating to read. I'm not sure why it is a Lone Star book. I think there are many better choices. Overall, I did not enjoy it and would not recommend it.
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LibraryThing member mrsderaps
Can you imagine a world where almost every decision, from what you eat to how you dress to the person you marry, is made for you? Where officials choose your vocation, where you will live, and when you will have children?
At first glance, the world that Cassia grows up in is safe and friendly.
But, when Cassia sees Ky's face mistakenly pop up on her informational microchip the day after she's matched with another boy, she can't help but wonder about the strange boy who's been around her for all of these years. Where did he come from? Why is he so quiet? What does he know?
* * *
I read this book as part of an ARC tour, but would gladly rush out a buy a copy today if it were available. It is amazing. I loved it. I want my own copy. It comes out in November of this year.
If you're a fan of dystopian lit, this is a book that you'll want to read. The world that is created within these pages is so eerie, so dangerous, and so complex that you'll want to understand it more. The book leaves off with a serious cliffhanger, so I'm hoping that there will be more books to come.
In the wake of the end of the Hunger Games series, maybe Matched will become a new series to obsess over? That might be a tall order, but this series has potential, for sure. If you at all have a chance to read this book, you should!
At first glance, the world that Cassia grows up in is safe and friendly.
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Everyone in her neighborhood is pleasant and supportive of one another. There is little competition and everyone is accepted. Even when a new boy, Ky Markham, moves in from an outer province, he is accepted into the fold, no questions asked.But, when Cassia sees Ky's face mistakenly pop up on her informational microchip the day after she's matched with another boy, she can't help but wonder about the strange boy who's been around her for all of these years. Where did he come from? Why is he so quiet? What does he know?
* * *
I read this book as part of an ARC tour, but would gladly rush out a buy a copy today if it were available. It is amazing. I loved it. I want my own copy. It comes out in November of this year.
If you're a fan of dystopian lit, this is a book that you'll want to read. The world that is created within these pages is so eerie, so dangerous, and so complex that you'll want to understand it more. The book leaves off with a serious cliffhanger, so I'm hoping that there will be more books to come.
In the wake of the end of the Hunger Games series, maybe Matched will become a new series to obsess over? That might be a tall order, but this series has potential, for sure. If you at all have a chance to read this book, you should!
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LibraryThing member Melanie_McCullough
Oh. My. God. I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. It was everything I could have ever wished for from a dystopian and more. I just want to squeeze it. Or sleep with it under my pillow until I'm clever enough to dream up something as brilliant.
It was tender and touching in a
Condie's writing is superb. Beautifully crafted. Every word has a point. A purpose. And was specifically chosen to create a society that is easy to understand, destined to be hated, and impossible to forget. From the very beginning, there were parts that made me tear up. Which is not something I do easily. My heart ached for Cassia and for Ky. For the choices that were seemingly beyond their control.
I do have to warn you that this is not a Hunger Games-style dystopian. The pace isn't slow, but it's steady. Gradually building until the final climax. There is no overt action, it's all done very subtly, but the story is intense nonetheless. It's haunting and thought provoking. It's an incredible love story set against the backdrop of a society that believes choice leads to failure. And in a way, they're right. The instant Cassia begins making choices her once "perfect" world begins to crumble. But it is the freedom to choose that makes us human.
I was always intrigued, wondering when the Society would exert their control and attempt to destroy the growing love between Cassia & Ky, but in the end, it all comes down to choice and the consequences of those choices.
It's just amazing. I can always gauge my love of a book by my willingness to lose sleep over it. This one I read in one sitting, staying up until about 3 am to finish despite the fact that I was ill. Recommended to everyone. I personally feel it should be read and adored by the world.
It was tender and touching in a
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way that reminded me of my profound love of Lois Lowry's The Giver. The Giver is the book that changed my life. The one I read at a young age that made me want to be a writer. Made me want to affect people with words. So to find a book reminiscent of it has made me insanely happy. Condie's writing is superb. Beautifully crafted. Every word has a point. A purpose. And was specifically chosen to create a society that is easy to understand, destined to be hated, and impossible to forget. From the very beginning, there were parts that made me tear up. Which is not something I do easily. My heart ached for Cassia and for Ky. For the choices that were seemingly beyond their control.
I do have to warn you that this is not a Hunger Games-style dystopian. The pace isn't slow, but it's steady. Gradually building until the final climax. There is no overt action, it's all done very subtly, but the story is intense nonetheless. It's haunting and thought provoking. It's an incredible love story set against the backdrop of a society that believes choice leads to failure. And in a way, they're right. The instant Cassia begins making choices her once "perfect" world begins to crumble. But it is the freedom to choose that makes us human.
I was always intrigued, wondering when the Society would exert their control and attempt to destroy the growing love between Cassia & Ky, but in the end, it all comes down to choice and the consequences of those choices.
It's just amazing. I can always gauge my love of a book by my willingness to lose sleep over it. This one I read in one sitting, staying up until about 3 am to finish despite the fact that I was ill. Recommended to everyone. I personally feel it should be read and adored by the world.
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LibraryThing member MzzArts
This story included a love triangle that reminded me of the "Hunger Games" trilogy, though the futuristic society described was more along the lines of the film "Equilibrium" or Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451." It was very compelling and I finished the novel in two days.
LibraryThing member lost.in.stories
Whilst for a dystopian novel Matched may not be action packed in the literal sense its’ brilliance lies in its subtleties that leaves you with an ever increasing feeling of dread for the citizens of the society. It is not a novel you can simply forget once you’ve finished, it will leave you
Matched begins on the night of Cassia’s Match Banquet when her Match, who she will spend the rest of her life with, will be revealed. The society as it is known chooses each individual’s perfect Match based on compatibility or so it seems. It turns out that Cassia’s Match is her best friend Xander who she will eventually marry and live happily ever after, the. end. journey over, however it appears Cassia’s journey is only beginning. She soon discovers that perhaps Xander is not her perfect Match it could be Ky a boy Cassia has known since she was young however it is revealed he can never be her Match because he has been deemed an aberration by the society and never allowed to be Matched. Is smart and sweet Xander Cassia’s real perfect match or is it Ky, the fascinating aberration who according to the society can never be her match? Now Cassia must choose between following the society’s rules and plans for her future which means being Matched to Xander or going against the society and following her heart to Ky.
