Book Review: Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
(Click here to find a library copy.)

In the future United States, there is a cure for love.  Everyone is operated on around the age of 18, then they proceed into a trouble-free adulthood.  The problem?  Teenagers.  Some of them can't make it to 18 without being infected.  Lena is counting down the days until she is through the danger and can be given the cure.  However, when Lena's evaluation day is pranked with a herd of stampeding cows, it starts a chain of events that opens her mind to the implications of being denied the opportunity to love.  Delirium is part of a mini-trend in dystopian literature in which romance drives the story.  Lauren Oliver's writing is excellent, which I think makes up for some of the generic dystopian plot elements.  Our recent dystopian book discussion covered a lot of ground in the genre, and I would compare this book to Matched and the Uglies series.  Check this one out if you're looking for a quick, exciting read with a swoon-worthy love interest!  Visit Lauren's website to learn more about her and her books.  I really enjoyed her previous book, Before I Fall.

Book Review: Before I Fall

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Click on the cover to find a library copy.

SUMMARY: What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life? Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: This book started out as the kind of book I usually hate. Not one to follow (or even care about) the drunken exploits of the popular crowd in real life, I usually don't bother reading books about them! However, I had heard so many good things about this book that I gave it a chance. Sam becomes less and less self-centered as the story progresses, which made it much easier for me to keep reading. I ended up racing to the finish, alternately crying my eyes out and rooting for Sam as she figures out how to break the repetive cycle of days. As the same events unfold, with only Sam making any changes, this book really explores how even the smallest of our choices has an effect on everyone around us. The atmosphere of this book reminds me of both Sweethearts by Sara Zarr and Before I Die by Jenny Downham. This is a must-read for those who enjoy everything from the cattiness of Gossip Girl and Mean Girls to the real-girl world of authors like Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.