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Delirium (Delirium #1)

by Lauren Oliver (Goodreads Author)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 113,844 ratings · 13,433 reviews

Lauren Oliver's debut work Before I Fall ensnared out intention with its vivid character portrayal; now the youthful novelist returns with another captivating fiction about a teenage girl in a strange, yet ever so relevant life changing situation. The narrator of Delirium suffers from a romantic malady that feels like it could be fatal; something most teens can understand.

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ebook, 309 pages

Published February 1st 2011 by HarperCollins

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Oct 30, 2012 Lyndz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mypod-audiobook, reviewed

Around page 30(ish) there is a line in the book that I really could not get past and I nearly put the book down because of it. “His eyes are literally dancing with light, burning as though on fire.” This is what I pictured:

I am positive that eyeballs (literally) doing a cha-cha with light bulbs is not is not what Oliver meant to portray. I am also pretty sure, given the context, that this statement was not intended as hyperbole. Now see here, I am normally not a grammar stickler, but this lapse...more

320 likes · like · see review

Dec 03, 2011 Stacey (prettybooks) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-after-university, dystopian-or-post-apocalyptic, read-in-my-twenties, young-adult-fiction

December 2011 review:
I adored Delirium when I first read and reviewed it, which was back in February. I had limited experience with dystopia, only having read Matched, The Hunger Games, and Uglies, but Delirium made it one of favourite genres. I’ve come across many young dystopian novels since then, and having re-read Delirium, I can safely say that it is still one of my favourites and one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Although Delirium is a dystopian novel, it is first and foremost a lo...more

145 likes · like · see review

Nov 08, 2010 Veronica Roth added it · review of another edition

(Originally on the blog, here.)

This concept could easily have gone awry. Stories about love tend to go that way sometimes. They wander into the realm of cheese and never return, which I think is a shame, because there is a way to write about romantic love without breaking out the Velveeta. And Lauren Oliver does it.

A few reasons why I loved this book:

1. It was well-written. Lauren Oliver strings words together like a poet-- she makes beautiful things surprising, if that makes sense. Sometimes wr...more (Originally on the blog, here.)

This concept could easily have gone awry. Stories about love tend to go that way sometimes. They wander into the realm of cheese and never return, which I think is a shame, because there is a way to write about romantic love without breaking out the Velveeta. And Lauren Oliver does it.

A few reasons why I loved this book:

1. It was well-written. Lauren Oliver strings words together like a poet-- she makes beautiful things surprising, if that makes sense. Sometimes writers fall back on the expected, and it can still be beautiful, but that's not Delirium. Unexpected and stunning-- that's how I would describe the writing.

Read this quote: "Somewhere deeper in the city a motor is running, a distant, earthy growl, like an animal panting. In a few hours the bright blush of morning will push through all that darkness, and shapes will reassert themselves, and people will wake up and yawn and brew coffee and get ready for work, everything the same as usual. Life will go on. Something aches at the very core of me, something ancient and deep and stronger than words: the filament that joins each of us to the root of existence, that ancient thing unfurling and resisting and grappling, desperately for a foothold, a way to stay here, breathe, keep going."

2. The world felt real. With some dystopian books, I have trouble believing that the world could actually turn out that way, even given the right set of circumstances. But with Delirium, I got the sense that it took place in an actual neighborhood, one that I could go and see, but with this looming sense of awfulness that is the fact that no one loves each other, no one can love each other. It's just a few notches away from where we are-- add a few dashes of government control and a "cure" for love and a few more rules/procedures/rituals and you have the world of Delirium. It does not feel like somewhere else; it feels like here.

One thing that helped this were the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, taken from made-up historical/religious/etc. documents related to the "dystopian concept". They gave me the sense that this entire movement in history had occurred before the opening of the novel, and that if I kept reading I could connect the dots from where I stand today and where Lena stood in the narrative.

3. It wasn't just a love story. Oliver's focus is not just on how romantic relationships are impacted by the love cure; she also went into the realm of family and friendship, too. About how those relationships break without love, and about how friendships would change without love. What I love about this is the way it's done-- with subtlety, so that you almost don't notice how terrible things are until suddenly, you do, and you ache for what Lena has lost as a result of the world's dissolution. Something I'd like to see more of in YA books is an exploration of many different kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones, so this book did that for me.