Wow this novel amazed me with its brilliance, I loved everything about it especially Ally Condie’s intricate world building through her beautiful writing style. Towards the end of the novel I was surprised that I’d nearly finished it, I was so immersed in Cassia’s world I didn’t want it to end. I was also surprised that by the time I was near the end there wasn’t much action that had taken place at all, yet this did not distract from the novel because rather than going for action in the literal sense Ally Condie opted for a more understated action in the form of ever an increasing sense of trepidation in the societies controlling governance.
Throughout Matched we are taken on a journey through Cassia’s eyes, at first Cassia has a positive view of the Society but slowly her view and the readers view begins to taint with the realization of Ky and his situation which leaves Cassia with a feeling of mistrust and hatred for the society that is trying to exert complete control over it’s citizens. When I say complete control I mean it, the society controls the food individuals eat, the amount of exercise they undertake, the job they are assigned, even death is controlled by the society who decide when you’re going to die which I personally found really creepy.
The society we find Cassia in is one in which free thought and questioning is frowned upon, the society controls everything so much so that they decided previously the culture was too cluttered so they chose the 100 of the best of everything from the 100 best poems to the 100 best songs and destroyed the rest. It is fitting perhaps that Cassia’s real questioning starts after she receives a poem that is not on the 100 poems list from her grandfather which states ‘Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ With these powerful words Cassia is transformed, her eyes are now open to the society and its injustice. Things that Cassia may have never given a second thought to are suddenly analysed and questioned, clearly Cassia’s ‘perfect’ world has been shattered however her world was never perfect she just thought it was.
Whilst Matched goes into great detail about the repressive society it is also a love story where Cassia must choose between taking the seemingly easier path to be with Xander her ‘real’ match (as deemed by the society) or choose the difficult path to be with Ky the aberration who according to the society cannot be her match. This is an extremely difficult decision for Cassia who has always trusted in the society, she’s never had a reason not to trust them but now it seems she does. Cassia’s and Ky’s relationship is what one would call slow burning, because the society is watching their every move the time Cassia spends with Ky is limited.
The ending left me wanting more and definitely leaves room for a continuation of Cassia’s story. It was insinuated throughout Matched that all was not well for the society, there was a war going on between the society and its citizens somewhere but it was never elaborated on in any great detail, it was always on the periphery. It is clear that this will definitely be explored in the second book which will be very interesting given the amazing world building Ally Condie executed when describing the society.
Ultimately for me Matched is a novel about a controlling government, its naive citizens who go about their business and a questioning teenager whose eyes are opened to the exhaustive control and injustice the society exerts. It is a novel about questioning, questioning about what is right and what is wrong. Whilst the society left no room for questioning, leaving its citizens in a permanent state of ignorance, Cassia is questioning everything.
Rating
4.5 out of 5
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contemplating its’ overarching themes of love, duty and blind obedience well after. With its’ disturbing undertones throughout and beautiful writing style Matched is an amazing debut novel that will leave you wanting more.Matched begins on the night of Cassia’s Match Banquet when her Match, who she will spend the rest of her life with, will be revealed. The society as it is known chooses each individual’s perfect Match based on compatibility or so it seems. It turns out that Cassia’s Match is her best friend Xander who she will eventually marry and live happily ever after, the. end. journey over, however it appears Cassia’s journey is only beginning. She soon discovers that perhaps Xander is not her perfect Match it could be Ky a boy Cassia has known since she was young however it is revealed he can never be her Match because he has been deemed an aberration by the society and never allowed to be Matched. Is smart and sweet Xander Cassia’s real perfect match or is it Ky, the fascinating aberration who according to the society can never be her match? Now Cassia must choose between following the society’s rules and plans for her future which means being Matched to Xander or going against the society and following her heart to Ky.
Wow this novel amazed me with its brilliance, I loved everything about it especially Ally Condie’s intricate world building through her beautiful writing style. Towards the end of the novel I was surprised that I’d nearly finished it, I was so immersed in Cassia’s world I didn’t want it to end. I was also surprised that by the time I was near the end there wasn’t much action that had taken place at all, yet this did not distract from the novel because rather than going for action in the literal sense Ally Condie opted for a more understated action in the form of ever an increasing sense of trepidation in the societies controlling governance.
Throughout Matched we are taken on a journey through Cassia’s eyes, at first Cassia has a positive view of the Society but slowly her view and the readers view begins to taint with the realization of Ky and his situation which leaves Cassia with a feeling of mistrust and hatred for the society that is trying to exert complete control over it’s citizens. When I say complete control I mean it, the society controls the food individuals eat, the amount of exercise they undertake, the job they are assigned, even death is controlled by the society who decide when you’re going to die which I personally found really creepy.
The society we find Cassia in is one in which free thought and questioning is frowned upon, the society controls everything so much so that they decided previously the culture was too cluttered so they chose the 100 of the best of everything from the 100 best poems to the 100 best songs and destroyed the rest. It is fitting perhaps that Cassia’s real questioning starts after she receives a poem that is not on the 100 poems list from her grandfather which states ‘Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ With these powerful words Cassia is transformed, her eyes are now open to the society and its injustice. Things that Cassia may have never given a second thought to are suddenly analysed and questioned, clearly Cassia’s ‘perfect’ world has been shattered however her world was never perfect she just thought it was.
Whilst Matched goes into great detail about the repressive society it is also a love story where Cassia must choose between taking the seemingly easier path to be with Xander her ‘real’ match (as deemed by the society) or choose the difficult path to be with Ky the aberration who according to the society cannot be her match. This is an extremely difficult decision for Cassia who has always trusted in the society, she’s never had a reason not to trust them but now it seems she does. Cassia’s and Ky’s relationship is what one would call slow burning, because the society is watching their every move the time Cassia spends with Ky is limited.
