In between all of those boring English reads, here’s a fun book you’ll actually won’t want to put down: Divergent.  March 21 marks the release of Divergent the movie—probably this years’ most anticipated teen film. But Divergent actually began as a trilogy written by Veronica Roth, and many teens consider it on par with The Hunger Games series.  The books in the trilogy are Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant, and yes, you must read this in the correct order.

The series focuses on a dystopian society in present-day Chicago where all of the inhabitants are members of five different sectors, or “factions,” including Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Abnegation (the selfless), Erudite (the intelligent), and Amity (the peaceful).  Each faction focuses on living out their trait (and that trait alone), believing that in doing so the society will be prosperous and peaceful.  When members of this society turn 16, they can choose to stay in their faction, or leave it (and all their family) to join a new faction. In doing so, the novel gets to the crucial questions asked by all teens: “Who am I? What do I want to be like? Who do I want to associate with?”

The main character, Beatrice Prior, is played in the movie by Shailene Woodley.  You’ve probably seen her in the popular ABC Family show, The Secret Life of an American Teenager.  Beatrice isn’t your typical protagonist; she has a distinct edginess which often leads her to complete crazy tasks like jumping out of moving trains and leaping off of buildings.  And to be more edgy, she renames herself “Tris,” because obviously “Tris” sounds way cooler than “Beatrice.”

Now for the plot twist: Tris struggles with keeping a very big secret about herself, because the repercussions of that secret could be death.  She also struggles with finding herself in her new faction and has difficulty conforming to her society’s demands, which essentially causes her to recognize the fault in her perfect society. (Or is it perfect?)  She deals with learning who her true friends are and facing her fears…again, conflicts every teen can relate to.  Through a process called Initiation, Tris must conform to the new faction that she has chosen, and comes to realize that one choice can change your life.

Of course, one major draw to the book is that Tris encounters a mysterious love interest in her new faction. But does he like her back? And can she trust him?

The book is filled with heart-pounding action which forces you to read on.  It is also impossible to put down, which means you will complete it in record time.  Oftentimes, I had to pause and think to myself, “Wait, did that just happen?”  I recommend this book to all audiences.  It appeals to guys who love a good action book, and to girls because yes, the guy is totally hot.

But beware!  You must read this book before you see the movie, at least if you want to really appreciate it.  So as soon as you finish reading this book review, go to the Media Center (they have multiple copies) and check out this book!