Divergent by Veronica Roth: Vocabulary

While reading Divergent, I observed that the author used uncommon words for the names of the factions.  At first I wondered the reason behind the author's choice, then I found a section in the back of the book discussing this very thing.  In this section, Ms. Roth stated that one of the reasons that she chose these unfamiliar words was her desire to slow down the reader's comprehension of what each faction stood for.  She wanted the reader to learn as much by observing as by the name of the faction alone.  Another reason was that the definition of the more obscure words are more interesting.  A third reason she stated was that these words sounded "cooler"!

As a reader, I think that the author's approach worked.  I learned more about the factions as I read more of the book, instead of immediately forming an idea about the faction from the name alone.  I also enjoyed learning these new words.  I agree with her that these words are more interesting and cooler than more ordinary words.  In general I personally think that reading should always expand your vocabulary and scope of the language, and I think this book does.