The ending left me wanting more and definitely leaves room for a continuation of Cassia’s story. It was insinuated throughout Matched that all was not well for the society, there was a war going on between the society and its citizens somewhere but it was never elaborated on in any great detail, it was always on the periphery. It is clear that this will definitely be explored in the second book which will be very interesting given the amazing world building Ally Condie executed when describing the society.
Ultimately for me Matched is a novel about a controlling government, its naive citizens who go about their business and a questioning teenager whose eyes are opened to the exhaustive control and injustice the society exerts. It is a novel about questioning, questioning about what is right and what is wrong. Whilst the society left no room for questioning, leaving its citizens in a permanent state of ignorance, Cassia is questioning everything.
Rating
4.5 out of 5
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LibraryThing member flemmily
Matched felt a bit derivative to me, like a frankensteined book made up out of the skeleton of The Hunger Games wrapped up in a skin of equal parts Uglies and the Giver.
If I was in the middle of a utopia/dystopia novel craze I'd probably welcome this one, because I am not I didn't quite enjoy it.
If I was in the middle of a utopia/dystopia novel craze I'd probably welcome this one, because I am not I didn't quite enjoy it.
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The writing style is a bit too terse and it took me a while to warm up to the main character. I will say though, that there were a few moments of romance that were truly striking, and that if you are into implied anguish, this book has plenty. Show Less
LibraryThing member wiremonkey
But back to the wobulous world of Young Adult Dystopias! In The Society, every choice is made for you. It is a world regulated by statistics: how much and what is the optimum quantity and quality of the food you eat; what is the line of work that best suits your personality;the best age for dying.
Usually, your match lives in an another city or district of town and you don't know them. So when Cassia finds out her match is her best friend Xander, she is over the moon. Until actual love gets in the way and unfortunatly, it is not Xander.
Oh, how the YA novels like their love triangles! I was talking to a student today who mentioned she was heartily sick of them. I myself find it funny that it is such an overused plot device as I don't hear much of the love triangle in real life.
But I digress.
Condie's book is less about the romantic aspect (though it is there in spades and will probably be why young teens pick it up) but about the idea of a true Huxleyan Dystopia. The Society has managed to eliminate sickness, disease, hunger but at the cost of personal agency. Everything is determined by the statistical best. But what happens when your heart goes in a different direction then the society dictates?
Bad things of course, or else we wouldn't have a novel.
Condie sets up her world with simplicity and elegance. Cassia's voice is believable as the young teen who fully believes everything The Society tells her until a mistake happens at her Matching banquet and the cracks in the veneer begin to reveal themselves. The transition is nicely done, with tension building whenever another crack pops out. Like many novels of this genre, the end is one that begs for a sequel, which exists and which I am now reading.
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Your future partner is also determined by compatibility tests and measures and revealed to you in the Matched ceremony.Usually, your match lives in an another city or district of town and you don't know them. So when Cassia finds out her match is her best friend Xander, she is over the moon. Until actual love gets in the way and unfortunatly, it is not Xander.
Oh, how the YA novels like their love triangles! I was talking to a student today who mentioned she was heartily sick of them. I myself find it funny that it is such an overused plot device as I don't hear much of the love triangle in real life.
But I digress.
Condie's book is less about the romantic aspect (though it is there in spades and will probably be why young teens pick it up) but about the idea of a true Huxleyan Dystopia. The Society has managed to eliminate sickness, disease, hunger but at the cost of personal agency. Everything is determined by the statistical best. But what happens when your heart goes in a different direction then the society dictates?
Bad things of course, or else we wouldn't have a novel.
Condie sets up her world with simplicity and elegance. Cassia's voice is believable as the young teen who fully believes everything The Society tells her until a mistake happens at her Matching banquet and the cracks in the veneer begin to reveal themselves. The transition is nicely done, with tension building whenever another crack pops out. Like many novels of this genre, the end is one that begs for a sequel, which exists and which I am now reading.
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LibraryThing member Imane.
Overall I loved the book and I’m going to continue reading the trilogy. It was an emotional roller coaster through the book and after the ending left me wondering and questioning. I recommend this to anyone who likes books with a hint of romance action, and a dystopian community. Cassia is a
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strong independent person that will keep fighting for the right to choose. It had a well-known theme, an exciting plot with twist and turns, and amazing characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member GabiJ.G1
Cassia Reyes lives in a society where nothing is her choice. The society picks where you live,who you love, and when you die. When Cassia makes some choices and does things against the rules she realizes theres no going back. So after she realizes that her perfect society live was gone she makes
I think this was a very good book and would recommend it to anyone that likes future society scenarios. This book was very much like Divergent and The hunger games. The book had a good Beginning and ending which is very important in a book like this.This book also has a very good background story and the characters are very real. I would definitely recommend this book.
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the decision that will change the way she lives forever. Cassia decides to go after who she truly loves. And yet the whole time the question lingers in her mind 'Did I make the right choice?'I think this was a very good book and would recommend it to anyone that likes future society scenarios. This book was very much like Divergent and The hunger games. The book had a good Beginning and ending which is very important in a book like this.This book also has a very good background story and the characters are very real. I would definitely recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member Squishy133
‘Matched’ by Ally Condie is a fantastic new dystopian novel following the story of Cassia Reyes, a girl living her controlled life, where everything is planned by the ‘Society’ (the sort-of governmental body that’s running the place).
The Society chooses when people are married, who they
The world building in ‘Matched’ was simply excellent. At every page I craved knowledge about Cassia’s world and the way it was controlled by the mysterious Society. I loved how Condie showed the Society as not something ‘evil’, but as something that had its benefits too. The balance between these aspects was wonderful. The detail that went into crafting the Society was so amazing too – nothing was left out or forgotten.
I did, however, feel a bit confused at times, such as when it came to the ‘war’. The war was only something that was really in the background of the novel, but I needed more information! Why was it being waged, who was fighting who? How did it begin? I also wanted to know more about the formation of the society and where it’s boundaries were.
None of these things were answered, but hopefully they will be addressed in the as of yet unnamed sequel.
