Divergent is the gripping first installment in a new dystopian series set in a future Chicago, offering just the right balance of strong female character, compelling plot, action, and romance. Readers will be engaged by Tris' transformation externally and, more importantly, in how she views herself and what she is capable of. Despite the dystopian setting, Tris' struggle is one that teen readers will relate to, as she is torn between being true to herself and what she thinks her family wants her to be. While angry with herself for giving up on her family's value of selflessness, ultimately Tris learns that she cannot truly be courageous without also being selfless. In the end, her family accepts her choices, even though they are not the same as their own. Although her chosen faction's leaders seem to be moving the group in a dangerous direction, Tris values the faction's original beliefs--honor and bravery--and demonstrates these traits with fierce determination. The story does involve some violence. Tris is attacked by three initiate boys who are jealous of her success, and it is implied that they touch her inappropriately. One of these boys, who has struggled during the initiation process, commits suicide. Afterward, he is called a hero by one of the faction's leaders, but Tris is horrified that this description makes suicide seem like a viable option. Tris' faction is manipulated into participating in a plot to overthrow the government by murdering its leaders. During the coup, Tris must kill a friend in order to survive, and she witnesses the death of her parents who are both shot trying to save her. It would be interesting for readers to discuss the inherent danger of valuing just one virtue over all others, when there is merit in each of the virtues represented by the factions. Fans will be eager to read the next installment in the series,
Insurgent.
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