Review For Matched Trilogy

I just finished the third book in the Matched Trilogy - Reached - by Allie Condie, and all I can think is that at some point, perhaps this summer, I will have to read the whole thing all over again. I felt so torn throughout... on the one hand, I wanted to read fast because I was anxious to find out what was going to happen. Then I'd get to one of the many, many truly profound and poetic passages in these books, and I'd think, "Wait. That was some beautiful writing. I need to stop and reread that." Now that I know what happens, I want to read it again so I can go slowly, and try and appreciate all the wisdom and beauty in the writing.

Condie has written a story that's not completley original. It's a lot like The Giver, from what I hear. It's in the same league as The Hunger Games and Divergent. But the theme of this trilogy is about creation versus capture, possession versus loss, and finding the strength to both love and let go. I was very impressed with how seamlessly all the plot points tied in together to form a complete, almost effortless whole (although I doubt it was effortless at all) and I had true writer's envy as I read these books. Condie is a real talent, and while I am a huge advocate for the lit part of young adult lit, I worry that she will get less credit than she deserves for her writing chops because her books are obstensibly meant for young people.

Anyway, this is my highest reccomendation for a trilogy I can give. While the plot, at times, gets a little weighted down, everything else about these books soars. Read them. You won't regret it.