The writing of ‘Matched’ was similarly beautiful. The words were intricate and stunningly woven together so that they drew you in and forced you to question your opinions at every page. Ally Condie’s startlingly brilliant and compulsive writing was what ultimately brought up my rating of the book.
The characters were well written as well. I liked Cassia as a protagonist, and how she never rushed into decisions and was never what you expected. She didn’t throw herself into a rebellion with the society like you might expect, but was sensible and her loyalty to those she loved was a most admirable quality. I enjoyed seeing the world and the Society from her point of view and would gladly pick up the next book to do it again.
The secondary characters were also well fleshed out and weren’t just background noise. They were interesting and complicated – just as character should be, and as real people are.
It was Cassia’s relationship with Ky, however, that I wasn’t too sure about. Personally, I liked Xander better as a character, but I felt that Cassia and Ky didn’t have that much going for them. I mean, their relationship just sort of popped up. That isn’t to say that it was rushed, because it certainly wasn’t, but there wasn’t enough chemistry between them for it to be believable. Sure, they had a deep emotional connection, but I just don’t feel that was enough.
There were so many little metaphors and symbols in ‘Matched’ that were really interesting and added to the depth of the novel and I really liked how everything had a part to play in the end, no matter how small.
There were a few mysteries in Matched that I didn’t always guess, so it was good to be surprised sometimes, but I think there were times in this novel where I got a bit bored. The imaginative and gorgeous prose was enough to carry me through and keep me reading, but sometimes the novel got very reflective, and the things that were happening just weren’t enough to make me want to speed through the pages. Still, there were some interesting and exciting parts of the novel, especially towards the end.
Overall, ‘Matched’ was an interesting novel with ideas both new and old, though ultimately imaginative. I loved the world that it was set in, but I need more background to the events of the novel. The characters were fleshed out and intriguing, though I didn’t feel the romance between Ky and Cassia was entirely fulfilling. In the end, however, I’m happy for there to be a sequel and I’m definitely going to read it, most of all to sustain my craving for more of Ally Condie’s beautiful writing.
The Society chooses when people are married, who they
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marry, what their job will be, how much you exercise and eat etc. However, there is a mixup with Cassia’s match – the person she will marry and spend her life with – and the wrong person comes up on the screen. Suddenly Cassia is conflicted and begins to question everything; her life, the Society’s control and whether she wants to submit or fight.The world building in ‘Matched’ was simply excellent. At every page I craved knowledge about Cassia’s world and the way it was controlled by the mysterious Society. I loved how Condie showed the Society as not something ‘evil’, but as something that had its benefits too. The balance between these aspects was wonderful. The detail that went into crafting the Society was so amazing too – nothing was left out or forgotten.
I did, however, feel a bit confused at times, such as when it came to the ‘war’. The war was only something that was really in the background of the novel, but I needed more information! Why was it being waged, who was fighting who? How did it begin? I also wanted to know more about the formation of the society and where it’s boundaries were.
None of these things were answered, but hopefully they will be addressed in the as of yet unnamed sequel.
The writing of ‘Matched’ was similarly beautiful. The words were intricate and stunningly woven together so that they drew you in and forced you to question your opinions at every page. Ally Condie’s startlingly brilliant and compulsive writing was what ultimately brought up my rating of the book.
The characters were well written as well. I liked Cassia as a protagonist, and how she never rushed into decisions and was never what you expected. She didn’t throw herself into a rebellion with the society like you might expect, but was sensible and her loyalty to those she loved was a most admirable quality. I enjoyed seeing the world and the Society from her point of view and would gladly pick up the next book to do it again.
The secondary characters were also well fleshed out and weren’t just background noise. They were interesting and complicated – just as character should be, and as real people are.
It was Cassia’s relationship with Ky, however, that I wasn’t too sure about. Personally, I liked Xander better as a character, but I felt that Cassia and Ky didn’t have that much going for them. I mean, their relationship just sort of popped up. That isn’t to say that it was rushed, because it certainly wasn’t, but there wasn’t enough chemistry between them for it to be believable. Sure, they had a deep emotional connection, but I just don’t feel that was enough.
There were so many little metaphors and symbols in ‘Matched’ that were really interesting and added to the depth of the novel and I really liked how everything had a part to play in the end, no matter how small.
There were a few mysteries in Matched that I didn’t always guess, so it was good to be surprised sometimes, but I think there were times in this novel where I got a bit bored. The imaginative and gorgeous prose was enough to carry me through and keep me reading, but sometimes the novel got very reflective, and the things that were happening just weren’t enough to make me want to speed through the pages. Still, there were some interesting and exciting parts of the novel, especially towards the end.
Overall, ‘Matched’ was an interesting novel with ideas both new and old, though ultimately imaginative. I loved the world that it was set in, but I need more background to the events of the novel. The characters were fleshed out and intriguing, though I didn’t feel the romance between Ky and Cassia was entirely fulfilling. In the end, however, I’m happy for there to be a sequel and I’m definitely going to read it, most of all to sustain my craving for more of Ally Condie’s beautiful writing.
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LibraryThing member AmieG
Cassia has lived her life in a utopia, where all decisions are made by the Society and Officials rule. Their choice is your choice. Supposed perfection--a long life, the perfect job and an ideal mate--is seemingly the only price one has to pay. Cassia has been Matched with her best friend. It's
I LOVED this book. The story resonated with me, I saw a future that was possible, a future where you can't make your own choices because someone "in authority" thinks they know better than you. A scary future. But it's also a future where people still believe in love, and people will do anything for that love.
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obvious he is the one. Or is he? When Cassia sees another face flash briefly on the screen, everything changes. Will she follow Society's idea of perfection or allow herself to believe in passion?I LOVED this book. The story resonated with me, I saw a future that was possible, a future where you can't make your own choices because someone "in authority" thinks they know better than you. A scary future. But it's also a future where people still believe in love, and people will do anything for that love.
