Arts and Entertainment

Hot new young adult dystopian novel sweeps readers off their feet

Makena Buser
November 30, 2012

Fast paced, suspenseful and romantic, “The Selection” by Kiera Cass is a must read for anyone searching for an addictive romance novel.

Set in a future when the United States is run by royalty, Prince Maxon prepares to choose a wife by a process known as the selection. The selection is when 35 girls between the ages of 16 and 21 are chosen at random to move into the castle and compete to win the Prince’s heart. America, a girl who has no interest in becoming queen or marrying the Prince, has been chosen to be one of the selected. The person America fell in love with told her to fill out an application for the selection and to see what happens next. When America meets the Prince she finds out that the Prince is not what she expected him to be like at all. Instead of being stuck up and shallow he is caring and compassionate. Will America fall in love with the Prince and live happily ever after or does her heart still belong to Aspen, a poor person a caste below her?

The selection never had a single dull moment. Something exciting happened at each chapter and this kept me engaged throughout the book. It is a page turner; it took me less than a day to finish “The Selection” and I am eagerly awaiting the publication of the next book in the “Selection” series.

Everything about The Selection is unique. The plot was surprisingly original. Kiera Cass didn’t rip off a plot from another book; she wrote something completely original. I rate this book an A- and suggest that anyone who enjoys romance laced with a dystopian element should read it.

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About the Contributor

Makena Buser, Reporter

Few people can say that they visited the place that they were named after, but that’s exactly what Makena Buser, freshman and staff writer, can say. People who are named after cities tend to be named after well-known spots, like Paris, Florence or Sydney, but that’s not the case for Buser.

Last year, Buser was able to visit her namesake beach in Maui, Hawaii. Makena Beach State Park is a special place for Buser and her family. Before Buser was born, her parents took a vacation to Maui and visited the beach. Immediately after visiting, Buser’s parents knew it would become their own little paradise.

“When my parents were there, they fell in love with the beach, especially the more secluded parts,” said Buser. “It felt odd being at my beach, especially being named after such a pretty place.”

Buser’s unique name may help her stand out in her hopeful future as a politician. Her dreams of going into politics were brought to life when she was able to accompany her dad on a trip to Washington D.C. in Nov. 2011 to lobby for funding to expanded the Willamette Meteorite information sight at Fields Bridge Park. While there, Buser was able to tour the House of Representatives and the Senate, even meeting some Representatives and Senators along the way. This hands-on tour through the nation’s capitol helped pave the way for Buser’s aspirations to become a social scientist, particularly one that is involved with government.

“I want to be a social scientist because it would be fun to be involved in another country’s political system,” Buser said.

If Buser ever does decide to have a career in politics, she’ll be sure to have a name to remember.