4. The ending. I'm not going to tell you what happens. But...AHHHH.(less)

387 likes · like · see review

Apr 05, 2013 kari rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, ya

This has all the elements of being a very exciting story, but sad to say, it isn't. The last fifty pages lift it from a two star, barely, but can't save the entirety of the book.
First of all, it's simply too long for what is in here. The storyline isn't bad, but it's far too minutely descriptive and all I can think is, well, this is going to be stretched out to fill three books so, of course, it's overly descriptive. Something has to fill all those pages. Too bad it isn't the story, but street b...more

40 likes · like · see review

Feb 10, 2011 Jillian -always aspiring- rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People who prefer YA dystopias like Uglies and Matched

Shelves: dystopian-worlds-hells-and-cesspits, covers-i-love, titles-i-love, could-have-been-better, 2011-reads, left-me-feeling-conflicted, should-have-loved-it-but-didn-t, prose-envy, dropped-series, reviewed

Love, the deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

But that isn't it, exactly.

The condemner and the condemned. The executioner; the blade; the last-minute reprieve; the gasping breath and the rolling sky above you and the thank you, thank you, thank you, God.

Love: It will kill you and save you, both.

I have heard glowing things about Delirium and its author, Lauren Oliver, for months before its release. Oliver's first novel, Before I Fall, was a stand-...more

59 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2011 Erica (daydreamer) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, netgalley, 2010-reads, beautiful-writing, swoon-worthy-male-love-interests, made-me-cry, unbearable-cliffhangers, i-own, incredible, heartbreaking-endings, love-love-it, i-recommend-it, 2011-reads, best-endings, novels-that-inspire-me, absolute-favorites, release-in-2011, ya, dystopian, being-made-into-a-movie

There are some books written that touch you deeply. Stories that work their way stealthily into your heart, and imbeds itself securely there, and refusing to disperse, leaving you utterly breathless and completely captivated with wondrous awe. Delirium did this for me. There are not many books that can speak to you the way Delirium does. Books that tug at your heartstrings, and make you believe in the impossible. Books that can express what love really is: an all consuming, brilliantly captivati...more There are some books written that touch you deeply. Stories that work their way stealthily into your heart, and imbeds itself securely there, and refusing to disperse, leaving you utterly breathless and completely captivated with wondrous awe. Delirium did this for me. There are not many books that can speak to you the way Delirium does. Books that tug at your heartstrings, and make you believe in the impossible. Books that can express what love really is: an all consuming, brilliantly captivating, wrenchingly heartbreaking power that takes control over you. Love that turns your world around, shows you things you never saw before, makes everything brighter and more amazing than you ever thought they could be.

Delirium takes you on the journey of Lena, a normal girl in a loveless society, who is soon immersed in the unthinkable, has found herself facing the most deadly thing ever known to mankind. Love. Lena begins to explore this completely new and forbidden emotion. An emotion that people shun and fear. An emotion that could get her killed. And in the end, she is tried more than she could have possibly imagined. My heart breaks for her, and yet it soars with hers as she discovers this whole new, enthralling world.

Delirium is such a uniquely, enchanting, astounding story. It was beautifully written, brilliantly told. And the ending. I don’t know if I’ve read a more heartbreaking, incredible ending. The last several pages I was on the edge. I couldn’t read fast enough. The story had me captive, refusing to let go until the very last word. I don’t know how I can possibly wait until 2012 for Pandemonium to come out! When February 1 rolls around, get your hands on this book, and don’t let go. Prepare yourself for a wonderful, beautiful love story that hopefully touches you the way it did me.

Thank you, thank you! for Netgalley and HarperCollins for letting me read this arc. It was incredible.

Update 5/25/11: Delirium is being made into a movie! Brilliant! That completely just made my day :D http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1698647/(less)

124 likes · like · see review

Nov 15, 2010 Phoebe added it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian, romance, netgalley, science-fiction

I was really excited to pick up an e-ARC of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium on netgalley, as her first book, Before I Fall is one of my crit group member Shannon’s all-time faves.

On a prose level, I can certainly understand her fondness for Oliver’s writing. It is very pretty and well-controlled, full of the sort of stylistic flourishes often absent in young adult literature. This was especially true in terms of her descriptions of the natural and man-made landscapes of the book. Delirium is set in a n...more

32 likes · like · see review

May 25, 2012 Kat Kennedy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kat-s-book-reviews, oppressive-dystopian-regime, the-great-shelf-of-meh, to-ya-or-not-to-ya

I have said this before and I’ll say it again. I have no problem with an implausible story vehicle. As long as the ride is good and it relates a moral or philosophical value.

But where the line is drawn is when the world isn’t consistent and in the confines of that world, things don’t make sense.

