Paperback features over fifty pages of bonus materials, including a sneak peek of Insurgent, an author Q&A, a discussion guide, a Divergent playlist, faction manifestos, and more! 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, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. Veronica Roth is the New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, the first in a trilogy of dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance."
Linda (verified owner) –
Fantastic writing, that painted such a stark and realistic picture. I learned a lot and the story left me with lots to reflect upon about human beings, family, and the effects of politics on the people it is supposed to be for.
I am so proud of this Kenyan writer. I highly recommend this book.
Linda (verified owner) –
In Once There Wad a Star, Meshack Yobby masterfully weaves a tale that gives one compassion for the human being, the human being with hopes and beliefs who is just trying to lead life and care for a family the best they know. And then he drenches you with a healthy dose of reality, several times, starkly illuminating the effects of poor or selfish or power-hungry leadership on the ordinary person.
I really liked the characters in the book, beginning with Ismael Muse, whose family we follow in this story. The writing is really good.
The amount of research that must have gone into the process of writing this book is staggering. I discovered just how little I actually know about Somalia, and the historical connections with her neighbours.
This is an incredible debut novel. I highly recommend it.
George Pacho –
‘Once there was a Star’ is captivating and eye opening at how ethereal our percieved happiness is. With every flip of the page, the violence potrayed in the book is reminiscent of today’s rot in the society where the power hungry, dishonest politians and crooked gorvernmet officials continuously loot, maim and kill our future with no regard. The book is emotionally provocative and allows a reader to get in touch with all emotions known to man. I thorougly enjoyed the book, albeit saddening it was.