I remember loving this book so much when I first read it that I couldn't stop reading. Honestly, I hadn't expected the second time to go exactly the same way! There is just something about this story that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. 
 The main reason why I haven't given THE SELECTION 5* instead of 4 is because, let's be honest, there are quite some cliche things about it that have been done in many YA novels before. My main example for that would be (view spoiler)[ the love triangle (hide spoiler)] and there are some other things that could be mentioned: the fact that America does some things that would definitely be frowned upon by other people, but that (view spoiler)[ Maxon likes most about her, such as bringing her maids with her to the shelter during a rebel attack and yelling at him about his being stuck-up and shallow (hide spoiler)], for example, or the way the animosity between America and some of the other girls is portrayed. Despite those things, however, you still find yourself addicted to this book, which makes it feel a bit like a guilty pleasure. 
 I love America's character and her relationship with some of the other characters, mainly her family and her maids, and the way things change and grow between her and Maxon throughout the book - with America thinking he is spoilt and stiff at first, but her prejudices being proven wrong when she gets to know the person behind the prince. The writing style is very pleasant to read; I never felt like things were moving too fast or going so slowly they became dreary. There's a perfect balance between dialogue and descriptions that makes it so easy to just race through this book without pause. Despite the smatterings of typical YA elements found throughout THE SELECTION, there are also some things that stand out and lift it above your average romantic guilty pleasure, such as the history of how this future land of Illea came into existence and the caste system that keeps the people in check. 
 All in all, THE SELECTION is a wonderful read as long as you love a mix of romance, YA elements, and lots of pretty princess-related things - which I personally most definitely do. Don't expect a literary feat, because that's not what this is. If you're looking to relax and daydream about princesses, beautiful dresses, and handsome princes, however, with a well-written and enjoyable story, THE SELECTION is definitely the read for you!