Book Review: Divergent

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publication Date: April 25, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins
Genres: Dystopian, Science fiction
Pages: 487
Age Rating: Readers above the age of 13 due to some violence
My Opinion: 9/10

Hi, Readers!

       It seems fitting that my first post EVER (!!!!!) pertains to one of my favorite books of all time - Divergent, by Veronica Roth.  I first read Divergent about a month ago, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter.  I immediately recommended it to all of my friends.  

       The dystopian novel tells the story of Tris Prior, a somewhat relatable teenage girl who lives in a society where citizens choose their social class.  The five classes are Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent).  Tris finds out that she has a choice between becoming an Abnegation, an Erudite, or a Dauntless - she is dubbed "Divergent".  She ends up choosing Dauntless and has to take part in their extremely difficult and painful initiation, fighting a different fellow initiate each day and jumping off of moving trains.  Luckily, the initiate instructor, Four, keeps an eye on Tris, and the two develop a relationship.  However, the Erudite leaders are on the lookout for Divergent members of society, and Tris is in great danger.  She has to survive initiation as well as watch her back at all times.

Tris fighting off fellow initiates

       For those of you who have enjoyed books such as The Hunger Games, make sure you pick up a copy of Divergent.  It is the first book in the Divergent Trilogy, followed by Insurgent and Allegiant.

       One reason that I am so excited about this book is that it is going to be made into a movie coming out on March 21, 2014.  The first shots from filming are coming out, seen above (Tris fighting off fellow initiates) and below (Tris preparing to begin her Dauntless initiation).  There is a lot of hype about the movie, starring Shailene Woodley as Tris.  Although some of the casting choices make me question how the movie will turn out, I am confident that it will be a thrilling, action-packed flick.

Tris preparing to begin her Dauntless initiation

       I hope that you will reserve this book at your local library (trust me, it will be checked out!) or pick it up at a bookstore.  It is definitely worth reading and will become extremely popular as the movie's premiere date grows closer.

Happy reading!