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= Crossed =

by Ally Condie
I am reading Crossed because Matched, the first book in this trilogy, was an astonishing read. I can't wait to see what happens next! = = I learned about these books by reading about them on someone's book list they had on their wiki. I remembered being intrigued by the book cover, description, and book concept. When I saw it while visiting Barnes and Noble, I had no choice but to buy it. It was a quick read, because I couldn't put it down. I even had students read parts of it to me before school, while I was preparing for the day. I couldn't put the book down.

The cover reminds me of how every once in a while we all feel trapped, like we are living in a bubble. I think the simple elegance of the cover reflects how trapped Cassia feels by the rules of the Society.

The society in this book is a dystopia, the society is nearly perfect. Everything is controlled. There is no diseases or economic problems. Pretty cool, right? No one is homeless, sick, or jobless. The downside is that everything is pretty bland. There is a strict dress code, the food is rationed and everyone gets healthy meals every day. That's right, only healthy foods, no sweets! Except at celebrations.

In Matched, machines "match" boys and girls with a partner when they turn 17 years old. Usually the person they are matched to lives far away and there is a lengthy engagement period, where matched couples get to know each other. Cassia was matched to Xander, her very good friend whom she grew up with. This is unheard of in the Society. When Cassia gets home and turns on her tablet which reveals details about the person they are matched to, Ky's face appears. This is a different boy from the Society. Cassia knows him as well! This is how Cassia's love triangle begins!