That’s my limit. That’s when I start getting frustrated and annoyed. And it’s not because an author tried something new, okay? Lauren Oliver is AMAZING. She is a great author who is erudite...more

104 likes · like · see review

Jul 05, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

WOW balled my eyes out! I am so depressed! ALEX! That was extremely intense and it didn't end at all like I expected. I need to get away from these depressing books for awhile.

Love killed Lena's mom so she wants nothing to do with it. She can't wait to get the cure. So of course right before her cure she falls in love. Alex was so sweet and amazing! I loved the time they spent together. The ending damn neared killed me!

The idea that love is a disease was so unique. The way they describe it, had...more

36 likes · like · see review

Feb 05, 2012 Ashleigh Paige rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-whole-new-level-of-boring, h-y-p-e-project, the-shameful-shelf-of-get-rid-of-it, right-reaction-wrong-reason

Also appears on The YA Kitten. Read and reviewed for the H.Y.P.E. Project (details here).

Sixty-four years after love was declared a disease, citizens of the United States are regularly cured as soon as they turn eighteen--sometimes sooner if they are in danger of being infected with amor deliria nervosa. Having seen how the disease affected both her mother and her older sister, Lena is counting down the days until she is cured. About three months before it can happens, something terrible happens...more

63 likes · like · see review

Mar 13, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian-post-apocalyptic-utopian, young-adult, read-2011, 2011-publication

3.5 stars

A well-written and engaging utopian romance, with an ending that leaves you wanting more but doesn't feel like a cheap trick.

15 likes · like · see review

Dec 08, 2010 Tatiana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: YA romance fans

Shelves: 2010, why-the-hype, series-dropped-lost-steam, dystopias-post-apocalyptic, ya, ala-ya-2012, romancelandia

It is clear, the new genre of dystopian romance is here to stay. Apparently, paranormal romance formula I-can't-be-with-you-cause-I-might-kill-you is getting old, so now we will be bombarded with trilogies showcasing new formula I-can't-be-with-you-cause-this-bad-dystopian-world-is-tearing-us-apart. Ugh! And why did Lauren Oliver decide to dabble in this genre instead of sticking to what she knows best? I am trying to be nice here, but Oliver has no talent for speculative fiction. I worry about...more It is clear, the new genre of dystopian romance is here to stay. Apparently, paranormal romance formula I-can't-be-with-you-cause-I-might-kill-you is getting old, so now we will be bombarded with trilogies showcasing new formula I-can't-be-with-you-cause-this-bad-dystopian-world-is-tearing-us-apart. Ugh! And why did Lauren Oliver decide to dabble in this genre instead of sticking to what she knows best? I am trying to be nice here, but Oliver has no talent for speculative fiction. I worry about this career choice of hers, because as of now she, as an author, is lost to me for at least 3 years. I am not interested in more Delirium books.

I love dystopias, I love how authors take current social and political trends and extrapolate them into future showing to us what can happen if these trends persist. The versions of future envisioned by Margaret Atwood built upon consequences of excessive genetic engineering or Paolo Bacigalupi's - upon global warming and exhaustion of natural resources - are plausible and horrifying. Lauren Oliver's dystopia is based on a premise that love is considered to be a serious, life-threatening sickness, and thus outlawed. Outlawing love, apparently, solves all world problems.

Now, I can buy a world where strong emotions are suppressed (see The Giver). People in such world would be subdued and docile, and thus lack drive for power and violence. But love? Really? The characters in this book cured of love, still get aggravated, annoyed, worried. They just don't love their spouses and kids. And retain almost all other emotions.

And the "horrible" consequences such premise brings about - neighborhood patrols, segregated (by sex) schools, arranged marriages, the horror! If, according to the author, this society is so constrictive, why is it so easy for teens to avoid curfews, to have parties with alcohol, to meet up in abandoned houses for some schmexy times, to fake being "cured" of love, to breach supposedly guarded borders? What is written to be scary and menacing in the Delirium's society just isn't. As a dystopia, this novel fails completely. The only aspect of the setting that is interesting is that how author twists Christian mythos to adapt to the love-is-a-dangerous-sickness premise.

The focus of the story, and an excuse to write this dystopia, is, of course, a romance. I wish I could say I enjoyed at least this aspect of Delirium, but I didn't really. It is mildly more exciting than the one in Matched, slightly steamier, and at least doesn't have a love triangle (yet). But there is still a self-insert main character (shy, ordinary, plain) and the main male emo squeeze, quoting poetry, who falls for her anyway. I am exhausted by this arrangement.

