Divergent

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves.... or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series - dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

©2011 Veronica Roth (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Though Galvin’s narration is concentrated on giving Tris the perfect voice, she never neglects the secondary characters. Poignant moments with Tris’s mother and Four, her leader and love, are subtly nuanced to let listeners hear the terror Tris often hides.... listeners will hold their breath waiting to see if she can survive the day." ( AudioFile)

THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD

Would you consider the audio edition of Divergent to be better than the print version?

NO

What did you like best about this story?

I LIKE FOURS EYES

Which scene was your favorite?

WHEN TRIS KICKED BUTT.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I LOVED IT

Any additional comments?

I ned to read Insurgent now.

Interesting Novel with new ideas

If you could sum up Divergent in three words, what would they be?

Utopia not perfect

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

The Hunder Games as it is similar teen novel with a fight to survive and find one self

Which character – as performed by Emma Galvin – was your favorite?

Trish - the main character, good solid realistic person, far better than the irritating hunger games lead Katniss who could never make up her mind, Trish on the other hand may struggle in life but doesnt have the yoyo character of Katnis.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Life not as you know it - Phycological thriller.

At 65, I'm STILL THINKING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

After seeing Hunger Games, I have no interest in reading that series. Divergent, however grabbed me and won't let go!!

The premis on which this seems built reflects the way we, as mankind, must choose to live our lives. In essence, we choose between "factions" on a daily and sometimes, even hourly basis. We constantly use our own personality traits (both weak and strong). The author gives us streaming access to Tris's thought process and I found myself comparing it to my own! So Divergent became a psychologically charged adventure with characters that could age nicely both in print...and on the screen.

Sure, I'm far from being a "young adult" but, who gives a rip!!! Thanks to Veronica Roth, my hunger for a terrific series is being fed!!

Fun and engaging

easy read and engaging the whole way through. looking forward to the next in the series!

Excellent!

It met my expectations as I wasn't sure I would like this book when I bought it.

Trice and Thor we're my favorite characters. The most memorable moment was the simulations and how they had to get through each of them. I would recommend to others. I like the audio version as I travel 2 hours to work each day.

Great Read

Clear reading, great pronunciation and very addictive book. Narration was moving and entertaining. Loved it and couldn't stop listening. I got lost in the story as I could mentally picture it unfolding.

not extraordinary

Typically I am a big fan of dystopia books, so I thought I would try this one.

As a 21 year old, I may just be older than the target market, but generally I enjoy young adult titles. The first half of the book was very slow going for me, and I had to really push myself to finish it.

About sometime midpoint through the story I did start getting more into it, but I dont think Roth does that good of a job of character development. The main character is very predictable and you don't really get a true feel for any of the other ones.

While I would like to know what ends up happening in the next book, unfortunately I don't think I will be continuing the series.

While this particular dystopia story was unique.. it was almost too reminiscent of Hunger Games (which are similar, but better books) and The Giver-- kind of mixed together.

Personally I like to read books that intrigue me on a deep level, make me question my surroundings, help me grow or see a new perspective. I can't really say this book did any of those for me.

However, as I said before, it could just be that this book is too juvenile for my age, and that given the correct reader it would be a hit!

This Book Was Excellent

I loved reading this book. I did not want the story to end. The author was very thorough and complete in every phase of the story. I can not wait to start part two. The performer also did a magnificent job in conveying the idea and emotions of the book to the reader. Well Done!

Amusing but forgettable

After having read the hunger games I got pointed to this book by someone i know as being similar-ish.

The book is alright I guess. But I felt it was also very bland. The characters didn't really catch me, they felt like obvious arch-types. The progress and development of the protagonist felt cookie cutter to me. There were one or two interesting events but other then that it was rather bland story wise.

A mildly interesting setting, a archetypical protagonist, and a rather average story.

Don't get me wrong it's not bad. It's just easy no-thinking-required listening. Amusing but forgettable.

Perhaps the sequel will be more interesting.

Riveting except a bit too much teen romance

Would you listen to Divergent again? Why?

Yes. This story grabs you and has you constantly wondering what's next. It gets sappy in spots as the teen girl's internal romantic monologues last about 4 times too long. It would have been five stars without those. Even with those I enjoyed the book tremendously.

What did you like best about this story?

Reminded me a bit of Hunger Games with a dash of Ender's Game. Sprinkled in was some silly romance, like I imagine would be in those Twilight books. So, if you like those you'll probably love this.