Brigid’s Comments (group member since Dec 21, 2014)

Brigid’s comments from the #SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE READ-A-LONG group.

I would definitely read a sequel with Gideon starring! OR A PREQUEL! I'd like to know more about his friendship with Sam and his perception of things concerning Sam's treatment toward the girls, if he genuinely thought he and Emily would work, and if he shared the same thought that she technically wasn't his choice and they'd been forced together. We could also learn more about Emily and Sloane's friendship in the past two years.

Btw, I kinda was curious as to what happened to Sam after the break up. Did he change at all? I mean, he was mentioned a few times to be at the Orchard, but he was an invisible presence.

Your time is going to come! One day, your country is going to be bombarded with the all of the famous authors and you're going to shake hands with every single one them! Just you wait! :D

OMG, I forgot to mention Gideon, but he was also a cutie pie! Although I was shipping Fremily, I enjoyed the flashbacks of Gideon and Emily, just drawing onto each other's body parts, and that one kiss (before that ass Sam walked in) seemed sweet. Oh, and the way that he traced over Emily's drawing from months in advance (even though that is a bit weird xD), I could not help but be charmed by his actions! He obviously was still harboring feelings for her, and hoping that she would realize her mistake in breaking it off.

I didn't feel like stopping reading to discuss chapters 7-12 because I was so engrossed, but now I've completed the book! Yay!

I freaking LOOOOOVED this book! It almost makes me feel ashamed that I've been putting it off for so long! Literally, I attained this book nearly a year ago at Bookcon when Morgan Matson herself had signed and given me the book! -.-' I have problems.

I am so proud of Emily's development throughout the book, and I immensely enjoyed following her along this crazy journey. My favorite task definitely has to be the skinny-dipping one with Collins stealing everyone's clothes, Emily barely unable keep her eyes off of Frank's nude body, and Dawn blindly running around the beach.

The reunion between Emily and Sloane was just perfect! So genuine and touching, and I loved how Frank stepped out of the car like "Don't mind me. Carry on with your moment." xD However, I wish we could have gotten maybe some snippets of their conversation about Emily's experiences.

I, for me, feel moronic that I hadn't guessed that Sloane had simply been forced to move since Emily had informed us in the beginning how much traveling Emily did. Plus, the whole implication that Milly and Anderson weren't the best parents, not being involved in Sloane's life as they should (Her mom didn't even notify Sloane that she was home during the girls' TV series marathon and, on top of that, was drunk), so it would make sense they couldn't manage other things well, such as money. Seriously, KNOCK, KNOCK, BRAIN! WHERE ARE YOU? THIS AIN'T NO TIME FOR SLUMBERING!

I WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT COLLINS AND DAWN'S RELATIONSHIP TOO, especially since Collins was looking for a girlfriend a majority of the book! I mean, come on! Let's have a glimpse of how they're during as a couple. In addition, forgiveness between Emily and Dawn would've of been nice, but I am assuming that since everything worked out swell for Emily and Frank, the two made up eventually. :)

Oh, man, that kiss! I mean, I didn't really have a problem with Emily kissing Frank because it was evident that they both had mutual feelings for each other. Not that I agree that cheating is good! NO! THAT'S BAD! VERY, VERY BAD! But, I had a feeling that either Lissa was being unfaithful or didn't feel for Frank anymore since she bailed out on coming to his birthday. Maybe I would have been more angry if we'd known more about Lissa and gotten to like her character, but because the story focused on the growth of Emily and Frank's relationship and we didn't see Frank and Lissa together what so ever, I let it slide. Honestly, I was just so excited that they kissed and that Frank immediately kissed back without a second thought. Better yet, IT WAS RAIN KISS! THAT'S EVERY FANGIRLS DREAM! I guess I was even more okay with it because, as soon as it happened, Frank decided to take matters into his own hands, knowing how he felt for Emily, and ended things with Lissa right away. If they had continued to be all smoochey without Frank breaking up with Lissa, THEN I probably would have been more irritated.