Authors, why don't you write books about something a little more important than a month-old teen romance? Especially if you choose to create a dystopian novel, which, by definition, encompasses the entire world and supposedly endangers and oppresses all humanity.(less)

261 likes · like · see review

Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, science-fiction

Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. 7/10 on the blog.

I was really intrigued by the premise of this novel. A world where love, also known as amor deliria nervosa, is classed as a disease. Every citizen must undergo an operation as soon as they turn eighteen to 'cure' them. I found the concept both unique and fascinating.

Our lead character is Lena. A young, seventeen year old girl with a mere ninety-five days remaining until she can be cured, and she cannot wait. Dreading the very thought of ca...more

15 likes · like · see review

Mar 07, 2011 oliviasbooks rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: readers who love every YA dystopia without reserve

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, scifi-dystopian-apocalyptic, love-story-romance, swapped-or-given-away, unfinished-2011, high-expectations, scb-challenge-2011

Okay. A review - or better a hopefully short explanation - after reading 104 pages, which in the case of "Delirium" means, I am still in the middle of the introductory chapters before the "real story" starts.

I do not know what I had expected storywise, when I pre-ordered the book. There were two factors, that made me do it, though: I had been very impressed by the author's courageous debut Before I Fall and the emotions reading it exposed me to. And - like almost every YA book lover out here - I...more

54 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Dija rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, surprisingly-good, wow, ya, authors-i-stalk, read-in-2012, my-reviews, first-in-series

So a day before the release of Pandemonium, I finally get around to reading Delirium. And after that devastating ending, my relief knows no bounds.

I don't know how you all survived the past year without raiding Oliver's home and/or holding her publisher at gunpoint for an ARC, but I'm so glad I don't have to prove my non-existent patience with this one, because frankly, I about died reading that last chapter.

Honestly, I hated Lena for most of the book. She's so damn weak and I couldn't help but...more

49 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Blythe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: in-a-name-challenge, 2012-reads, almost-fell-asleep, didn-t-see-that-coming, disappointments, doesn-t-deserve-the-hype, gimme-the-next-book, hooray-for-masochism, i-totally-saw-that-coming, judge-a-book-by-the-cover, project-dystopian, take-your-insta-love-and-leave, unmet-potential, read-reviewed

Actual rating: A very low three stars or 2.5 stars. I'm undecided right now.

I fell asleep while reading this book. True story, ask anyone (and by anyone, I mean my husband. I hope you're not able to ask just anyone and they can assure you that I fell asleep while reading this. That'd just be creepy). I settled down in bed, all cozied up, preparing to read more of Delirium because I've been putting it off for much too long, hoping to get a big chunk out of the way.

I think I lasted about thirty m...more

18 likes · like · see review

Aug 03, 2011 Sita Sargeant rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, could-t-bring-myself-to-finish, dystopian, young-adult, teen-romance, reviewed

I tried I really did, I loved Before I fall, and this book sounded so great, but I couldn't bring myself to get past the first 100 pages. This book is probably good for some people, but I just couldn't bring myself to finish it.

26 likes · like · see review

Jun 24, 2011 Elle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia-and-sci-fi, first-of-series, 2011-read, meh, own-read, everyone-loved-it-but-me, elles-reviews

Let’s all gather round and pretend that Lauren Oliver is a surgeon. A highly skilled, kick-ass champion of a surgeon.

Now, let's assume that Delirium is the patient.

And if these statements are true, then the characters are the amoebas that are aggressively attacking the patient and the plot is the brain tumour that will bring it to its tragic end.

Because let's be honest, this book was a bad idea.

It would be as if I woke up tomorrow and decided it was a terrific stroke of genius to wear my purple...more

45 likes · like · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Marian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review can also be viewed on my blog: WheneverLifeGetsTough

The first moment I saw the book on the bookstore's shelf, I felt like looking at it, but thought better. It might be one of those crappy YA books they put on with pretty covers just so people would pick it up. Which, in my opinion, is just plain wrong. (I have nothing against GOOD covers, just pointing out something I noticed.)

That was about a month (?) ago. And the second time I saw it was the first time I saw the author's name. Se...more

12 likes · like · see review

May 23, 2011 Brigid *Flying Kick-a-pow!* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, addicting-as-crack, young-adult, sci-fi, romance

Well, I am ever so sorry it took me almost a month to review this. The last couple of weeks of school have been insane (end of the year madness and all) and I've been putting off loads of book reviews. Anyway. Gah.

