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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

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Thea James is one half of the maniacal duo behind The Book Smugglers. She is Filipina-American, but grew up in Hawaii, Indonesia, and Japan. A full-time book nerd who works in publishing for her day job, Thea currently resides in Astoria, Queens with her partner and rambunctious cat. COOKING FOR WIZARDS, WARRIORS & DRAGONS (available August 31, 2021) is her first cookbook.

55 Comments

Ooh, nice review. I was a bit frustrated by what you deem the “potato-chip” nature of this book (generally, schlocky action stuff just doesn’t appeal to me) but you nail what’s interesting about Tris. I really did enjoy her as a character!

Lisa (starmetal oak)

Thanks for the review!

A question about the story: if people have made these factions in order to combat the various reasons they think the world has failed before (greed, cowardice, etc) then why do they limit the intake of new recruits? Is this fleshed out in the book or just a way to create conflict?

Like Phoebe, I’m not sure I agree with the potato-chip comment, but overall exactly what I thought. 🙂

And I’m reading BEAUTY QUEENS now, too.

Dear Authors,

Please kill off more of your characters. It makes your OMGDANGER feel more…dangerous. See Connie Willis and Patrick Ness for details.

@Phoebe & @Jess Tudor – Perhaps I should make the disclaimer that my favorite movie is Die Hard and I am a HUGE fan of the cheesy action movie? Heh. I can completely understand frustrations with the book’s trials and nonstop action for action’s sake, though.

But I gotta admit…I love me some potato chips 😉

@Lisa – Though it’s not really explained in the book, it’s probably safe to assume that in the cases of factions like Candor, Erudite and Dauntless that initiation is so tough and restricted because they want to make sure their new members truly uphold the ideals of that respective clan. To gain membership into Candor, for example, initiates are forced to take some sick, publically humiliating lie-detector test. With Amity and Abnegation, however, I think the bar to entry is lower because they are less sought after factions, and their ideals are more selfless and accepting. If that makes sense?

I agree that this all does sound rather flimsy and fragile, though. The worldbuilding is simplistic and doesn’t really hold together under any stronger level of scrutiny!

That said, it’s a fun book, and I hope you get a chance to read it 🙂

@Raych – I’d like to sign your letter, please! So. So. TRUE.

Grr there are 16 people ahead of me at the library. Can’t wait to read this!

Ms. Roth isn’t afraid to kill people and that’s one of my biggest problem with many current YA “dystopias” – this lack of teeth.

I couldn’t agree more with this. What little I read of Divergent wasn’t really for me, but it’s good to know there are authors out there who are willing to go a bit outside the norm for YA.

I’ve been holding off on picking this one up, even though its set in Chicago and I live in the Chicago area , because the whole Faction business makes very little sense to me. I do like that it has “more teeth”, as you say, than many of the other YA dystopias out there (and like you, I have a weakness for dystopias and post-apocolyptic scenarios), but the weak worldbuilding makes me not feel the urge to read this title. Also, I am trying to stay away from incomplete trilogies for a while.

I am SO with you on this dystopia craze; so many people seem to want to cash in on this latest phenom yet so few of them seem to want to do their homework in order to make their world believable.

I know what you mean. I definitely have to be in the right mood for dystopias of the potato chip variety, but this review definitely makes me want to give Divergent a chance if nothing else.

Ebony McKenna

I read this recently and it was pretty absorbing. I liked the idea of factions and was especially pleased with the book having a decent ending. Yes, there is more to come, but this book at least ended in the right place. It’s a big ask to finish a book with a sense of completion, while also leaving scope for further adventures.

PS, speaking of factions, I’m kind of hankering to re-read Brave New World now. That book rocked my world.

Marleen Gagnon

This looks like a really good read. I’ve gotta get it. Thanks for all you do.

I actually agreed with the obsessive nature of this book. I didn’t realize I had read so much in one sitting until I was interrupted. I look forward to Roth’s future works, I think this book was very good.

But, the factions never make sense for me in the book, because there are too many other types of people out there for me, and overall, the world itself is not very well built (however, I really think that will come in the next book as there is some foreshadowing). I actually think the killing off of the characters was kinda weak, like old Star Trek red shirts. We barely know these people who are killed, so why do we care if they die?

But on a totally different note, how is this really considered dystopian? Is this a repressive or controlling state? These people get to choose which faction they will live in, regardless of what the test says. The can even leave the factions and live outside the government. This is what the book made me think of most when I was finished reading it, lol.

What’s this trilogy you keep alluding to? I can’t think of anything…

Ah it’s good to know you liked this Thea! Looking forward to reading this now. 🙂

Thanks for the great review. I was fortunate enough to be the first to check out DIVERGENT when it hit the library. I loved this book. Will be in line for the sequel. 😀

*The Trilogy That Must Not Be Named*

I just barely kept my snort of amusement from popping out. 😀

*Tris is not your usual Mary Sue. She’s selfish. She’s manipulative. She’s vindictive as hell – and I LOVED that about this book. I mean, at one point, when a character asks for her forgiveness, which she coldly refuses. Really coldly. I mean, holy masked avenger, Batman. It’s brutal, but refreshing (since these heroines are so often little goody-two-shoes that forgive even the most heinous acts).*

OH. Oh my. Me likey.

Oy – 500 pages, though! Wince.

*Though entertaining, this book does not provoke, incite, or demand a closer look at society*

Eh, I think I could be OK with that – too many dystopian works, whether YA or not, are so heavy. Maybe one that’s more on the entertainment side would be refreshing.

Awesome review, as usual. 😉

Thanks so much for recommending this book Thea, I downloaded from iBooks and read it in a night! I look forward to her next offering. 🙂

Amy @ Turn the Page

Brilliant review! I agree with your thoughts (though your review is far better written than my own lol!). I liked that Tris had flaws, but I still never exactly warmed to her as a character.

The relationship between Tris and Four was good – until it suddenly fast forward near the end and turned into the typical insta-love all over again!

I like an author who is willing to kill of characters – but I wasn’t feeling some of the character deaths at the the end – they felt… kind of pointless. But it was still an enjoyable read 🙂 Not fantastic but entertaining!

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Holly (Lily's Bookshelf)

I’m really looking forward to reading this one! Great review! 🙂

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I’ve just finished this book and it was very entertaining, read in it sooooo quickly too. A definite pocorn read and I am very much looking forward to the next installment. Spot on review!

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I have read this book 3 times…Now I’m doing a book review on it – the review is EXTREMELY helpful!!!

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Still unsure about reading this one. 😐

I enjoyed your review. The way that you told the story clearly was very well done. Also your oppinion on the novel was really well formatted. I totally agree with you, how can a world be filled with humans striving to become only one thing. It’s impossible… I’ve done a review of the novel aswell if you want to check it out 🙂

http://www.bookmark-reviews.blogspot.ca/2012/07/divergent-review.html

Divergent by Veronica Roth (Book Review) - Literally Correct

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Good review.

I have to agree – I didn’t care for the flimsy pretext of the factions. I am hoping Allegiant will shed some light on the odd situation.

As for the character of Tris, I found her to be inconsistent. The author seems to have allotted her whatever traits were convenient for that particular chapter of the story.

All in all – a good, quick read, but nothing substantial.

http://thebookcooks.blogspot.ca/2013/08/divergent-by-veronica-roth.html

Warning: The following post may be a too long, boring and pseudo feminist opinion of one unimportant person!

Well Reviewed!

I like that your review is well balanced in terms of criticism and praise! I find I agree with a lot of your points on where this book succeeds (pacing, action sequences) and where it fails (you can’t question the world, or it shatters). However I would disagree that Tris is an original take on Mary-Sue. In fact, I think more and more authors are relying on imperfection to create perfected Mary-Sues.

Tris is regularly commenting on her plain looks. A trend that started with the wonderfully dubbed “Trilogy that shall not be named!” As if, stating someone isn’t jaw-droppingly attractive (while still giving conventionally attractive attributes) gives them more character. This seems to be a YA thing more than others, as I find adult fiction of a similar nature rarely delves deeply into looks after initial description (with the possible exception of fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, etc) or female protagonists under a male authors pen). In fact, because of this new emerging trope one of my favourite lines in the story was (***Spoiler***) Four commenting that if all he wanted was sex, he wouldn’t have gone to her first. (Spoiler end) One because it was funny, and two because it so fully shows why authors think it takes away the mary-sue trope. She’s not desirable, so she can’t be perfect.

Secondly I found that Tris’ personality is now becoming another trait seeing more and more in YA literature with female leads. While one part of me fully enjoys that female protagonists are being featured and given attitudes beyond the disney princess; this dichotomy of princess or badass is just as problematic in creating fully realized female characters. I loved it with Katniss, because it was justified: She is poor, she is oppressed and she truly doesn’t understand giving without receiving. To her, survival and self-preservation justifies any means; yet she is still successfully kind. Her world supports that. In Tris’ case, she does have food, she lives in a world where essentially her father is the government and literally taught to only understand selflessness. The fact that she is then made so cold to differentiate her from others, makes her a Mary-Sue. She has no reason to be cruel and vindictive other than because in the eyes of the author and by extension readers: it makes her better. It makes her more than the average: She’s perfect because she’s tough, because she has undesirable traits she recognizes but doesn’t mind. In any other character, these traits would make them the villain. If done well an interesting machiavellian villain, but villain nonetheless. Lastly, she is instantly the attraction of the similarly perfect male lead without reason. (You mentioned this one) This I can overlook, after all people (especially at the characters given ages) can and occasionally do get enamored with a look. It may be even be justified as she is probably the only other person who can share a similar history, and present with Four.

I personally found myself uninterested in Tris as a character after a few chapters in dauntless: I already knew her. What kept me reading was the pace you were talking about, and the hopes something more interesting and unexpected happens. Her mother interested me, the other transfers interested me. We know Tris chose, but why did they? They weren’t special, divergent. Yet, we never really get to know anything about them.

In conclusion: Potato chips indeed!

Just read Divergent… and I had a slight problem with it that no one seems to address: If Caleb is Beatrice’s older brother (as she states in the first few pages), and if the Choosing Ceremony is for 16yos, then why is Caleb at the Choosing Ceremony at the same time as Beatrice? Is he newly turned 17 and missed the cutoff date for the previous year’s Ceremony? Tbh I nearly stopped reading the book because it seemed like such a huge thing to make the reader puzzle out.

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ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg An essay on divergent

In this essay I will consider the social, economic and political factors of divergent. Advancments in divergent can be linked to many areas. While it is becoming a hot topic for debate, it is impossible to overestimate its impact on modern thought. It is an unfortunate consequence of our civilizations history that divergent is rarely given rational consideration by so called ‘babies’, who just don’t like that sort of thing. With the primary aim of demonstrating my considerable intellect I will now demonstrate the complexity of the many faceted issue that is divergent.

Social Factors

Society begins and ends with divergent. When Thucictholous said ‘people only know one thing’ [1] he globalised an issue which had remained buried in the hearts of our ancestors for centuries. While deviating from the norm will always cause unrest amongst ones peers, divergent cleary plays a significant role amongst the developing middle classes.

Of paramount importance to any study of divergent within its context, is understanding the ideals of society. Society is powered by peer pressure, one of the most powerful forces in the world. As long as peer pressure uses its power for good, divergent will have its place in society.

Economic Factors

Increasingly economic growth and innovation are being attributed to divergent. We will primarily be focusing on the JTB-Guide-Dog model, which I hope will be familiar to most readers. Inflation

Clearly the graphs demonstrates a strong correlation. Why is this? Seemingly inflation will continue to follow divergent for the foreseeable future. Supply Side Economic Tax Cuts Tax deductions could turn out to be a risky tactic.

Political Factors

The media have made politics quite a spectacle. Looking at the spectrum represented by a single political party can be reminiscent of comparing divergentilisation, as it’s become known, and one’s own sense of morality.

