Delirium

By: Lauren Oliver

Narrated by: Sarah Drew

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

"Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't."

Lauren Oliver astonished readers with her stunning debut, Before I Fall. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called it "raw, emotional, and, at times, beautiful. An end as brave as it is heartbreaking." Her much-awaited second novel fulfills her promise as an exceptionally talented and versatile writer.

Also included is a sneak listen to the first chapter of the next book in the series. Enjoy!

©2011 Laura Schechter (P)2011 HarperCollins Pubilshers

Blown Away!

I could not stop listening to this book! The narrator was fantastic! I can not wait until the next book comes out! It took me 3 days to listen to this book and that was me trying to pace myself!

Music does NOT make an audiobook better!

I liked this book. I really liked it, in fact.

However, I was at the last minute of the book and music starts playing behind the narrator's voice.

If the story isn't strong enough to hold up without accompaniment, it shouldn't have been published. Background music is one of the most distracting things in an audiobook and can ruin an otherwise ideal experience.

This is a YA novel about teens thinking for themselves - I like these. I don't care what the eventual outcome of their decision is - I just like the fact that they are encouraged to have a decision at all.

The book is a bit slow going at first, but picks up later on and by the last 1/4 I was anxious to learn the outcome (I even resorted to wearing my headphones in Wal-Mart!)

Beautiful Writing and Interesting Premise

I previously read this author’s book “Before I Fall” and found I really enjoyed her writing style but was disappointed in the book’s lack of interesting turns. The author has a skill that you rarely see in YA authors. She uses quite a few metaphors and similes, which I felt built mood and ambiance without being distracting. I was much happier with the Delirium series as it’s a dystopia and thus delves into more interesting content.

Of course, one must note that there are many many YA dystopias out there with a brave young woman and her love interest. But I felt the focus of the book wasn't so much on this relationship but all relationships the heroine has. How does the love cure affect how others interact with you? How do parents treat their children and spouses? You start to see the domino affect in a society with no affection and the author contrasts this with uncured children and the rare uncured adult.

One of the things I enjoyed about the world of this dystopia is that it felt like a very believable near future. I can absolutely see our society going down a path like this “for the greater good.” With domestic drones and brain research in the news this week it felt very close.

I also enjoyed what I considered a nod to Huxley’s “Brave New World” by making Shakespeare and other works of literature banned (or used as cautionary tale) and also the limiting of music. Another world-building concept I felt worked well was how each chapter begins with excerpts from their manual for society rules and new religion.

About a third of the book focuses partially on building your affection for the main characters then about the last third is very action-packed. I found in general, though, the book pulls you forward plot-wise as you know the main character is quickly approaching a procedure that will make her into a socially-approved drone. This series does delve into some violence when people don’t toe the line, but it won’t be as shocking as Mazerunner or Divergent so expect a more believable version of the future.

Surprisingly good

Despite the good reviews, I was still skeptical because the idea of love being a disease sounded kinda stupid, but this was a superb book and the narrator, which I thought would be annoying, was excellent. She did voices that embodied the characters very well.

I really enjoyed this book and it was not as childish as I had expected. I definitely would recommend this to a friend.

Excellent in Every Way

I wasn't sure I would enjoy another dystopian YA novel, but as the story progressed and I got caught up in Lena's story, I realized that I was loving this book. It is so well written, with beautiful prose that at times is pure poetry. The world created is real yet altered - bits of familiar literature or even stories from the Bible that were hijacked to feed the lies of this future government, people who have been cured of the disease but who are automatons, and teenagers who feel things so deeply.

There is mild profanity, violence, and love.

If you like a great story with awesome characters, then I highly recommend Delirium.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Sarah James. Initially her voice annoyed me, especially as she read the male characters. But as the story built, she did an excellent job of conveying every emotion that Lena (and others) felt. There were times that my heart was breaking to hear Lena tell her story.

I love this book. One of my favorites this year.

Loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Delirium to be better than the print version?

I loved this series, it your never quite sure what will happen next!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Delirium?

When she discovers the truth about her mother

What does Sarah Drew bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sarah adds excitement to the characters you wouldn't get by just reading the book.

A really good YA Dystopian Romance

A really good book as long as you understand what you're picking up. Delirium is a young adult, dystopian romance, so if you don't enjoy younger protagonists or the genre--you'll probably want to pass. Some of the language is also a bit flowery at parts, which I felt was a good reflection of the awe the narrator was experiencing, but may not be everyone's cup of tea.

These aspects aside, I found this book to be incredibly captivating. The premise of the book is very original and executed in a gritty and believable way. The characters are complex and it's easy to become invested in their stories. (Huge nod to the Sarah Drew for being each character to life--one of the best narrators I've heard.)

Overall, a moving book that examines the idea of love and what it means to be truly alive. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.

Huge surprise.

Did not have any expectations for his YA novel. Loved it! Oliver's created a world that I could see and feel. Routed for the characters. Purchased the second book Pandemonium before I finished!

FYI. Many years from YA myself!

IT GREW ON ME

Would you listen to Delirium again? Why?

Probably not. It is an entertaining book, but it took the 2nd download for the story to take hold. The reader's voice sounds a little too young for me in the beginning, but I guess that is to be expected when surfing the young adult titles.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

By the time I got close to the ending, I was hooked, and knew I'd be buying the series.

Which character – as performed by Sarah Drew – was your favorite?

Alix. A more mature character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end! I got chocked up at how many times Alix he demonstrated unconditional love

Thoroughly enjoyed this audible!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend it! I would say only about 1/4 of the audibles I have listened to I have been excited about, and this is one of them. It has an interesting plot line, and an awesome narrator!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Delirium?

It is hard to pinpoint a most memorable moment, but all of the interactions between Hannah and Lena were great! Also I loved when there was a raid, and Lena was starting to realize that the government was corrupt.

Have you listened to any of Sarah Drew’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to her other performances, but she was great in this one! She definitely made this audible a great experience!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Love is deadly disease.

Any additional comments?

It did take a little getting used to listening to Sarah Drew narrate, mostly because she sounds very young. But after I got past the first chapter or so, I absolutely loved her narration! She did so good!