Matched, by Ally Condie

Okay, I have to talk about this book.  I'm missing book club this month and this is one of the main times I actually want to talk about the book I read!  So you, lucky readers, get to hear what I think.

SPOILER ALERT

Ok.

I know we're supposed to love Ky for Cassia, but I don't.

I'm totally rooting for Xander.

I just don't think she actually loves Ky!

She never even noticed him before they were "matched."  She's just wondering what would've happened and has become obsessed.  She's intrigued and horrified by his history, so of course she wants to know more.  She's fascinated by the skills he can teach her, like writing.  Her whole opinion of life in the society is changing because of her grandpa.  But because she's found someone who knows some bad things the government's done, she thinks they're supposed to be together...?

I'm sorry, but I don't buy it.

She's intrigued by him, which eventually causes some sort of infatuation, but it's not love.

She ends one chapter with this question: 

“Is falling in love with someone’s story the same thing as falling in love with the person himself?”

The answer is no.  I love some people's stories, some couples' stories, some families' stories.  Does that mean I'm in love with all those people?  I hope not... That's a lot of people to be in love with.  I'm in love with Cinderella's story, but I am not in love with her.  

And besides, Cassia, you're not in love with Ky's story.  You're horrified by it.  You're curious about it.   You love that he trusts you with it.   It has made you question some of your previously not-thought-about beliefs, which has caused some soul searching.  But nothing in the book makes it sound like you're in love with it.  In fact, when I read that question, I thought, "What?  She's falling in love with his story?  First of all, what does that even mean?  Second of all, his story is terrible and sad!"

Cassia.  Get over it.  YOU HAVE A MATCH WHO IS AWESOME.  Stop trying to find someone else.  Your love story with Ky is not believable.  I'm open to changing my mind in the sequel, but you're going to have to be reaaaaaally convincing.

P.S. Xander, I don't think you're going to win, but I'm cheering for you.

Phew.  Thanks.  I needed to get that out there.

___________________________________________

“Okay…how’s this for a theory,” said Ron excitedly.  “Krum attacked Crouch - 

no, wait for it - and then Stunned himself!”

“And Mr. Crouch evaporated, did he?” said Hermione coldly.”

“Oh yeah…”

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire