Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: Save It
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Length: 487 pages
How I got my copy: Borrowed

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Strengths:

•  I like the thought of the of how Chicago is divided up in factions. It gets me thinking of which one I would choose on Choosing Day.
• The craziness of how the plot takes in a rollercoaster rides. I did not expect the p taken in path that we took.
• I also liked the arguments of is it right that ONE faction has control of the government and its choices.

Weaknesses:

• Some parts this book might be be suitable for all viewers.
• I was not a fan of romance in this book. I threw-up(sorry for the image) in my mouth a couple of times...gag. It was still a good book though.

Summary:

Divergent has a fascinating premise and strong characters.It was an interesting ride with Tris. Her journey in the book is quite interesting, but not shocking. Now that all of that has gone down, I’m excited to see what Insurgent has in store!

Calico Joe by John Grisham

Calico Joe by John Grisham
My rating: Save It

As a die hard Brewers fan, I have drown up hating the Cubs immensely.I had no problem cheering for the Cubs in this book..well mostly because the Crew did not exist yet.

This book is more than a mere sports book. It shows that with one pitch how a life and/or lives can be altered.

But here he has delivered a baseball allegory to rival the best ever – "The Natural" or "Field of Dreams." This is so much more than a book about baseball. It's about family, heartache, broken promises, disappointments, growing up...mostly forgiveness and resilience.

Cub’s fans will truly enjoy.

No, the Cubs don’t miraculously make it to the World Series. (Even Grisham has to stay tethered to some degree of reality). But they are central to this story of a soaring career brought to an end way too early; to the redemption, not of the perpetrator but of the victim; and to all 10 year old boys’ need for heroes.

Please read and enjoy. Even if you are  not a sports fan, I would recommend you give this book a shot.