The time it was about Reading Rewind {4}

Posted March 15, 2016 by Stacee in Reading Rewind | 7 Comments

For this month’s Reading Rewind selection, Katie and I decided to read different books.

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I went with a book that I’ve been thinking about rereading for a while, but never actually got around to it…

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That’s right, I chose The Selection! I was sucked into this series because of the cover {hello, gorgeous dress} and I will admit to being intrigued by the synopsis.

1. When did you originally read the book and what did you rate it?

I read the first one in 2012 and rated it 3 stars. In my review for it, I stated that I really enjoyed it, but that it did take me some time to get into it.

2. Why did you love it?

I didn’t really love it.  I was amused by it and likened it to a car wreck I couldn’t look away from. For me, the shining part of the story was in Maxon’s character.  He was sweet and sort of like a huge, overgrown puppy that has no idea how to work his paws.

3. After the re-read did your rating/feelings about it change? Why or why not?

This time around, I gave it 2 stars. As I sat down to reread the book, I was actually looking forward to the hot mess.  Yet, as settled into the story, I struggled with finishing it and actually considered quitting the reread about halfway in.

America was an annoying MC and I loathed her wishy-washy attitude.  Sure, I’ll give her a slight pass because of the situation.  Yes, it had to be a shock to deal with being taken from home and thrust into a an episode of The Bachelor, complete with catty bitches.  My main complaint about her is that she was so so so rude to Maxon, when he has no control over what’s happening.  The whole dating-on-tv-to-pick-a-wife-while-sort-of-at-war has to trump everything.

And this time around, I noticed that there wasn’t much of an explanation when it came to the Rebels.  Why were they always attacking? It came across as an afterthought to the plot…like someone said “hey, you need external conflict”.  I will admit to being curious about the other books and what I would rate them if I read them again, but I don’t have the ambition.  I will also admit to wanting to read The Heir and The Crown.

What can I say…the car wreck looks pretty when it’s on fire.

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Have you read The Selection series? Were you Team Maxon or Team Aspen?

Want details on Reading Rewind? Check the original post!

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7 responses to “The time it was about Reading Rewind {4}

  1. Sorry you rated this book lower than the first time, but yes, I totally agree: there wasn’t really any incentive for the rebels’ attacks. But I don’t know, I liked this series when I first read it but I don’t know if I want to reread it and be more critical. I’m looking forward to seeing your next reading rewind!

    • Stacee

      I liked The Selection the most, but my rating went down a bit with each of the other two books in the series. I’m not sure I would be able to stand America’s antics with a reread of those.

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

  2. I steer clear of books that have girls in gowns on the cover, but my sister usually loves the stories, so she reads a lot of them. She therefore is my guinea pig because she knows what I do and do not like, and will tell me if cover doesn’t convey the content. She convinced me to read the Chemical Garden trilogy, that I had avoided like the plkague, because of the covers and I was glad she did. She has read The Selection and didn’t recommend it to me. I should do this for some of the YAs I read pre-blogging. This is a really good idea.

    • Stacee

      I’m a sucker for a girl in a pretty dress, but I hate face close ups. I don’t need my books staring at me. :D And yes!! Join us!! I’m having a lot of fun rereading things I haven’t touched in a while.

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

  3. Gosh, I’m so sorry that re-reading this book wasn’t all that Stacee o.O I’m sorry it was pretty crappy. Sigh. I’m SO thrilled that I was able to sell my trilogy, lol :) And never ever trying these books. Sigh. Seems so awful o.O And love triangle. Not for me :) You are the best for managing to read it twice, though. <3 Loved your thoughts about it :)

    Carina Olsen recently posted: Waiting on Wednesday #231
    • Stacee

      I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, but I think that’s half the reason I wanted to read it again. Everyone loves this series so much, it’s sort of baffling to me.

      Thanks for reading and commenting!!

  4. Sarah Cone

    I’ve not read this series but my 13 yo daughter looooves them. I was thinking I’d give em a try but thanks to your review, (seriously, thank you for saving me from a read that would’ve irritated me so.much.) I’ve decided to not waste my time.
    Btw, this is an awesome theme(?)/topic for a post!

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