Bibliography-

Condie, A. (2011). Matched. Penguin Books.

ISBN 9780142419779

 

Plot Summary-

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate. Until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

 

Critical Analysis-

In the book Matched, Condie uses conflict to teach the reader that society doesn’t know what is best for you. Matched has three main science fiction elements including, dystopia, futuristic setting, and social issues. In the beginning, Cassia makes it very evident that she believes the Society is as close to perfect as any society could be. She also feels that there is no need or reason to stand out. But as the story progresses, she starts to understand otherwise. The book teaches a lesson about standing up for who you love as Cassia starts to realize she loves two boys, each in a different way. She struggles to grow and accept the changes that come along with a different way of thinking. The novel is written as a first-person narrative, which helps the reader delve into Cassia's mind and her innermost feelings. As a youth on the edge of the adult world, Cassia's thoughts and feelings about her future are highly relatable to teens. The world she lives in is different enough from our own to be intriguing, yet similar enough that the reader realizes the book is a true political statement.

 

Review Excerpts-

“Strong feminist ideals and impressive writing that’s bound to captivate.”-Booklist Review

“A superb dystopian romance.”-Starred Booklist Review

 

Connections-

-Compare sections of this book to sections of The Giver By: Lowry

They both explore the major theme of final realization. In both novels, the societies are built on the idea of uniformity, sameness, and monotony. The authorities lead the citizens to believe that rules and discipline matter the most and that their actions are in the citizens’ best interest.

-If a student is interested, they can read the rest of the books in the series:

Crossed, book 2, ISBN 0142421715

Reached, book 3, ISBN 0525423664

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

  Book Review-       Bibliography: Colandro, L. (2014).  THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY!  (J. D. Lee, Ill.). Cartwheel Books.     Plot Summary: The bestselling Old Lady series created its own version of the original, classic song: there was an old lady who swallowed a fly! In this story, the old lady swallows animals one after another until she ends up with a full house of lovable pets.   Critical Analysis: In this story, the plot is simple yet full of action and nonsense. When reading the text, there is a sense of rhythm and rhyme that makes it easy for students to follow along. The style of writing is simple and repetitive making it perfect for younger readers. The illustrations by J.D. Lee are detailed, hilarious and set the scene for the whole story.       Review Excerpts: Booklist Review- “Although there are many versions of this perennial favorite, this is one of the funniest an...
Read more

Code Talker

                                                                             Book Review: Bibliography- Bruchac, J. (2005). Code talker . Scholastic Paperbacks. ISBN- 978-0142405963 Plot Summary-  Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years. Now Joseph Bruchac brings those stories to life through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspirin...
Read more
  Book Review-   Bibliography: Wiesner, D. (2001).  THE THREE PIGS . Clarion Books.   Plot Summary: This version of the classic 3 little pigs story starts out seemingly familiar as three pigs are preparing to build houses out of straw, sticks and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story and into the realm of pure imagination! From there begins a freewheeling adventure as they wander and fly through other stories, encountering a dragon and a cat with a fiddle, among others. This familiar tale will never be the same old story again.   Critical Analysis: The fable contains many common features associated with the fairy tale, with some fun surprises. This story is told from the point of view of the three pigs.  The pigs eventually join up with others, to travel to different stories and settings.  Once the characters leave their story, they inherit word...
Read more