I had pre-ordered Insurgent many months ago, but ended up also buying it on my Kindle so I could make sure I had it on release day. I had read Divergent that way originally so I thought it would be interesting to continue in that tradition. No sooner had I read the first several pages and then re-read the pages, it was apparent that I was going to need to re-read Divergent to refresh my memory of characters and plot lines. I know some people always read the preceding books over before reading a sequel, but that is not my MO. I’m always anticipating book releases and don’t want to take the time away from other reads to re-read. I decided I could probably keep plowing through Insurgent and get the gist of what I hadn’t remembered, but I REALLY wanted to enjoy reading Insurgent. I set it aside and fast read Divergent. I am very glad I did as it also served to remind me why I had liked Divergent so much on the first read.
I like the descriptions of the factions, the main and supporting characters, and the many intricacies that are woven throughout the book. It’s interesting to think about the choices the characters made that led them to leave or join a faction and then consider what you would have done in that situation.
The Dark Days tour-Cover to Cover June 7th
I have actually seen Veronica Roth at ALAN/NCTE this past year and while she is super cute and young, she was not that impressive as a speaker. I actually feel really bad writing that but I was surprised by how underwhelmed I was after being such a huge fan of the book from the release of Divergent. Now just because you are a great author, does not mean you have to be a great speaker. Being a great public speaker is just as hard as being a great author in a different way.
Despite that I am ready to give her another chance and will be joining book blogging friends to see Veronica Roth, Aprilynne Pike, Ellen Schreiber, and Josephine Angelini. Now I haven’t read anything by the other YA authors, but stacking up a great TBR pile to kick off the summer seems like a great idea! 
Anxious to be meeting Veronica for the first time at CTC and catching up with you before your move. It has been a year since I read Divergent and thinking I need to do some rereading before I begin Insurgent as well.