Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 440
Review Source: NetGalley eARC from publisher

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Thoughts:
What can I say about this book? It’s intriguing, disturbing, action packed, romantic, and full of emotional intensity. I did not want to set it down; in fact, I totally procrastinated on my work because I just HAD to know what happened next. Lauren Oliver has created a world which is so far from our own, a world where love is a disease, and has made it feel eerily real. All of the quotes from books, songs, etc. at the beginning of each chapter help set the story in this world.

I found Lena to be a completely likable protagonist, and I really empathized with her and felt what she felt. Alex was mysterious enough to be interesting, but I liked how he was a nice guy. He was giving, kind, and patient, and his presence allowed Lena to be strong and believe in her own potential. The chemistry between Lena and Alex was so incredibly strong, yet I loved that despite the fact that this book is a romance in a sense, it was about so much more than just one relationship.

This book is absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend it. The only part that fell a bit flat to me was the ending. So much happened within such a short period of time, and while it was still moving, hopeful, and devastating, I wish it had been wrapped up a bit more. However, after reading the book I found out that it is the first of three books, so I will gladly pick up the next books when they are available, in order to stay in this crazy world with these great characters that Lauren Oliver has created.

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