I enjoyed this book reading it in like 3 days. Overall rating is a 4 maybe 3.75. It kept me reading but I think that Cass could have done a better job with the writing although it is targeted toward like 12-17 age range so of course I think it was kind of dumbed down, I'm not in that age range. 
 America lives in a world of caste systems where she is a five. She's poor but still have some access to education and struggles for food. America is in love with Aspen but he is a six and of course, in this caste system you are trying to marry up. Aspen doesn't want America to struggle by marrying him so he tells her to enter The Selection. The Selection is this application process where 35 girls are chosen for a prince and he must narrow down the field to 1, his queen. 
 (view spoiler)[America decides to enter the competition after Aspen breaks up with her. Heartbroken America joins the selection and decides to help Prince Maxon narrow down his list of potential wives. Of course, they start a friendship and America decides she wants more. But reenter Aspen who realizes that he doesn't want America with anyone else he wants her for himself. Of course by now America is torn and decides to give Prince Maxon a fair try to see if their relationship can work. (hide spoiler)] 
 I like this story and I don't like this story. Whereas I kept turning pages to see what happens I got a little annoyed by the love triangle and America messing with two guys. I want to continue the series and even though I've been spoiled I still want to see this through. When I first heard about this book I thought "oh, the potential princesses are going to have to fight each other just like the Hunger Games and doesn't that sound awesome." LOL it kind of does, patenting that idea right now.