It is always enlightening to consider the words of a legend in their own life time, Demetrius T. Time ‘People in glass houses shouldn’t through parties.’ [2] Primarily, he is referring to divergent. To paraphrase, the quote is saying ‘divergent wins votes.’ Simple as that. While divergent may be a giant amongst men, is it a dwarf amongst policy? I hope not.

To conclude, divergent parades along man’s streets and man waves back. It enlightens our daily lives, ensures financial stability and always chips in.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Stevie Jackson: ‘At first I was afraid I was petrified. Thinking I could never live without divergent by my side.’ [3] An essay on divergent

Increasingly economic growth and innovation are being attributed to divergent. We will primarily be focusing on the JTB-Guide-Dog model, which I hop

I also did not find myself respecting the protagonist, Tris. I just finished the second book of the Divergent trilogy. Although I was wary of her character before, when *spoiler* Tris turns down a position in leadership solely so that Four can take over the faction *end spoiler*, I actually had to put the book down and walk away in disgust. Why does she think Four is better than her? Why, no matter what major action Tris takes in the story, does she give others credit for it? Even in the many fight scenes, we catch her claiming that it was Four who taught her how, Four who somehow was responsible for saving her life. And a lot of the time, he does end up saving her life, because he is the stronger, more sensible character.

So what is this supposed to be teaching the young girls reading this book? That they should be weak and expect less of themselves than their boyfriends? That the best way to act is to be a stereotypical girl and depend on others? Or is the author, Veronica Roth, trying to prove the stupidity of sixteen year old girls? If this is the case, she should not have tried to make Tris so real and widely relatable.

Roth and Tris have the third and final book in the series to change my mind about this.

Although it’s a good read, and I love Tris, I love the idea, the setting, the factions, the love between the 2 main people, and yes the idea of being Dauntless sounds cool. I can’t help but compare it to to said Trilogy, something about said Trilogy just sores miles above this set of books. Thumbs up Roth, can’t wait to read others.

Francesca Moore

This review summed up exactly how I felt about the book. I loved how fast paced it was and I loved the fact that the protagonist never become a superhero by the end of it, that way it felt more realistic. I’ve just watched the film and I wasn’t amazed by it, felt the book was so much better. I’m pondering whether to read books 2 and 3 of the series now as I’ve heard they are not as good as the first.

I’m sorry, I have to be the critic here. As a fellow writer reading through Divergent currently, Veronica certainly is creative, to an extent. Her writing style… it’s pure childish. She has the level of a 10th grade student. A lot of places I have to reread because the wording is off. Not only that, but her constant short sentences are annoying. And Tris and Four’s romance is disgustingly cliche. Tris, as a character, is both whinny and hypocritical. She doesn’t want her friends to betray her, but she wants to make them jealous? Really? And why exactly is she Divergent? She’s not selfless, she does nice things in remembrance of her family, which would be selfish, wouldn’t it? And she’s not really intelligent, honest, or loving. I can’t even remember what third faction she received.

All in all, the idea seems creative enough, but the only reason I’m powering through is just to be able to say I read it. I’m not even bothering picking up the next two books. You can count on that.

Book Review: Divergent | Books, TV, and Me

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I can’t believe Tris was even considered to be a Mary Sue. A book character for an authour’s own created universe can’t be a Mary Sue. Plus she’s HUMAN.

And potato-chip nature? Have you even looked at the themes of the book? They’re deep af.

Divergent by Veronica Roth | One Book Two

This book is such a kind of amazing. Can somebody tell me total part of this serie????

Becoming Napoleon – Calling All Skeletons

[…] interest to me, however I have felt a certain level of transformation with regard to, say, Beatrice Prior, or Tris as she would prefer. One could argue that artists have magic powers so to speak. They know […]

this review is very detailed and provides quiet a lot of information to satisfy our needs of information . to whomever did this , i show a lot of respect for it seems to have a lot of effort and time placed into it. all i would like to say is that however that it may provide information, it does not provide all information on related topics that all book reviews require to have on a needing bases. i hope my information supports future reviews 🙂

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Divergent by Veronica Roth | Parent Guide & Review

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Synopsis of Divergent

Divergent is set in a dystopian world, society is divided into five factions. Each faction values one particular trait – Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Amnity (peace), and Erudite (intelligence). On a specific day, every year all the sixteen-year-olds choose which faction they will be a part of for the rest of their lives. Beatrice Prior has a choice between staying with her family or being her true self. Her choice surprises everyone, including herself. Next comes the competitive initiation where newly names Tris discovers who her real friends are and figure out a budding romance with an infuriating boy. But Tris has a secret. A secret that might kill her if others find out. When conflict arises between the factions Tris learns her secret could help her save her loved ones or it could end her.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you click on a link and decide to buy something, I will get pennies for referring you. This in no way changes the price for you. It just helps me make a bit for doing what I love.

First Impressions

Divergent is a science fiction dystopian novel with a dash of romance and a whole lot of action. I originally read this book during the boom of dystopian novels. This take on the “perfect” society is different and refreshing with different flaws unique to this society. I liked how the very thing that put Tris in danger is what ultimately saved her life. Plus, it allows her to help those around her. This book does have quite a bit of violence but it was refreshing that Veronica Roth focused more on the psychological damage happening through the violent scenes instead of the gore.

Divergent Parent Guide

Overall: PG-13 for violence and brief nudity (from a prank) Violence: PG-13 for graphic war scenes and fights Language: G Adult Content: PG some kissing Reading Level: Grades 7-12

Touchy Topics in Divergent

• Abuse – One of the main characters has a residual fear of an abuser from their past and confronts that fear.
• Bullying – Multiple instances of severe bullying happen during the initiation process.
• Cultural Retraining – Each faction focuses on a specific value above all others and enforce that in everything to the point of mass groups things and handling situations the same way.
• Brainwashing – Brainwashing and mind control are weapons deployed during the war that happens at the end of the book.
• Fears – Fear and how an individual reacts in the face of fear is a large theme in the book. 
• Self-Doubt – Double and triple questioning whether you fit in or made the right choice happens frequent
• Self Discovery – Tris comes to terms that she is not like anyone else and how she what makes her different is one of her biggest strengths.
• Death – Many people die in the book from various causes and the characters learn how to react and continue living with it.

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

“Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

“I might be in love with you.” He smiles a little. “I’m waiting until I’m sure to tell you, though.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

My Thoughts about Divergent

This book was at the top of the New York Times best-seller list and won multiple awards for a reason. Divergent is both similar and different from other dystopian novels. You have the broken system and it is partly about that but the book is more about Tris and her self-discovery process within the system. Tris has the choice to follow in her parents’ footsteps or to create her own path. Tris also has to confront and accept all parts of herself. I really enjoyed the book and loved being transported to this new fresh world.

On another note, here is a bit more of a peek inside the book’s violence and other things to be aware of. There is one scene with brief nudity in Divergent. Nothing is described and it is a hazing ritual instead of anything remotely romantic. Violence wise there is quite a bit. During some of the training, they are pitted against each other until someone passes out. Later, multiple people are murdered right in front of Tris. These scenes are graphic but the main focus is the psychological pain and suffering she is going through.

Over all I fully recommend this book to anyone 16 and up. For teens between 13 and 16, this book would be great on a case by case basis.

What to Read Next?

If you are a fan of this book, read the second book, Insurgent . Veronica Roth has written a few other books that you might like too. Check out her website here for more of her books. After that great books to read include Matched, Hunger Games, and Maze Runner. Here is a list of other action-filled books and another list of books with strong female character s.

Happy Reading!

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In This Dystopia, Teens Must Choose Wisely

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By Susan Dominus

• May 12, 2011

Imagine the publishing world as it might look in a dystopian universe in the distant future. In this world, college English majors — call them “Englies” — aspire to write only one kind of book: the dystopian young adult novel set in the distant future. (Englies of a certain status are permitted to write about dystopias populated by vampires.) Another subset of the population — “the Fans” — provides a kind of slave labor, posting endlessly to dedicated blogs and recording podcasts, providing free marketing for an unceasing succession of aspiring best-seller trilogies.

I couldn’t help imagining this world as I read “Divergent,” the first in a planned trilogy of young adult novels set in a dystopian future and written by Veronica Roth, who sold the book in a major pre-­emptive bid before she even graduated from Northwestern last year. With “Divergent,” Roth adds to a genre that has crossed over from having a vague cultural moment to being a full-bore trend, much of it driven by the wild success of Suzanne Collins’s “Hunger Games” trilogy.

“Divergent” holds its own in the genre, with brisk pacing, lavish flights of imagination and writing that occasionally startles with fine detail. As the mother of Beatrice, the main character, cuts her daughter’s hair, the young narrator notices “the strands fall on the floor in a dull, blond ring.” Beatrice sees her reflection only when her hair is cut — the second day of every third month — because she has been born into Abnegation, one of five factions that make up the population. Those who belong to Abnegation believe selflessness begets world harmony; those who choose Candor see honesty as the path to the same goal.

The other groups are Amity, Erudite and Dauntless, and it is this last group that calls out to Beatrice when she is given the opportunity either to stay with her family’s group or to choose another allegiance. As part of the initiation process for Dauntless, Tris (a nickname Beatrice adopts to reflect her new self) must prove her mettle with adolescent feats of bravado, like jumping off a moving train onto a rooftop. She endures simulated death traps and jacks up her adrenaline with breathtaking leaps into the unknown.

“Divergent” clearly has thrills, but it also movingly explores a more common adolescent anxiety — the painful realization that coming into one’s own sometimes means leaving family behind, both ideologically and physically. It is not a coincidence that Tris falls in love while undergoing initiation into her new tribe. It is precisely the moment when young people discover romance that family life all but evaporates, at least in terms of its emotional significance.

Terrible things happen to the people Tris loves, yet the characters absorb these events with disquieting ease. Here, somehow, the novel’s flights from reality distance the reader from the emotional impact that might come in a more affecting realistic (or even fantasy) novel.

In this way, though Roth’s “Divergent” is rich in plot and imaginative details, it suffers by comparison with Collins’s opus. The shortcoming would not be so noticeable were there less blatant overlap between the two. Both “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” feature appealing, but not conventionally pretty, young women with toughness to spare. Both start out with public sorting rituals that determine the characters’ futures. And both put the narrators in contrived, bloody battles that are in fact competitions witnessed by an audience. Even the language sounds familiar: the Hob is a central geographic point in “The Hunger Games”; in “Divergent,” it’s the Hub in the remnants of what was once the Sears Tower. For a book that explores themes about the right to be individual and the importance of breaking away from the pack, “Divergent” does not exactly distinguish itself.

“Now isn’t the time for debates about ethics,” Tris tells her father at one point, when she feels compelled to hurt someone for the greater good. Billboarding of this sort can interrupt the moment by announcing its own significance: now actually is the time for such a debate. In a novel that takes on the problem of conformity and questions the certainty of narrow-minded ideologues, such circuit-breaking is nonetheless useful, forcing the reader to pause and think in the middle of that dauntless break for the plot’s conclusion.

By Veronica Roth

487 pp. Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers. $17.99. (Young adult; ages 14 and up)

Susan Dominus is a staff writer at The Times Magazine.

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By Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' is an action-packed young adult novel, with complex themes revolving around self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive systems.

About the Book

Article written by Michael Chude

B.Sc. degree in parasitology and entomology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Born into Abnegation, a faction known for its rejection of worldliness and the pursuit of material comforts, Tris Prior must prove to her new family and herself that she belongs in her new faction, Dauntless. ‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth  is a multi-layered narrative of bravery, rebellion against rigid social structures, and self-discovery.  

In ‘ Divergent,’ tattoos serve as a conspicuous mark of identity, showing a person’s identification and dedication to their chosen faction. During the initiation process, people who have come of age and have chosen their new factions undergo a ritual ceremony where they are tattooed with the symbols of their faction. These tattoos are meticulously designed to represent the essence of each faction, reflecting their core principles and beliefs.

