Divergent

I loved these books. The mystery of this society and its strict divisions fascinated me. I related to Tris immediately and her need for more excitement than her Abnegation family could provide. The detachment felt by so many of the characters in their daily roles resonated in my soul as something I have felt as well when confined by societal definition.

As I reflected in our own society, those at the top scheme to gain power for themselves, regardless of the effect on the rest of the people. I was proud of Tris and her colleagues, who joined together to… show more.

I read this book when it first came out in 2011 and was hooked on the idea of splitting everyone into factions based on aptitude. It seemed like a genuinely new idea to me. It was enough to keep me waiting for the next two books before watching the movies.

Tris picking Dauntless is what defined this series for me. I often wonder what would have happened if she had picked something else, in the same way that most people wonder what would have happened if Harry hadn’t picked Gryffindor. For a book to be so prevalent a decade after… show more.

My pre-teen daughter is very into series like The Hunger Games, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and the Percy Jackson books. So, of course, I’ve read all of those to keep up with her and discuss her favorite novels. I saw the Divergent movie before I read the book and the series.

I’m quite amazed at the quality of fantasy and adventure books for younger readers, and this one quickly grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Tris Prior’s world of post-apocalyptic factions and factionless seems too real, particularly with our state of politics and the constant threat of war.… show more.

This is another book with heavy end-of-the-world vibes. I can’t imagine being forced into a faction-like system where only one part of you is highly esteemed. And, of course, Tris, our heroine, ends up being none of the above, which in that society is frowned upon to the point it must be hidden to avoid consequences. I disliked the forced conformity/how inhumane the setting was, but without that, this story could not have been told; Tris had to learn how to confront and cope with being different along with the challenge from others vying to win one of a limited… show more.

Veronica Roth's Divergent is like a loyal companion that stuck by me during the unpredictable ride of middle school.

Tris Prior's journey felt strangely familiar, like a reflection of my own struggles—moving from vulnerability to discovering an inner strength I never knew existed. Roth crafted Tris into more than just a character; she became someone I looked up to, a personal source of motivation. The whole faction system, sorting people based on traits, hit close to home, echoing my own battles with fitting in.

In the maze of adolescence, Tris's rebellion and acceptance of her divergence felt like a reassuring… show more.

If there’s anyone left in the world who hasn’t already read Divergent, this book review is for you!

I really enjoyed the 1984 Orwellian undercurrent to this YA dystopian series: Governments colluding, suppressing information, and covering things up; it did something to rally my inner dissident. 

The premise of being tasked with training inside your fear landscape seemed undeniably original back then, and even the factions that people were forced to conform to were fascinatingly apt. 

Regardless of the above, it’s not the worst fictional universe to hang out in, given the pages dedicated to the mysterious Four, and maybe… show more.

As a former teacher, I loved the idea of the aptitude test, but of course this test is different.

Divergent follows the story of Tris, who has a choice to make among the different factions of her nation. I love this plot. I also enjoyed the twist and turns of the day of her choosing. I might not have been brave as her. LOL.

Also, I appreciate that Tris and Four had a slow-burn romance. The world felt believable, and Tris learns her decisions can bring consequences, not just to herself but also to those she cares about. Sometimes we… show more.

In Divergent, every teen has to take a test and be placed into one of 5 “factions” depending on their skills or personality. Beatrice (Tris) gets Dauntless – the cool one – with bold tattooed heroes and lots of fighting. But as she struggles to find her place and face her fears, she learns the truth about the flawed system and her place within it.

Divergent may not be on some YA reader’s list, but I believe the story pushes the limits in a unique way.

Veronica Roth takes a fresh approach to a dystopian world rooted in themes such as segregation and choice—which are issues facing today’s culture. Determining ones values involves decisions which set the course for one’s future.

Choosing honesty, bravery, kindness, selflessness, envy, revenge, or selfish control define who we will become.

In Divergent, Tris, Tobias, Caleb, and others will have to make choices for themselves. Each will face moments of selflessness and courage when they follow their heart—with good… show more.