Not since 1984 have I been so provoked by a dystopian novel. In MATCHED, lives are perfectly arranged: nutritious meals are doled out to meet individual needs; information is accessible only to those with specific jobs; paintings, music, and poetry have been reduced to lists of 100 (only the government-sanctioned pieces survive); couples are paired off at seventeen; and death is scheduled to avoid surprise. THE HUNGER GAMES pointed to our culture’s obsession with violence as entertainment. FARHENHEIT 451 revealed lack of intellectual curiosity is just as destructive as oppression. 1984 exposed the way language informs thoughts, that fewer words mean fewer ideas. MATCHED shows a convenient, scheduled, safe, controlled life is no life at all.
MATCHED is chilling. Thought provoking. Beautifully written. It deserves to be ranked with the best in dystopian fiction.
MATCHED is chilling. Thought provoking. Beautifully written. It deserves to be ranked with the best in dystopian fiction.
I really enjoyed it too. My 13 year old daughter snagged it first and couldn’t put it down. In fact, sometimes her dad would have to yell at her to stop reading it and do her chores because she’d be standing at the kitchen counter reading. Now that’s a good book.
Oh, yes! I reallly loved this book too! Beautifully written. Hunger Games turned me on to dystopian, and I’ve read many good ones lately. (Maze Runner, Torch Trials, Delirium, Uglies)
I actually just finished the Giver because of comments from goodreads about Matched. I actually enjoyed Matched much more, but that’s just me.
Ooh, I can hardly wait to read this one!
I’m not much of a dystopian YA reader, but a recommendation from you always lands books high on my interest level. 🙂 I’ve seen this book, and you’ve whetted my appetite now. 🙂
I just finished The Kite Runner, which was far better than I thought it would be and which I had a hard time putting down once I got into it. Today I start Cutting for Stone.
I loved MATCHED. It kind of reminded me of E-harmony on steroids. One of the best books I’ve read this year, I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Right now I’m waiting for Beth Revis’s ACROSS THE UNIVERSE to come in at the library.
I’d also love to see a really good middle grade dystopian.
Loved MATCHED and Allie Condie. I went to her launch party here in Salt Lake and she is probably the most humble author I’ve ever met. I can’t wait for CROSSED.
I’m currently reading INCARCERON by Catherine Fisher. It’s interesting but not as engrossing as some reads.
I’m reading an ARC of The Iron Witch and Rosslyn Elliot’s Fairer Than Morning. Both are very good. 🙂
Aw, Heidi, thanks. I liked The Kite Runner, though it was funny — I read it with a book club several years ago, and one member decided it was good for a first book, and all.
I’ve had a friend from Spain visiting these past few days, and she asked me if I had heard of Cutting for Stone. Both her mother and my mother are currently reading it. Sounds interesting!
Shannon, how did you get your hands on Rosslyn’s book? Wait…it’s April, isn’t it?? Rosslyn and I live in the same town and meet for coffee every few months. It’s so fun to have a blogging friend become an in-person friend.
Yes, MATCHED is chilling. But I have to admit, I read the ARC last summer and now I remember very few details. I do recall feeling that it was derivative of 1984 and FAHRENHEIT 451 and THE GIVER. Still a great read, though.
If you like dystopian, consider reading DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth. I thought it was even more powerful than MATCHED. It’s also dystopian and similar to HUNGER GAMES with its violence.
One can only take so much dystopian lit, so right now I’m reading BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray, due next month. It’s hilarious!
Isn’t it brilliant? She builds the tension so subtly. I loved that book.
I agree! I loved MATCHED and can’t wait to read the rest in the series. 🙂
This is on my TBR pile. I just finished Delirium by Lauren Oliver (also dystopia).
I just bought this on a recent trip to the bookstore. I have so many books waiting to be read, I’m not sure when I’ll get to it – but I’ll more it further up the list now. Thanks for the recommendation!
Okay, that does it. I’d seen this book around, but now it’s going on The List. I’ve enjoyed every book you’ve recommended, and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed with this one, either.
Thanks, Caroline!
Amy
I enjoyed this one too! Definitely deserved to make the NYT Bestseller list!
It sounds like I should pull this out of my TBR pile.