Enter the world of Tris, Tobias, Will and Caleb. Living in a futuristic society where residents are separated into one of five distinct groups, or factions, these teens must follow the beliefs and laws of their chosen faction or fend for themselves on the streets.
Meet these complex characters as they begin a journey of self-discovery in the critically acclaimed bestselling novel Divergent by Veronica Roth. This intense, thought-provoking novel is the focus of this year's One Book Charleston County, an effort to unite local residents to read, attend events and discuss the core topics in a single book during the month of October.
The library has more than 450 copies of Divergent available for check out at its 16 branch libraries. Additionally, the book is available on audio CD and can be downloaded free as an eBook or audio book from the library's web site - www.ccpl.org.
Divergent, the first in a trilogy of novels by Roth, is receiving rave reviews and being compared to the blockbuster, The Hunger Games. Attracting the attention of Hollywood, the novel is being released in March as a major motion picture starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet.
With its layers of depth and questions about conformity vs. independence, Divergent is perfect for book clubs and book discussion groups. Book Club Kits, each with 15 copies plus suggested questions, can be reserved through the library's catalog.
For those not in a book club, there are 16 book discussions about Divergent scheduled at various library branches. Book discussions also are scheduled for Insurgent and Allegiant, the second and third novels in Roth's trilogy.
And, throughout October, the library is hosting Divergent-themed events ranging from presentations about the class structure in historic Charleston to a day of Star Wars-related activities, including costume contests, a movie and characters dressed as Stormtroopers and Tusken Raiders.
To find a list of events, check out the library's web site. Then, join the discussion and the fun as we discover the world of Tris and her friends.
About Veronica Roth
At 22, Veronica Roth started her first book during a creative writing program at Northwestern University.
Her completed novel, Divergent, drew whirlwind attention from the publishing world. Four days after Roth sent the manuscript, HarperCollins signed the student to a publishing deal. Divergent was soon climbing the New York Times bestseller list, drawing rave reviews from fans and critics and rocketing Roth to literary stardom.
Publishers Weekly called it a "memorable, unpredictable journey from which it is nearly impossible to turn away," and Kirkus Reviews said "fans snared by the ratcheting suspense will be unable to resist speculating on their own factional allegiance."
Released in 2011 as the first novel in a trilogy, Divergent is now available in 37 languages. The second book in the trilogy, Insurgent, had readers waiting with anticipation when it was released in May 2012. Excitement is bubbling again for the third and final installment, Allegiant, set for release October 22.
Set in a futuristic society divided into five factions with different virtues and beliefs, the book's characters must choose which faction to join: Abnegation, The Selfless; Amity, The Peaceful; Candor, The Honest; Dauntless, The Brave; and Erudite, The Intelligent. When asked which faction best matches her character, Roth said she would choose Dauntless, The Brave. She thinks courage empowers people to act for the good of others, regardless of the consequences.
Now a full-time writer, Roth lives near Chicago with her husband. Roth enjoys cooking and studying biology, theology, fashion, contemporary art and poetry, among other things.
For more information, please contact Maggie Diebolt Mohr, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, Charleston County Public Library at 843-805-6804 or dieboltm@charleston.lib.sc.us.
