Divergent Thinking

by YA Authors; Edited by Leah Wilson

"With a dozen smart, surprising, mind-expanding essays on all three books in the trilogy, Divergent Thinking provides a companion fit for even the most Erudite Divergent fan."

Divergent Thinking was extremely interesting and it encouraged exactly that -- divergent thinking. I was challenged to view the trilogy that I had known and adored in ways that I had not previously considered. Involving concepts of psychology such as the Big Five personality traits and the likelihood of moral abandon in the face of authority, this compilation of essays was mind opening and a very refreshing take on Veronica Roth's work.

Divergent Thinking explored a variety of aspects of the trilogy very efficiently, discussing topics ranging from the significance of honesty -- or lack there of -- in Tris' world and the emergence of the factionless as a force to be reckoned with. Each author provided unique insight on his/her selected topic, including a member of the Marine that analyzed the reasoning and repercussions behind the fall of the Dauntless faction. Furthermore, the characters of Divergent and its following sequels were examined under new lights, exposed even further beneath an analytical mindset.

The end of each section in Divergent Thinking included a short description and resume of each author, including which faction he or she identified his/herself in. I found it to be a very interesting detail; one that fit in well with the book's general concept. Nevertheless the central idea of this compilation is, I found, that people cannot truly be categorized; that everyone has the potential of divergence; that we should strive for a balance of qualities and realize that residues of each of them are present within ourselves. A very introspective and motivating novel overall.


4/5 stars.