Insurgent

As you may remember from previous posts, I'm a huge fan of the Divergent series. I read and loved the three-book series. I enjoyed the first movie in the series so very much. The characters feel real, despite the other-worldly premise. To me, the series feels similar to Hunger Games with the strong female lead and action sequences.

Insurgent opens on the factions being displaced. Tris, Tobias (Four), and a few other Dauntless are holed up with one of the very passive, peaceable factions. That doesn't bode well with spit-fire Tris. Her fire gets them nearly kicked out of their safe haven. Soon they're tracked by Jeanine lackies including the former Dauntless leader, Eric. Jeanine has sent them in search of Divergents to help Jeanine open the box. It can only be opened by a Divergent who can pass all five of the factions simulations. Everyone she finds to try to open it isn't Divergent enough and ends up dying during the simulations. So, the search for a more Divergent person continues. Eventually, they test Tris and see that she's 100% Divergent; just what Jeanine has been looking for, but shes in safety, so they start brainwashing her friends to commit suicide unless she gives herself up. Tris can't see people dying "because" of her, so unbeknownst to everyone she turns herself in to save the others. Once hooked up to the simulator, she see her brother on Jeanine's side. The simulations nearly kill her. So, they get a break for Tris. On the way back to her holding cell, she sees Tobias in a nearby cell; he came to save her. In the end, instead of leaving or stealing the box, she decides she needs to open it. When it's opened, it's supposed to have a message from the founders of the factions. So, her and Tobias break into the testing room and bunker down in there. Once through the simulation, the founder's video message is shared, just as Jeanine and her lackies break into the lab. The video tells that there is life outside of the factions and that they should enter the real world when they're ready. I look forward to the last Divergent movie, Allegiant.



I need a new series of books to read, what do you suggest?

Allegiant

I'm a huge fan of the Divergent series. I've been dying to finish the last book, Allegiant. It was so different from the other two books. I feel like Allegiant really has a lot more twists than I expected. It pretty much had me on the edge of my seat. It's over 500 pages and a quite addictive read. :) I just finished it, last night. Wow, not the ending I expected! It leaves no room for an additional book. It doesn't quite end like I would've liked. I can't wait to see the movie now. The protagonist, Tris is brave, headstrong, and real. Her life experiences are beyond comprehension. Her relationships are all really complex. What drew me to the series was how she reacted in tough situations; she was incredibly selfless. I guess, I realize a little adventure and a story of a selfless person could be an inspiration for me.

I will say this series is similar to the Hunger Games series, but not quite as good. It's going to be a long wait for all three movies. :( Is anyone else planning to see this movie?

Spring Break!

I'm officially on spring break! I finished my mid-term this morning. I'm taking the week off work. I plan on reading, cooking, cleaning, digging out my summer clothes, a shopping trip to KC, going to the movies to see Divergent, and relaxing!!! I'll finally have time to finish the 3rd Divergent series book, Allegiant.:)

The Giver

While most people I know read the book, the Giver in high school, I was never required to read it. It was on the list of books that are going to be made into movies, this year. I read a little about the book and thought it sounded interesting. It was a really easy, short read. Roughly, 175 pages. Took me under a week to read it.

It's about a community where you get matched with a spouse if you want one, you request kids and get them (no more than two), and you're all told from an early age what career you'll follow. You're not allowed to ask questions and everyone blindly follows whatever expectations are placed on them in regards to their job. If an infant isn't progressing fast enough, they're "released." Everyone assumes that means they're turned over to another community, but no one really asks. Once someone gets old, they're also "released." Finally, someone accepting a new position challenges the "way it's always been." It had a decent ending, but everyone who knows me, knows I'd have liked more closure. :)

Also, on the list of books being made into movies was, A Long Way Down. I tried it and only made it a couple of pages in. It was a bit too dark for me.

Now, I'm reading, Allegiant, the last book in the Divergent series. Love those books; can't wait for the movie!

Are you reading anything new? Anything interesting? Share!