OMFG! BUT WHEN FRANK CAME OVER TO EMILY'S HOUSE TO TELL HER THE NEWS AND SHE KEPT INTERRUPTING HIM, THINKING ONLY THAT HE CAME TO TERMINATE THEIR FRIENDSHIP AND NOT EVEN GIVING HIM A CHANCE (She actually thought he would be smiling and acting all jolly if he was going to do that? Really?), I WAS GOING TO FLIP A SHIT! WE BOTH COULD'VE PUMMELED HER WITH FRYING PANS, KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO HER!

Yaaaasss, Frank really is the epitome of a gentleman and a sweetheart. <3 I love that regardless of how badly Emily screwed up, he was still willing to step up to the plate. He knew how much finding Sloane meant to her, considering all that she went through to complete the list, and although he was mad, he couldn't leave her in the dust like that.

Do you think that Emily and Frank will work out in the long run (pun intended)? I'd hope they would, not only that they are adorable together, but they bring out better qualities in each other, like how Frank encourages her to take risks and think less about consequences, and how Emily loosens Frank's stiffer traits and sees the baggage he carries.

I definitely look forward to reading more works from Morgan Matson! :D

I am loving this book so, so much right now and I'm just like THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY because I don't have rehearsal for the rest of my break and I can now plow through the book!

I can relate to Emily a lot actually, because in real life, I am as nonverbal as a snail. Unless I'm with my friends, when I'm taking to someone I'm unfamiliar with (ESPECIALLY BOYS) I feel pressured to fill in the gaps during conversations and wind up asking the stupidest questions that quickly makes everything awkward, and then I want to bolt like a ninja. xD However, I don't like the fact that Emily considers myself less significant in comparison to Sloane just because she isn't as outgoing and that she accepts that to most people, she is merely labeled as "that girl who's always with Sloane." But I believe wholeheartedly as the story progresses, as Emily becomes more daring and brave, she will grow independent, make something of herself, and realize that simply because you're not as outrageous as another individual doesn't mean you're not special or appealing to others at all.

Emily and Frank are really adorable, and I love how slowly Emily is registering their relationship advancement. It's sort of like "Oh, so we run a lot together... Does that mean we are friends? Nah, it'll probably blow over. No wait, nevermind! We're getting better at talking normally to each other! But... Hmm, suddenly I perceive the hidden messages in his facial expressions. Have I been hanging out with him that much? Okay, friends. I can do that, hopefully." And the way that Frank was obviously uneasy about Emily kissing Benji, and how he'd been willing to kiss her during the play! Oh God, so cute! I also like how Frank is very well-mannered, responsible and respectful. It's a real reliever from all the recent bad boy love interests that I've encountered in the book I've been reading lately. I enjoy Collins' presence too. He's flirty without being an ass, and provides comical relief during the moments where Emily is nervous to complete certain tasks. :)

I'm not really worried right now about where Sloane is being I'm just feeling that she's going to pop up somewhere near the end, safe and sound and ready to congratulate Emily on her success. What I reeeeally want to know is what happened between Sam and Sloane! What'd he do to break her heart? That dirty shabalaba-ding-dong!

I think Dawn and Collins may have a future as well. They definitely have a similar way of thinking, since they both were giving Emily a thumbs up to kissing a total stranger!

Yes, Beckett is cutie-pie! He's a freakin' mini-Spiderman, climbing walls and all that jazz! LOL!

WE HAVE COMPLETED ZEE BOOK! ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR US! *loud and rowdy applause*

Sooo, what did you think of the ending? Were all of your questions answered? If you could, would you change anything? Or was the ending wholly and utterly perfect?

What is your overall perspective of Emily now that she's undergone so much? Do you believe she has truly transformed from the girl we initially encountered at the beginning of the story?

Was Sloane a good friend for organizing such a journey for Emily? Would you want Sloane to be your friend if she wasn't fictional? Is she similar to any of your friends in real life?