More than mere body art, tattoos have deep meanings for the characters in ‘ Divergent.’ The tattoos embody the values and ideals that shape the lives of the faction’s members. The bravery and fearlessness of the Dauntless faction are represented by various designs that symbolize courage, strength, and the overcoming of fears, all inked in black. The tattoos were also created to remind the members of the factions of the expectations placed upon them and to encourage them to live up to their faction’s values.

Tris Prior uses her tattoos to mark the milestones in her life. She also uses her tattoos as important markers in her search for self-identity; she also uses them as a declaration of her newfound independence from the life she knew as a child in Abnegation. After each milestone in her life, she gets a tattoo. Each tattoo has a different, specific symbolic meaning to her.

For example, she gets a tattoo of the Dauntless symbol, a ring of fire, to celebrate the fact that she’s finally feeling at home among the Dauntless. In general, though, Tris’ tattoos symbolize her desire to form an identity for herself: tattoos remind her who she is, and inspire her to be strong and true to her principles. Thus, her first tattoo represents her family, symbolizing her continued allegiance to her old life in Abnegation; her second tattoo is Dauntless, symbolizing her love for her new community.

Within the restrictive, rigid, and factional system that defines the dystopian society created by Veronica Roth in ‘ Divergent,’ divergence becomes a force that defies the limitations of prescribed virtues. It disrupts the neatly organized lives of citizens, threatening the delicate balance of control created and meticulously maintained by the leaders. Those who are Divergent possess a unique gift—a mosaic of traits from multiple factions—rendering them unpredictable, elusive, and, most importantly, resistant to manipulation.

As a Divergent, the book’s protagonist lacks strong feelings of allegiance to any one of the five factions. Instead, she has qualities that align her with more than one of the factions. Divergence also suggests a unique kind of mental state that is yet to be fully explained to the reader, as Divergent people like Tris and Tobias can resist mind control and hallucinations that affect those with more clear allegiances. Although Tris thought she was the only Divergent in her city, she soon began to discover that others like her struggle with their identity and their loyalties. She also discovers that her mother is Divergent.

Divergent people cannot conform to factional expectations, making them resistant to indoctrination. These qualities ignite the flames of rebellion and hope. Divergent individuals emerge as the champions of individuality who shatter the shackles of societal expectations by daring to question the suffocating pressure to conform. In doing so, they unveil the strength that lies within embracing one’s distinctiveness.

Criticisms of Divergent

One frequent criticism of the book ‘Divergent’ is its overall unoriginal concept. Other works exist that have explored the idea of a dystopian society divided into factions based on personality traits or virtues, including books such as Lois Lowry’s ‘ The Giver .’ Many critics argue that ‘ Divergent ‘ fails to bring fresh ideas or a unique perspective to the genre, relying on familiar tropes and plot elements.

Readers and critics alike have also expressed their disappointment in the lack of depth of the worldbuilding in the ‘ Divergent ‘ book. The factions and their corresponding virtues are seen as somewhat simplistic and shabbily explored, leaving aspects of the society and its history underdeveloped. The setting of post-apocalyptic Chicago, while intriguing, may not be fully realized or explained to the satisfaction of some readers.

Divergent: A Gripping Story of Self-discovery

Book Title: Divergent

Book Description: In Veronica Roth's "Divergent," young adults are thrust into a world of high-stakes action and intricate dilemmas. Centered on themes of self-discovery and resistance against a repressive regime, the novel captivates readers with its intense narrative and thought-provoking questions about individuality and societal norms.

Book Author: Veronica Roth

Book Edition: First Edition

Book Format: Hardcover

Publisher - Organization: Katherine Tegen Books

Date published: April 26, 2011

Illustrator: Joel Tippie

ISBN: 0-06-202402-7

Number Of Pages: 487

• Writing Style
• Lasting Effect of Reader

In Veronica Roth’s ‘ Divergent ,’ a dystopian society divided into factions based on virtues forces sixteen-year-old Tris Prior to make a life-altering choice. Leaving behind her selfless Abnegation faction, she embraces her newfound identity as a brave member of Dauntless, as she hides a secret that will change her society forever.

• Gripping and engaging plot.
• Strong female protagonist.
• Explores concepts like identity and individuality.
• Lack of originality.
• Underdeveloped and unexplored worldbuilding.
• Simplistic characterization.

About Michael Chude

Michael Chude has years of experience writing flash fiction and reviewing books with his book club members. He is also an avid reader who loves great stories and extensive world-building.

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Divergent by Veronica Roth is a series with four books. (The fourth one is not necessary to read, but you can if you want.) Divergent features a world divided into five Factions: Erudite the smart ones (scientists), Dauntless the brave ones (soldiers), Abnegation the selfless ones (helpers), Candor the truth-telling ones (judges), and Amity, the happy ones (farmers). Everyone at the age of 16 takes a test to see which Faction they belong to.

The main character, Beatrice, was born in Abnegation. Beatrice hopes her test results will be Dauntless. However, her test results returned as Divergent. What it means to be Divergent is someone who belongs to multiple Factions instead of one. Beatrice's results were Abnegation, Erudite, and Dauntless. When it is her time to choose a Faction, she chooses Dauntless. Although she makes new friends in Dauntless, she keeps it a secret that she is Divergent. If people find out Beatrice is Divergent, they will kill her.

I loved this book! Sometimes Beatrice is a little dumb, but it is not that bad. She has character growth. In the beginning, Beatrice is weak, defenseless, and easily pushed around. As the story continues, Beatrice changes her name to Tris, she gets stronger, she knows how to fight, and she defends herself instead of letting people drag her around. The characters are one of my favorite things in this book. I really recommend this book due to how well Roth wrote the character growth, and the book actually has a good plot. The plot does not bore you, and it is clear what the plot is, which is something hard to find nowadays.

Review by: Lauren

Lauren is a teen volunteer at the Granada Hills Branch Library who is a senior in high school from the San Fernando Valley area.

—Rachael Zak, Young Adult Librarian, Granada Hills Branch Library

© 2015 Los Angeles Public Library. All rights reserved.

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Book Review

• Veronica Roth

Readability Age Range

• Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books

Year Published

This futuristic thriller book by Veronica Roth is the first in the  Divergent series and is published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Divergent is written for kids ages 14 and up. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness.

Plot Summary

Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior lives in post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions: Amity (kind), Erudite (intelligent), Candor (honest), Abnegation (selfless) and Dauntless (brave). Beatrice and her brother, Caleb, must take an aptitude test that will tell them which faction they are best suited for and then choose which they will join. Where they join determines the value they will commit to for the rest of their lives.

During the aptitude test, Beatrice is injected with a serum that simulates several scenarios. She is judged on her reactions to these scenarios. After the test, the administrator tells her the results are inconclusive. Instead of having aptitude for only one faction, Beatrice shows an aptitude for three — Abnegation, Dauntless and Erudite — a result the administrator says makes her Divergent. The instructor warns Beatrice to not share the results with anyone because those who are found to be Divergent are killed.

Beatrice’s family belongs to Abnegation, the faction that has run the government since the great peace when the factions were formed. At home, Beatrice’s father tells the family that tension between Abnegation and Erudite is high. Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews has released a report saying that Abnegation leader Marcus’ abusive behavior toward his son Tobias is the reason Tobias left Abnegation two years earlier and chose Dauntless. They all believe the report is a lie. Beatrice has never met Tobias but knows leaving one faction for another is considered a betrayal. Beatrice believes she is too selfish to remain in Abnegation and secretly admires Dauntless, but she knows if she chooses another faction, she will have to leave her family forever.

At the choosing ceremony the next day, Beatrice is shocked when Caleb chooses Erudite. She intends to choose Abnegation so her parents won’t lose both their children, but at the last second, she chooses Dauntless, much to her father’s disappointment.

Beatrice travels to the Dauntless compound with other initiates and renames herself Tris. The initiates are told that only 10 of them will succeed, the others will become factionless or homeless with no place in society. Tris befriends Christina and Al from Candor and Will from Erudite. Peter, Drew and Molly, three others in their group, bully her.

The group’s Dauntless instructor, Four, teaches them how to use guns and knives, and to fight using hand-to-hand combat in the first stage of their initiation. Tris is simultaneously intimidated and attracted to Four.

Tris’ mother comes to the Dauntless compound on visiting day. She warns Tris to stay in the middle of the rankings and to not draw attention to herself because she is Divergent. She also asks Tris to visit Caleb in Erudite and ask him to research the simulation serum. Tris notices that her mother knows her way around the compound and realizes that she is Dauntless-born.

Stage two of Tris’ initiation involves conquering fear. As with the aptitude test, initiates are injected with a serum that simulates a frightening situation and measures the teens’ ability to remain calm or eliminate the threat. Tris performs well during this phase and eventually realizes that she can control the simulation and change the outcome. Four tells Tris that manipulating a simulation proves she is Divergent and warns her that if she does not hide it, the Dauntless leaders will kill her. He deletes the footage of the simulation.

Tris is more careful but still excels at training, getting through her simulations faster than anyone else. By the end of stage two, she is ranked first among the initiates. Other initiates become jealous, and three of them, including her friend Al, kidnap her and try to kill her. Four saves Tris before she is thrown over a ledge.

Tris and Four draw closer together, and Four takes Tris into a simulation of his fears. Tris discovers that Four only has four fears, hence the nickname. Most initiates have an average of 10 to 15. She also discovers that he is actually Tobias, the Abnegation leader’s son and an Abnegation transfer. Four’s greatest fear is of his father beating him and locking him in a small closet. After the simulation, Four takes her to the rapids where he tells her that he likes her, and they kiss.

The next day, Tris is disappointed that Four treats her like everyone else in her group. She fails a simulation, and he scolds her. Tris runs away to the Erudite headquarters in search of her brother. She tells Caleb about their mother’s visit and asks him to research the simulation serum. Caleb is afraid for Tris. He feels something big is going to happen, but he doesn’t know what it is. The Erudite are not happy with the government under Abnegation. As she tries to leave, Tris is arrested and taken to Jeanine, the Erudite leader, who questions her about choosing Dauntless and about her training records. Jeanine developed the serum aptitude tests and simulations, and she is suspicious of Tris’ results. Tris tells her that she transferred to Dauntless because she hates Abnegation and her parents. She is allowed to return to the Dauntless compound.

Four explains to Tris that they must keep their relationship a secret or other initiates will think her rank is based on favoritism and not merit. He also tells her that he got into the Dauntless computer system and found war plans from the Erudite. They realize that the Erudite want to use the Dauntless as soldiers in a war against Abnegation.

Tris passes her final test in the Dauntless initiation, a virtual simulation of all her combined fears, and receives the top rank. Afterward, Eric, the Dauntless leader, injects her with what he says is a tracking serum. He tells her that all the Dauntless are getting it as a precaution.

That night, Tris wakes up to find all the other initiates in her dorm getting out of bed in unison and getting dressed. They are in a trance-like state, and she can’t wake them. She follows them aboard the train to the Abnegation section of the city. She realizes the serum they received contained transmitters, and the transmitters are connected to a mind-control program. The Erudite developed the serum and the simulations, and the Dauntless leaders are working with Erudite. She is not under the mind control like all the other Dauntless because she is Divergent. She finds Four, who is also awake and pretending to be in a trance. He is Divergent as well.

When they get to the Abnegation sector, they see mind-controlled Dauntless shooting Abnegation members in the street. After a confrontation with a Dauntless leader, Tris is shot in the shoulder, and Eric and Dauntless soldiers capture Tris and Four. They are taken to the Erudite leader who tries a new serum on Four, one made especially for the Divergent, and it turns him into a mindless killer as well. Tris is left to drown in a tank rapidly filling with water, but her mother rescues her. She tells Tris where her father and the other Abnegation are hiding. She distracts soldiers so Tris can get away, but in the process, Tris’ mother is killed.