Enough about me. Let us turn our attention to Lauren Oliver's wonderful book, Delirium.

I don't know where to begin! I really liked this book. Dystopian fiction is hot hot hot nowadays, and it seems like every time I turn around I see a new dystopian book. Am I getting sick of it? Oh, y...more Well, I am ever so sorry it took me almost a month to review this. The last couple of weeks of school have been insane (end of the year madness and all) and I've been putting off loads of book reviews. Anyway. Gah.

Enough about me. Let us turn our attention to Lauren Oliver's wonderful book, Delirium.

I don't know where to begin! I really liked this book. Dystopian fiction is hot hot hot nowadays, and it seems like every time I turn around I see a new dystopian book. Am I getting sick of it? Oh, yes. YA books and their dang trends. So, I was somewhat reluctant to read this book, not only because of it was dystopian but because it sounded too cheesy for me.

The plot in a nutshell: Lena is a teenage girl living in a society where love is considered a disease. Therefore, everyone is stripped of their emotions via brain operation once they turn 18. Lena is of course approaching the magical age, and of course it's right before she's supposed to get the operation that she falls in love.

Sorta reminded me of Uglies (which I love!), and has a similar plot line: everyone is supposed to get an operation that takes away their emotions, main character has best friend who questions the operation, main character falls in love with rebellious boy who also questions the operation ...

However, Lauren Oliver puts an original spin on a somewhat predictable plot. Lena and Alex (aka male-love-interest) are likable characters who share a compelling romance. However, I think my favorite character was Hana, Lena's sweet but rebellious best friend who questions their society's boundaries––especially when it comes to what music they're allowed to listen to. (That would totally be me.)

However, what stuck with me most was Oliver's writing style and imagery. There are three scenes in particular that struck me, although they're all spoilers––so you know, if you haven't read it, don't click on the spoiler. Just trust me that there is some very powerful stuff in this book.

(view spoiler)

Well, I guess that's all I have to say on the matter. Even if you're skeptical of the dystopian craze, I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to the sequel (aka hoping desperately it doesn't screw up the story for me) and I also hope to read Oliver's other book, Before I Fall.(less)

14 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2010 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, weird-science, i-love-you-but-i-hate-you-endings, cliffhangerssss, endings-i-hate, read-in-2010

I had chills--CHILLS--at the end of Lauren Oliver's Delirium. It was like I could hear Muse's "Uprising" playing in the background as I read the last passage. I was unbelievably moved by this resistance movement that will fight for the right to love. I had to read the last page out loud to my non-literary husband (something I haven't done since "Katniss, there is no District 12") just so that I could share it with someone.

Fans of young adult dystopian fiction, rejoice! A remarkable new series ha...more I had chills--CHILLS--at the end of Lauren Oliver's Delirium. It was like I could hear Muse's "Uprising" playing in the background as I read the last passage. I was unbelievably moved by this resistance movement that will fight for the right to love. I had to read the last page out loud to my non-literary husband (something I haven't done since "Katniss, there is no District 12") just so that I could share it with someone.

Fans of young adult dystopian fiction, rejoice! A remarkable new series has been added to our genre. I've been reading dystopian fiction way before there ever was The Hunger Games, and I was captivated by Delirium. This novel combines so many classic elements of dystopian literature into a moving, heart-rending tale of the ultimate forbidden love--not only is Lena forbidden to chose whom she will love, but she is forbidden to love PERIOD. I saw echoes of so many favorite dystopian works in Delirium (1984, Anthem, and perhaps the first YA dystopian novel, John Christopher's The White Mountains).

I was hooked from the very beginning. I love the premise, and Lauren Oliver really delivered. Although the first quarter of the book drags in places, once Oliver hits her stride, the story grips your heart and emotions and doesn't let go. Oliver takes us on this fascinating journey of self-discovery with Lena, as Lena slowly learns to trust her heart, question the "truths" she's always been taught, and ultimately choose for herself. I loved seeing Lena gradually awaken from the slumber this world places on the mind as Alex show her how to think and feel and LOVE for herself.

And that ending? I was blown away. Oliver foreshadowed it throughout the book, but I was still floored. There are certain events that I REALLY hope are possible for the next book based on that ending, so I read the last few pages several times to see if there's any hope there, and believe there is. Was that vague enough to keep it spoiler free?

Delirium is a thought-provoking tale that had me riveted. It combines some of my favorite elements--forbidden love, dystopian world, resistance movement--into one compelling book that will haunt you well after you've read that stunning last passage.
(less)

27 likes · like · see review

May 09, 2012 Jeann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian

In a world where love is disease and people are 'cured' when they are of age, Delirium is a unique twist on the YA dystopian genre. Instead of focusing on the world building, this title is full of heart-pounding action.

