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)

loved it from beginning to end.

I decided to read this after watching the movie and while I loved the movie there is always that part that can't stand up to the book. I liked parts of the movie better than the book but again the book is better with the details. Even the narrator, Emma Galvin, was good and even sounded like the actress who played Tris in the movie. I can't wait to get started on Insurgent!

Very suspenseful

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

Outstanding, suspenseful, entertaining

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Hunger Games because they're similar

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

No, but my students did!

Any additional comments?

I have found that with my students boys like this book better than Hunger Games. Girls seem to like Hunger Games.

I Like This Book Probably More Than I Should

For some reason this book just hit a chord with me, and I'm not even sure why. The factions don't really make a whole lot of sense, neither do the motivations of many of the characters. But I guess I just liked the trials and tribulations of the main characters, and the idea of a "Dauntless" gang/cult. It has a lot of "Hunger Games" in it, if that helps. For those that have seen the movie, the movie is fairly faithful to the book, but you'll just learn a lot more about the characters in the book, and there were some significant differences in the movie to streamline the plot. Otherwise though, if you liked the movie, you really should read/listen to this book.

BEST

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is the best book I have EVER read! Yes! I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see the movies!!

Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Would you listen to Divergent again? Why?

Of Course. It's a great book. The only thing I would change would be to cut back on the lovey stuff. Other than that Awesome book!!

What did you like best about this story?

I like it that there is another book to listen to and learn more on Tris and Tobias.

What does Emma Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She's a great narrator. She brings Tris to life.

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

No, just left me wanting more.

The Young Adults are growing up so fast

Aside from the occasional adult, the under 18's are pretty much left alone in this world. Although there is no blatant sex or nudity, I was surprised at the sensuality suggested in a few parts, and definitely did not like the continuing suggestions of young adults getting tattoos to fit in. A rapidly-paced storyline kept this book interesting for me, although it was somewhat predictable.

Very good! not like all the rest

I really enjoyed this story, so far it does not follow the typical weak girl, love triangle with 2 boys teenager story (Twilight, Hunger Games)
I love the main character, she is interesting, she can think for herself. She will not do what you think she will do, and she is not weak. but she is not annoying either. Her love interest in really cool and not some pouting boy who is so in love with her and weak yet always having to save her. He is really cool. so is she. They make a really good team. Really worth reading, it is not predictable. and a cool ride.

Not Bad

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because it was good and I liked it.

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Divergent is only similar to Hunger Games by the dystopian theme but it's it own story.

What does Emma Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She's okay. I like her but could work on her character voices. Everyone sounded the same to me.

Any additional comments?

Divergent was good and I liked it. Can't wait for Insurgent.

Great Story, Narrator brought it to life!

I've read the book once already and have watched all of the movies, I love this storyline. Emma Galvin did a good job bringing it to life even more for me. I could hear the emotions as she read the story! I never thought I would be able to enjoy someone's reading, especially not after watching the movie but she nailed it.

Excellent read for anyone - slight spoiler alert

What made the experience of listening to Divergent the most enjoyable?

The Narration was good, She did a good job of helping distinguish between characters. Also the story drags you along at a very good pace.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development was excellent and Roth did a great job on making you feel like you (or at least myself) were Abnigation trying to make the shift into Dauntless.

What about Emma Galvin’s performance did you like?

Her variation between characters.