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, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, I have finally finished one of the most successful young adult books of recent history, and I honestly couldn’t be happier. Although often compared to “Hunger Games,” this is a book that deserves its own special spotlight. It is the first in a series, and I am glad I read it before the movie comes out.
First things first. The profanity in the book is extremely minimal and almost not worth mentioning. But that’s not the best part. The two main characters are virgins and not jumping into bed with each other! I realize that could be considered a spoiler, but I don’t think it is. Young adult books have become increasingly more inappropriate in later years, and this book is a welcome relief from that. When my daughter gets a bit older, this will be the book I will want her to read.
The story, characters, and writing style are amazing in this book. I enjoyed it from the beginning, but it wasn’t until the book was almost done that the action truly intensified. I cannot believe how quickly I read the book, and I can hardly wait to read the rest of the trilogy!
Oh, and I read this for my Just for Fun 2013 challenge!
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15 Comments
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I liked divergent and the movie adaptation was good too.
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I love this book a lot. I could read it over and over. Thanks for the nice review.
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My family (kids) love this book and series. Good review
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I finished the trilogy a few months back and Divergent is the the best book out of the three. I’m disappointed to say that Allegiant was a huge let down. Glad to see you enjoyed this though.
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I wanna read this book so bad!
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great review,now I’m waiting Insurgent movie >.<
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i really love this book. The review was great! And I love the movie too.
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I agree! it’s one of my favorite books ! really love your review 🙂
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I want to read this book. I also see there is a movie out. Might catch that after reading the book. Movie is never as good as the book is. Thanks for the review.
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I loved this book so much!
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Love this book! I am looking forward to seeing the movie. Thanks for sharing the review.
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OMG! I also love the book. And it’s really different from Hunger Games trilogy. Their only similarity is that they are both dystopian novels. 🙂
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I really liked this book too! I agree that it is really family friendly and a good book to give to a young teen for example.
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Great review. I loove this book, but I haven’t seen the movie yet. 😉
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I’ve been wondering what all the hype was about, so thanks for giving a clear summary. It sounds like a book I’d enjoy, although I haven’t even gotten around to reading “Hunger Games” yet. I agree that books about young teens don’t need to put them in bed together too quickly, but I’d also assume the protagonist is going to mature as the books go along and will eventually make love with someone. I remember a lot of people were upset when Stephanie Meyer wrote about Bella and Edward’s honeymoon night, but I really think she drew out their sexual tension as long as possible and made their union as proper as can be for a human and vampire. Am I rambling? Yeah, so anyway, thanks for the review and happy reading!