Emily + Frank = ♥? Yes? No? I'll have to ask my Magic 8 ball to know for sure?

Has this book possibly ignited a desire to, in the future, do things that you normally wouldn't do without a shove? What are some activities that you'd like to attempt, but have never done them out of fear or whatnot?

WHATEVER ELSE YOU WANT TO SAY, SAY IT HERE!!!

Are you still liking zee book? Does zee book have an abundance of awesomeness, humor, and sworn-worthy moments? Or are you feeling "meh"?

What other characters have we been introduced to? What are your impressions on them?

Is Emily growing throughout the chapters? Name some events where you were rooting for her to succeed!

How do you feel about Emily and Frank's relationship? Are they giving you any feeeeeels?

Also, what do you think about Morgan Matson's writing? Beautiful? Full of depth and imagery? Or do you feel she's missing the mark somewhere?

EXPRESS IT ALL HERE!!!

THE JOURNEY BEGINS!

What do you think of the main character, Emily? Do you believe that you can relate to her in any way?

Do you have any predictions as to what happened to Sloane and where she may be? What about the list that she concocted for Emily? In your opinion, do you think it's daring and adventurous, or more like "Pfft, I do that on an average day!"? What tasks are you most looking forward to Emily taking on?

How about this Frank guy? What's your opinion on him? Do you wish you could steal him for yourself, or "EH, Emily can have him"? LOL!

ACTION! ACTION! ACTION! ROMAAAN-TEEA-IC ACTION!

How are you feeling about the new characters that's been introduced?

How's our precious Maxon doing? Is he still a dollface? What about the King? Is he still being a dickface, trying to make America feel like an unwanted outsider?

If Aspen doesn't end up with America, do you think Cass will set up with another female in the book? If so, who?

Do you think Maxon might be getting curious about America's faithfulness to him? You think he might finally sniffing out the significance of America and Aspen's relationship? (Seriously, how has NO ONE caught them yet!?)

Heeeey, if there was some kind of animal in this story, what'd you want there to be? xD

I'm running out of questions... JUST TELL ME HOW YOU'RE FEELING!

Things are getting intense... I can sense it.

WHAT'S GOING ON? YOU'VE GOT TO TELL ME!

Do you believe America is any less indecisive?

What about Aspen? Has he redeemed himself in any way yet, or are you still feeling merely "meh" towards him?

I think we can both agree that America and Maxon were striking some serious bumps in the road during The Elite. Do you their relationship is maturing? How is their pact to be honest to each other going?

By the way... Has your feelings for anyone possibly changed? *cough* Celeste *cough*

WHAT ACTION SEQUENCES ARE OCCURRING? PLEASE TELL ME THERE'S ACTION!

WE HAVE BEGUN THE FINAL BOOK! OH MAH GOOOSH!

Firstly, does it sound like America has FINALLY made up her mind between Maxon and Aspen? No more love triangle? CAN IT BE SO?!

Also, who do you think will be the next to be eliminated from the Selection?

Have we unraveled some new information about those rebels? Where do you stand now as far as your opinion of them?

ANY EXCITING MOMENTS YET? SHARE YOUR FEELS!

LMAO!
YAAAS STARKID IS CHAMP! STARKID IS RULER OF GALAXY! xD

I remember watching Brother Bear for the first time, beside my mom, and we were back averting our gazes from the screen to look at each other, and through our eyes were communicating... This... Movie... IS... SUPREMEEE! It's one of the first movies I really teared up over, and then there's Toy Story 3. :')

Oh! And I also LOVE The Incredibles! That's sort of my family movie. I always watch it when we've got a full house of people!

I haven't watched Wretch It Ralph yet... DON'T SHUN ME! *curls up into a ball*

I repeat though: I STILL LOVE MAXON! His backstory with his father and how he whips him whenever Maxon does or says something disobedient broke my heart. My poor baby!

