I really liked this book. I think it laid a path for some excellent sequels. Though the action was pretty minimal in this first book, I think the following two books will provide a lot more in that department. I really liked learning about just how much the Society had control of. It made me think a lot about our government and society. I can't wait to discuss with our book club and see what everyone else's views are.

Our book club generally liked this book. We thought it had a slow start, but by the end we were all "into it". Our discussion centered around the Society and how it seemed to be so manipulative. We were all of the opinion that the ending seemed abrupt and unfinished, and it was obvious that there will be a second and/or third book to come. Note to book clubs that this falls under the category of "teen lit".

Our club found this book to be a fun and easy read. A 4 star read for young adults. The story grabs you right from the beginning and is not predictable. Some issues discussed at club meeting were genetic engineering, controlled reading and resistance to authority. Looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out in November 2011.

I like when authors can paint a version of the future to be considered. The Society in this tale thinks they can control and maintain a "perfect" community based on people's stats. This story gives into the fact that people still have emotions and those can ultimatley not be controlled. Is there a sequel though? I was left wondering what happens next?

It's an odd book with an odd premise, but one that makes you stop and think.

This is a good, light read. The story is predictable at times, but still worth a read. I would like to continue to read the author as she matures in her craft. My club enjoyed the book. We found it an interesting concept. If its targeted audience is teen girls, then it is spot on. If its audience is intended to be adults, then the plot and character development could use more complexity.

A quick read....can't wait for the other books to be released. This leaves you with a lot to consider in the picture that it paints of a future society. Am looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series leads.

is a terrific dystopian society eye- opener!

This book was recommended to me by a friend who possessed the same enthusiasm and enjoyment I did from The Hunger Games, Twilight, and The Millennium Trilogy (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). That said we were both a little more than disappointed. I think the reality of this book is that it's a toned down version of the Hunger Games which would make its target audience younger than teens. It's not that it wasn't a good book; it just wasn't up to par with the other more recent series of trilogies out there that claim to target the same audience.

Aside from that there were a few logistical issues I had with the storyline that could have used some more explaining, which may all be addressed in the sequel but I'm not certain I'll read it to find out. The issues I'm referring to were things like, how did the Society come to exist? (In more detail than there was a rebellion) Is the whole world like Cassia's society now? The poems (which referenced great authors) could have played a larger role as well as the significance of the artifacts.

I love how this books questions society. If you liked The Hunger Games, you will probably enjoy this book as well.

Thought-provoking. Very similar in nature to Lois Lowry's "The Giver". It makes you think seriously about who should ultimately have the right to choose what is best for people: individuals or society.