Divergent Trilogy

This trilogy by American author Veronica Roth (who happens to be a best-selling author with a creative writing degree- yes, it is possible!) is a post-apocalyptic dystopian series written for a YA audience. The story is set in a futuristic Chicago in which people have all been divided into 'factions' according to personality traits. The central character is Tris, a sixteen-year-old girl, who narrates the first two books. The author adds a second narrator to the third book, a young man named Tobias. 

What is it similar to? There is quite a bit of this type of fiction out there right now. Recent books this trilogy is similar to would include the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld and the Hunger Games trilogy. Older books it reminds me of include Lois Lowry's The Giver and it has elements of Ender's Game as well.

Am I in the mood? If you are looking for occasionally slightly didactic, but mostly action-packed writing that you can read quickly and just go along for the ride, these are a good choice. There is social commentary, but it is not overwhelming and certainly these books can just be read as fun action-adventures. There is reasonable depth to the characters and the writing is solid.

Find the book? Hard not to find- every bookstore will have them. Libraries- anticipate a waiting list, the teen girls are all over these. There is kissing.

Listen to an interview with the author about the trilogy. 
Read a detailed review.

Can't get enough? Divergent is already a movie. Watch the trailer. I think it comes out in March.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Sure, but probably not to everyone's taste. Best if you like sci-fi and don't mind reading fiction aimed at a young audience.