My favorite Disney movie is... Brother Bear.
-Hey, Shut up!
-Hey, Shut up!
-No, you Shut up!
-No, you Shut up!
-JUST, SHUT UP!
-JUST, SHUT UP!
xD

If I could explode from agreement, I'm sure I would.

I definitely preferred The Selection in comparison to The Elite, most likely because it focused majorly on the development of Maxon and America's relationship, and although she reminisced on Aspen and how much she missed him, at least she wasn't constantly flipped between the two based on her emotions. America has SUCH A TERRIBLE TEMPER and I loathe that she has the urge to redeem her pride by acting thoughtlessly and without considering the consequences. AND OH MY GOD! When the king confronted her after the camera were drawn down, and she replied "I don't know" concerning how they'd get rid of the castes, I wanted to SLAP HER IN THE FACE! GIRL, YOU'VE GOT TO CONSIDER HOW TO GO ABOUT SUCH A DRASTIC PROCEDURE BEFORE ANNOUCING IT TO THE PUBLIC AND RISKING A RIOT! I agree, she acts like a child a lot of the time and she needs to stop judging people when she isn't a saint herself. Constantly, she names her own flaws but also chides others, especially Maxon, when they do something immoral. I hope in the next book, with her goal set, that she matures and learns to behave rationally in times of mental mayhem as well as physical. It is evident that she knows who to comfort others and nurture them during periods of distress, such as bringing her maids along with her to the downstairs safe room in The Selection and in The Elite, she was never the one weeping or cowering in a corner; she was brave and prayed for the best.
Which brings me to my second point that you already mentioned. WITHOUT A DOUBT, America is not the ideal woman. She is reckless, ill-tempered, and indecisive, but she also has a lot of experience with unfair treatment and has seen through the perception of those suffering, so she is the perfect choice for a princess and an impending queen because she would be the most motivated to remake the country in a place of equality and harmony. Once she comes to a conclusion with her own personal bullshit, I'm sure she would have a clear and passionate mind for the job. :)

I still REALLY want to know who that rebel girl was that let America go unnoticed! I too feel that we are still minimally informed about the rebels, and it's not like I'm ever scared for the palace EVER when they do invade. Everyone significant to the story makes it out alive, and all we ever read about the incident is the aftermath and the damage they'd inflicted. Oh, they ripped up my pillows and smashed my windows. Boo. Eh, they'll get new ones... -.-' As a reader, I'M TREMBLING IN MY BOOTS FOR THEM. *note sarcasm* I really wish the book kicked it up a notch with the whole rebels predicament. While the romance was entertaining, it was also infuriating, and I feel we needed to distract America from her inner boyish turmoil more with the severe conflict at hand. Yes, Maxon needs a wife to help him rule the kingdom some day, but this book doesn't focus on that! It's all about America, her obsession with time, and her interchangeable selection between Maxon and Aspen. "THE SELECTION: NOT A STORY ABOUT 35 GIRLS COMPETING TO EARN THE CROWN AND BE MARRIED TO THE WONDERFUL PRINCE MAXON. IT'S ABOUT A VERY TEENAGE GIRL WHO CAN'T MAKE UP HER DAMN MIND BETWEEN TWO MEN. SHALL SHE SELECT HER ALMOST LOVER, OR THE SUPERMEGAFOXYAWESOMEHOT PRINCE? IT'S AN INTERMINABLE SELECTION."

