"The Selection"

The Selection by Kiera Cass, YA, 2012, p, rating=4
Source: library

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Goodreads)

Wow, I was surprised how ratings appeared to be in extremes for this book.  It seemed like that many readers either loved this book or detested it, very little middle ground.  Seeing one stars for this read gave me pause.  I got to second guessing how I felt about the read.  But upon looking a bit closely, there was a scandal that I missed.  In brief reading of some reviews (in Goodreads) there were alleged improper reactions by the author and publicist therefore many reviewers took offense.  Evidently I'm not the only one that missed the outrage because there were over 7,300 reviews and overall this book has a rating of 3.96 stars out of 5 (Goodreads).  So I'm actually in the company of many that really liked the book. 

I'm a sucker for Cinderella-kind of story so I got entranced by this story.  The read was quick, soft, and flowing.  A relaxing, no-brainer read with a triangle romance fluff that engaged me.  Simply entertaining.  I'd read the sequel.