Tris finds her father hiding with her brother and Marcus, Four’s father. They agree to go back to the Dauntless compound to find the computer running the mind-control simulation and destroy it. When they get to Dauntless, they find another initiate, Peter, willingly guarding the facility; he is not under any mind control. Tris shoots him in the arm to get him to tell her the location of the computer. Leaving a wounded Peter with Caleb and Marcus, Tris and her father find the computer room and encounter several guards along the way. Her father shoots them, and in the fight, he is killed. Tris finds Four in the computer room monitoring the simulation. She knows she can’t shoot him or beat him in a fight, so she reasons with him, hoping that because he is Divergent, he will be able to break free of the simulation, and he does. They stop the computer program and remove the data. The Dauntless group, no longer under mind control, realizes what they have done.

Tris reunites with her brother, and Four faces Marcus for the first time in more than two years. Tris warns Marcus to stay away from Four. They take a train to Amity Headquarters to seek refuge.

Christian Beliefs

Tris’ father gives thanks to God before dinner. She notes that not every Abnegation family is religious, but her father urges her not to think about that because it will only cause division. Four has the words “Fear God Alone” painted on his bedroom wall. After Tris is shot and left to drown, she thinks of her baptism as a baby and how her mother gave her to God then. She knows she has not thought about God in a long time, and she suddenly is happy that she did not kill the Dauntless leader who assisted Erudite with the rebellion. Tris’ father tells her to go with God’s help as she faces soldiers guarding the Dauntless computer room. Thinking that Four will shoot her, Tris wonders what death will be like. Will she be instantly in another world and can she be forgiven for all she has done in this one?

Other Belief Systems

After her friend Al’s suicide, Dauntless leader Eric eulogizes the initiate by telling the Dauntless crowd that Al was courageous for leaping into rapids in order to explore an unknown and uncertain afterlife. He asks the crowd if any among them is brave enough to venture into darkness without knowing what lies beyond it.

Authority Roles

Once 16-year-olds choose a faction, they are no longer under any sort of parental supervision. Those who transfer to a different faction rarely or never see their parents again. Dauntless leaders are not selected by age, so Eric and Four, who oversee Tris’ initiation, aren’t much older than she is. Eric is hostile and violent, traits that are progressively working their way into the original, nobler Dauntless ideologies of bravery and courage. Erudite leader Jeanine uses deception and bad publicity to turn other factions against Abnegation. She has the Dauntless injected with a serum that makes them kill Abnegation members without realizing what they’re doing. Tris’ loving parents don’t disown her for changing factions. She discovers her mother has many secrets, including being formerly Dauntless and, like Tris, Divergent. Tris’ mother ultimately gives her life to save Tris. The beatings Four received in youth from his father, Marcus, leave him emotionally scarred and fearful.

Profanity & Violence

The Lord’s name is taken in vain twice. God’s name is taken in vain 12 times with for —‘s sake, thank, oh my, oh and swear to . Profanity used includes h— . Other language used: stiff (a derogatory name for members of Abnegation), hellions, idiot, shut up, jerk, stupid and crap .

As a part of initiation, Dauntless initiates jump out of a moving train onto the roof of a building; some are hurt, and one falls to her death. Initiates must then jump off a seven-story building without knowing what lies at the bottom. Tris goes first and falls into a net. During training, the instructor holds a gun to an initiate’s head because he is not paying attention. Tris has to stand still while knives are thrown at her head; one of them nicks her ear. Initiates face each other in fighting matches and are paired together regardless of gender or size. Two boys fight until one is knocked unconscious. Two girls fight, and when one is beaten so badly she surrenders, the instructor makes her hang off a ledge over rapids for five minutes. A large boy and a small girl are paired, and the boy brutally punches and kicks the girl until she passes out. Tris, angry for being constantly bullied, beats Molly mercilessly during their match — until Molly passes out.

The highest-ranking initiate is targeted and stabbed in the eye by three other initiates while he sleeps. After Tris is ranked first, other initiates kidnap her. They blindfold her, grope her and attempt to throw her over a ledge into the rapids. Four saves her and severely beats one of her attackers. In the virtual simulations, initiates face several of their deepest fears including bird attacks, drowning, shooting family members and kidnapping. Even though the simulations are not real, the teens have horrific nightmares after going through them. Skirmishes break out among initiates who punch each other. Two initiates are almost choked. Using mind control, Erudite turns members of Dauntless into an army that attacks Abnegation and kills several citizens. When Eric realizes Tris and Four are not under the mind control because they are Divergent, he threatens to kill Four. Tris shoots Eric in the foot to stop him. Tris is shot in the shoulder and left to drown. Her mother rescues her by shooting and killing several guards. Tris’ mother allows herself to be shot and killed so Tris can get away. Tris is forced to shoot her friend Will before he kills her. Tris’ father removes the bullet from her shoulder with a knife. Tris shoots Peter in the arm to get information from him. Tris’ father also dies because he sacrifices himself to save her. He kills several soldiers before he dies.

Sexual Content

Tris sees two initiates kissing in the dining room. She is embarrassed because Abnegation does not condone public displays of affection. Al likes Tris and tries to put his arm around her, but she rebuffs him.

Tris comes out of the shower wearing only a towel and encounters Peter, Molly and Drew in the dormitory. She barely has time to grab her dress before Peter pulls her towel away. Although she is able to hold the dress in front of her, they see her naked body from the back and laugh at her. After Tris is ranked first, other initiates kidnap her. They blindfold her and grope her before attempting to throw her over a ledge into the rapids.

Tris and Four secretly begin a dating relationship and kiss. Tris and Four sneak out to see Erudite headquarters at night, and while they are on the train, she straddles his lap, and they kiss. Christina tells Tris that she and Will kissed and are now dating. During Tris’ final test of her fears, a virtual simulation, she is placed in a situation where she and Four are alone in a room with a bed. Four kisses and begins to undress her, and Tris realizes she has a fear of intimacy. She tells virtual Four that she will not have sex with him in a simulation. After the test, she asks Four about his expectations of her because he is older than she is and more experienced. She tells him what happened in the virtual test and that she is not ready for sex. Four tells her that he is just as inexperienced as she is, and someday, if she still wants him, they can take their relationship to the next level.

After Tris is declared first among the initiates, she and Four kiss in front of everyone in the dining hall. In the train ride on the way to the Amity headquarters, Four tells Tris that he loves her, and he kisses her.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at ThrivingFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Alcohol: Four is seen with a bottle in his hand and appears tipsy. Alcohol is present at a wake where some of the initiates drink. People are drunk at dinner and at various celebrations.

Bullying: Tris is bullied for being Abnegation and pushed around because she is shorter and thinner than everyone else. She is often called a Stiff , a derogatory nickname for members of her home faction.

Lying: Tris lies to her brother Caleb when she tells him she was sent home early from the aptitude test because she got sick. When their mother asks if they know who got sick and was sent home early, Caleb tells her no. After she is rescued by Four, Tris tells her friends she does not know who saved her. Tris lies to her friends about the results of her aptitude tests. She lies to the Erudite leader about her reasons for joining Dauntless and her feelings toward her parents. Four lies to Eric about why Tris went to the Erudite headquarters. Tris lies to her friends about her whereabouts when she spends time with Four.

Smoking: A crowd from Candor smoke outside the building prior to the choosing ceremony.

Suicide: Al performs poorly in training and becomes increasingly depressed. As his ranking is lowered and Tris’ rank improves, he helps Peter and Drew kidnap her in an act of desperation. Al apologizes to Tris for his participation in the kidnapping, but she does not accept it. He commits suicide a few hours later by jumping off a ledge into the rapids.

Tattoos: The Dauntless routinely get tattoos and piercings. Four has several tattoos on his back; Tris gets three tattoos and accompanies her friends as they get their own tattoos. Eric has several tattoos and piercings. After Tris realizes her mother was Dauntless born, she notices a small tattoo under her mother’s arm.

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Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior lives in what was once Chicago but is now a vastly different place from what it used to be. The entire society fits within the city limits and is divided into five factions, each of which has a different set of guidelines and lifestyles that support its goal. The Abnegation faction pursues selflessness, Dauntless practices courage, Candor engages truth, Erudite seeks knowledge, and Amity follows kindness. These factions work together to form a perfect society --- well,  almost  a perfect society.

When citizens reach 16, they undergo an aptitude test that determines the best fit for each person. The following day is the Choosing Ceremony in which each teen must decide the faction he or she will join for the rest of their lives. Most follow in their parents' footsteps, but some choose a different faction, thus cutting off most contact with their loved ones. They have a saying in their society, "'faction over blood;" a person's faction becomes their new family.

So, at 16, Beatrice faces the biggest decision of her life. She has grown up in the Abnegation faction, where all thoughts and deeds focus on selflessness and doing for others. Unfortunately, Beatrice isn't very good at being completely selfless; she's forever getting disapproving looks from her parents and brother. So she's not surprised when her aptitude test doesn't point to Abnegation. She's surprised, though, when her test is inconclusive. This is extremely rare and makes her a Divergent. Her tester advises her never to tell anyone, as being a Divergent is extremely dangerous. Beatrice doesn't understand, and it makes her decision even more difficult. She must decide whether to follow in her parents' footsteps, in which she hasn't been very happy, or turn her back on her family and dare to be courageous. 

On the day of the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice follows her gut and elects to join Dauntless, the faction of bravery. Next she must undergo a series of initiation procedures in order to become an official member. These procedures are beyond tough, beyond scary, and beyond one's darkest nightmares, both physically and mentally. If she fails, Beatrice will become factionless --- an outcast living on the brink of poverty. But in order to survive, she must find the courage to reinvent herself and face her greatest fears. One of the first things she does is change her name to Tris, signaling a new beginning. She has no idea, though, of the magnitude of what is in store for her, including falling in love. The worst part, unbeknownst to most, is that a mutiny is brewing beneath the surface, and their well-ordered society is about to implode.

Veronica Roth's first novel marks the beginning of a trilogy, opening up a whole new adventure for book lovers. She writes with an intensity that challenges readers to look at their own lives, to consider which faction they might choose, to dream up which nightmares they might face in a similar initiation. She chose to set the story in first person, present tense, which adds to that intensity and energy. Tris is an extremely interesting character and very well rounded, and the story takes a unique turn with the massive emotional transformation she goes through as she reinvents herself. DIVERGENT offers exciting danger, sweet romance, intriguing psychiatric excavations, and nonstop captivating action. Veronica Roth is a welcomed and talented new addition to the YA book world.

Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman on May 3, 2011

Divergent by Veronica Roth

• Publication Date: February 11, 2014
• Genres: Dystopian , Fiction , Thriller , Young Adult 14+
• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• ISBN-10: 0062289853
• ISBN-13: 9780062289858

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of “Divergent,” a novel that swept readers off their feet with its gripping tale of bravery, identity, and the struggle for belonging. 🌆✨ Penned by the talented Veronica Roth, this dystopian masterpiece marked its grand entrance into the literary scene in 2011, quickly becoming a beloved staple among young adult fiction enthusiasts.

Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Chicago, “Divergent” invites us into a society divided into five distinct factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue. The story unfolds through the eyes of Beatrice “Tris” Prior, who must navigate this divided world while grappling with her own identity and the dark secrets that lie at the heart of her seemingly ordered society.

Veronica Roth, an American novelist, crafted “Divergent” during her final year at Northwestern University, drawing from her own experiences and observations of the world around her. The novel brilliantly combines elements of adventure , romance, and moral inquiry, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion.

Belonging to the genre of dystopian fiction, “Divergent” explores themes of societal division, personal freedom, and the complexities of human nature. It’s a tale that resonates with readers long after the last page is turned, inviting us to reflect on our values and the choices that define us. 📚💡

Join me as we dive deeper into the world of “Divergent,” exploring its rich plot, intricate characters, and the profound themes that make it a modern classic in young adult literature.

