Divergent

Divergent is the opening volume of Veronica Roth's trilogy, set in a future Chicago that has become a dystopia. The story has reached millions of teen and adult readers and was adapted into a major motion picture starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet. Readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner often find a similar pull here. The sequels are Insurgent and Allegiant.

The novel is narrated in the first person by Tris, born Beatrice Prior, who lives in a society split into five factions, each devoted to a single virtue: honesty in Candor, selflessness in Abnegation, bravery in Dauntless, peacefulness in Amity and intelligence in Erudite. Beatrice has been raised in Abnegation, and as she approaches a turning point, she must decide whether to stay with her family or move to another faction. Whatever she chooses will unsettle her community and surprise her too. She has also taken on a new name and a secret, which she intends to guard closely, since in this world being different is dangerous.

The paperback adds extra material: an author Q&A, a discussion guide, a playlist connected to the story, manifestos for each faction, quiz questions, writing tips and a preview of the second book. The emotional weight and action match what the film offers, and the prose is rich and vivid. Roth's later novel is Carve the Mark.