Insurgent by Veronica Roth

You know as I was walking into work this morning, with my book in hand, I literally thought to myself - "This morning has already started out crappy with terrible news from the dentist, but there's just something comforting about holding a book in your arms to make your troubles disappear." Is that weird? Does anyone else ever feel that way? I guess that's why we read oftentimes anyway, isn't it? To escape the realities and difficulties of life?  Or maybe gain a new perspective that makes you realize that your life isn't really all that difficult after all?  I digress.

After a long wait from the library, I finally picked up my copy of Insurgent. I absolutely loved Divergent, and was so excited to pick up right where I had left off! BUT the problem was - my memory sucks! AND so I spent several of the first chapters trying to remember what was going on - who was who, what factions each person belonged to, and what the characteristics of each faction was! Ugh.  I kinda wished I would have read them back to back, I think I would have enjoyed it all that much more.  But even still - Insurgent did not disappoint!  I totally loved it!  What is with me and these dystopian YA novels?  I NEVER would have thought that I would get into these type of books!  And to top it off, I'm dragging many of my friends right along with me ;-)  I'm really looking forward to book #3 of the series, which is as of now still untitled and expected to come out fall of 2013.  There's no chance I'll remember anything by then, so I'll have to re-read the series or a whole lotta reviews on Goodreads in order to get up to speed.  Seriously, if you haven't started this series yet - I highly suggest doing so - and remember that I was the one who told you too before all the hype finally comes around and a movie is made ;-) (Uh-hum, sisters).

Description: One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.


Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Rating: ****

Recommend: Absolutely!  I'm loving this series big time! AND so is my book club!