I quite enjoyed Delirium and the characters that formed it. While the writing was engaging, the story unique and with great character development, it wasn't a full 5 stars for me due to a slightly predictable plot. If love is a disease, and Lena is supposed to get cured in a few...more

12 likes · like · see review

Sep 28, 2011 Demi (Breaking Bookshelves) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, wishlist, favourites, reviewed, trilogy

The only reason this gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me - yes, I put four stars because there is no 4.5 - is because of the fact that I skimmed through some of it. Otherwise, the emotional impact is great. There was just so many things to love about this book. The characters, the words, the lyrical prowess. There are deep thoughts that begin to creep into your mind as you read the book and I loved every second of it. Alex stole my heart. The fact that I don't know what happens to him right now is...more

7 likes · like · see review

Jan 14, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-bitten, squeemers

Wow. There are few words to describe this book but one of them is that. Wow.

Every word of this story burrowed under my skin and festered there, leaving me starving for more once the story ended. It's funny because as much as I loved the story, I want to say it was too long. And I really think it was. For every lyrical word I read, I felt a good third of them could have been chopped and still maintained the dignity and integrity of the story in its entirety. If it were shorter, I don't think I wo...more Wow. There are few words to describe this book but one of them is that. Wow.

Every word of this story burrowed under my skin and festered there, leaving me starving for more once the story ended. It's funny because as much as I loved the story, I want to say it was too long. And I really think it was. For every lyrical word I read, I felt a good third of them could have been chopped and still maintained the dignity and integrity of the story in its entirety. If it were shorter, I don't think I would have missed anything. I would have still found myself as attached to the story as I am now. But at the end of the day, I didn't mind reading all of those extra words. They just put more fluffy in the bed of story I was lying in.

I loved seeing Lena change as the story progressed and watching her become her own Hana without realizing it until it'd already happened. I'm not a big fan of playing up the "I'm so normal" schtick that YA female protags have a tendency of doing but it's what's in the seemingly "normal" that the story lies. There is a point to it so if you find yourself rolling your eyes as you read about yet another teen MC finding herself plain next to her gorgeous best friend, just hold it out. It redeems itself. Although what I found pretty pointless was the constant mentioning of Lena's height. By the end of the book I couldn't place its relevance to the overall story. I didn't get why it was mentioned constantly. Can anyone else help me out here?

What I really liked was how Oliver had a way with such seemingly little lines that did such an amazing job of portraying Lena's naivety exactly how it was, without pretenses. My favorites:
"I hate it when my aunt looks at me like that, like she's reading all the bad parts from my soul." (pg. 71)

"It's [The Telltale Heart] supposed to be a story about guilt and the dangers of civil disobedience, but when I first read it I thought it seemed kind of lame and melodramatic. Now I get it, though. Poe must have snuck out a lot when he was young." (pg. 117)
I'm a fan of Romeo & Juliet and I really liked the way Oliver bled that theme over into Delirium. In reality, it's a pretty commonly-used trope, especially in YA, but I really liked it here. Alex is the type of YA guy that needs to be permeated throughout YA fiction. He's not a dick, he's not a stalker, he treats Lena how she should be treated. Shock! So I was really pushing for the two to end up together because I found him such a redeeming and valuable character to the story.

I thought the world Oliver developed was absolutely amazing. More than once I found myself getting audibly revolted with how that society functioned. Lobotomizing the population as a means to control them? How terrifying is that? It's the nineteenth century redux. I also liked how the vantage point rose up off of Lena's shoulders every once in a while so the reader got a better view of the world. How it's all fenced in and electrified and the crazy that lies behind its borders (and within it). I also liked how the illusion broke down as the story went on, shattering the safe indoctrination Lena got as she was growing up. Really I liked how Delirium can be viewed as what can happen when the government takes protecting us from ourselves a little too far. It's scary and who's to say it couldn't happen? Really?

I haven't read Before I Fall but if the writing is anything like Delirium, I'm going to swallow the thing whole. This book induces some serious writer envy in me. It's a level that I would strive to reach and can only dream of achieving. I have no doubt Delirium will prevail as one of the defining novels of dystopian literature for years to come. It doesn't always have to be about society totally breaking down. This one's all about society winding itself far too tight. If you're looking for a dystopian book that doesn't involve society functioning at its basest animal instincts for survival, Delirium is it. And the writing and plot and characters are all fantastic enough to suck you in and hold you strong as well. I wouldn't want to forget mentioning that.(less)

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Mar 06, 2012 Ariana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, series

Rating: 2.5 stars (more or less).

