Fat Cat and Matched

Now that the Lone Star book list is out, I have started trying to read through the books. The first two I read was Matched and Fat Cat. Both were WONDERFUL books and I can see why they are on the Lone Star list.

Summary

Cat is determined to dominate in her advanced Research Science class, and she especially hopes to tromp smug, brilliant Matt, a former friend whose betrayal years ago still stings. She is thrown for a loop when assigned an anthropology topic but spins it into a project that will change not just her body but her life. Severely overweight, Cat decides to “become prehistoric,” eating and living as similarly to early hominids as possible, with the supervision of a dietitian. As her whole-foods diet and walking routine melts the pounds and guys start treating her differently, she adapts her project to take in these observations, too. (Taken from Booklist.)

Review

You always hear how much better all-natural food is for you, but I have never come across a book putting it in this perspective. Cat is an overweight teen who is willing to become the test subject for her latest science project. Although completely written in first person, Robin Brande has been able to build complex and likable characters out of not only the main character but the secondary characters as well. This book will really make you think about what you put in your body, and if holding a grudge or forgiveness is a better way to go.

Summary

Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility as she tries to decide which man she truly loves. (Taken from Titlewave.com)

Review

If you like Hunger Games and The Giver, then you will LOVE Matched. Everything is decided for Cassia in her world...her job, her pair, her death. But when a mistake happens and Cassia sees her second "match", she begins to wonder if the Society is as perfect as they make themselves out to be. One of the most interesting things about the story is that nothing new can be created. They have a list of "100 Songs", "100 Poems", and such. There is no creativity in this world...and you do not get to choose what food you get. It just comes to your house already cooked and ready for you. This is a promising trilogy that everyone should read!