"Divergent Fans" program on Monday, March 24!

Divergent is now in movie theaters! Are you excited to see Tris and Four on the big screen? Come to our Divergent Fans program at the library on Monday, March 24 at 3 p.m. Discuss the book and movie with other fans, choose a faction, and win prizes by answering trivia questions.

Meanwhile, the teen area is Divergent Central! There is a display with Dauntless character posters and quotes from the book:

Also, if you've read the Divergent series (or are currently on hold for one or more of the books in the series) and are looking for other books you may like, check out the teen display:

If you enjoy dystopian reads, sci-fi, action/adventure, or books with a strong protagonist, try out one of the books here.

Teen review of "Divergent" by Veronica Roth: Read the book before the movie!

When I finished re-reading Divergent the other day, I was wondering what made me buy it in the first place: I didn’t know it would become a hyped up movie, or even a bestseller. Regardless, I’m glad I did! This book is for boys and girls, for action lovers and romantics, for teens and adults. Many would say it’s the next “Hunger Games” (especially with a movie franchise on the way), and while both are great dystopias, Divergent is no knock-off. The plot is able to hold its own with well-developed and unique characters.

Divergent is the narrative of a 16-year old girl living in a futuristic Chicago. In this society, there are five different “factions” that hold a high regard for a certain personality trait. For example, the main character, Beatrice, is born into the “Abnegation” who value selflessness. They appear as plain as possible, wearing gray clothes and simple hairstyles, all as an attempt to forget themselves as they focus on helping others. The other factions value traits such as honesty, bravery, peacefulness, and intelligence. When someone reaches their sixteenth birthday, they may decide which faction they would like to be in for the remainder of their lives- a choice that may leave their old faction feeling bitter and betrayed.

And while it seems like life is simple enough, initiation can be incredibly challenging and pushes these teens to their limits. The threat of becoming “factionless” – a fate some call worse than death- looms constantly over the initiate’s heads. As faults in the system become exposed, rebellion lurks beneath the surface of a deceptively organized society. Those who are not easily defined by one of these five traits are called “divergent” and threaten the simplicity of this society. Power hungry leaders will do anything it takes to suppress these independent minds in order to remain in charge.

This book is definitely a page turner, and not too out-there for those wary of sci-fi. The characters are very realistic and have their flaws, as in real life, no one can be defined as only good or only bad. Intricate relationships are formed and sometimes-fatal mistakes are made, all of which make for a compelling tale. Roth seamlessly transitions from light hearted and humorous scenes into tense, edgy ones. The climax is gripping, non-stop, and will leave you wanting more. Luckily, Divergent is part of a trilogy including Insurgent, and the recently released Allegiant. The movie starring Shailene Woodley (soon to star as Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars) will be released March 21st, and I recommend reading the book before seeing it!

Interesting side note: The author, Veronica Roth, 25, grew up in the nearby town of Barrington, and attended the prestigious Northwestern University to study creative writing. She started the book during winter break her senior year, and sold the movie rights before she even graduated.

For more info and trailers on the movie, check out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840309/?ref_=nv_sr_1

- E.M.

Teen review of "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Here we are. We’ve reached the end. The end of a series is always a somber occasion, but more so when it’s a series like Divergent. I didn’t know what to expect going into Allegiant. I was excited, nervous, and scared to find out all the secrets we’ve been wanting to know since the first book. Also, the feedback from other readers was making me a little wary to know how it was going to end. But I did it. I read it all. And, oh my, where do I start…

I feel like Allegiant was much more political than Divergent and Insurgent. We get to see what is outside the city and we are faced with a whole new set of problems. I kind of missed them being in the city, but we all want to know what was outside the walls, right? So that kind of evened itself out. The situation they get themselves into, as I said, starts to delve into politics, and morals and ethics. Every character seems to be going through some type of existential crisis through it all. We get to know more of Tobias, with the new POV for half of the chapters. I really liked getting into his head and learning all his thoughts. He very closed off and that leads Tris and Tobias to run into some trouble, relationship wise, which I always like. It makes the relationship and the romance real. I feel that sometimes, especially in YA, the romantic leads have the “perfect” relationship, with outside events trying to tear them apart, and not interpersonal problems.

One thing I love about this trilogy is that it’s not just another dystopian story of survival. We get that aspect of it, but it’s all about the people and how they grow and change. Each faction, and their characters, teach us something. Erudite teaches us about how knowledge and it’s containment can be one of the most powerful weapons. Candor teaches us about honesty and admittance of our crimes. Amity teaches us about how to bring about peace, and that sometimes peace does not mean passivity. Dauntless teaches us the true meaning of bravery, as well as Abnegation. Selflessness and bravery are at the heart of this series and Allegiant in particular. It takes a lot of bravery to be truly selfless.

When it comes to the ending of Allegiant, I have mixed feelings. Upon finishing the novel, I locked myself in the car and cried for about ten minutes. But the more I thought about it, the ending really portrays all the themes that have interwoven in each novel, and I understand why Veronica Roth made the decision to write what she did. I’m okay with it. I’ve made my peace with it. And I guess the fact that I reacted how I did is a testament to the writing and the character creation. I don’t want to let go, but I have to. We all have to move on in the end.

- Caroline
Originally posted on The Attic blog.

Veronica Roth book signing at the Tivoli Theatre

Anderson's Bookshop brought author Veronica Roth to the historic Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove for a book signing of Allegiant this past Saturday, October 26. October 26 was even declared "Veronica Roth Day" in Illinois by Governor Quinn!

Fans gathered in the theatre to wait for the start of the Q&A. Movie concessions were available, too! Organist David Rhodes provided music.

