"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.
©2011 Laura Schechter (P)2011 HarperCollins Pubilshers
"Wonderful"
I became a fan of Lauren Oliver with her last book Before I Fall. She provides a new perspective on time honored themes. If you enjoyed Before I Fall, I would recommend spending a credit on this book. It is well written and narrated. This is not a romance novel in my opinion, but more a commentary on the power of society and the things that can happen when we grant
our leaders too much authority. It illustrates how we can lose what is really important. It has a similar feel to Unwind by Neal Shusterman or Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. It could even be compared to Suzanne Collins Mockinjay series--though it is not action packed as that series but does make a similar statement about society. It is Lauren Oliver's twist on what could have happened had our society proceeded with the 'frontal lobotomy' mentality we once had.
100% of the books I read are in audible format. I enjoy reading apocalyptic, WWII, psychology, classics, contemporary and non-fiction.
"Delicious Narration"
I loved this book -- the positive reviews are warranted. This is one of those books that falls into the category of "must listen to instead of reading" where I feel listening enhances the experience to the max. The narration was superb and the tone of Alex and Lena’s voices -- so real and appealing. The concept is slightly dystopian, where love is not allowed in America (strictly enforced), which caught my attention. The storyline is not predictable, as it could easily be.....I thought I knew where it was headed, but I'd be proven wrong every time. Although a YA book -- definitely would appeal to those of ALL ages -- especially women --but I think boys and girls would enjoy it equally. What a great listen !
"Engaging story, entertaining narration"
While a young adult novel, it certainly has plenty of questions to ponder for adults. I think the author did a wonderful job capturing the angst and emotionality of first love as did the narrator. I considered using it for a book club choice because I thought the discussions would have been quite interesting.
Other reviewers felt it may be too similar to other current popular YA fiction. I think good vs evil, adult vs teen, rebellion, governmental control, etc have always been themes seen in novels and the author does a great job of putting those to use in unique ways.
I wouldnt hesitate to listen to another of her books regardless of subject.
"You have to LISTEN to this one!"
I'm an adult who is a sucker for ya dystopian fiction, and this one has become one of my favs. To be honest, I'm not certain I would have enjoyed reading it as much as I loved listening to it. The narrator is wonderful - she brings Oliver's wonderfully descriptive prose to life. Can't wait for the next book!
"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." --Lemony Snicket
"Excellent narration"
My colleague Emily recommended Delirium to me - it was one of her picks for the Best of 2011, and she raves about the book at every opportunity. While I didn't love the book as much as she does, I did find it entertaining. I was impressed with the concept - that love is a disease that everyone needs to be cured of - but found myself growing a bit impatient with our heroine, Lena, who took a little too long to put together that the government's restrictions were not in her best interest. And while the pace picked up in the last hour or so, which was exciting, it also accelerated Lena's transition from a young, naive girl to a mature enemy of the government in a forced way.
Despite these criticisms, I did enjoy the book - and, more importantly, I loved Sarah Drew's performance. She was able to channel all the different nuances of this full cast, and was especially chilling as Lena's already cured sister. Drew's performance alone might get me to check out the rest of this trilogy...
I love the outdoors and the warm weather!! And I never leave home with out my I-Nano. It should be surgically placed into my ear. I live and breath for books.
"Imagine A World Without LOVE!!"
This was my first time reading a Lauren Oliver novel. And I was pleasantly surprised. The story is told by an 18 yr young women. Who realizes that the world she lives in is a lie. Imagine a world without LOVE. Its not a mushy romance novel. I personally do not like mushy romance novels. If your looking for something new and refreshing I suggest that you listen to this book.This book is very well written( very descriptive). If you close your eyes and listen you can imagine this place. I enjoyed Sarah Drew as the narrator. I can't wait to listen to Pandemonium.
"Good story but really for YA audiences"
While I enjoyed listening to this YA story, I found the secondary characters to be somewhat unforgettable and underdeveloped. I think this story was written to appeal to younger teen girls particularly. However, the narrator did an excellent job of bringing the main character to life.
"Left me breathless..."
I just finished this lovely story and am left breathless... The other 5 star reviews have said all that needs to be said... poetic, beautifully written story; very well acted narration; a great "listen". I want more!
"Excellent"
I bought this audiobook immediately after finishing Before I Fall. While the subject matter is very different, Delirium is just as beautiful and touching as Oliver's debut. Sarah Drew makes an excellent narrator (although I could see how her 'voices' could bother some people). Delirium is a fantastic book, and having found out that it is the first of a planned trilogy is very exciting. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Before I Fall or books like Uglies, The Hunger Games, Looking for Alaska, etc.
Just A little bibliophile!
"Gripping!"
A great story from the uniquely talented Lauren Oliver. I find her style very poignant with a refreshing and novel approach to the themes explored. Sarah Drew's talented narration totally draws us in to Lena's mind and emotions as she faces a new reality and discovers a world beyond the carefully constructed and controlled "society" she has been brought up in. Very interesting dystopian premise that love is a "disease" that must be carefully prevented and controlled at all costs. A touching love story develops between the characters, and I am "holding my breath" for the next installment...please bring it on, Ms. Oliver!