Plot Summary

“Divergent” is a journey of self-discovery, courage, and the quest to find one’s true identity in a society divided by conformist ideals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main events:

Exposition — The story begins in a post-apocalyptic Chicago, where society is divided into five factions based on human virtues: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). Beatrice Prior, the protagonist, is born into an Abnegation family but feels out of place due to her inner conflict and curiosity.

Rising Action — During the annual Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice makes a shocking decision to leave her family’s faction and join Dauntless, renaming herself Tris. She struggles through the brutal initiation process, forming alliances, making enemies, and uncovering her Divergent identity—a dangerous secret that means she doesn’t fit neatly into any one faction and can think independently.

Climax — Tris discovers a sinister plot by the Erudite faction to overthrow the government and eliminate all Divergents, using mind-controlled Dauntless soldiers. She, along with her instructor and love interest, Four (also a Divergent), decide to stop Erudite’s leader, Jeanine Matthews.

Falling Action — Tris and Four work together with other Dauntless members who are immune to the mind control to thwart Jeanine’s plan. Tris faces personal loss and is forced to kill one of her close friends, who is under mind control, to save herself and the plan to save their society.

Resolution — The novel ends with Tris, Four, and their allies escaping to the Amity sector after successfully disrupting the Erudite plot but at great personal cost. The story closes with the group planning their next steps, aware that the society they knew is forever changed and that their fight is far from over.

“Divergent” captivates readers with its thrilling plot and deep exploration of themes like identity, choice, and sacrifice, setting the stage for the rest of the series to unravel the fate of Tris, Four, and their divided world.

Character Analysis

“Divergent” boasts a rich cast of characters whose complexities and growth drive the narrative forward. Let’s delve into the personalities, motivations, and development of the main characters:

• Tris Prior — Initially struggling with her identity within the selfless confines of Abnegation, Tris chooses Dauntless to seek her true self. She’s courageous, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Throughout the story, she faces her fears, learns the value of friendship and love, and confronts the challenges of being Divergent in a divided society. Her journey is one of self-discovery, bravery, and sacrifice.
• Four/Tobias Eaton — A mysterious and skilled Dauntless instructor, Four is initially tough on Tris but reveals a deeper, vulnerable side as they grow closer. His real name is Tobias Eaton, and he’s also Divergent. Four despises his abusive father and the faction system that tore his family apart. His relationship with Tris helps him face his past and fight for a better future.
• Jeanine Matthews — The brilliant yet cold leader of Erudite, Jeanine is the antagonist of the story. She believes in the supremacy of intelligence over other virtues and orchestrates a plot to overthrow Abnegation. Her actions reflect her belief in control and power as means to achieve peace and order, highlighting the dangers of extremism.
• Christina — A transfer to Dauntless from Candor, Christina becomes one of Tris’s first friends. She’s outspoken, honest, and loyal, representing the strength found in true friendship and the importance of trust and integrity in the face of adversity.
• Peter — Coming from Candor to Dauntless, Peter is ambitious, ruthless, and craves power at any cost. His character challenges Tris and serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature, such as envy and betrayal.
• Caleb Prior — Tris’s brother, who chooses Erudite over Abnegation. His decision initially seems a betrayal, but his complex motivations are explored further in the series, highlighting themes of loyalty, family, and the quest for knowledge.

Character Analysis Summary

Through these characters, “Divergent” explores themes of identity, bravery, and the moral complexities of a divided society. Each character’s journey adds depth and nuance to the narrative, making the story both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Themes and Symbols

“Divergent” is rich with themes and symbols that contribute to its depth and appeal. Let’s explore the major ones and their significance in the narrative:

• Identity and Choice — Central to the novel, this theme explores the journey of discovering one’s true self beyond societal labels and expectations. Tris’s choice to leave Abnegation and join Dauntless signifies the importance of personal choice in shaping identity. The ability of Divergents to exhibit traits of multiple factions further challenges the rigid societal structure, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of identity.
• Bravery and Fear — Through the trials of Dauntless initiation, characters confront physical and psychological fears. Bravery is portrayed not as the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. Tris’s and Four’s narratives, in particular, highlight how facing one’s fears is a continuous process of growth and self-discovery.
• Societal Division and Unity — The division of society into factions based on virtues is a critique of the dangers of categorization and the oversimplification of human traits. The conflict and eventual breakdown of this system underscore the theme that true harmony requires acknowledging and celebrating differences rather than suppressing them.
• Power and Corruption — Jeanine Matthews and the Erudite faction’s quest for control illustrate how the pursuit of power can lead to corruption and tyranny. The novel questions the ethical implications of wielding power over others and suggests that a just society is one where power is balanced and shared.
• The Choosing Ceremony — Represents the pivotal moment of transition from adolescence to adulthood, where individuals must choose their path. It symbolizes the importance of choice and the consequences that follow.
• The Dauntless Tattoos — Symbolize identity, belief, and memory. For Tris, her tattoos represent important milestones and values, serving as a visual testament to her journey and growth.
• The Serum — Used in various forms throughout the novel, the serum symbolizes control and manipulation. Whether it’s for truth-telling, fear landscapes, or mind control, the use of serum reflects the broader theme of power dynamics and the ethical dilemmas of controlling others.

These themes and symbols weave through the narrative, creating a rich tapestry that explores complex moral questions and the essence of human nature. “Divergent” challenges readers to consider the importance of identity, the value of courage, and the impact of societal structures on individual freedom.

Style and Tone

Veronica Roth’s writing style and tone in “Divergent” play a crucial role in immersing readers into its dystopian world and connecting them with the characters’ internal struggles and triumphs. Here’s how they contribute to the mood and atmosphere of the book:

• Direct and Accessible — Roth employs a straightforward and engaging narrative style, making the complex themes and dystopian setting accessible to a wide audience, especially young adults. This approach ensures that readers are not bogged down by overly complex language, allowing them to focus on the plot and character development.
• First-Person Perspective — The story is told from Tris’s point of view, providing intimate insight into her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This perspective helps readers to closely identify with Tris, experiencing her fears, joys, and dilemmas as their own. It also adds a personal touch to the narrative, making the themes of identity and choice more relatable.
• Pacing and Suspense — Roth skillfully balances detailed descriptions of the dystopian world with fast-paced action sequences. The initiation trials, combat training sessions, and moments of political intrigue keep the narrative exciting and suspenseful, encouraging readers to turn the page to find out what happens next.
• Emotional Tone — The tone varies throughout the novel, reflecting Tris’s emotional journey. From the uncertainty and fear of leaving her family and facing Dauntless initiation, to moments of joy in friendships and romance, to the pain of loss and betrayal, Roth navigates a wide range of emotions that resonate with readers.
• Descriptive Imagery — The vivid descriptions of the futuristic Chicago setting, the factions, and their distinct ways of life paint a clear picture of the dystopian world. Roth uses imagery effectively to contrast the austerity of Abnegation with the thrill-seeking nature of Dauntless, enriching the reader’s understanding of the story’s backdrop.
• Themes and Morality — The writing style is imbued with the exploration of themes such as courage, loyalty, power, and identity. Roth doesn’t shy away from posing moral questions, encouraging readers to think critically about the choices the characters make and their implications.

In summary, Veronica Roth’s writing style and tone in “Divergent” are integral to creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. Through the use of a direct narrative, first-person perspective, and emotional depth, Roth engages readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs and values in the context of the dystopian world she has created.

Literary Devices used in Divergent

Veronica Roth employs a variety of literary devices in “Divergent” to enrich the narrative and deepen the reader’s engagement with the text. Here are the top 10 devices, their definitions, and how they’re used in the novel:

• Metaphor — A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating one thing is another, enhancing understanding or making a point more vividly. In “Divergent,” society’s division into factions is a metaphor for the categorization in real-life societies, highlighting the limitations and dangers of such divisions.
• Simile — Similar to a metaphor, but uses “like” or “as” to make the comparison. Roth uses similes to describe characters’ emotions and settings, such as comparing the feeling of jumping off the train to Dauntless headquarters to “flying like a bird,” which conveys the exhilaration and fear of embracing the unknown.
• Symbolism — The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. The five factions themselves are symbols of the virtues they represent (bravery, selflessness, intelligence, honesty, and peace), serving as a critique of the idea that people can be defined by a single characteristic.
• Irony — A contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting discrepancies between appearance and truth. The irony in “Divergent” lies in the fact that the faction system, designed to eliminate conflict and ensure societal harmony, actually leads to greater division and conflict.
• Allusion — A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. Roth alludes to known concepts of dystopia and utopia, inviting readers to compare the world of “Divergent” with other dystopian societies, such as those in “1984” or “Brave New World.”
• Foreshadowing — The use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story. Early in the novel, Tris’s aptitude test results foreshadow her struggle with her Divergent identity and the dangerous path it sets her on.
• Personification — Attributing human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract concepts. Roth personifies fear as an adversary that Tris must confront and overcome, making the concept of fear more tangible and relatable for the reader.
• Hyperbole — Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Characters in “Divergent” often use hyperbole to express the intensity of their experiences or emotions, such as the extreme challenges of Dauntless initiation.
• Imagery — Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping the reader to visualize scenes, characters, and actions. Roth’s detailed imagery of the factions’ distinct lifestyles and the adrenaline-pumping Dauntless initiation rites immerses readers in the novel’s dystopian world.
• Juxtaposition — Placing two elements close together or describing them in such a way as to highlight their contrasts. Roth juxtaposes the values and lifestyles of the different factions, particularly Abnegation and Dauntless, to explore themes of identity and belonging.

These literary devices are instrumental in building the complex world of “Divergent,” adding layers of meaning to the narrative and enhancing the reader’s experience.

Literary Devices Examples

Here we’ll detail examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, providing a clearer understanding of how these techniques enhance the narrative.

Foreshadowing

This table format offers a clear view of how Roth’s use of literary devices enriches the storytelling in “Divergent,” adding depth and nuance to the narrative and enhancing the reader’s engagement with the text.

Divergent – FAQs

Q: What is the main conflict in “Divergent”? A: The main conflict in “Divergent” centers around Tris Prior’s struggle to hide her Divergent identity in a society that divides people into factions based on dominant traits. This personal conflict is set against the backdrop of a larger societal conflict, where the Erudite faction seeks to overthrow the existing government and eliminate Divergents, whom they view as threats to the societal order.

Q: How does the faction system work, and what are its flaws? A: In “Divergent,” society is divided into five factions: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). Each faction values one virtue above all others. At the age of 16, individuals take an aptitude test to suggest which faction they are best suited for, but they are free to choose any faction during the Choosing Ceremony. The system’s flaws become apparent as it forces individuals to conform to a narrow identity, suppresses other virtues, and ultimately leads to division, inequality, and conflict within society.

Q: What does it mean to be Divergent in the novel? A: Being Divergent means possessing aptitudes and traits for more than one faction, which enables independent thinking and resistance to serums that control minds. Divergents are considered dangerous by the governing factions because they cannot be easily controlled and do not fit neatly into the society’s strict division, posing a threat to the established order.

Q: How does Tris’s character develop throughout the novel? A: Tris starts as an unsure and conflicted teenager, uncomfortable with the selflessness required by her Abnegation upbringing. Her decision to join Dauntless marks the beginning of her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Throughout the novel, she faces physical and emotional challenges that test her bravery, loyalty, and moral convictions. Tris evolves into a strong, courageous leader who is willing to sacrifice herself for her friends and fight against societal injustice.

Q: What role does romance play in “Divergent”? A: Romance plays a significant but balanced role in “Divergent.” The developing relationship between Tris and Four adds depth to their characters and provides emotional support and motivation for both. Their romance is built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding, highlighting the theme of personal growth and the strength found in connections with others. However, it doesn’t overshadow the main plot or the themes of identity, choice, and societal conflict.