But overall, I did enjoy the book. I speed through it like lightning last night. But motherducker, the thing I didn't expect most was for Maxon and Celeste to be getting it on! I understood his viewpoint after his discussion with America, but I think I kind of lost a little respect for him. STILL LOVE HIM AND SUPPORT HIM WITH AMERICA, but from that moment, it's like behind the regal, charming, proper outer skin, there is a man who ultimately "has needs"; I generally don't mind reading about the two lovers getting hot and heavy, but it seemed really out of character for him to me. I mean, I get it that's natural for men to use physicality as a stress-reliever. I know Kriss isn't giving anything and America has been distant from him, but it felt to me that part of his reasoning for keeping Celeste, because of that scene, other than her dominance, adamancy, and strong will, she's there because she has a body that she is more than eager to rub all over him. I don't know, I guess I got the impression (considering the fact that he always treats the girls with such care, only kissing their hands basically, and his short-lived sessions with America were always described as gentle but fervent) that he would be that exception to all the other young adult male protagonists, who make it clear as day that they want a piece of the female protagonist, and be that guy who doesn't necessarily need a erm... bodily relationship with his spouse. I think why I preferred him so much over Aspen, but maybe I'm just overthinking it. :P

Oh and Aspen... when he assumed America was finally his because she was apparently eliminated and that he'd get married when he returned, I was already throw by book up and at the ceiling. Like, REALLY? YOU'RE KIDDING ME, RIGHT? ARE YOU RETARDED? YOU DON'T WIN HER BY DEFAULT, DUDE!

LOL! I WAS ALSO NODDING WHEN THE KING WAS CHIDING AMERICA FOR HER FOOLISHNESS! I WAS LIKE "YEAH, YOU REPRIMAND HER HARD! GET HER TO PUT HER HEAD ON STRAIGHT!"

But yeah... I actually feel mentally exhausted from typing all of this. xD

OKAY! OKAY! I'M GONNA MAKE THIS QUICK BECAUSE I REALLY WANNA POSSIBLY FINISH THE BOOK TONIGHT!

Firstly and lastly, I groaned more times because of America's stupidity in the last chapter than in my entire life. I MEAN, DAMN IT, WOMAN! CAN YOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND ABOUT ANYTHING?

Do you want to be a princess?
I don't know.
Do you like it here?
I don't know.
How do you feel about Maxon?
I don't know.
How do you feel about Aspen?
I don't know.
Do you WANT to make a change in your country?
I don't know.
Do you have ANY self-confidence?
..............I don't know.

MY GOSH! SHE'S EVEN WORSE THAN ELENA GILBERT!

AGREE! AGREE! IT'S TIME FOR AGREEING TIME! AGREE! AGREE! AGREEEEEEE!!!

One of the first things I have to say is that the fact these girls are starting to rally up on America is REALLY exasperating me! I mean, America has been nothing but nice to them, and they repay her by basically encouraging her elimination. Literally, they are so self-centered! "Gotta get rid of the favorite, gotta get rid of the favorite... Rah! Rah! RAH!"

Celeste is, of course, the ultimate bitch out of all of them. I don't know why, but I'm kind of hoping that she acquires some noble, reviving abilities. I think it'd be cool if the cliché, aspiring-to-take-out-the-competition character had an actual incentive for wanting to turn out as the victor rather than to live up to their high status.

I WAS SMILING SO GIDDILY WHEN MARLEE SHOWED UP! I WAS SO RELIEVED TO KNOW THAT MAXON HADN'T SENT THEM AWAY IN THEIR SEVERE CONDITIONS. I remember, when Aspen was scolding Maxon for being "a bad guy", I thought NO! NO! NO! Maxon is not a jerkface! He didn't have a choice! And I am happy that Maxon, even though the situation was truly out of his control, he did everything he could to alleviate the consequences of Marlee and Carter's crime. Oh, and AWWW! MARLEE AND CARTER GOT THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER! LOVE IS IN THE AIIIIIRRRRRRR!!!

