Divergent is the first book in the thrilling new series by young author Veronica Roth. It follows the life of sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior, who lives in a dystopian Chicago world that is separated into five factions:
- Abnegation – the selfless
- Candor – the honest
- Dauntless – the brave
- Amity – the peaceful
- Erudite – the intelligent
On an appointed day each year, all sixteen-year-olds must decide to which faction they wish to belong for the rest of their lives. For Beatrice Prior, the choice is not an easy one, and the decision she makes sets off a chain reaction that could forever change the world she lives in.
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I fell instantly in love with this book. I am not exaggerating when I say that the first few chapters actually had me sweating in anticipation of what was coming up next. And (again, not joking here), I was actually late to work that day because I made the decision to read ‘just one more page’ when what I should have been doing was getting ready to leave. (Oh well. I’d rather read than work any day! Unless my work was to read…hmm.)
Beatrice is the kind of character I love. She’s powerful and she’s brave, but she’s not fearless. She struggles to make sense of her new world, and in her difficulties I found reminders of myself. She is relatable, and her triumphs encourage readers to face their own fears and push past their own limitations.
I recommend this to all readers who like dystopian action and adventure. It will be popular with lovers of titles such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Graceling by Kristin Cashore.
The Divergent movie, starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet, will be in theaters on Friday, March 21st. I’ll be there, with all my high expectations in tow.
One choice decides your friends. One choice defines your beliefs. One choice determines your loyalties – forever. One choice can transform you.
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