I wanted to like this book... I really did, but somehow I couldn't get into it the way I wanted. The writing was really good, but I guess it wasn't enough for me to love the story.

First, I like a book with a plausible story-line. I understand the need in YA books for some people to write about fairies, and vampires, and so on (feel free to fill in the blanks)... But a story about a world in which love is considered a disease? Hmmm...What's the purpose of that,...more

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May 04, 2011 Fran rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, series-bad-but-reading, dystopia

I enjoyed this book. Lauren Oliver's writing is incredible. But I still had some issues with it.

The first issue would be the premise. Normally when I read a book set in a different world, I just accept it the way it's described. But I simply couldn't buy into this one because it made no sense. Why would you ever decide to "cure" love? Why would it kill people? And why would all of the citizens be stupid enough to believe whatever idiotic story the government tells them?! I was rolling my eyes at...more

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May 05, 2013 Varsha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian

Have you ever considered love as a disease?

Lena is a seventeen-year-old orphan, living with her aunt and uncle. She is all set to be cured of amor deliria nervosa commonly known as love, in about two months. Cured means to be devoid of emotions such as warmth and affection. But her best friend, Hana, has suddenly started morphing into a stranger-now, she goes to places where boys and girls talk with each other, and she listens to music not approved by the government. Lena thinks this is wrong-u...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone looking for an easy read

Shelves: missing-parent-syndrome

2.5 stars

I generally love dystopias, but since Hunger Games the trend really seems to have caught fire (no pun intended), resulting in some pretty half-assed additions to genre. There are worse ones out there than Delirium, but this by no means stood out to me as an example of what good YA dystopian lit is capable of.

The premise sounds like the brainstorming of a middle-school creative writing class: in a futuristic setting, love is outlawed, and everyone becomes a brainwashed zombie on their 18...more 2.5 stars

I generally love dystopias, but since Hunger Games the trend really seems to have caught fire (no pun intended), resulting in some pretty half-assed additions to genre. There are worse ones out there than Delirium, but this by no means stood out to me as an example of what good YA dystopian lit is capable of.

The premise sounds like the brainstorming of a middle-school creative writing class: in a futuristic setting, love is outlawed, and everyone becomes a brainwashed zombie on their 18th birthday. Naturally, our protagonist Lena is one of the few to understand True Love, and must fend off the Forces of Evil in order to be with her Soul Mate, Alex.

To be honest, I never really felt like this premise made a lot of sense to start with. The book appears to equate "love" and "passion", which aren't really the same things at all. Outlawing passion would make sense in a twisted sort of way, since it can cover a lot of ground: jealousy, hatred, fury, etc. However, the book constantly refers to "love" as amor deliria nervosa, to the point where the word love itself is outlawed. I felt like, had the author tried harder, we might have actually sympathized on some level with those who wanted the procedure. Who doesn't want to stop feeling things like guilt, shame, and misery? Yet the book never goes this far, because we are EXPECTED to agree with Lena. To experience any kind of conflict outside of the one preventing Lena from being with Alex is apparently beside the point.

Of course, as more or less functional human beings, we understand that to experience the good parts in life, we also have to experience the bad. Strangely enough, though, Delirium never actually reaches this message, and just sort of loses steam. The ending of the novel is pretty much summed up in one (pretty patronizing) line:

I'd rather die my way than live yours.

Which was a bit of a letdown, really. I mean, teenagers have been saying this for ages, and it's not like anybody is against being in love with someone who loves you back. They're against all of the negatives that comes with it: the jealousy, the anger, and eventually, the heartbreak and devastation. Again, this is never broached in Delirium. Alex and Lena are the rebels in love, prepared to show the ignorant world the light. Or something.

I've heard the sequel is quite a bit better, which is mostly why I picked up this book. I DID like Ms. Oliver's writing style, which is one of the main reasons this book scraped by at 2.5 stars for me. Here's crossing my fingers that Pandemonium can tread some deeper waters.

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Dec 19, 2010 Misty rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: excited-for, juvenile-ya, arc-or-galley, own, signed, series, thanks-ksenia, disappointing-or-excited-for-nothin, read-in-2010

2.5 - 3

"I hate skin; I hate bones and bodies. I want to curl up inside of him and be carried there forever."

