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''The Selection'' is a 2012 young adult novel by Kiera Cass. The first book was published on April 24, 2012 through HarperTeen and was optioned for a potential television series through the CW, but was not picked up.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/05/09/cw-sci-fi-shows/ )〕 The novel is followed with the 2013 release of ''The Elite'', the second book in the series, followed by the third book in the series, ''The One.'' The fourth book was released on the fifth of May in 2015, named The Heir.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/author-kiera-cass-love-triangle-heats )〕 The next book titled "The Crown is scheduled to come out sometime in 2016. ''The Prince'', a novella narrated from the viewpoint of Prince Maxon, was also released, along with "The Guard" a novella told by the point of view of Aspen. Two other novellas, called The Queen and The Favourite were also released.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://shelf-life.ew.com/2013/04/23/kiera-cass-the-elite-the-selection )〕 Of the series, Cass stated that she began writing ''The Selection'' after thinking about the differences between Esther and Cinderella, wondering if either of them were happy with how they ended up.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.teenvogue.com/entertainment/books/2012-04/kiera-cass-the-selection )〕 She also commented that she had written the book "from start to finish", while her writing process for the other books differed. ==Summary== America Singer lives in a world with eight castes, depending on one's social and economic status. Ones are the wealthiest and most desirable, with Eights being the lowest and poorest. America is a Five, which consists of the entertainers (e.g. dancers, singers, musicians). She recently received a notice stating that the prince of Illéa, – a futuristic United States which America lives in – Crown Prince Maxon Schreave will be holding the Selection, a competition for the prince's hand and the crown of the princess. Despite pressure from her mother, Magda and sister, May, America has no interest in entering the competition, because she has been secretly dating Aspen, a Six. Aspen urges America to accept the opportunity at a better life. Although America wishes to marry Aspen no matter the consequences, she agrees to accept. Her mother later bribes her into the Selection by offering to let her keep half of what she earns at her jobs, which America takes to advantage and agrees, even though she had agreed earlier. Later that night, America brings food to Aspen, and Aspen is upset, believing that he must be the "provider". America is devastated, and at her weakest state, she is chosen for the Selection. Without the support of Aspen, she travels to the palace where she has to compete with 35 other girls to win the prince's heart. On the trip to the palace, America meets some of the other girls, including Marlee - later her best friend -, Ashley, and Celeste. The night before the girls meet the prince, America accidentally meets Maxon. On the verge of tears, America shouts at the prince, calling him "shallow", which surprisingly, amuses him. Through their first meeting, America dislikes Maxon, but as the book progresses, a friendship between the two develops. While speaking to Maxon one day, she begs him to let her stay so her family would be supported. This is because all the girls' (who are still in the competition) families will be provided with food. Eventually, America realizes that she likes him. This leads to the pair kissing on America's balcony. This was Maxon's first kiss. Meanwhile, rebels constantly attack the palace, leading the weak-hearted competitors to leave, but also makes things tense, especially when the rebels seem to be getting closer. Maxon and America's relationship also becomes strained when America is jealous of the other competitors. During one of Maxon and America's dates, she notices Aspen, and realizes that he entered the palace as a new member of the royal guard. Aspen's appearance confuses America's feelings, eventually leading to America realizing that her old feelings have returned. One of the Selection's rules states that having any kind of romantic relationship with someone other than the prince during the competition is considered treason, and the punishment for treason can be as severe as death. Despite the consequence, America can't help but be with Aspen. Soon, six contestants are left. America is happy when she is chosen to be part of the Elite. With this in mind, she tells Aspen that she cannot continue their romantic liaisons. Instead of becoming discouraged, Aspen claims that he will fight even harder to win her love again over Maxon. The book ends with America finally realizing that she is exactly where she ought to be — among The Elite. However, America still does not reject Aspen completely, fearing being sent home and not having anyone to go back to. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「The Selection」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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