I want America to get over the notion that she isn't capable of being a princess. She has demonstrated such strength, compassion, and concern towards literally everyone (except maybe Celeste) she's come in contact with. She would irrefutably but a magnificent princess and she could benefit the developing country by sharing her experiences and her opinions, and offering better manners of life. By the way, I wasn't the only one that thought the Italians were freakin' awesome, am I? When they threw their drinks at the walls, all I would think was "Oh my gosh... I wanna do that at a party and not get reprimanded for it!" :D

You know what I found interesting throughout these few chapters? Kiera Cass purposefully switches every or every other chapter to satisfy fans of either Maxon and Aspen. Both Maxon and Aspen get moments of extreme charm and superiority in America's perception and heart, and I think it is quite clever. I like that we've seen more of Aspen and how much he cares about America. HOWEVER, Aspen still cannot compare to Maxon. :) NOPE, NOT A CHANCE. ASPEN < MAXON
I also concur with your observation that America gets jealous when Maxon hangs out with Kriss when she is technically cheating on him with Aspen. It's like GIRL! IF YOU DON'T WANT HIM TO SLIP AWAY FROM YOU, STOP PUSHING HIM AWAY WHENEVER YOU'RE UNSURE OF HIS PROCEDURE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CLEARLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRETY OF CONFLICT AT HAND! SHEESH!
OH, AMERICA! YOU LOVE MAXON! TELL HIM ALREADY AND MAKE BABIES! xD

Oh, right, the girl... Yeah, that was weird. LOL! But hopefully, we'll encounter her again...

OMG! You know what'd be cool? I doubt this is going to happen, but what if the rebels took the last of the Selected contestants (including America)?

Unfortunately, I hardly every tear up or cry while reading books, but that whipping scene was absolutely devastating! I knew that Woodwork would be somehow be relevant to the story in a romantic way, but I was NOT expecting there to be a relationship between him and Marlee. AND YES! I cannot believe that May had to sit through that traumatic event! I mean, what is wrong with these people? Children should never have to witness something like that! I wonder if this will change May, or change her perception of the society she's living in? I do like how this event really turned things around, because the end of Chapter 9 made America's choice sound so finalized and considering there is still two hundred pages left of the book, I was kind of like "Huh?"

I agree that it isn't Maxon's fault, but I think he himself could have displayed more regret for what occurred. I felt he was too preoccupied with America's state of mind, and if she still felt for him. But whatever, I can let it slide because I still love the man to death! TEAM MAXON TO THE END, BABY! ;)

I like that we haven't seen any kissy-kissy moments between America and Aspen, and it's been more conversation. However, I still feel we are lacking some real, pure connection between them. I admit, the dance and the way he come to her room to ensure her that he is there for aid, even if it risked looking a bit fishy (but the maids were in a hassle, so obviously they weren't paying much attention) was cute. It is also evident that there's going to be some more growth between them now that America has basically rejected being a princess. I just... I want to feel like there is actual competition between Maxon and Aspen! It's like there is no core scene that is substantiating America's deep affections for him. WE MISSED OUT ON THE LAST TWO YEARS! STOP TELLING AND HOW ABOUT DESCRIBING SOME VIVID REFLECTION THAT WILL MAKE ME FEEL COMPELLED TO WANT ASPEN TO HAVE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, I DON'T REALLY GIVE A CRAP!

And again, America being as uncooperative as ever... Yes, Maxon! He's the one! How could I have ever doubted his feelings for me? He wants all the best things for me. He is my mine, and I am his! YES! Oh, shoot... nevermind. I can't be a princess. Don't feel like trying to make a change to this damn society by taking on a higher position. Aspen is HOME. <3"

... -.-' -.-' -.-' -.-'

BUT SI! The entire library thing was splendid and I hope we get to read along with America about what Gavril had written in his diaries. AND THE HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION WAS WONDERFUL! I was visualizing Maxon as a pirate... mmm, yummy! xD

By the way, do you have a cast in mind? I have a few in mind, haha.

MY FAVORITE DISNEY HERIONE IS JASMINE! Mulan is awesome too. #INDEPEDENT HERIONES FTW!

I AGREE WITH LITERALLY EVERYTHING YOU JUST SAID!

The fact that this book began with a sincere moment between America and Maxon super easily to get into. They are SO CUTE! I really don't understand how America cannot see how fond Maxon is of her. It's like "Oh, he loves him. Definitely. Wait a second... He made a facial expression that I cannot read accurately! OMG! He's over me! It's too late! No, it's not... Time. Time is my best friend. I have lots of time." -.-' Giiirl, you can't leave the man on his toes forever!

