I would ask what is the deal with all the dystopian teen books lately, but I keep reading them myself so obviously I enjoy them, too. This one is set in a world where society has been divided into factions based on dominant personality traits: Amity are peaceful, Candor are honest, Erudite are intelligent, Dauntless are brave and Abnegation are selfless (and there are also the factionless).
Beatrice has grown up in Abnegation where her dad is a government official (being selfless, the Abnegation control the government). Upon turning 16, members of all factions are given a test to determine which faction they fit the best (they are allowed to choose their faction no matter what the test results say). Beatrice's test has mixed results meaning she doesn't seem to fit any particular faction which is a dangerous thing to be in her world.
So after choosing her faction (no, I will not tell what choice she makes), she must make it through the initiation and face the inevitable corruption facing the society as a whole.
I hesitate to bring up Hunger Games because I don't always like to make comparisons. I like books to stand on their own. I will say that if you liked the Hunger Games books, this is a pretty good bet. Beatrice is a strong character facing great odds with people underestimating her.
I look forward to the next book in this story.
Click here for more info about this book from the Indianapolis Public Library.
