Divergent by Veronica Roth

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. -summary provided by goodreads.com

Title: "Divergent"
Author: Veronica Roth
Publication Date: April 25, 2011
Beth's Recommended Age: 16 and up
Beth says: LOVE LOVE LOVE!  A MUST READ!

Beth's Review:

Set in dystopian Chicago, "Divergent" has all the ingredients for one of the best young adult books of our time.  Veronica Roth tells the story of Beatrice "Tris" Prior who joins a faction of fearless, brave and sometimes crazy individuals whose initiation pushes physically, mentally and emotionally.  Tris is one of my favorite heroines written.  She is brave, she is selfless and she is independent. 

Ms. Roth uses factions to divide the city into groups.  At sixteen, each person must choose which faction they will join based on what they value: bravery, selflessness, knowledge, peace or truth.  The idea of the factions is absolutely brilliant.  They stress "faction before blood" and it is evident throughout the book. 

Four is one tough, hot guy.  He will make anyone, young or old drool.  He does not coddle Tris, but shows her how strong she really can be.  The relationship Tris develops with Four and her other friends help her realize her true values and strength. 

Finally, my favorite character in the book is Tris' mom.  She is a strong silent character who makes bold decisions and show her depth.  I absolutely love her. 

All in all, I would recommend for everyone to read this book.  I love it and think Veronica Roth is an absolute genius!  I gave it a 16 and up rating due to violence.....

WARNING......SPOILERS AHEAD

Content Review:

Language: There is not any questionable language in the book.

Sexual: Tris and Four develop a romantic relationship.  They kiss; it does not go beyond that, but they do talk about sex.  In her "fear landscape", one of her fears is having sex with Four.  Also, there was an attempted rape she talks about.  After Tris is attacked, she and Four sleep in bed together, but they do not have sex.  Tris also gets made fun of for being prude and getting embarrassed with other couples kiss in front of her.

Violence: The book is fairly violent.  Tris joins a thrill-seeking, brave faction.  Part of the initiation process is to learn to shoot a gun and also to fight each other.  The initiation process is very competitive, one night an initiate gets stabbed in the eye while sleeping.  Tris gets attacked and almost raped.  After the attack, her friend, Al could not get over the guilt of attacking her and kills himself.  In the fear landscapes, they must face their fears which can raise from drowning, claustrophobia, killing a loved one to being pecked by crows.  Finally, the "big battle" is pretty violent.  Many people get shot and Tris shoots and kills quite a few people.  

Like I said earlier, I absolutely love this book.  I gave it a 16 and up rating because it is fairly violent.