Review: Matched

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (November, 2010)
Pages: 384
Book Source: ARC from Publisher

Ally Condie's new novel Matched opens with Cassia Reyes confronting her future as planned out by the authorities of the very controlled society that she lives in. While she is excited to discover who her match is and what her assigned career will be, she is also beginning to think for herself and question the way things are. Set in a future where everything in society runs perfectly and everyone's needs are met, this novel challenges the reader to think about the systems which we rarely even notice let alone question. It makes you wonder what our future societies will be like and who will be in control.

Matched is a compelling dystopian novel that is aimed at an audience of 12 and up. It is very character driven and the issues that are raised through the characters are universal to young people everywhere. Will you go along with the crowd, or will you make your own path? How to recognize true love and how to remain loyal to your friends. Cassie has to decide whether to remain within the safety of her known controlled environment, or allow her creativity and individuality to flourish. But does Cassie even have any individuality, or is even her rebellion predictable?

I really enjoyed this novel even though it was written for youth. I love the political ideas that come through as well as the easy to follow story line and the likable characters. This novel was all about the confusion and questioning that is part of being a human trying to make individual life choices in the midst of societies structures. The plot of this story is not finished and once you finish you will be eager for the next installment.

Author Site: http://www.allysoncondie.com/

Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Title: Their Eyes Were Watching God
Author: Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960)
Publisher: HarperPerennial Modern Classics: 2006
Original Publication: 1937
Pages: 205

From Cover: One of the most important works of twentieth-century American literature, Zora Neale Hurston's beloved 1937 classic, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is an enduring Southern love story sparkling with wit, beauty, and heartfelt wisdom. Told in the captivating voice of a woman who refuses to live in sorrow, bitterness, fear or foolish romantic reams, it is the story of fair-skinned, fiercely independent Janie Crawford, and her evolving selfhood through three marriages and a life marked by poverty, trials, and purpose. A true literary wonder, Hurston's masterwork remains as relevant and affecting today as when it was first published - perhaps the most widely read and highly regarded novel in the entire canon of African American literature.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this novel. It really captured the spirit of the character Janie Crawford and her courageous approach to life. The story is told in third person using local dialect for the dialog. The voice of the narrator comes through so strong and clearly - it sets the tone for the entire tale. The setting was intriguing and vividly painted. The story was framed with Janie's return home and flashed back to tell the story of her life. She starts out letting other people make her choices for her but soon learns that this has landed her in a place where her soul is not allowed room to breath.

I did find it a little slow going at times, but I am still glad that I read it. Their Eyes Were Watching God really gives the reader insight into the complexities , trials and joys of a unique individual's existence. Janie is an inspirational character because she took a great risk in order to truly engage with life. She was not selfish in her desire for happiness and she had her fair share of hardships and tragedy. Such a full range of emotions were present in this book. This novel highlighted the dreary realities of life as well as the magic and simplicity to be found if one is willing to grasp the opportunities that come along.

Short Quotes:

"There are years that ask questions and years that answer them." (p.21)
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"... ever since the first tiny bloom had opened. It had called her to come and gaze on a mystery... It was like a flute song forgotten in another existence and remembered again." (p.10)
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"Janie saw her life like a great tree in leaf with the things suffered, things enjoyed, things done and undone. Dawn and doom was in the branches." (p. 8)