Divergent by Veronica Roth

Reviewed by Lori

Divergent

Title: Divergent

Series: Divergent Trilogy

Author: Veronica Roth

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 66440

Description: In a dystopian future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice must choose the faction to which she'll devote the rest of her life--while hiding the fact that she doesn't truly fit in anywhere.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love It



Why I Read It: After finishing the Hunger Games Series I was looking for another dystopian series to read and this looked promising.

Lori's Notes:  Split into factions, society is made up of the Dauntless, Erudite, Candor, Amity, Abnegation, and the unfortunate factionless.  At 16 youth are allowed to either choose to stay with their families in the faction that has raised them or choose another life.  The factions base their teachings on their values; candor believe that unrest is caused by lying so they value truth, dauntless believe it is caused by cowardice so they value bravery etc.  Beatrice has always admired the dauntless faction but growing up in Abnegation that values selflessness, she must decide whether to stay with her family or attempt a life she has been dreaming about.  Surprisingly, when Beatrice is "tested" it is discovered that she is "divergent" which means she shows traits from a variety of factions.  Beatrice learns very quickly that this isn't necessarily a good thing and must be hidden.  When her brother chooses to join erudite, Beatrice's choice becomes even more difficult - will she leave their parents as well?  The initiation procedure for dauntless is terrifying and only a few pass the trials, those who don't pass end up factionless - expelled from the initiation and unable to return to their families.  During the initiation "Tris" as she now calls herself finds herself attracted to "Four" a boy from Dauntless who has a story of his own. But the initiation isn't the only thing going on with the factions and a political revolution is beginning to unfold.  A fantastic book and the first of a trilogy with political intrigue, danger and new-found romance.

Recommended Readers: Anyone who enjoyed the Hunger Games series and is looking for the same sort of political dystopian.  Grade 7 and up.

Themes: Dystopian, Big Brother, Coming of Age, Love, Family, Safety, Initiations, Courage, Social Classes, Competition, Virtue, Causes of War

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)
Movie: The Skulls (2000)
Wikipedia Article: Hazing
Media Search: Causes of War

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics: 

  • What is a "Divergent" and why is it dangerous to be one?
  • How does Four get his nickname?
  • What sort of fears might you encounter if you were to join Dauntless?
  • If you chose to be part of a Faction which one would you choose and why?
  • How do each faction's initiation rites differ?
  • Is society made better by the factions?
  • How do the factions help control the population?
  • Create a graphic organizer with each faction and the traits that they value and their initiation rituals. Compare and Contrast each of the groups.


Other Support Materials:

Other Books in this Series:
Book 2: Insurgent
Book 3: Allegiant



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