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LibraryThing member pussreboots
Matched by Ally Condie is the first of the Matched trilogy. Cassia at age 17 is ready for the matching ceremony and lucky enough to have it fall on her actual birthday. Most teens are matched to other teens living in different cities but Cassia's match ends up being her best friend, who is also
That opening scene sets up a near future society familiar to any regular reader of speculative or dystopian fiction. It's set squarely with George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four and Ira Levin's This Perfect Day. As the society seems to be functioning at the start of the book — with a fairly high acceptance rate — I'd say the book is closer to Levin than Orwell.
The Society's stated goal (whether true or not) is to provide the best possible life for all its citizens through the management of personal data. Cassia is on track to be a Sorter — one of the Society who take the data and make decisions based on it. She's very good at it — efficient and observant. And as she has the eyes of the Society for a very important position, she gets glimpses into the seedier underpinnings of it.
And it was through the Sorting plot that I fell in love with the book. See, I'm a sorter too, of a sort. The Society is basically a curated one, a civilization created and run by over zealous librarians who uniformly decided on the 100 best songs, 100 best poems, 100 best novels, 100 best movies and how best to use metadata to manage people.
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present at the ceremony. Just as she's settling into the perfect fairytale ending ever, the picture in her matching info packet changes, to show another boy she knows, and one due to a family crime can never be matched.That opening scene sets up a near future society familiar to any regular reader of speculative or dystopian fiction. It's set squarely with George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four and Ira Levin's This Perfect Day. As the society seems to be functioning at the start of the book — with a fairly high acceptance rate — I'd say the book is closer to Levin than Orwell.
The Society's stated goal (whether true or not) is to provide the best possible life for all its citizens through the management of personal data. Cassia is on track to be a Sorter — one of the Society who take the data and make decisions based on it. She's very good at it — efficient and observant. And as she has the eyes of the Society for a very important position, she gets glimpses into the seedier underpinnings of it.
And it was through the Sorting plot that I fell in love with the book. See, I'm a sorter too, of a sort. The Society is basically a curated one, a civilization created and run by over zealous librarians who uniformly decided on the 100 best songs, 100 best poems, 100 best novels, 100 best movies and how best to use metadata to manage people.
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LibraryThing member allureofbooks
I had pretty high expectations before starting this. I think everyone should actually, the trilogy did end up making seven figures in a bid war between publishing houses! The Hunger Games trilogy seems to be doing for dystopian books what Harry Potter did for the YA world in general.
I read this a
When I first closed Matched, I would have still said that Hunger Games was my favorite dystopian, hands down. No contest. But - in my mind (and I know I don't necessarily have the popular take on this) - Mockingjay was a fail of epic proportions and one of the biggest disappointments I can remember. It destroyed the series for me, which had previously sat very comfortably near the top of my overall favorites list.
So, now I look at Matched and see potential. It wasn't quite as good as the first Hunger Games book, but I now view that as a ridiculously good thing. There is room for it to build and grow. To be clear, I'm not saying I didn't love the book. I did. A lot. The plot and characters were both supremely interesting, engaging and compelling. The world Ally Condie created makes a fascinating setting. As lost as I got in the story - it is easy to see that Condie isn't laying out all her cards on the table at once. There is going to be a lot more to this series, and I feel pretty confident that she won't be letting us down.
So, pick up this book and read it as soon as possible (it'll be released in November!). It is an amazing read, and you'll quickly be able to get lost in it. But stay tuned. The best is yet to come.
I read this a
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few weeks ago, but am just getting around to writing a review. I'm so glad I waited, because I have a slightly different take on the book than I did initially. When I first closed Matched, I would have still said that Hunger Games was my favorite dystopian, hands down. No contest. But - in my mind (and I know I don't necessarily have the popular take on this) - Mockingjay was a fail of epic proportions and one of the biggest disappointments I can remember. It destroyed the series for me, which had previously sat very comfortably near the top of my overall favorites list.
So, now I look at Matched and see potential. It wasn't quite as good as the first Hunger Games book, but I now view that as a ridiculously good thing. There is room for it to build and grow. To be clear, I'm not saying I didn't love the book. I did. A lot. The plot and characters were both supremely interesting, engaging and compelling. The world Ally Condie created makes a fascinating setting. As lost as I got in the story - it is easy to see that Condie isn't laying out all her cards on the table at once. There is going to be a lot more to this series, and I feel pretty confident that she won't be letting us down.
So, pick up this book and read it as soon as possible (it'll be released in November!). It is an amazing read, and you'll quickly be able to get lost in it. But stay tuned. The best is yet to come.
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LibraryThing member Silvernfire
Adequate, predictable, not particularly gripping. (But that's fantastic cover art!) The characters are pleasant enough, but not fully developed. The Society is omniscient and controlling, just as good little dystopias should be, but it doesn't seem to be all that logically constructed, and it's
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pretty amorphous as an enemy. (Only at the end do Cassia's fears prove to be justified. Up until then, the Society seems to have no threat worse than boring you to tears with flavorless oatmeal and plain clothing.) Despite my lukewarm reaction, I'm thinking about reading the sequel, mainly to find out why the Society is starting to crumble after four generations of apparent stability—not because I care all that much about the characters. I'm sure they'll be fine. Show Less
LibraryThing member SandSing7
I was boggled and horrified when Twilight was embraced by the young adult community, and I am equally boggled and horrified that Matched is being embraced by the young adult community. Both are vapid stories that are primarily reliant on the bland inner monologues of flat characters.
LibraryThing member theokester
When I first read the synopsis blurb for Matched, I was intrigued. I enjoy the Dystopian genre and this sounded like a fun new addition. The cover for the book is pretty eye-catching as well. It definitely presents a feminine aspect to the book (what with the main art being a girl in a green
Now that I've read it, I can say that it is worth reading. It's not an overly deep or revolutionary book in terms of genre or plot. To a large sense, it felt very similar to other dystopian novels I've read in the past. In fact, I was left with a very distinctive feeling of similarity to 1984 and with the strong desire to go and re-read that classic book.
