Divergent-Dystopian Science Fiction

Up to a significant point, your life is decided for you.  Then, you turn sixteen and you make the biggest decision of your life alone.  That is the world in which Beatrice (Tris) lives.  In this dystopian world (formerly Chicago) , society is divided into five factions.  Each one is governed by their defining qualities.  Tris and her brother Caleb are from Abnegation, and there is also Candor, Amity, Dauntless, and Erudite.  Each faction is easily distinguished by what they wear, and eat, and how they live.  As people turn 16, they are given a test that tells them their aptitude.  After that, there is a choosing ceremony.  For most, it is very easy.  For others, it is difficult since the test tells them that they could fit in two or more factions and they must pick.  Tris is one of these.  She is “divergent” and it is not a desirable state.  In fact, she is told to keep it secret.

What follows is an action packed story full of danger, intrigue and suspense.  What faction does Tris pick and how does this affect her whole life and that of her family?

YA readers will be pulled into this story and it will continue to hold their attention through its 487 pages.  I can see it being used in high school classrooms for lively discussions and to compare with other dystopian stories such as The Hunger Games.  The bonus materials at the back are excellent as they include an author interview, a discussion guide and the Faction Manifestos.  

This is the first in a trilogy.  The second is called Insurgent and the final installment called Allegiant will be published October 22,  2013.