Review of Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

Veronica Roth

May 2011

487 pages

Summary from Goodreads:  "In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. 

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.  

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance."

The most amazing thing about this book is the development of Tris's character through the book.  I'm feeling inspired to make a painting showing Beatrice at the beginning, wearing all gray, eyes downcast, juxtaposed with Tris at the end, full of power.  I don't want to spoil anything, but suffice it to say that Tris is one of the most dynamic female characters that I have read in a long time.

Out of all of the dystopian books that I have read, this is one world that it might actually be fun to live in.  I think that the ideas of different factions are interesting- which one would I chose?  Would I be "divergent?"  Also, from a genetics perspective, what would make people divergent?  I think I would choose Erudite or Candor.  Definitely not Amity or Abnegation.  I'm far too independent for those factions.  Although I admire the Dauntless, I would probably give up after the first physical challenge.  Suffice it to say, I would not have lasted long during the Hunger Games either.

If I could change anything about this book, I would use the name Tobias.  I'm not sure why, but "Tobias" evokes a negative response in me, and I don't think the name matches the character.  I loved the ending, although it frustrated me that the characters did not pick up on what was happening even though the clues were clear to the reader (or at least to me).

Read this book if you liked The Hunger Games, if you want to try a dystopian novel, or if you like strong female heroines.  Skip this book if you are afraid of needles... haha actually NO ONE should skip this book.  I'm currently trying to redeem myself by convincing my BFF to read this book- she hated my last recommendation (Vampire Academy).

Final word:  5 stars, get this book at all costs!