Even though Matched had a lot of classic similarities and elements that are very common to the genre, I felt like it had a lot of power in doing something that some of these other books hadn't done...to take the depth and power of these classic elements and present them in a "bubblegum" format. When I say "bubblegum", I mean a couple of things. Mainly though I mean that in many ways this book felt light and airy and full of sugary goodness, which was ironic given the underlying tone of dystopia in general. Because of that lighter feeling, it was a very quick read and I have a feeling it will be quite accessible to younger readers who would be put off picking up 1984 or a heavier work like that. Furthermore, Matched takes on the romantic element head on by keeping us close to a female protagonist who is very much in the thick of dating and planning for her future...literally scoping out her perfect "match" and becoming engaged to be married. Thus we have the teenage romance brewing from a female perspective which, in terms of other dystopian novels, again feels somewhat more light-hearted than problems of Society.
Given that Matched felt like a "bubblegum" novel to me, it might be shocking to hear that it actually had more depth of theme and content than expected. As I mentioned, it reminded me a lot of 1984...even more so than some of the other recent dystopian YA novels I've read (like Hunger Games and Maze Runner). While the other novels were very focused on the adventure of fighting against the Society (or directly confronting the elements of the Society), in Matched we are taken on a very personal inspection of the Society and allowed to experience things not from the point of view of a rebel or one who is in a struggle for her life, but from the point of view of a person (or people) who are caught in the midst of this "perfect Society" and begin to wonder if things are as perfect as they appear...and as they wonder, they worry about whether or not it is safe to "wonder" (let alone to do anything about it...which is a huge risk).
I really enjoyed the slower pacing of this book. While it's great fun to have an adrenaline filled romp through the world alongside protagonists striving to set things right in a "perfect" Society gone bad, I personally find it equally entertaining (more so in some ways) to take a slower, methodical analysis and inspection of the Society. I loved the introspection of the characters as they try to determine the nature or existence of problems within the Society and then weigh their personal options of whether to take action or not and what may happen in either case.
For those who are worried from my comments that this book is a slow paced social investigation with a love story at the forefront, let me assure you that there are elements of tension and action but I will also say that they aren't the kind of action from a Hunger Games or a Maze Runner. There is some "off-screen" violence alluded to and a small "on-screen" scuffle but otherwise, most of the action is of a more suspenseful nature and the intrigue of keeping actions hidden and covert.
While I suspect there will be some people who aren't as interested in this title because of its slower pacing and greater focus on introspection, analysis and the teenage romance, I also feel like this is a worthy addition to the dystopian genre and I feel like it's a great gateway book to classic dystopia. While a reader may be a little wary of diving into the heavier 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, the same reader may feel quite comfortable with Matched and come away with some similar thoughts and ideas and may feel more comfortable diving into heavier material.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
***
3 out of 5 stars
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dress), but I was really taken in by the imagery of the girl being trapped in a bubble. It is really very suggestive and left me with a lot of hope for the novel.Now that I've read it, I can say that it is worth reading. It's not an overly deep or revolutionary book in terms of genre or plot. To a large sense, it felt very similar to other dystopian novels I've read in the past. In fact, I was left with a very distinctive feeling of similarity to 1984 and with the strong desire to go and re-read that classic book.
Even though Matched had a lot of classic similarities and elements that are very common to the genre, I felt like it had a lot of power in doing something that some of these other books hadn't done...to take the depth and power of these classic elements and present them in a "bubblegum" format. When I say "bubblegum", I mean a couple of things. Mainly though I mean that in many ways this book felt light and airy and full of sugary goodness, which was ironic given the underlying tone of dystopia in general. Because of that lighter feeling, it was a very quick read and I have a feeling it will be quite accessible to younger readers who would be put off picking up 1984 or a heavier work like that. Furthermore, Matched takes on the romantic element head on by keeping us close to a female protagonist who is very much in the thick of dating and planning for her future...literally scoping out her perfect "match" and becoming engaged to be married. Thus we have the teenage romance brewing from a female perspective which, in terms of other dystopian novels, again feels somewhat more light-hearted than problems of Society.
Given that Matched felt like a "bubblegum" novel to me, it might be shocking to hear that it actually had more depth of theme and content than expected. As I mentioned, it reminded me a lot of 1984...even more so than some of the other recent dystopian YA novels I've read (like Hunger Games and Maze Runner). While the other novels were very focused on the adventure of fighting against the Society (or directly confronting the elements of the Society), in Matched we are taken on a very personal inspection of the Society and allowed to experience things not from the point of view of a rebel or one who is in a struggle for her life, but from the point of view of a person (or people) who are caught in the midst of this "perfect Society" and begin to wonder if things are as perfect as they appear...and as they wonder, they worry about whether or not it is safe to "wonder" (let alone to do anything about it...which is a huge risk).
I really enjoyed the slower pacing of this book. While it's great fun to have an adrenaline filled romp through the world alongside protagonists striving to set things right in a "perfect" Society gone bad, I personally find it equally entertaining (more so in some ways) to take a slower, methodical analysis and inspection of the Society. I loved the introspection of the characters as they try to determine the nature or existence of problems within the Society and then weigh their personal options of whether to take action or not and what may happen in either case.
For those who are worried from my comments that this book is a slow paced social investigation with a love story at the forefront, let me assure you that there are elements of tension and action but I will also say that they aren't the kind of action from a Hunger Games or a Maze Runner. There is some "off-screen" violence alluded to and a small "on-screen" scuffle but otherwise, most of the action is of a more suspenseful nature and the intrigue of keeping actions hidden and covert.
While I suspect there will be some people who aren't as interested in this title because of its slower pacing and greater focus on introspection, analysis and the teenage romance, I also feel like this is a worthy addition to the dystopian genre and I feel like it's a great gateway book to classic dystopia. While a reader may be a little wary of diving into the heavier 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, the same reader may feel quite comfortable with Matched and come away with some similar thoughts and ideas and may feel more comfortable diving into heavier material.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
***
3 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member ReadingFever
This was originally published on by blog: The Reading Fever.
