Book Talk: DIVERGENT

Plot Summary:

This is the first book in the Divergent Trilogy.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a novel that can be categorized in the "Dystopian future" genre.  This world occupies present-day Chicago, and is split up into five factions.  These five factions developed based on their opinions on what went wrong with the world/the cause for our country's downfall.






The five factions are:

• Abnegation (the Selfless) - believe selfishness was the problem
• Erudite (the Intelligent/Knowledgeable/Intellectual) - believed ignorance was the problem
• Amity (the Peaceful) - believed violence/war/aggression was the problem
• Dauntless (the Brave/Courageous) - believed cowardice was the problem
• Candor (the Honest) - believed dishonesty/untrustworthy behavior was the problem 

Everybody is born into a certain faction (whichever faction his/her parents were a part of).  At age 16, children must take a simulation test that will tell them which faction they are best suited for.  However, their decisions don't have to be made based on the results of the test.  It's just a guideline.  The next day, the 16 year-olds attend a Choosing Ceremony where they decide which faction they would like to be a part of.  They may either stay with their family in the faction of which they were born into, or leave their family forever and switch to a different faction.  After the ceremony all of the choosers - now called initiates - go off with their chosen faction to begin the initiation process.  Certain factions - like Abnegation - have a relatively simple initiation, where most initiates will be guaranteed a spot as a member.  Others - like Dauntless - have a more difficult initiation process, sometimes result in death, and, more commonly, a great number of failed initiates.  Initiates that don't complete initiation (or are not chosen to become a member) become factionless (basically, homeless).  

Divergent follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a born-Abnegation, as she encounters difficulties throughout her Choosing and Initiation processes.  

What do I love about Divergent?

About two years ago, I discovered a love for novels centered on the theme of a "Dystopian" future.  After hearing high praise of Divergent from several sources, I finally decided to give it a try.  I am so glad that I did!  The Divergent Trilogy has become an obsession of mine.  Easily taking the spot of "Ali's favorite book series," the Divergent Trilogy has completely occupied my thoughts!  Veronica Roth writes in a way that fills me up, but, at the same time, leaves me wanting more.  The complex plot and first person narration allows me to solve the problems along with Beatrice, as if I am the main character of the trilogy.  This sort of writing style makes everything feel "in the moment."  Despite the many differences between Beatrice and myself, I find empathy for her as well as a relation between the two of us.  To sum up my feelings towards this book series, I would say that my love for the Divergent Trilogy comes from the emotions evoked through Veronica Roth's writing as well as the quality of her work and complexity of her plots.

My general opinions:

I find that I can relate to the main character, Beatrice, despite our many differences.  It really feels as if I am the main character.

Four is so amazing, and it's so easy to find empathy for him.  On the other hand, he does have flaws, but they do not occupy my entire vision of him, which is great.

This story isn't just another on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventure.  Rather, it is also a book of intellect.  More often than not, I find myself trying to piece clues together to solve the problems along with Beatrice.

I am a huge fan of Matched and Hunger Games, but Divergent is by far my favorite book series yet.  I highly recommend it to any fans of Matched, Hunger Games, sci-fi, or Dystopian futures in general.

Spoilers/Fan-girling:

Oh my golly goodness.  SUCH A GOOD BOOK.  And Insurgent is great too, but we'll get to that some other time in another Book Talk.

GAHHH.  I love Four, and Tris can be frustrating, but I still love her too.  And Will!  Oh, I love Will!  I also really like Caleb.  Oooh and Uriah!  Ahhh.  I kinda like Peter too, more so in the next book.

When Tobias was put under the improved simulation for Divergent, I was so sad!  I freaked.  Good thing that didn't last long.

Four's family background is so heart-wrenching but it makes the story, really.

Thanks so much for reading this Book Talk.  I'd love to hear any book recommendations you may have, as well as any thoughts you'd like to add to this talk.  

- Ali