A very blurry photo of David Rhodes playing the organ.

I did not get any good photos of Veronica when she came out on stage. Sorry! HarperCollins editor Margot Wood asked Veronica questions submitted by fans to EpicReads. Then questions were opened up to fans in the audience. The Q&A was also filmed and live streamed on the EpicReads site. Watch the interview here:



Here are some interesting facts gleaned from the Q&A:

• Veronica does fangirl over books -- she's a Potterhead, and can't wait to see what happens in the third book in Leah Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
• She writes on a treadmill desk!
• To pick one character from the Divergent series to help survive the zombie apocalypse, she chose Four, because of his combat experience. The interviewer thought Eric would be a better choice. Veronica's response: "But he would straight up kill you!"
• She would not want to co-write a book because she has to be alone in her own world during the writing process.
• Challenges to writing as a job include listening to the voice of the story while thinking of the  fans interpreting and reacting to the books. "How will I ever make this good enough for them?"
• Short stories about Four (out in February 2014) were written after the movie version of Divergent had been cast. Asked about envisioning actor Theo James while writing, Veronica responded that it was somewhat awkward, as she thought to herself while working on the stories: "I feel like I'm puppeteering Theo James right now."
• Veronica will stick to writing YA, but probably wouldn't write a mystery. She did not talk about her future project.
• Advice for teens who want to be writers: "Write when you want to write and when you don't want to write" and find people who will make thoughtful critiques of your work.

At the end of the Q&A, Veronica was joined onstage by her brother, Karl Roth, to perform his original song "The Mark," about the choice Tris makes in Divergent. You can watch the performance on the Epic Reads site here.

When the autograph signing portion began, the first group of 50 fans were called. Each fan was allowed to receive a personalized autograph on one book (no posed photos) to keep the line moving. I was #242!

The remaining fans waiting in the theater watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which was Veronica's choice.

When it was my turn in the signing line I told Veronica that I am a fan of her blog, and enjoy reading her posts about her writing and revision process. Even though this was a packed event, she took the time to listen to and talk with each fan in line.

Overall it was a fun day. Old movie theater + live organ + YA lit + YA lit fans + Harry Potter = Pure awesomeness! I am excited to read Allegiant (I've avoided spoilers, for the most part, so far) and even more excited for the movie Divergent in March.

"Allegiant" is here!

Today the final book in Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy, Allegiant, was finally released. Are you dying to find out what happens? I can't wait to read it!

Don't forget to place a copy on hold (and do your best to avoid spoilers on the internet!)

The movie adaptation of the first book in the series, Divergent, hits theaters March 21, 2014.

Divergent and TFiOS casting news!

 Theo James is Four in the movie version of Divergent

Author Veronica Roth's response:

"Recently I saw Theo James' screen test with Shailene Woodley, and I was sure within seconds: this was ‘Four,’ no question. Theo is able to capture ‘Four’s’ authority and strength, as well as his depth and sensitivity. He is a perfect match for Shailene’s incredibly strong presence as Tris. I’m thrilled!"

via veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com

Shailene Woodley is Hazel in the movie version of The Fault in Our Stars.

Author John Green's response:

"Shailene Woodley loves The Fault in Our Stars. She really does, and in her audition, she just was Hazel—at least to me... her commitment to the book and deep understanding of Hazel make her the perfect choice."

via fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com

I don't believe I have seen any of Theo James' other work, so I can only respond to how positive Veronica Roth was about his audition... and I'm excited. ;) I look forward to seeing Shailene in both Divergent (as Tris) and TFiOS. Can't wait to see who will be cast as Augustus.

Because it is impossible for me to stop geeking out about all things Divergent-related, check back for a more in-depth Divergent casting post coming next week!

What are your thoughts about the Divergent and TFiOS movies so far? Will you be first in line for tickets? For other movie and TV adaptations in the works, check out my previous blog post: YA books on the big (and small) screen.

"Divergent" tops 2012 Teens' Top 10!

From August 15 to September 15, teens across the country voted for the best books of the year from the nominated titles. These are the books they selected for the 2012 Teens' Top 10:

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
3. Legend by Marie Lu
4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
5. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
6. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
7. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
8. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
9. Where She Went by Gayle Forman
10. Abandon by Meg Cabot

I was not surprised by the results at all, because the books on this list are checked out more often than they are on the shelves at Dundee! Have you read any of the Top 10? Did any of your favorites not make the list?

New release Tuesday: "Insurgent," "Bitterblue," & more!

Science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and realistic fiction-- there's something for everyone in today's new releases!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
I have been waiting for this book for months! Insurgent is the follow up to last year's Divergent. This dystopian series is set in a future Chicago, where everyone belongs to one of five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Erudite, or Dauntless. Author Veronica Roth will be appearing at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville this Friday at 7 PM!

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
The next entry in the popular Seven Kingdoms fantasy series, which also includes Graceling and Fire. Author Kristin Cashore will be appearing at Anderson's Bookshop this Saturday at 2 PM!

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
This is a companion novel to 2010's dystopian sci-fi thriller Ship Breaker.

Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame
Here's something for all you fans of historical fiction: Wentworth Hall is set in 1912 England and has been described as a young adult version of the popular PBS television series Downton Abbey.

Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams
As the tragic death of her older brother devastates the family, teenaged London struggles to find redemption and finds herself torn between her brother's best friend and a handsome new boy in town.

Coming soon: "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Insurgent, the sequel to Divergent, is out May 1. Have you placed your copy on hold yet? I highly recommend these books to readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games series.


If you would like to meet Veronica Roth, the author of the Divergent series, she will be at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville on Friday, May 4! Check out their site for more information.