I totally lucked out this week, and happened to read two fantastic books in a row! It isn't often that I find two books in the same week that go straight to my favorites list. And, boy, is Matched going on that list! My only regret is that
I read the first chapter before the tour, and then set it down until last night; not because I didn't like it, but because I have been crazy busy, and then THE French Kiss came along (you know which one I'm talking about, don't you?), and I didn't think Matched would stand up next to Anna's fame.
But it did. It really did.
I think what I really liked about Matched, is that it had depth. The further I got into the story, the more I realized that something important was happening, and that I got to witness it. This story has a message, and it gets more complex as it moves along. It is first shown with the rebellious words of a poem: do not go gentle.
We are shown a society that is very controlled, that has studied and knows how to control every element of its population so well, that it can predict the outcome of almost every situation, even down to the specific actions people will take under different circumstances. But even when you think you have all the numbers down, people can still surprise you. And the society does not like surprises.
All this is wrapped in the packaging of a sweet love story, one that is forbidden. One that will have you confused and intrigued, and just dying to see how they end up together, because there is no way that they possibly can; not under the Society's watchful eye.
And that's another thing that I really liked about Matched: the relationships. From Cassia's (the protagonist) relationship with her grandfather and parents, to her relationships with her younger brother and best friends, I could feel how important they each were to her as she interacted with them. She cared about them, and they cared about her. There was an importance to these relationships, even if they weren't perfect. It was so refreshing to see. There were also some surprising twists in Matched, that made me humble as a reader; made me remember that I cannot always predict what is going to happen. I loved that.
Suffice it to say, that I have become emotionally involved with this book. Yep, I'm in it 'till the end. The poem has become a favorite, the book has become a favorite, and when the next book comes, you can be sure that I will not go gentle. Look it up.
I totally lucked out this week, and happened to read two fantastic books in a row! It isn't often that I find two books in the same week that go straight to my favorites list. And, boy, is Matched going on that list! My only regret is that
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I didn't make more of an effort to finish it before the Breathless Reads tour, so that I could squeal my excitement about the book to Ally Condie, in person. It was such a missed opportunity.I read the first chapter before the tour, and then set it down until last night; not because I didn't like it, but because I have been crazy busy, and then THE French Kiss came along (you know which one I'm talking about, don't you?), and I didn't think Matched would stand up next to Anna's fame.
But it did. It really did.
I think what I really liked about Matched, is that it had depth. The further I got into the story, the more I realized that something important was happening, and that I got to witness it. This story has a message, and it gets more complex as it moves along. It is first shown with the rebellious words of a poem: do not go gentle.
We are shown a society that is very controlled, that has studied and knows how to control every element of its population so well, that it can predict the outcome of almost every situation, even down to the specific actions people will take under different circumstances. But even when you think you have all the numbers down, people can still surprise you. And the society does not like surprises.
All this is wrapped in the packaging of a sweet love story, one that is forbidden. One that will have you confused and intrigued, and just dying to see how they end up together, because there is no way that they possibly can; not under the Society's watchful eye.
And that's another thing that I really liked about Matched: the relationships. From Cassia's (the protagonist) relationship with her grandfather and parents, to her relationships with her younger brother and best friends, I could feel how important they each were to her as she interacted with them. She cared about them, and they cared about her. There was an importance to these relationships, even if they weren't perfect. It was so refreshing to see. There were also some surprising twists in Matched, that made me humble as a reader; made me remember that I cannot always predict what is going to happen. I loved that.
Suffice it to say, that I have become emotionally involved with this book. Yep, I'm in it 'till the end. The poem has become a favorite, the book has become a favorite, and when the next book comes, you can be sure that I will not go gentle. Look it up.
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LibraryThing member AyleeArgh
In short: Matched by Ally Condie is a captivating dystopian read due to its impeccable writing and perfectly developed world building.
It seems like everyone was initially in love with Matched before it was released, hyping it up and raving about it, and then at some point people were let down from
The pacing is very slow. This is very true. Matched is a quiet novel, one without any intense action or earth-shaking events, that people more inclined towards fast paced novels may find boring. Fortunately for me, I seem to have a very high tolerance for slower paced novels as long as the writing is impeccably done (which is why I also adored Beautiful Creatures and Delirium). I was completely swept away in Ally Condie's writing, always held captivated and interested. The flawless incorporation of poetry and symbolism into the text was genius. Consequently, I wasn't bothered the least bit by the lack of action.
The world building wasn't original. The dystopian world in Matched was derivative of other dystopian novels, particularly The Giver. Lucky for me, I've never read The Giver (The shame! I know, I know. I will read it eventually.). I can't say with complete confidence that Matched had a never-before-seen literary world, but among the sea of dystopians I've read this year, it definitely stands out as being the best described and most intriguing (along with Divergent). I loved reading about Matched's perfect-on-the-surface dystopian world that was slowly revealed to be anything but as Cassia discovers disturbing truths about the Society that she has felt safe in her entire life.
So, there you have it: the reasoning why I loved Matched but can understand why other people didn't. I would love to know in the comments how you felt about Matched and if you had similar thoughts regarding the above common issues.
It seems like everyone was initially in love with Matched before it was released, hyping it up and raving about it, and then at some point people were let down from
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that high and started to find fault with it. They seemed to be legitimate problems, too, from what I read. However, after having read Matched myself (finally!), I have to say that these faults didn't bother me. The following are, to my eyes, the most common problems that people found with Matched and my reasoning behind why I didn't see them as weaknesses (please allow me this unusual review format):The pacing is very slow. This is very true. Matched is a quiet novel, one without any intense action or earth-shaking events, that people more inclined towards fast paced novels may find boring. Fortunately for me, I seem to have a very high tolerance for slower paced novels as long as the writing is impeccably done (which is why I also adored Beautiful Creatures and Delirium). I was completely swept away in Ally Condie's writing, always held captivated and interested. The flawless incorporation of poetry and symbolism into the text was genius. Consequently, I wasn't bothered the least bit by the lack of action.