Q: Can you explain the significance of the ending? A: The ending of “Divergent” sets the stage for the rest of the series by breaking the societal structure that the characters knew. Tris, Four, and their allies escape to the outskirts of their society, reflecting the breakdown of the faction system and the beginning of a new, uncertain future. The ending signifies a transition from personal conflict and growth to a broader focus on societal change and resistance against oppressive systems, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.

Here’s a quiz to test your comprehension of “Divergent” by Veronica Roth. Check your understanding and recall of the plot, characters, themes, and significant events of the novel.

This quiz covers key aspects of “Divergent,” challenging you to recall important details about the story’s plot, characters, and thematic elements. How well do you know “Divergent”?

Spot the Literary Devices

Read the paragraph below from “Divergent” and identify the literary devices used. List the devices and explain how each is used in the context of the paragraph. After completing the exercise, check the answers provided below.

Paragraph for Analysis:

“In the midst of the chaos, I find peace. Racing through the streets, my heart beats in sync with the rapid footsteps that carry me towards my destiny. The buildings loom above, silent guardians of the dark secrets this city holds. Fear, once a constant companion, now lags behind, struggling to keep up with the newfound strength that fuels my legs. The night air whispers promises of freedom, a freedom that tastes of adrenaline and feels like flying.”

• Metaphor — “silent guardians of the dark secrets this city holds” uses the buildings as a metaphor for protectors of the city’s secrets, suggesting their imposing presence and the mysteries they oversee without directly stating it.
• Personification — Giving fear human-like qualities, as in “Fear, once a constant companion, now lags behind,” personifies fear as something that can accompany someone and struggle to keep pace, emphasizing the protagonist’s overcoming of fear.
• Simile — “feels like flying” compares the sensation of freedom to the act of flying, illustrating the exhilarating and liberating experience the character feels.
• Imagery — The entire paragraph is rich with imagery, vividly painting a picture of the setting (“Racing through the streets,” “The buildings loom above,” “The night air whispers”) and the protagonist’s emotional state, allowing the reader to visualize and feel the scene’s intensity and the character’s emotions.

This exercise encourages you to explore and identify how literary devices enhance the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience and deepening the understanding of the text.

Book Review: Divergent By Veronica Roth

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 31st July 2019  - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories Book Reviews , Books

Wondering whether to read Divergent by Veronica Roth? Check out my in-depth Divergent book review to help you decide!

I’ve taken my time with getting to the Divergent series by Veronica Roth because I was afraid of all the hype surrounding it but boy do I regret it. I have just finished reading this book and I can’t believe that I put it off for so long! This book isn’t quite what I expected but it’s certainly action-packed and I never knew what was going to happen next.

Divergent Book Summary

Divergent follows the story of Beatrice (Tris) Prior in a new dystopian world. In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of war, humankind broke into five different ‘factions’: Erudite, for the clever, Amity, for the peaceful, Candor, for the honest, Abnegation, for the selfless and Dauntless, for the brave.

Children grow up in whichever faction their parents belong to, but at the age of 16, they go through an aptitude test to show them which faction they belong in and the following day, at the Choosing Ceremony, they must decide the path for the rest of their lives.

Tris knows that she doesn’t belong in Abnegation like the rest of her family and so she makes the difficult decision to leave her family behind and join a new faction, Dauntless.

A tough initiation process follows – one that not everyone will survive. As Tris tries to fit in among the Dauntless she struggles to figure out who she is and who her real friends are. As if finding herself in a new faction wasn’t difficult enough, Tris has a secret that she learned about herself during the aptitude test. A secret that she has been warned to never tell lest it destroy her.

Divergent Book Review

What I love about this story is how real the characters and the setting all feel, despite the dystopian setting, which is all down to Roth’s genius. Each character is flawed, some more than others, and this made it easy to relate to them as a reader and I found that I actually cared about what happened to the characters.

When they felt sad, I felt sad; when they felt pain, I felt pain and when they felt happy, I felt happy. It is rare that you find a book in which you can truly share your emotions with the characters but Divergent is one of those gems.

RELATED: 17 Best Dystopian Novels For Teens

The book is written in the first person from the perspective of Tris herself. She often finds herself torn between what she thinks she should do and what she actually wants to do and isn’t afraid to admit that she is sometimes selfish.

I really loved this about her because, let’s be honest, very few of us can say that we don’t often have selfish thoughts no matter how hard we try to be moral people.

Tris isn’t afraid to admit it when she’s afraid or weak but she’s also strong-willed and determined not to be beaten.

She is well aware of what her short comings are and that she hasn’t been blessed with the best physique for a member of Dauntless, but she tries her hardest and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters right?

Four was also a really interesting character because his emotions were always veiled and you could never really tell what he was thinking.

Four isn’t a difficult character to love but because he doesn’t show his true emotions very often, you’re also sort of frightened and unsure of him for a large part of the novel.

I guess this is perfect because that’s pretty much how Tris feels about him for a large part of the story too so the reader and Tris really are as one on this adventure.

I love that Roth didn’t make him the stereotypical ‘bad boy’ (I guess that’s what he is) but made him a real character that has much more to him than meets the eye. He does what he wants and he isn’t easily influenced by the opinions of others.

Sometimes I felt like the characters seemed a little deadpan but I suppose that’s all part of the ‘dauntless’ act and it made the moments when the characters were happy and laughing all the more special. This certainly isn’t a happy story and it isn’t one that suddenly retreats in a world filled with fluffy clouds.

There is an ever-present darkness lining this book, even when the story takes a more positive turn. It is evident that there is more going on in this story than meets the eye but Roth has carefully staged this story so that the reader has absolutely no idea what’s going on until it hits you in the face.

The reader is on a level with Tris throughout the story – what she knows, we know, what she doesn’t know, we don’t know.

At least, that will be the case if you have been completely unexposed to the spoilers that are just about all over the internet. I knew very little about Divergent prior to reading the story so I found all the twists and turns to be incredibly shocking and exciting.

There’s no insta-love in this story! I think this book deserves a big fat hooray just for that. It’s hard to find YA books that aren’t centred on romance that still get the romance perfect but I think Veronica Roth may have done it.

The chemistry between Tris and Four takes a backseat in this story, but it’s always there lurking in the background.

RELATED: 22 Teen Romance Novels to Read

There aren’t any PDAs, in fact, the romance is rather chaste, or at least, less prominent than in many other YA novels , which I guess can be put down to the factions in which the characters were brought up in and the ones they currently reside in.

The story doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger so you could almost read Divergent as a standalone novel and be satisfied at the end. That said, this almost certainly won’t be the case because you’ll want  to find out more about this phenomenally interesting world.

I did find the ending to be a tad abrupt as I turned the page on my kindle expecting to find more story when, in fact, it was already over. There were no clues whatsoever as to how this story will continue so you really are in the dark and I can’t wait to get my hands on a  copy of Insurgent!

This is, I think, one of the keys to this story’s success. This book wasn’t predictable in the slightest and never knowing what was coming next made me desperate to keep reading.

All in all, Divergent is a fantastic and captivating read that I would highly recommend to all fans of YA dystopian novels . The combination of very real characters and an original plot make this an absolute must-read and I understand now why there is so much hype surrounding this series.

If you’re looking for a YA book that stands out from the rest, then this is your book. I absolutely cannot wait to read Insurgent now and watch the Divergent film , which I’ve heard is actually better than the book, believe it or not!

Now read my Divergent film review here.

Buy Divergent: Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells

Pin now, read again later!

If you liked this post, check out these: The Hunger Games Book Review Catching Fire Book Review Mockingjay Book Review The Maze Runner Book Review

Editor of What’s Hot?

[This post was first written in 2014 but edited and updated in 2019]

Friday 16th of August 2019

Loved this series so so much! The films unfortunately .. suck :/

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hahah that is usually the case with book to film adaptations - sadly!

Thursday 1st of August 2019

I really liked "Divergent". And loved the characters, especially Four. I read it I guess two or three summers ago and was totally into the whole story. Unfortunately I didn't liked the sequels that much. Don't know why, but something significant was missing. Ruth

That's such a shame! I haven't read the last two books but I do own them. Don't feel like reading them now after your comments :(

Sunday 17th of January 2016

I have wanted to read this for a while and I want to hear it even more now! x

Rachel | Beauty and the Bird

Saturday 16th of January 2016

This looks like a pretty interesting read - not my usual type but I may give it a go sometime :)

Leesha Starr

Friday 15th of January 2016

Not my type of book but it does sound pretty interesting.

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From the Divergent series , Vol. 1

by Veronica Roth ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2011

Guaranteed to fly off the shelves.

Cliques writ large take over in the first of a projected dystopian trilogy.

The remnant population of post-apocalyptic Chicago intended to cure civilization’s failures by structuring society into five “factions,” each dedicated to inculcating a specific virtue. When Tris, secretly a forbidden “Divergent,” has to choose her official faction in her 16th year, she rejects her selfless Abnegation upbringing for the Dauntless, admiring their reckless bravery. But the vicious initiation process reveals that her new tribe has fallen from its original ideals, and that same rot seems to be spreading… Aside from the preposterous premise, this gritty, paranoid world is built with careful details and intriguing scope. The plot clips along at an addictive pace, with steady jolts of brutal violence and swoony romance. Despite the constant assurance that Tris is courageous, clever and kind, her own first-person narration displays a blank personality. No matter; all the “good” characters adore her and the “bad” are spiteful and jealous. Fans snared by the ratcheting suspense will be unable to resist speculating on their own factional allegiance; a few may go on to ponder the questions of loyalty and identity beneath the façade of thrilling adventure.

Pub Date: May 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-06-202402-2

Page Count: 496

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

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More In The Series

BOOK REVIEW

by Veronica Roth

More by Veronica Roth

by Veronica Roth ; illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie

IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HER

by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.

In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me , three characters tell their sides of the story.

Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781728276229

Page Count: 416

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

More by Laura Nowlin

by Laura Nowlin

From the Powerless Trilogy series , Vol. 1

by Lauren Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023

A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.

The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.

Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.

Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023

ISBN: 9798987380406

Page Count: 538

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

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Divergent, book 1.

• Parents say (72)
• Kids say (530)

Based on 530 kid reviews

Report this review

Common sense did not have to be so harsh.

This title has:

Divergent is the best!

One of my favs, good intro to romance.

This book is one of my favourites being both plot and character driven, really fun and exciting all the way through. It’s action packed and fun. I love tris, we would def be friends in real life. There’s definitely some romance in this book, but I would say it’s a great intro to young romances. It’s wholesome, although sometimes it goes a bit further than I’d like but never over the line. Best of all the romance is a subplot, we love that. Amaz characters and plot! Very good, well rounded book :)

The book should be from about 12-13+ but not for anyone lower.

It's great, but little sex scenes. maybe 13 years or older, good book for teens, 10/10 would recommend.

– Entertainment Analysis and Reviews

Exploring the World of Divergent (novel) by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth’s debut novel “Divergent” has gained immense popularity since its release in 2011, captivating audiences with its dystopian setting and gripping storyline. Set in a future Chicago, the book follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a sixteen-year-old girl who must choose a faction to belong to, and the consequences of her choice. “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity, conformity, and loyalty, making it a standout in the young adult genre. The book’s success has also led to a movie adaptation and a lasting impact on popular culture. In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of the book that have made it a fan favorite and a must-read for anyone interested in dystopian fiction.

Plot Summary of Divergent (novel)

Themes and meaning explored, analysis of characters:, critical reception, adaptations.

“Divergent” is set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Each faction is dedicated to a particular virtue, such as selflessness, honesty, or bravery, and every sixteen-year-old must choose which faction to join for the rest of their lives. Beatrice Prior, the book’s protagonist, is born into Abnegation but feels like she does not fit in with their selfless values. During the Choosing Ceremony, she decides to join Dauntless, a faction known for their courage and fearlessness, but soon discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning that she possesses traits from multiple factions. As Beatrice, now known as Tris, tries to fit in with her new faction and keep her true identity a secret, she becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the factions that threatens to tear society apart.

