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What is a Buddy Read?

This is an "Informal Buddy Read"
An “Informal Buddy Read�� doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

Book synopsis
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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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

I've had this book picked for me several times, but I won't be able to start it until December. Is it okay if I jump in then?

absolutely!

My copy came in just in time ! I will be able to start this tonight! I will use spoilers!!!

cant wait!

Finished chapter 1. Ready to keep reading!
(view spoiler)[ 35 girls,1 crown.... it reminds me of the show The Bachelor.

(hide spoiler)]

This is an easy read! I am liking it so far.
Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ Aspen tells America that they are finished. Over.
She is heartbroken. Does Aspen break up with her because she is a five and he is a six? Or is there another reason? (hide spoiler)]

chapter 7
(view spoiler)[ I think my thoughts weren't far off the mark. America sees Aspen with another girl( a girl from his own caste)
My opinion of Aspen has just dropped.

Participating in the Selection is not something that America wants to do. I think she is coping with the initial phases of the Selection quite well. (hide spoiler)]

commenting on Laura's posts
(because I may or may not have read the entire book in one go.)
(view spoiler)[
I loved Aspen and America until he got so upset and broke up with her because of the fact that he knew he wouldn't be able to provide for her. His heart was in the right place, I think. But he just went about it the wrong way.

America, poor America. She's such a sweet girl and now she has this awful reality show made out of her life. It's just unfortunate. Especially now that she has to deal with the heartbreak of Aspen. (hide spoiler)]

Jessika wrote: "commenting on Laura's posts
(because I may or may not have read the entire book in one go.)

I loved Aspen and America until he got so upset and broke up with her because of the fact that he knew ..."

(view spoiler)[I am not sure his heart was in the right place.If it was would he have been with another girl right after he broke up with America? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9
(view spoiler)[
I'm not so sure I could do what she is doing.(Interacting with the crowd and other selection contestants) Too many people in my space. I think I am too introverted to enter the selecion!!

Would you want to be in the selection? (hide spoiler)]

end of chapter 15
(view spoiler)[ I love the relationship that is developing between America and the prince! She is totally falling for him now and doesnt know it!

had to laugh earlier when she kicked him in the groin!! (hide spoiler)]

Finished the book
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought. (view spoiler)[
I liked America, she handles herself for the most part very well.
I do not like Aspen. I think he is not a "nice " guy. I was unhappy to see him show up at the palace. However, it does add to the drama of the story!

(hide spoiler)]

Jessika (anyone? )are you up for a buddy read for the next book ? I 'm hoping to get it next week from my library!

~Leslie~ wrote: "I've had this book picked for me several times, but I won't be able to start it until December. Is it okay if I jump in then?"

Leslie, I can't wait until you read this to see what you will think of it!

I just read this last night. I started it at 11pm and read until 3 in the morning to finish! Is anyone still around and want to discuss it with me?

What did you think Jennifer? Would you take part in a Selection? I am waiting for book 3 to come in. I am next in queue :)

I dunno if I would take part. Although, if my family were poor and I was getting paid I would probably feel differently.

I really liked the book. I'm still torn about who I want America to be with.

On one hand, I like that she is able to always be herself with Aspen. I also like that she is the one that is ahead of him in society, especially now that she is a Three. A lot of books and movies feature a female being pulled up in society by a male. I love the idea of it being the other way around for one.
Yet, the prince is just so very charming!

I can't wait for the second book, but I'm number 8 on the wait list.

It reminded me so much of the show The Bachelor that I wasn't sure that I would like the book. I was pleasantly surprised that I did like it.

I really liked Aspen but then when he broke it off with America I didn't like him as much. I'm ready to read book 3 and I am still torn about who I want America to be with. The Prince does some silly stuff in book 2 and I 'm just not sure of Aspen's intentions.

Yes I agree with you about the Caste system.

take a look at some of my spoilers above and see if you agree or disagree with anything I 've posted.

I totally agree with your comment that it reminds you of The Bachelor! I didn't think of that until I read your comment, but it is so fitting!

I think that Aspen broke up with her because (view spoiler)[ he didn't feel like he was worthy of her (hide spoiler)]. Yet, I think that's a silly reason. He she know that she is much more then just a number. If he knows what she wants, then why end it? I don't like when one character thinks they are doing what is best for the other. As if that would change the heart break? Also, it makes it seem like the one who is trying to be all noble knows more than the other. I think everyone knows what they want and should consider what would actually make the other happy, not what they think is best or what they think the other needs. Ugh.