Earlier this year, I fell in love with Lauren Oliver's debut, Before I Fall. So understandably, I was very excited to hear about her next book, Delirium. A dystopian world where love is a disease, written by the clearly very talented Oliver? Yeah, I can get behind that. I settled in to wait the long, cruel months until the February release date, when I got a surprise package in the mail fr...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Lucy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian

Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall was my favorite book of 2010 and I was eagerly anticipating her new dystopian follow up. Since I’m such a fan of both Lauren Oliver and dystopian books I had high expectations Delirium. I’m happy to say Delirium did not disappoint, and impressed me just as much as her first book. I read this book originally several months ago and was pondering it for a while deciding what to say in a review. I was emotionally wrecked after reading it the first time. I decided to re-...more Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall was my favorite book of 2010 and I was eagerly anticipating her new dystopian follow up. Since I’m such a fan of both Lauren Oliver and dystopian books I had high expectations Delirium. I’m happy to say Delirium did not disappoint, and impressed me just as much as her first book. I read this book originally several months ago and was pondering it for a while deciding what to say in a review. I was emotionally wrecked after reading it the first time. I decided to re-read it after publication to pull my thoughts together. I ended up listening to the audiobook format this time.

Delirium is takes place in Portland Maine in a future world where love is considered a disease. The disease is identified as amor deliria nervosa and scientists perform brain surgery on all citizens when they turn eighteen to cure them of the disease. Just before the procedure the candidates must submit to an interview before they can be matched to their ideal husband/wife. The main character Lena is just about to turn eighteen, and is looking forward to her procedure. Both of her parents have died, and the cure for deliria did not work on her mother after 3 attempts. Lena’s best friend Hana is starting to rebel against the strict regulated books, music, and curfews they are expected to follow. Lena and Hana are at an after-curfew party when Lena meets up with Alex. They fall hard for each other but of course need to keep their relationship a secret. Unfortunately the clock is ticking on Lena’s procedure date.

The writing is incredible in this book. Ms. Oliver has a way with words and the emotions of the characters leap off the page. The writing is lovely and descriptive throughout the novel. Another nice touch is the passages at the beginning of each chapter. There are quotes from different government approved books, including the “Book of Shhh,” an abbreviation for “The Safety, Health, and Happiness Handbook.” These quotes provide more of a glimpse of the dystopian world.

The set up of the book was done well and showed Lena’s life prior to getting “infected” by Alex. In the beginning, Lena is on board with the government program to get matched and have the procedure. She did not want to end up un-cured like her mother, although she misses and remembers her fondly. The government restricts all kinds of activity that inspires love/deliria or laughter and bugs phone calls and conducts random raids to look for violations. It is interesting to see Lena’s opinion change as she becomes more intrigued with the lives of “resisters.”

This book explores relationships very well, and one of the strongest bonds in the book is between the friends Lena and Hana. They are best friends and have all kinds of plans of things they want to do before their procedure is scheduled. They enjoy going running together particularly. Lena worries that her friendship with Hana won’t be the same after the procedure.

The relationship between Alex and Lena is one of the most compelling aspects of the book. Their relationship is smoldering and passionate, and he opens her eyes to a different world. They have the odds stacked against them and it makes you want them to succeed as a couple that much more.

The book really shines in the final third of the book, when the action leads to a gut-wrenching cliffhanger. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. The next book in the series cannot arrive soon enough.

Regarding the audiobook – I enjoyed listening to the book in this format. Actress Sarah Drew reads the book. Grey’s Anatomy fans will know her as April. Since I listened to the book after I read it first, I had an opinion on what Lena’s voice would sound like. At first, the reader did not match up to my expectation of Lena’s voice. However, as I listened more to the story I felt the reader did a great job with conveying Lena’s emotions and with the voices of the other characters. The audiobook is just over 11.5 hours long.

Delirium is the first book in a trilogy. This book sets up the dystopian world well, but there is room to fill in more details about how the world ended up this way in future books. The premise seems believable and possible, and I enjoyed the dystopian elements. I would consider this book to be more about love and relationships first, but with a dystopian setting. I would recommend Delirium to fans of Before I Fall, as well as fans of YA and dystopians. The writing is simply beautiful, with a well-crafted story that will haunt you.
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About Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver comes from a family of writers and so has always (mistakenly) believed that spending hours in front of the computer every day, mulling over the difference between “chortling” and “chuckling,” is normal. She has always been an avid reader.

She attended the University of Chicago, where she continued to be as impractical as possible by majoring in philosophy and literature. After colleg...more

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