The Selection

A 2012 Young Adult novel written by Kiera Cass. The first in a planned trilogy.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The book provide examples of:


 * Aerith and Bob: From Ashley to Gavril
 * Alpha Bitch: Celeste
 * Black Sheep: America's brother Gerad doesn't like to do anything artistic. Too bad he was born to a family full of artists and a Five and thus this is the only career he can use to earn a living.
 * Everyone Loves Blondes: Marlee is a fan favorite amongst the people to win The Selection. However, she and Maxon feel little attraction towards each other.
 * Every Thing Is Better With Princesses: The ultimate prize of The Selection, along with Maxon. Some of the girls are only in The Selection for the crown.
 * Expy: Aspen is basically Gale and Gavril is basically Caesar Flickerman.
 * Hair of Gold: Marlee and Ashley
 * Heroes Want Redheads: Maxon takes a liking to America, the only redhead in The Selection.
 * Green Eyes: Aspen
 * Lady in Red: America manages to stand out in one scene by wearing a killer red dress whilst all the other girls (who were copying her in the first place) are wearing blue. Celeste even attempts to switch dresses.
 * Meaningful Name: America, because she is fighter, and Singer because she's a musician.
 * No Sex Allowed: Until you're married. Hence why so many young people want to get married. And to top it off, no birth control if you're a four or lower in order to ensure people are born into lower castes.
 * Redheaded Hero: America
 * Rich Suitor, Poor Suitor: Maxon and Aspen for America
 * Rich Bitch: Celeste
 * Royals Who Actually Do Something: The Royal family is consistently shown actively ruling and running the country. Maxon takes his duties as a future King very seriously, as do his parents. It is shown throughout the novel that this is the type of ruler America would be if she were to win.
 * Spoiled Sweet: Maxon
 * Tall, Dark and Handsome: Aspen
 * Unwanted Harem: The other girls in The Selection.
 * X Meets Y: The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.