Note: This is a 3.5 star review. 
 I don't know what to say. I loved this book when it started, and I still leave it having enjoyed it, but the deeper I got into Divergent, the more problems arose. It pains me to say this, but I think most of the aforementioned problems were the result of my being older than the target demographic. I'm officially old, but more on that later. 
 Nearly everything in the book is fabulous in concept, but unfortunately almost nothing is adequately developed. I still think kids should read it though because the core themes of the novel are important and present ideas that should at least be thought about. Ideas such as knowing yourself, self-reliance, resourcefulness, true bravery, etc. are wonderful concepts and are on full display here. 
 That was the good. The bad is that as soon as Tris and Four *SPOILER* fall in love, the book just becomes ridiculous. Their tender scenes are appallingly bad and are just insulting to both characters, characters that I really liked until that point. Also, Divergent's shocking bloodbath of a climax comes out of nowhere with shoddy explanations and even flimsier Deus ex machinas. I felt like Tris failed in her promise to NOT become what she feared she would. So disappointed. 
 Sadly, I believe I might have just thought too much and maybe my expectations were too high, but I felt like the book started with promise and let me down. Also, I get why the romantic scenes were so bland. I do. Kids and teens don't need to read trash, but they did nothing for me and were laughable. 
 All of this to say that I do recommend the book but only if you can turn off your brain while reading. If you do, however, you'll miss out on the good philosophical conversation that is underneath the soap opera.