The world building wasn't original. The dystopian world in Matched was derivative of other dystopian novels, particularly The Giver. Lucky for me, I've never read The Giver (The shame! I know, I know. I will read it eventually.). I can't say with complete confidence that Matched had a never-before-seen literary world, but among the sea of dystopians I've read this year, it definitely stands out as being the best described and most intriguing (along with Divergent). I loved reading about Matched's perfect-on-the-surface dystopian world that was slowly revealed to be anything but as Cassia discovers disturbing truths about the Society that she has felt safe in her entire life.
So, there you have it: the reasoning why I loved Matched but can understand why other people didn't. I would love to know in the comments how you felt about Matched and if you had similar thoughts regarding the above common issues.
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LibraryThing member GreatImaginations
I can totally understand how Matched can be seen as either an "I love it or I hate it" kind of book. The action is very subtle. The book has a very lyrical and depressing tone. It's not like your typical dystopian by any means. It's more about the relationships and how the characters are affected
Fortunately, for me, I loved it. It tugged at my heartstrings and created emotions in me that I didn't know I still had. You could say there was a typical love triangle, but I didn't find it typical at all. Especially when it's a love triangle the characters were forced into. There's a reason for this though. Cassia isn't allowed to choose her own mate. Neither is anybody else. The society matches you with someone and that's who you have to marry and spend your life with. Cassia's match turns out to be Xander, who is a very good friend of hers. She grew up with him. So in some ways, she is lucky. But then she falls for Ky. Ky is not her match. And she is not allowed to be with him. The society won't allow it. Can you imagine that? And that's only the beginning.
Matched was definitely an emotional ride. Author Ally Condie really knows how to make you feel for the characters. The emotions felt very real to me. If I have one complaint, it's that I wish the world the characters were living in was described a little better. But I have a feeling the next book will take care of that.
Bottom line: If you go into this book expecting it to be the next Hunger Games with a load of action, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. If, however, you appreciate a story about characters you will get attached to, and how they are trying to continue living in a very unfair world, then I think you will enjoy it. I thought it was fantastic.
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and less about the world and its aftermath. There are no zombies, no horrible diseases. Just a society and how it controls its people. Some don't mind the society, but others, like Cassia and her family, follow orders only because they have to. Big Brother is definitely always watching. Even so, there's not a whole lot of action. And when it does happen, it's either very subtle or happens super quickly. It's not a book for everybody. Fortunately, for me, I loved it. It tugged at my heartstrings and created emotions in me that I didn't know I still had. You could say there was a typical love triangle, but I didn't find it typical at all. Especially when it's a love triangle the characters were forced into. There's a reason for this though. Cassia isn't allowed to choose her own mate. Neither is anybody else. The society matches you with someone and that's who you have to marry and spend your life with. Cassia's match turns out to be Xander, who is a very good friend of hers. She grew up with him. So in some ways, she is lucky. But then she falls for Ky. Ky is not her match. And she is not allowed to be with him. The society won't allow it. Can you imagine that? And that's only the beginning.
Matched was definitely an emotional ride. Author Ally Condie really knows how to make you feel for the characters. The emotions felt very real to me. If I have one complaint, it's that I wish the world the characters were living in was described a little better. But I have a feeling the next book will take care of that.
Bottom line: If you go into this book expecting it to be the next Hunger Games with a load of action, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. If, however, you appreciate a story about characters you will get attached to, and how they are trying to continue living in a very unfair world, then I think you will enjoy it. I thought it was fantastic.
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LibraryThing member dibiboi
This book, like all dystopian YA fiction published since 1993, is likely to be compared with "The Giver." "Matched" does not delve into the inner workings of its society as much as "The Giver," but nevertheless stands on its own merits as a story about finding truth and self-identity in a world of
One downside to the novel is that the main character, Cassia, is not as likable as other characters. I think this is mainly because she seems the same as every other girl. Whereas Ky and Xander, the male characters, are seen as mysteriously clever and insightful, Cassia is not only portrayed as a typical girl, but also one who is constantly confused by the atypical events that happen to her and unsure of what to do. She does not seem to be a particularly smart or strong character, and her decision to defy the Society come almost as a surprise. As a reader, I found myself wanting to see the world through the eyes of Ky or Xander, not Cassia.
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deception. The positives are that the story moves at a fast pace. Also, the setting is perfect for a variety of dramatic effects to take place- there are scenes of mystery, even a bit of suspense. At times there is tension and fear, at other times defiance against oppression. And of course, there is teenage love. This is an overall well-rounded, well-crafted story.One downside to the novel is that the main character, Cassia, is not as likable as other characters. I think this is mainly because she seems the same as every other girl. Whereas Ky and Xander, the male characters, are seen as mysteriously clever and insightful, Cassia is not only portrayed as a typical girl, but also one who is constantly confused by the atypical events that happen to her and unsure of what to do. She does not seem to be a particularly smart or strong character, and her decision to defy the Society come almost as a surprise. As a reader, I found myself wanting to see the world through the eyes of Ky or Xander, not Cassia.
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Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2014)
Soaring Eagle Book Award (Nominee — 2013)
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2013)
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Honor Book — 2013)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2012)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award (Nominee — Teen — 2012)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Teen — 2013)
Gateway Readers Award (Nominee — 2nd Place — 2013)
Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards (Honor — 2013)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — 2013)
Arkansas Teen Book Award (Honor Book — 2012)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2012)
Colorado Blue Spruce Award (Nominee — 2013, 2015)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2013)
Association for Mormon Letters Award (Winner — Young Adult — 2010)
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Honor — 2013)
Florida Teens Read Award (Nominee — 2013)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — High School — 2013)
Whitney Award (Winner — 2010)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2013)
Evergreen Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2013)
Isinglass Teen Read Award (Nominee — 2012)
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Nominee — 2013)
Rhode Island Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2012)
ARTY Award (2011)
South Carolina Book Awards (Winner — Young Adult Book Award — 2013)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2011)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2011)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Teens (Fiction — 2010)
Young Adult Favorites Award (2011)
OYAN Book Rave (2012)
Texas Lone Star Reading List (2011)
Language
Original publication date
2010-11-30
ISBN
0141334789 / 9780141334783
Other editions
Matched by Ally Condie (Paperback)