Veronica Roth
The young author who redefined YA dystopian fiction with her Divergent series, captivating millions with a world divided by personality traits.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American author·Birthday: August 19·Millennials
Biography
Veronica Roth wrote her first blockbuster while still in college. The concept for Divergent came to her during winter break at Northwestern University, and by the time she graduated, she had a major book deal. Her trilogy, beginning in 2011, tapped into the post-Hunger Games thirst for dystopian drama but offered a fresh, psychological hook: a society segmented into factions based on human virtues. The books' explosive popularity, fueled by a loyal teen audience, made Roth a publishing phenomenon and led to a film series starring Shailene Woodley. While the Divergent universe remains her defining work, Roth has since explored different genres, from short stories to adult science fiction, steadily building a career as a writer unafraid to examine identity, choice, and the complexities of human nature.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Veronica was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Veronica Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Veronica's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her debut novel, Divergent, spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list.
- The Divergent trilogy has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
- Was the first author to have two books, Divergent and Insurgent, debut at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list in consecutive years.
Did You Know?
She wrote the first draft of Divergent during her winter break from Northwestern University.
She is an avid fan of the video game series The Legend of Zelda.
She publicly identified as a Christian and has discussed how her faith interacts with her writing.
“I'm interested in people who make the choice to be brave, not born that way.”
