Exploring New Horizons in "Reached" by Ally Condie: A Personal Review
As a self-proclaimed lover of young adult fiction, there’s often a bittersweet anticipation that accompanies a series conclusion. Ally Condie’s "Reached," the final installment in the Matched trilogy, recently caught my eye. Though my journey with the series started with mixed feelings—having found "Matched" somewhat lackluster and "Crossed" falling prey to that dreaded Middle Book Syndrome—I felt compelled to see how Condie would wrap up Cassia’s story. Unlike some cliffhangers that leave you gasping for more, I was eager to find closure, albeit with a hint of skepticism.
Diving into "Reached," I immediately noticed a marked evolution in Condie’s writing. The complexity of this narrative stepped up significantly, particularly towards the end. It was refreshing to see the layers of plot unfold beyond the cookie-cutter framework of the first two books. The introduction of the Pilot and other conceptual elements brought a depth I hadn’t anticipated, leaving me pondering themes of choice and consequence long after I closed the book.
However, my journey through the first 300 pages felt more akin to treading water. I found myself wondering if I was reading a true narrative or simply absorbing character thoughts and information—an "info-dump" plateau that tested my patience. Sure, the mystery of Cassia’s romantic entanglements kept me engaged, but aside from one significant event, I often felt adrift. It seemed that much of the plot was buried beneath layers of exposition that felt stylish yet frustratingly unclear.
The challenges with medical jargon throughout the book also struck a chord. I appreciate a writer who stretches their vocabulary, but some passages required multiple re-reads to fully comprehend. I can only imagine how daunting this would be for readers lacking a background in these subjects. These complex discussions felt more like hurdles than enhancements to the storytelling.
Yet amidst the pacing issues and convoluted explanations, the ending of "Reached" served as a poignant relief, pulling the threads of the story together in an unexpectedly beautiful manner. The balance between loss and hope, encapsulated in a bittersweet conclusion, resonated deeply with me. It spoke to the essence of life—recognizing what was lost while still reaching for what could be. While not every question from the previous books was answered, the emotional wrap-up felt satisfying enough to redeem the journey.
If you’ve braved "Matched" and "Crossed," you might find "Reached" rewarding enough to finish the series, especially if you’re curious about the fate of its characters. However, if pacing and clarity are paramount to your reading experience, you may want to approach this conclusion with cautious optimism.
In the end, "Reached" reflects the struggle of navigating through both personal desires and societal expectations—a theme that feels particularly relevant today. Though the journey had its bumps, I walked away with a sense of closure that made the read worthwhile. After all, as I often remind myself, every story deserves a chance to be completed, even if the path to the ending isn’t always smooth.