Fabulous, Fun, and Fast!

I just read a new YA book that is fabulous, quite fun, and a fast read.  Divergent by Veronica Roth is a great dystopian book.  If you wonder what dystopia is, it is the opposite of a utopian society.  When I say dystopian think Hunger Games, The Giver, Matched, Uglies, and the numerous other dystopian books.  Divergent reminded me of these previously listed books not only b/c of the dystopian setting but b/c of the main character.  Beatrice Prior, also known as Tris,  is like many of the other main characters in The Hunger Games, The Giver, Matched, and Uglies. Tris has to be very courageous;  she makes a decision that isn't necessarily kosher with the culture of society, but she courageously stays true to her heart.

Divergent  was one of those books that I couldn't read fast enough.  I, like many of you, love the books that completely enthrall you.  This book has a strong, but not perfect, main character, a little bit of a love story, action and adventure, and a unique story line.  Now, I'm not saying this story line has never been done before.  I felt it was similar to other stories, and I'm sure you will feel the same way, but it is unique enough.

The book's summary is as follows: "In a future Chicago, sixteen year old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions (Candor- the honest, Abnegation- the selfless, Dauntless- the brave, Amity- the peaceful, and Erudite- the intelligent) to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all."

If you liked Hunger Games you will like Divergent.  If you didn't like Hunger Games, I think you will still like Divergent.  Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It was on my list to read after I had read some reviews at school.  However, it wasn't high on my list.  I'm not going to lie, but the summary sounds a little foofy.  However, let's be honest; when you try and explain The Hunger Games to someone it also sounds a little foofy.  I ended up picking Divergent up now b/c we are reading it for a book club.  Now that I'm done reading it I'm quite happy that I read it now rather than down the road.

I am sure this book will be hard to get at the library, but it is worth a purchase.  It is most definitely worth a purchase on your Kindle, Nook, or iPad. You can even read the first 100 pages online if you are doubting whether this book is worth your time.

For those that loved it like me, there will be a Divergent 2 aka Insurgent (is the proposed title as of now), but there is no set release date.  You will just have to wait; you have to get used to waiting if you start to read books as soon as they come out. :)

A little side note on Veronica Roth, the author.  This is her debut book, and she is only 22 years old.  She went to Northwestern and lives in Chicago.  I found it fitting that Divergent's setting is Chicago; as a new writer it helps to know your setting very very well.  I'm excited to see what other books Roth will write after the Divergent Trilogy.