Divergent, by Veronica Roth, is the first of a trilogy, a series of young-adult dystopian novels set in a post-apocalyptic world. It explores themes related to individual and social identity as well as the use of science, and drugs in particular, as a means of social control. Citizens are divided into five factions based on their dispositions: Abnegation, for the selfless; Amity, for the peaceful; Candor, for the honest; Dauntless, for the brave; and Erudite, for the intellectual. Erudite scientists have designed a number of serums to be used in different ways for different populations for different reasons. At age 16, people must decide whether to stay with their family’s faction or join the faction best matching their personal aptitude. But then there are the Divergents. The prose is fast-paced but also provides a rich foundation for exploring many themes of interest to teens, including aspects of drug use and drug control.