Book Review
The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Read if you're interested in relationships, love, or books for young adult.
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5.5
VerdictRead with discernment
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Book Summary
This young adult dystopian romance novel follows America Singer, a young woman chosen to compete in a televised competition for the hand of Prince Maxon and the crown of Illéa. Amidst political unrest and societal stratification, America grapples with her feelings for the Prince and a forbidden love from her past.
What it does well
- — Explores themes of love, self-discovery, and standing up for what is right, which can resonate with Christian values of integrity and sacrificial love.
- — The protagonist's struggle with her identity and purpose can encourage introspection, though not necessarily from a Christian perspective.
- — The narrative implicitly touches on issues of social justice and poverty through the caste system, which aligns with Christian calls to care for the vulnerable.
Watch for
- — The central premise of a competition for marriage, where the 'prize' is a person, can be seen as objectifying and not aligned with the Christian understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant between two individuals freely choosing each other.
- — The romantic triangles and emotional attachments America develops with multiple men, while common in YA fiction, can present a blurred view of commitment and fidelity to young readers.
- — The depiction of love is heavily focused on emotional attachment and external factors (status, luxury) rather than a deeper, covenantal love rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
Verdict
Christian readers, especially young adults, should approach 'The Selection' with discernment. While it offers entertainment and some positive themes, its portrayal of relationships and marriage deviates from biblical principles. Discussion of these themes with mature Christian guidance is recommended.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Christian readers, especially young adults, should approach 'The Selection' with discernment. While it offers entertainment and some positive themes, its portrayal of relationships and marriage deviates from biblical principles. Discussion of these themes with mature Christian guidance is recommended.”
Biblical alignment
- —Explores themes of love, self-discovery, and standing up for what is right, which can resonate with Christian values of integrity and sacrificial love.
- —The protagonist's struggle with her identity and purpose can encourage introspection, though not necessarily from a Christian perspective.
- —The narrative implicitly touches on issues of social justice and poverty through the caste system, which aligns with Christian calls to care for the vulnerable.
Areas of concern
- —The central premise of a competition for marriage, where the 'prize' is a person, can be seen as objectifying and not aligned with the Christian understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant between two individuals freely choosing each other.
- —The romantic triangles and emotional attachments America develops with multiple men, while common in YA fiction, can present a blurred view of commitment and fidelity to young readers.
- —The depiction of love is heavily focused on emotional attachment and external factors (status, luxury) rather than a deeper, covenantal love rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
- —The prevalence of deception and secrecy in the plot may not encourage honesty and transparency, which are valued in Christian ethics.
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