 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Matched
- By Ally Condie
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Fun, provoking start to dystopian series for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this absorbing page-turner is a classic dystopian tale. Its heroine is a model daughter and citizen who begins to suspect the pursuit of perfection comes with too steep a price. While there's danger and romance here, there's not very much violence or sex. Instead, it encourages readers to think long and hard about their relationships -- to people, to technology, and to authority -- and could lead to some spirited debates about how to best balance personal freedoms and government control. Parents and teens who read this book together will certainly find a lot to talk about.
What's the story?
Cassie has never doubted the choices of the Society, which decides what she eats, whom she'll love, where she'll work, and even when she'll die. She's thrilled to learn she’s to marry Xander, her best friend. But then why does the face of her neighbor, Ky, flash on her Match microcard instead? The Officials tell her it was a rare mistake, but a tiny seed of doubt is planted. And as she grows to love Ky, she begins to see the darker truths of the Society. She embarks with him on a risky, dangerous path -- with the Society watching their every move.
Is it any good?
MATCHED invites comparisons to The Giver and Brave New World, and some science fiction fans may rightly complain that it’s derivative. But most teen readers will agree that author Condie has crafted a fine addition to the genre. Her characters are complex and surprising; even the peripheral characters carry real weight. Cassie’s awakening -- to the harm caused by the Society, to love, to the complexity of the adults who have raised her -- feels authentic. As Cassie’s relationship with Ky deepens, so do her relationships with her parents, her brother, and even Xander.
This could easily turn into just another hand-wringing love triangle, or a ho-hum story of teen rebellion. Instead, it's a great coming-of-age story, one that encourages readers to think long and hard about their relationships -- to people, to technology, and to authority. There are just enough details about the Society to tell the story, making it pretty light as far as sci-fi goes -- so this will appeal to readers who don't consider themselves fans of the genre normally. Overall, it's a terrific start to the planned trilogy.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the popularity of dystopian novels. What makes them appealing as a setting for teenage characters? Why do you think they are particularly popular right now?
Is it important to read stories about our possible futures? How could a book like this affect the choices we make in the present?
Does a future government like the Society seem plausible to you? What do you think might promote or discourage this kind of a future?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 14 years old
June 3, 2011
AGE
Creative but easy to stop reading
Very creative, a little over exaggerated with the age rating on here. There was nothing sexual other than a kiss here and there, no language, hardly any violence. I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a good book to read. :)
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Kid, 12 years old
January 20, 2011
AGE
B-O-R-I-N-G
I was very disappointed in this book! I went out and bought it for the hard cover price because everyone hyped it up and stuff. I thought it would be fast paced and engrossing! NO. It's so slow paced, I stopped reading it for a while and then I didn't even finish it!!!
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Teen, 16 years old
April 20, 2011
AGE
So sweet. Could NOT put this down. One of my favorite books of the moment. Too bad the second one comes out in November. I wanna know what happens between Ky and Cassie
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Kid, 12 years old
June 3, 2011
AGE
Incredible. The epitome of any novel
Phenomenal book. Absolutely incredible. This book is about a Society that controls everything, from what you eat to who you will marry. Cassia is a very positive role model because she follows the rules, is respectful, and obeys her parents however she does believe that there are some flaws in the Society and she wants freedom. Ally Condie struck gold when she wrote this book. This book helped me to realize what things we take for granted! Even the little things like wearing colored clothing and working where we want, it just shows how it's the little things that make our life better but the little things are what we dismiss most often and unconventional and unimportant. Read the book. You won't be disappointed.
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Teen, 15 years old
April 22, 2011
AGE
5 stars!
Read it in less than 24 hours!!! Great story with themes that will grab readers. The idea of a society where everything is carefully controlled is both chilling and intriguing.
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Teen, 15 years old
February 6, 2011
AGE
Best book I've ever read, though probably more entertaining for 14+
I really loved this book. I ended up reading it in a day.
There is a little bit of violence, though it's not full-on. Less violence than Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.
It's a bit of a romance novel, so will probably get boring quickly for younger readers. I found the book to be fast-paced, so maybe, again, it's an age thing.
The book really makes you think about democracy and rights. Though most people in this society are quite happy with their lives, there are quite a few who would rather it go back to the way things were. Depending what "status" you are, your rights are different than other's. Different poems and artworks are mentioned, and lines of Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas feature throughout the book.
I can't wait for the next book, Crossed. It seems that others are wondering about release dates - as far as I'm aware, Crossed comes out November 2011, and the third book comes out November 2012.
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Adult
February 3, 2011
AGE
Good read for those around 12 or older
My daughter and I really enjoyed it. It is a good clean read, but surely makes you think about the government and it's role in people's lives or of the role it could have if we don't speak up and pay attention.
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Kid, 12 years old
July 2, 2011
AGE
A slow but a must read book!
A slow, but great book. Couldn't stop reading!
Teaches a lot about love and how its not all about crushes and flirting; There are a lot different sides and challenges to it. And readers can see that through a good life-like character/role model who goes through so much then a normal person would. Can't wait to see what happens next- great work of Ally's.
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Teen, 17 years old
May 30, 2011
AGE
Truly thought provoking- I recommend it!
I must say that this book really makes a person think about the role external forces and influences make in decisions in their lives, the role a conscience should play when it comes to duty, and the value of the preservation of information.
I wrote more about it here:
*://thestuffiread.blogspot*/2011/04/matched.html
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Teen, 13 years old
February 4, 2011
AGE
Just plain.......ok (and I love boooks!)
This book.....I bought the hard-cover, I figured it sounded amazing (I love the whole future distopia thing) and this book turned out to be decent. It wasn't inapropriate, but be aware it was very slow paced. Not much action and kind of...eh..on the boring side if you cant keep up with the whole romance thing. I liked the setting and the creations of the world more than the characters. The writing is good, nice description, but the main girl, Cassia, bugged me sometimes. She over thought stuff and occasionally was a little dramatic over the whole "which one should I choose?" Almost the whole time she wasn't really sure what she thought, but in the end she figured everything out a little too late. Plus, the end of the book is sucky if Ali Condie doesnt hurry up and write a sequel.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | Ally Condie |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Dutton Children's Books |
| Publication date: | November 30, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 384 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
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