Finally after being on the waitlist at my library (twice!) I finally got and read Divergent and yes it’s as awesome as everyone says.
Not wanting to see the film before reading the book I had to get my hands on the book that is apparently a phenomenon. I resisted at first because it just seemed like another Hunger Games and as much I loved that trilogy I didn’t want to read the same thing all over again.
Although there are obvious correlations between the two dystopian novels Divergent was, well divergent. The main character Beatrice (who later goes by Tris) is born into the Abnegation faction of her dystopian world. There are five factions and Abnegation is the selfless one, which is as boring as it sounds. Tris can only look in her mirror on special occasions and has to wear plain clothes so she doesn’t bring attention to herself. And that’s only scratching the surface of what being in Abnegation means. Not that they’re all bad just that I personally wouldn’t pick that faction.
When Tris takes her aptitude test to help her choose her faction she is told that she is divergent meaning she doesn’t fit perfectly into one faction but instead could belong to three different ones.
In our day being divergent would be just fine but during Tris’ time it’s really dangerous (not that Tris has any idea why but she figures it out). Tris then chooses to join the Dauntless (fearless) faction where she’s put to the test, both physically and mentally.
Of course there’s a love interest. His (nick)name is Four and I personally love him and thanks to the movie I only pictured him in my mind as the handsome Theo James.
Besides trying to survive Dauntless initiation (if Tris fails she becomes factionless which is our equivalent of being broke and on the streets) there’s a revolution forming. The Erudite (smarty pants) faction is rising up against Tris’ old faction (and the faction of her parents). The Erudite want power and they’re willing to do anything to get, even brain wash people.
Overall I love Tris. She’s got a lot on her plate but she handles everything pretty well. Plus it’s really fun to watch her struggle with the idea of physical contact. Truly though it was great to see her come out of her shell and become such a strong girl that comes very close to being fearless. Also her relationship with Four is awesome.
The only negative thing I would say about the book is it is pretty dark. I wasn’t expecting so many people to *spoiler alert* die in the first book of the trilogy. I guess I was still in my Hunger Games mentality and wasn’t expecting a battle until at least the second book. I was highly mistaken.
Still, as tearjerking as this book was I loved it can’t wait until I get the next one. I think I’m number 80 on the waitlist. Oh, dear.
Favorite Line: “Then I realize what it is. It’s him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.”
Stars: 5 out of 5. I loved it!
Borrow or Buy: Definitely buy. I’m already planning on buying it so I’ll have it in my collection always.
Other Reviews:
Zakiya N. Jamal 
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