List of main events in the plot:

• Beatrice Prior chooses to join the Dauntless faction
• Beatrice changes her name to Tris and begins her Dauntless initiation
• Tris befriends Four, a fellow initiate, and begins to develop feelings for him
• Tris discovers that she is Divergent, a dangerous and feared trait in their society
• Tris uncovers a plot by the Erudite faction to overthrow Abnegation and take control of the government
• Tris and Four team up to stop the Erudite’s plan, but face many obstacles along the way
• Tris is forced to confront her own beliefs and values as she fights for what she believes is right
• The book ends with a dramatic climax and a twist that sets up the next book in the series.

• Individuality and Identity: The book’s protagonist, Tris, struggles with finding her own identity and fitting into society’s expectations. As a Divergent, she doesn’t fit neatly into any one faction, and must reconcile conflicting parts of herself in order to find her place in the world.
• Conformity and Societal Norms: The five factions in “Divergent” represent different societal norms and values that are expected of its members. The pressure to conform to these norms and the consequences of not doing so are explored throughout the book.
• The Role of Government and Authority: The book raises questions about the role of government and authority in society. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the government has its own agenda and that those in power may not always have the best interests of its citizens in mind.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Tris must navigate complex relationships and shifting loyalties as she uncovers a plot to overthrow the government. Betrayal is a recurring theme in the book, as characters must decide where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to sacrifice for their beliefs.
• Coming of Age: “Divergent” is a classic coming-of-age story, as Tris navigates the challenges of growing up and discovering who she is. The book deals with themes of maturity, responsibility, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

These themes are skillfully woven into the plot and characters of “Divergent,” making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for young adults and adults alike.

“Divergent” is filled with complex and well-developed characters that bring the story to life. Here are some of the key characters in the book and what makes them so compelling:

• Tris Prior: Tris is the protagonist of the book and a prime example of a strong female character. She is brave, intelligent, and willing to fight for what she believes in. As a Divergent, Tris is able to see things from different perspectives and is not limited by the faction system. She is a relatable and likable character who readers can root for throughout the book.
• Four/Tobias Eaton: Four is a mysterious and enigmatic character who becomes Tris’s love interest. He is also a Dauntless instructor who helps train the initiates. Four has a troubled past and is dealing with his own demons throughout the book. He is a complex and well-rounded character who adds depth to the story.
• Eric: Eric is a Dauntless leader who serves as a foil to Four. He is power-hungry and cruel, using violence to maintain control over the initiates. Eric is an antagonist in the book, but his motivations and actions are complex and interesting to explore.
• Jeanine Matthews: Jeanine is the leader of the Erudite faction and the mastermind behind the plot to overthrow the government. She is intelligent and calculating, using her knowledge to manipulate others for her own gain. Jeanine is a formidable opponent for Tris and the other characters, making her an engaging villain.

“Divergent” has been both a commercial and critical success since its release in 2011. Here are some of the reviews and opinions of the book, as well as its success and comparisons with other popular young adult novels:

• Reviews and Opinions of the Book: “Divergent” has received generally positive reviews from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its strong and relatable female protagonist, as well as its exploration of themes such as individuality and conformity. However, some reviewers have criticized the book for its similarities to other young adult dystopian novels and its lack of originality.
• Success of the Book and the Series: “Divergent” has been a huge commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a successful film franchise starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James. The book’s success has spawned two sequels, “Insurgent” and “Allegiant,” as well as a spin-off novel, “Four.”
• Comparison with Other Popular Young Adult Novels: “Divergent” has been compared to other popular young adult dystopian novels such as “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner.” While these books share similarities, “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity and individuality, which set it apart from other dystopian novels.

Overall, “Divergent” has been a successful and popular addition to the young adult dystopian genre. While it may share similarities with other books in the genre, its exploration of complex themes and well-developed characters have made it a standout novel for many readers.

• Movie Adaptation: “Divergent” was adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Neil Burger. The film starred Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior and Theo James as Four. The movie was generally well-received by fans and critics, although some fans of the book noted that some important scenes and characters were left out or changed in the adaptation.
• Differences between the Book and the Movie: As with many book-to-movie adaptations, there were some differences between the book and the movie version of “Divergent.” Some of the key differences include:
• The age of the characters: In the book, Tris and the other initiates are 16 years old, while in the movie they are portrayed as older teenagers.
• The portrayal of certain characters: Some characters, such as Christina and Peter, were not portrayed as prominently in the movie as they were in the book.
• Changes to certain plot points: The movie made some changes to certain plot points, such as the order in which Tris completes her simulations and the way in which the simulation serum is administered.

Despite these differences, the movie adaptation of “Divergent” was generally well-received by fans and critics. It stayed relatively faithful to the book’s plot and themes, while also making some necessary changes to fit the story into a two-hour movie.

The world-building in “Divergent” is intricate and well-crafted, creating a detailed and believable future society that readers can fully immerse themselves in. The fast-paced plot and action-packed sequences keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

The characters in “Divergent” are also a major highlight of the book. Tris Prior, Four/Tobias Eaton, Eric, and Jeanine Matthews are all complex and multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations and struggles. Their interactions and relationships drive the story forward and add depth and nuance to the novel.

The critical reception of “Divergent” has been generally positive, with the book being praised for its strong female protagonist and exploration of complex themes. The book’s commercial success has also led to a successful movie franchise and a spin-off novel.

Overall, “Divergent” is a must-read for fans of young adult dystopian novels. Its unique themes, well-developed characters, and exciting plot make it a standout addition to the genre. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the movie, “Divergent” is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Hi, I’m William Jones, the administrator of the exciting website explainedthis.com, which offers movie, music, and book reviews. With a deep passion for entertainment, I created this platform to provide a trusted source of information for fellow enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends.

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Review: The New Empires of the Internet Age

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The New Empires of the Internet Age

Cyberspace has upended the old world order..

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• United States

The world today is a geopolitical hot mess. One source of that messiness is a lack of consensus among scholars and policymakers about the global distribution of power. Do we still live in a world of U.S. hegemony? Is it a bipolar or multipolar world? Or are states no longer the globe’s key actors, and do we instead live in an age of “ technopolarity ,” where corporate titans such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and billionaire Elon Musk are the new great powers?

The academic cacophony is disturbing. Uncertainty about the distribution of power is not merely a matter of debate; when actors disagree about the distribution of power, wars can start.

Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy , Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman, Henry Holt and Co., 288 pp., $28.99, September 2023; Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology , Anu Bradford, Oxford University Press, 608 pp., $39.95, September 2023

Two books published last year offer divergent takes on these questions. In Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy , Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman posit that the United States still wields a considerable amount of structural power in the global system. Anu Bradford’s Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology , however, argues that the surprising superpower is neither the United States nor China but the European Union.

Both books examine the exercise of power and governance in the digital sphere. Their contrasting evaluations help explain why it is so difficult for even the sharpest observers of global affairs to agree about the current state of the world—particularly when technology is involved.

Farrell and Newman’s Underground Empire builds on the pair’s pathbreaking 2019 article in International Security , “Weaponized Interdependence: How Global Economic Networks Shape State Coercion.” In that paper, Farrell, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Newman, a professor at Georgetown University, posited that, across many economic sectors, globalization generated a network structure that concentrated power in a few central nodes. States that controlled those nodes—such as the United States—could exercise considerable global influence.

Underground Empire reminds readers of the article’s core argument. In their introduction, the authors write, “The global economy relied on a preconstructed system of tunnels and conduits that the United States could move into and adapt, nearly as easily as if they had been custom-designed by a military engineer for that purpose. By seizing control of key intersections, the U.S. government could secretly listen to what adversaries were saying to each other or freeze them out of the global financial system.”

Underground Empire expands far beyond this point, however. There is an interesting discussion, for one, of how the private sector helped create this centralized world and the conditions under which multinational corporations have been willing extensions of federal power: “Entrepreneur after entrepreneur discovered that the best way to turn a profit in a decentralized economy was to figure out ways to centralize parts of it again.”

Bradford’s Digital Empires similarly builds on earlier work. Bradford draws from her 2020 book, The Brussels Effect , which argues that the EU’s combination of market power and technocratic capacity made it a superpower in issue areas where Europeans preferred stringent regulatory standards. In Digital Empires , Bradford, a professor at Columbia Law School, contends that there are three great powers when it comes to online technology—and each of them offers a different variety of digital capitalism. As she describes it, “the US has pioneered a largely market-driven model, China a state-driven model, and the EU a rights-driven model.”

These varying approaches lead to horizontal clashes between the United States, China, and the EU on regulatory and technological issues such as data privacy and content moderation. Divergent digital preferences also create vertical clashes between these governments and the tech companies supplying digital infrastructure and services. The Chinese state cowed its firms into greater compliance with government dictates; U.S. firms have been more willing to fight the federal government on questions of data privacy.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager gestures as she speaks during a news conference on the Apple antitrust case at EU headquarters in Brussels on April 30, 2021. Francisco Seco/AFP via Getty Images

Both Underground Empire and Digital Empires are analytically sharp and worth reading. Farrell and Newman pepper their narrative with entertaining anecdotes—such as the fact that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) labeled the internet’s international choke points after ski resorts. Bradford’s book is encyclopedic in its range; her discussion of global online policy disputes on issues including antitrust and artificial intelligence is comprehensive and useful for anyone wishing to read up on the subject matter.

Comparing and contrasting the authors’ arguments—as I am about to do—elides where they are in agreement. Both Underground Empire and Digital Empires stress the importance of institutional capacity as a means that states use to exercise power; some of Bradford’s arguments resemble those that Farrell and Newman made in their 2019 book, Of Privacy and Power . The new books also suggest that the concept of technopolarity does not have legs. After reading both books, one is likely to conclude that state power will be able to pressure the private sector into compliance on core national interests.

Nonetheless, what makes these books such interesting reading is where they diverge: the sources of state power in cyberspace.

For Farrell and Newman, Washington retains considerable structural power because so much of the digital world originated in the United States. This network centrality endows the United States with the ability to surveil, influence, and—if necessary—coerce other actors across multiple realms.

At least some of this was by design: The authors write that, during the early days of the internet, “[a]ccording to a former NSA employee, the U.S. government ‘quietly encourage[d] the telecommunications industry to increase the amount of international traffic that is routed through American-based switches’ to make it easier to spy on the world.” With China-U.S. tech competition heating up, Washington has employed unconventional measures to pressure China. These include the foreign direct product rule, which allows the United States to ban the export of products from other countries if those products rely on U.S.-made components or technology.

The Case Against TikTok Is Thin at Best

There are real issues—but they go far beyond one app.

Big Tech Is Trying to Prevent Debate About Its Social Harms

The industry’s “digital trade” strategy seeks to preemptively constrain governments.

Is This a Revolution? Or Are People Just Very Ticked Off?

In a new book, Fareed Zakaria explores how much the times are a-changin’. At risk, he says, is the entire global system.

Overall, Underground Empire suggests that some forms of structural power are extremely difficult to dislodge. As during the late 1980s—when many international relations scholars believed the United States was in terminal decline, only for the country to be the last superpower standing a decade later—commentators may be underestimating current U.S. power in the digital world.

For Bradford, however, what matters is the combination of market power, state capacity, and attractiveness of a government’s regulatory preferences. This formula enables her to predict that, going forward, the EU will be the most important democratic actor in global digital governance. The EU’s lack of big tech firms is a plus in Bradford’s model because it reduces the EU’s incentive to cater to domestic interest groups.

According to Digital Empires , the laissez-faire market-based U.S. model of tech governance is losing its appeal both at home and abroad. Domestically, both major political parties have soured on Big Tech, albeit for different reasons. Democrats distrust the corporate concentration of Big Tech, while Republicans are convinced that content moderation has an anti-conservative bias. Globally, concerns about data privacy have made life more difficult for the Big Five tech firms—Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

As the U.S. model loses its luster, Bradford posits that the United States will align more closely with the EU against China’s more authoritarian model of digital governance. For Bradford, therefore, what matters is not control over critical nodes but control over critical markets.

