Veronica Roth's "Allegiant"...A Book Review

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Last week I finished Veronica's trilogy by reading the last book in the series, Allegiant. I'm glad I read the books. Many times I wish there were more books to read in a world created by the author. With this one, I'm not so sure--I'm kind of glad it's over.

The final installment differs from the previous two books by having two narrators, Tris and Tobias take turns continuing the story, which was effective, but I wondered why that decision was made. The reason for the two points of view becomes obvious as the story unfolds.

If there's one thread that made reading these books tough for me is that there were so many different factions in the story, I kind of lost track. Perhaps if I had read the hard copy instead of listening to the books as audiobooks. I think this happens a lot to me and audiobooks. Because I don't actually see the words, I get lost at times. This isn't necessarily the author's fault. Of course, since I can't go back and read the hard copy when I experience the characters and the story for the first time, I'll never know if I read the books instead of listening to them would make my experience different.

Before I read this book I watched the movie based on the first installment, Divergent. I believe it helped put me in the world and did help me understand the gravity behind the story. Once again, there's that visual sensation helping me enjoy Roth's story.

A lot of people are tired of dystopian storylines. I'm not at that point, yet. Dystopia reminds me how no matter how we live, humans act in certain ways--always have, always will. One could argue that we live in a dystopian society now, even with all the luxuries and technological advancements we enjoy. For me, dystopia is a mindset, it's how we treat each other. I think most of us are basically good to each other. We help others in need when we can. Others see our world is full of evil where selfish people are out for no one but themselves. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Once again, I'm glad I read these books. They're definitely engaging and suspenseful. Roth did a fantastic job creating a believable world in which the physical distinctions of all its citizens are assigned, definite and socially acceptable. And because they are, we find out what horrors can exist in a world like that.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18710190-allegiant?from_search=true&search_exp_group=group_a&search_version=service

Veronica Roth's "Insurgent"...A Book Review

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You know how some people are years behind when it comes to cultural events? Yes, you know them. They wait until movies come out on Redbox (not just on DVD...) and they wait until a book becomes a New York Times Bestseller before they read it.

Yup--that's me. I finished reading Veronica Roth's Insurgent, Book 2 of the Divergent series last week. Because it's such a popular series at my local library, it's been a while since I read Book 1, Divergent. 

I find this series fascinating. Roth has created a world where people are divided into specific groups and those groups are so strong the dictate everything. And, like all things, the system breaks down. What happens when the main characters turn from their assigned roles and join the factionless? Well, a lot, actually.

There's intrigue, romance, lies, death, deceit and overall growing up as the main character, Tris comes to grips with the deaths of her parents and the sins she's had to do.

I admit there were times when all the different factions and the different aims of each group was a little confusing. Plus, I listened to the audiobook and without the advantage of seeing the different character names and the names of the groups, it was a little confusing. Of course, I could just buy a ticket and go watch the movie, but I usually wait for those kinds of movies to hit the Redbox. I haven't even seen the Divergent film yet.

I'm listening to Book 3 in the series right now. I'm about 1/3 through. As a writer, I wonder how she kept all that stuff in her brain, the people, the traits of the different groups. It's quite amazing. I know I'm late to the party, but I'm liking these books and it would be good for me to read them again. But first, I need to get through them all first.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11735983-insurgent

Veronica Roth's "Divergent"...Some Dystopian Thoughts

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I know that I am SO late to the Divergent party, but I just finished Book 1 in Veronica Roth's trilogy and I had a few thoughts about this book and the dystopian genre in general.

Everyone seems to have a theory as to why this type of story is so popular. I'm no literary scholar but I think stories where an imaginary future full of unsavory and unsettling realities have always been popular. I could be wrong, but I think it's human nature. We conjure storylines of bad times, especially when things are relatively good. I mean, we live in the most amazing time in all of human history and we flock to see and read about our species trying to deal with terrible times.

Divergent has been compared to The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, and for good reason. It has that "feel." I would include The Giver in that group as well. Of course, all those stories center around teenagers, teenagers experiencing a major life event--many times called a "choosing," be it  voluntary or involuntary. I find this interesting. As a teenager we all (or most of us, anyway...) face  major questions concerning our future. What are we going to be when we grow up? What career will we take or which school will we attend? And if we don't go to school, how will we support ourselves?

In these dystopian stories, others choose for them and the consequences can mean the difference between life and death. In the books and movies these choices are pitched to guarantee the continuation of a utopian society, but just the opposite happens. Maybe in real life parents try to protect their children so much that when they're old enough to face the real evil that exists in our world, they'll be ready. But, sometimes we're never ready. 

Divergent was good. I enjoyed it a lot, even though there's a lot of similar stuff out there. I can see why the book is so successful. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. A lot of people are dissing dystopia now, but for me, I enjoy the genre and no matter how much they talk about the demise of dystopia, I think it'll always be around.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent?from_search=true