Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This six weeks, I read Delirium by Lauren Oliver, which was copyrighted in 2011. I guess you could say it’s a romance novel, but it’s also fiction and takes place sometime in the future. So the book is mainly following Lena, the main character, and how, in her generation, love is considered a disease. You should probably know that Lena’s mom supposedly killed herself, so Lena is forever tainted by that memory, and the disease since it was love that supposedly made her do it. Throughout the book she faces self doubt, lies, dangerous situations, and other troubles, but they all lead her to one conclusion. She learns hidden secrets about her mother and the “disease” and her opinion changes completely. She no longer is terrified of love nor does she want to be “safe” from it.

The story is in first person P.O.V. and in the point of view of Lena. In the beginning, Lena is absolutely convinced, along with the rest of the nation, that love is a horrible disease and that everyone must be protected from it. But, her best (and only) friend Hanna is becoming a little more rebellious than Lena would like. Anyways one day they Meet a cured boy names Alex. But it turns out he lied about being cured and Lena becomes terrified of getting “sick” so she stays away from him. Eventually they start to see each other again and fall in love, but they get caught by the regulators, and Alex sacrifices himself to save Lena from being killed. So, since this story is pretty much about love and loss and rebellions and such, I’m pretty sure the intended audience would be teens and/or young adults. The book would fit under the category of fiction because none of this whole “love is a disease” thing would probably ever happen, and it certainly isn’t happening now. The author kept me interested by the different plot twists and great writing style. She uses a lot of detain and imagery in her writing and it’s great for the intended audience because it’s a good way to keep them from putting the book down.

The book really kind of messed my mind up because the whole idea of love being bad is the complete opposite of popular belief now so it just made me sit there and wonder what life would actually be like if love was a disease. No it didn’t really change any ideas I had nor did it affect my outlook on the world. Also, it didn’t bring up any memories of other books because I’ve never read a book quite like this one.

            I really enjoyed the book because it kept my attention and was a whole new idea and story and plot and just oh my gosh it was really well written and everything. Some “practical” people might not think so because “no one would ever consider love to be a disease” and “it’s a feeling, not a sickness” but it’s a book and it’s a really good one. Yeah love will never be counted as a disease but that’s what gives this book creativity and imagination. In other words, if you haven’t read Delirium, then I suggest you get yourself a copy and read it when you can.

Taylor Johnson

12/17/13

RATING: ***** 5/5