The definitions of digital power proffered in Underground Empire and Digital Empires are not mutually exclusive. It can be simultaneously true that the United States retains considerable structural power and the EU exercises its market power adroitly—and all the while China tries to amass both forms of power. Still, if there are arenas of contestation where U.S., European, and Chinese officials disagree, whose form of power might prevail?

Here, one would have to give a slight edge to Farrell and Newman and their argument in favor of U.S. structural power. Bradford’s case for the EU is weakened by a few empirical and theoretical claims that do not hold up. Her chapter on the “waning global influence of American techno-libertarianism” is normatively persuasive about the downsides of the U.S. model. Her claim that other democracies have turned against the U.S. model, however, relies almost entirely on criticisms levied by those countries after the 2013 Edward Snowden revelations rather than meaningful policy change.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives to testify during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington on Jan. 31. The committee heard testimony from the heads of the largest tech firms on the dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

There are two other areas where Bradford’s predictions are even more untenable. She suggests in her conclusion that “tech companies were reluctant to moderate content on their platforms but now increasingly concede they have a responsibility to do so more proactively.” This claim has not aged well. After Musk stripped Twitter’s content moderation team in 2022, other big tech firms followed suit. As the Washington Post reported last August, “[s]ocial media companies are receding from their role as watchdogs against political misinformation, abandoning their most aggressive efforts to police online falsehoods.” There is no sign of this trend abating during this record-breaking global year of elections .

Bradford also claims that the United States is moving toward the EU on AI regulations. “Artificial intelligence may well be the next frontier of the Brussels Effect,” she writes, adding that the EU’s AI regulation “may also serve as a template for other jurisdictions.” But a recent Politico story about the clash of EU and U.S. AI standards suggested a different outcome. EU member states such as France do not necessarily agree with Brussels. U.S. officials, along with Silicon Valley representatives, have also pushed back hard on EU standards. The result? “Heading into 2024, those who want a lighter touch appear to be winning, despite EU’s new binding rules on AI,” the Politico authors wrote.

The sources of power in cyberspace undoubtedly reside somewhere between Underground Empire and Digital Empires . It is possible, however, that they may also shift over time. Farrell and Newman’s argument holds considerable power for newer technologies as they emerge; what Underground Empire reveals is that geography matters even in cyberspace, particularly when the contours of any technological network remain somewhat obscured.

In the end, what Underground Empire and Digital Empires suggest is that technology can help international relations theorists better understand the power debates that have haunted them since the days of Sparta and Athens.

Books are independently selected by FP editors. FP earns an affiliate commission on anything purchased through links to Amazon.com on this page.

Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is the author of the newsletter Drezner’s World . Twitter:  @dandrezner

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Divergent by Veronica Roth - review

For someone who reads as many dystopian future novels as I do, Divergent has a lot to live up to ('cough' The Hunger Games 'cough'). However, I was most definitely hooked by this superb work of fiction. It had everything a dystopian novel needs: a feisty heroine, an unyielding government, love interests, survival in a harsh world, and shocks and twists galore. In short, it was fantastic!

Close your eyes and picture this: you are 16 years old and about to make the biggest choice of your life. You have grown up in a faction that values a particular trait, Abnegation (selflessness), Candor (honesty), Amity (kindness), Dauntless (bravery) or Erudite (knowledge-seeking). You could choose to stay with your parents and the place you know or you could strike out into a new faction but beware, once you've made that decision, there's no going back.

This is Beatrice's story, an Abnegation girl who is conflicted about which faction to join. On one hand, she feels that she has never truly belonged in Abnegation, but on the other, she doesn't want to betray her family. Her decision is made more difficult by the knowledge that she is not like most people: she is Divergent. Once in her chosen faction Beatrice must absorb the culture shocks and keep all her wits about her if she is to survive as failing the initiation will render her factionless and an outcast of society. Meanwhile, government troubles are brewing and Beatrice's world is about to turn upside-down…

As I've said before, Divergent has all the components for a good dystopian novel. However, be warned as there is a lot of bloodshed, which I was not expecting. Roth maintains a gripping pace throughout the book, with suspense and plot twists around every corner. I felt that I was living alongside Beatrice through all her trials and triumphs as she was such a convincing heroine. I am now desperately hoping there is a sequel, as it would be a real shame to leave the story ending on such a cliff-hanger. Just one question remains, what is Divergent? Read the book and find out because you won't hear it from me!

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Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books

Tom Bober, librarian and President of the Missouri Association of School Librarians, poses for a photo Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Clayton, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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When an illustrated edition of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” was released in 2019, educators in Clayton, Missouri needed little debate before deciding to keep copies in high school libraries. The book is widely regarded as a classic work of dystopian literature about the oppression of women, and a graphic novel would help it reach teens who struggle with words alone.

But after Missouri legislators passed a law in 2022 subjecting librarians to fines and possible imprisonment for allowing sexually explicit materials on bookshelves, the suburban St. Louis district reconsidered the new Atwood edition, and withdrew it.

“There’s a depiction of a rape scene, a handmaid being forced into a sexual act,” says Tom Bober, Clayton district’s library coordinator and president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians. “It’s literally one panel of the graphic novel, but we felt it was in violation of the law in Missouri.”

Across the country, book challenges and bans have soared to the highest levels in decades. Public and school-based libraries have been inundated with complaints from community members and conservative organizations such as as Moms for Liberty. Increasingly, lawmakers are considering new punishments — crippling lawsuits, hefty fines, and even imprisonment — for distributing books some regard as inappropriate.

The trend comes as officials seek to define terms such as “obscene” and “harmful.” Many of the conflicts involve materials featuring racial and/or LGBTQ+ themes, such as Toni Morrison’s novel, “The Bluest Eye,” and Maia Kobabe’s memoir, “Gender Queer.” And while no librarian or educator has been jailed, the threat alone has led to more self-censorship.

Already this year, lawmakers in more than 15 states have introduced bills to impose harsh penalties on libraries or librarians.

Utah enacted legislation in March that empowers the state’s Attorney General to enforce a new system of challenging and removing “sensitive” books from school settings. The law also creates a panel to monitor compliance and violations.

Awaiting Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s signature is a bill that empowers local prosecutors to bring charges against public and school libraries if they don’t move “harmful” materials away from children.

“The laws are designed to limit or remove legal protections that libraries have had for decades,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Since the early 1960s, institutions including schools, libraries and museums — as well as educators, librarians and other staffers who distribute materials to children — have largely been exempt from expensive lawsuits or potential criminal charges.

These protections began showing up in states as America grappled with standards surrounding obscenity, which was defined by the Supreme Court in 1973.

Ruling 5-4 in Miller v. California, the justices said obscene materials are not automatically protected by the First Amendment, and offered three criteria that must be met for being labeled obscene: whether the work, taken as a whole, appeals to “prurient interest,” whether “the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law,” and whether the work lacks “serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”

Eventually, almost every state adopted protections for educators, librarians and museum officials, among others who provide information to minors.

“Until recently, police and prosecutors were unable to pursue charges against public libraries over materials that make certain individuals uncomfortable. These exemptions have prevented spurious prosecutions of teachers over health and sexuality curriculum, art, theater, and difficult subjects in English classes,” stated a 2023 report from EveryLibrary, a national political action committee that opposes censorship.

Arkansas and Indiana targeted educators and librarians with criminalization laws last year. Tennessee criminalized publishers that provide “obscene” materials to public schools.

Some Republicans are seeking penalties and restrictions that would apply nationwide. Referring to “pornography” in the foreword to Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a possible second Donald Trump administration, the right-wing group’s president, Kevin Roberts, wrote that the “people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders.”

Arkansas’ version was temporarily blocked by a federal judge after a coalition of librarians and publishers challenged the legality of subjecting librarians and booksellers to criminal charges if they provide “harmful” materials to minors.

Indiana lawmakers stripped away “educational purposes” as a defense for school librarians and educators charged with giving minors “obscene” or “harmful” material — felonies punishable by up to 2½ years in jail and $10,000 in fines. The law also requires public catalogs of what’s in each school library and systems for responding to complaints.

Indiana’s law took effect January 1. It’s likely a matter of when — not if — a lawsuit is filed, and the anxiety has created a chilling effect.

“It’s putting fear into some people. It’s very scary,” said Diane Rogers, a school librarian who serves as president of the Indiana Library Federation. “If you’re a licensed teacher just being charged with a felony potentially gets rid of your license even if you’re found innocent. That’s a very serious thing.”

Rogers said she’s confident Indiana’s school libraries don’t offer obscene materials, but she’s seen reports that some districts have moved certain titles to higher age groups or required parental approval to check them out.

A PEN America list shows 300 titles were removed from school libraries across 11 Missouri districts after lawmakers in 2022 banned “sexually explicit” material, punishable by up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine. The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and library groups challenged the law last year, but it remains in effect pending a motion for the state to intervene.

“Gender Queer” is another title no longer available to high schoolers in Clayton, where district officials recently turned their attention to Mike Curato’s graphic novel, “Flamer,” about a teenager who struggles with his sexual identity and how to fit in at Boy Scout camp. The American Library Association included “Flamer” on its list of 2023’s most challenged and/or banned books .

“We had a lot of conversations about how to interpret the law and not be in violation,” Bober said. “But we also didn’t want to overreach and overcensor our collections. With ‘Flamer,’ we did not feel we were in violation of the law.”

Petitioners seek to repeal children’s book review board in Huntington Beach

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Huntington Beach has received significant pushback following a City Council majority’s decision to form a review committee for children’s books at the public library.

A new chapter has arrived, as some residents plan to circulate a petition to gain support for a ballot initiative that would repeal the ordinance that established the committee.

Organizers filed a notice of intention to circulate the petition on Wednesday at City Hall.

“We’re very concerned about what’s been happening with our local library,” said Cathey Ryder, co-founder of Protect Huntington Beach. “For that reason, today, I filed a notice of intention to circulate a petition, where we will repeal Ordinance 4318. … We believe that parents should be able to parent their own children.”

The ordinance creates a committee of up to 21 parents or guardians, who would make determinations regarding the children’s books purchased and placed on the shelves at the library.

Criticism of the ordinance included questions surrounding the qualifications of members who would serve on the review committee, the duration of their appointments and the inability to appeal decisions made by the committee, which would be considered final.

Each council member would have the ability to appoint up to three members of the review board.

Ryder said there are about 300 volunteers ready to circulate the petition once it has been prepared, and she feels confident the group will be able to achieve a target of approximately 30,000 signatures.

There have been additional steps taken to raise public awareness of the issue, Ryder said. Those efforts include Friday night rallies at the Main Street Branch Library, where the organizers have also handed out informational fliers, and a “read in” event at the Huntington Beach Central Library.

Barbara Richardson said the city has had conservative councils before the most recent four that comprise the majority were elected in 2022, but this is the first time she felt the library was not being supported. Formerly a children’s librarian at the Huntington Beach Central Library, Richardson said the City Council is “vilifying the librarians and the library staff.”

“What this committee does is taking away the librarians’ ability to order books,” Richardson said. “This committee has been told to judge the books by community standards, but what are these standards? Who gets to decide what these standards are? These committee members will be appointed by our City Council.

“We have four ultra-conservative, far-right council members, and three more liberal council members. It’s a majority-rule committee, so naturally, the conservative committee members are going to choose what books the children can read in the community — not the librarians, not individual parents.”

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Andrew Turner is a sports reporter for the Daily Pilot. Before joining the Pilot in October 2016, he covered prep sports as a freelancer for the Orange County Register for four years. His work also has been used by the Associated Press and California Rubber Hockey Magazine. While attending Long Beach State, he wrote for the college newspaper, The Daily 49er. He graduated with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and history. (714) 966-4611

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