Matched by Ally Condie

I've been hooked on dystopian novels since I read the Hunger Games trilogy, and I came across this trilogy on Amazon.  It's dystopian like Hunger Games but not as action oriented, although it still has good elements of suspense.

It's the story of Cassia and the society she lives in.  It's a "perfect" society where everything is laid out for you and there are no more diseases like cancer or AIDs.  The Society decides everything for you, like what you can eat, what activities you can do, even down to who you will marry.  You are "matched" with someone based on your genes and compatibility, and they become your spouse.  When you are matched you are given a micro card with everything you need to know about that person so you can learn more about them.  When Cassia is matched, she is matched with her best friend Xander which is highly unusual (usually your match doesn't live in the same province as you do).  She's thrilled until she puts in her microcard and the face that pops up isn't Xander's, but Ky's someone else from her province that's an abberation (unable to be matched).  It starts her questioning everything, especially the society and the officials.

While this is a dystopian novel, it's more about a girl learning about the ability to choose than it is action and suspense.  Cassia battles these two sides of her life; the one that fits into society's perfect mold and the one that wants more, including Ky.  As the story goes on, the society tends to overstep the people's personal boundaries, pushing their cause, and this makes Cassia want to rebel even more.  The story ends with a cliff hanger (as do most trilogies) leaving the reader to wonder what Cassia will choose to do.

The story itself is a fun read.  It moves quickly so you get absorbed into the story, but it's an easy, light read that you can pick up for fun.  Great for relaxing at home now that the weather is getting too chilly to do outdoor activities!

<3, jacq