Honestly, this love triangle is bugging me out a little bit. We are getting all the beautiful, heartwarming chemistry between Maxon and America, but then Aspen looks at her with his puppy dog eyes and brushes some part of her skin and then she's back to square one again, unsure of who she wants to be with. If I were one of America's maids, I would be the crazy whispering into her ear whilst she's asleep "If you really loved the first one, you wouldn't have fallen for the second... Maxon. Maxon! MAXON!" Yes, I'm a creep like that. JUDGE ME! BUT AMERICA NEEDS TO LET GO OF HER DREAMS OF THE PAST BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, SHE WANTS MORE THAN THAT.

My favorite fairytale is Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie! :)

JiixBooks (AlyBlack) wrote: "oh yes xD
i really like the relation between maxon and america because well they actually have a relation they talk and fight and have theirnlittle signs together and respect each other and actuall..."

LOL! I feel your pain! I remember Marlee, Celeste, Tuesday (I remember her name because I keep thinking why someone would name their child Tuesday?), Tiny, and Kriss. Otherwise I'm like, Wait who?

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. It doesn't have the most original plotline, but I loved the romance aspect of the story. America and Maxon are such a sweet couple, and I personally believe that they should be the ultimate couple when this series concludes.

For me, Aspen and America's relationship is mostly physical. I mean, really, when Aspen finally gets her alone, the first thing he does is pounce on her lips! xD I don't dislike Aspen, for his genuineness at the beginning of the book solidifies the fact that he is still a generally good person, but he doesn't seem like the best option.

One comment though: That whole Brenna "fell" excuse was slightly ridiculous. Does one really need to wrap their arms around someone's waist to help them recover from a fall?
But if he is being truthful then HEY! He saved a poor girl from toppling over and possibly cracking her skull! :D

I hope that we'll delve more into the world in the following books since we did focus an awful lot on the romance. GO ELABORATION! I want to know more about the rebels, as well as figure out if Maxon's theory about them looking for something in the palace is valid. Maybe it's a gem... or an old scroll... or a mirror! I don't know. I'm thinking about all the repetitious images of that one girl on each of the book covers. :P

Anyways, the ending definitely left me wanting more. I fear that if America continues to be this indecisive that Maxon will grow fond of another girl in the Selection. I also want to know why Marlee is so desperate to stay. I can't wait to pick up the next book!

Maxon is the epitome of all things fangirls swoon over! He may not be the bad boy type, which is a definite cliché in young adult books for provoking young girls to fall in love with the character, but I LOVE that Maxon is sweet, caring, humorous, and gentle. OMG! When Maxon kissed America and suddenly got uncomfortable because he thought he did it terribly, I was literally gushing! In fact, that entire scene on the balcony was perfection.

I am Team Maxon. Absolutely. Irrevocably. DO NOT TRY TO SWAY ME!
However, I cannot say much about the love triangle yet in the book because, although it is evident that there will be one, I don't believe we've learned enough about Aspen. Like you said before, it was mainly romantic bits that were described. Aspen is undeniably responsible and kind-hearted, but I want to see America and Aspen's relationship beyond the kissing and snuggling.

I don't have a problem with love triangles if they are done well. However, if it is drawn out despite the fact that the choice is obvious... *cough, cough* Twilight *cough*... than it usually becomes irritable for me. Love triangles such as in The Infernal Devices are well-constructed because you are rooting for both boys and you want them both to be happy, so it really hard to select a team.

Hmm... Do I have any last comments? Oh yeah. ASPEN IS IN THE BIG HOUSE! OH DEARY DEAR!
I found it funny how America was all of sudden "I want to touch him, kiss him..." when literally a few pages ago she was like "I need to forget him. Aspen NO MORE!" So much for that train of thought! xD