Author: Veronica Roth

This was the most popular book among my students last year and to get a head start on the new batch of students I’d be facing, I finally picked this one off the shelf.

The fact it was the most donated book series in my classroom library (I have been donated four copies so far) is somewhat telling of people’s lack of attachment to it. Still, my expectations weren’t for some groundbreaking literary experience, but rather a fun foray into a mash-up of ideas that were (are?) riding the wave of popularity in book themes (dystopian society with young people sorted into different sections to fight some kind of evil).

My interest throughout the book wavered between “that’s kind of neat” and “when is this going to be over?” 

It felt like it was trying to be intense, and meaningful, while still appealing to the young adult crowd. Throw in a vested romance interest plot line and mix it all together in the backdrop of a world that’s vaguely conceived.

Some great ideas in here and there were a few points that stopped me in its brilliance, which pushed me to continue with the rest of the series. 

However, I also get why many people continue to donate their copies to me. Once the story is done, there wasn’t enough in the world to keep it on your shelves as a reminder of the adventure you once dove into.

I’ll keep it on mine, for now, anyway.