Tag Archives: ally condie

Crossed

Crossed Book Cover Crossed
Matched, Book 2
Ally Condie
Juvenile Fiction
Puffin
2013
367

Seventeen-year-old Cassia sacrifices everything and heads to the Outer Provinces in search of Ky, where she is confronted with shocking revelations about Society and the promise of rebellion.

 

Review:

Unlike many second books in series, “Crossed” managed to not only match, but surpass, the first.

As with the first, Cia is discovering more about the Society than she was ever meant to know.  The pacing is excellent, with a great balance of action and character development.  New questions are raised while also giving readers some resolution to a few from “Matched”, thereby avoiding the frustration of too many loose ends found in many second novels in a trilogy.

The writing itself is superb and raises many thought-provoking questions about the importance of art, censorship, and the role of the government in our lives.  What are we willing to pay for perfect health and stability?   Are our choices worth exchanging for security?  Will that security last?

Both books in the “Matched” series are excellent introductions into the dystopian genre for younger readers.  The questions are important, but the content is presented in a way which is accessible and without too much in the way of questionable content.  It is a good series for parents to read along with their children.

 

Content Warning:

Violence, Very Mild Sexual Situations

Matched

Matched Book Cover Matched
Matched, Book 1
Ally Condie
Juvenile Fiction
Puffin
2011
369

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

 

Review:

“Matched” is the perfect book to introduce younger readers to the world of dystopias beyond “Animal Farm”.  It explores some difficult issues, including trying to control how people live and think, as well as censorship.  Everything is chosen for them.  What choices they do have are limited to a select few.  The government even controls death.

The content is solidly in the PG category, while still holding enough of a love story to get keep the attention of older readers who enjoy that sort of thing.  It is a relief that, while there are two possible love interests, it is not really a love triangle.  Those are overused and tend to feature at least one unhealthy choice.  This does not follow that pattern, which is a relief to me to know younger readers have access to books who present healthy relationships.

Cassia is a fascinating character who the author uses to highlight the challenges of being different in a society that will not tolerate anyone who strays from the norm.  Good lessons throughout the book that can leave children with a sense of empowerment over those telling them the things they “can’t” be.

It’s an enjoyable read for anyone from fifth grade and up.  A perfect choice for reluctant readers.

 

Content Warning:

Brief Violence