Delirium (Delirium #1)
5 Stars: KEEPER!!!
Format: Hardback
Publication: February 1, 2011
Pages: 441
Publisher: Amazon Hardback | Amazon Paperback | Kindle
| B&N | Book Depository
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 government 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.
Pandemonium is coming out soon. Since I first read Delirium before Imaginary Reads came into being, I haven’t reviewed it at the blog yet and thought that we could all use a little refresher. I know that I needed one when I first read Pandemonium, as much as I’d love to say that Delirium is so amazing that I remember every word. (Believe me, I would memorize it if it was possible, but I have so many other things to memorize… for studies and all.)
Lena’s voice is real and beautiful. Her happiness, sorrows, and troubles all flow through the pages, and they touch my heart every time I read this book. It is easy to relate to Lena. She starts as a good girl who wants to follow the rules and doesn’t want trouble. Having seen what happened to her mom, she can’t wait for her procedure, so she’ll never have to worry again about the possibility of falling to the disease of love. Maybe she could have had a “happily ever after” like her sister; maybe she would have lived a loveless life. But then she meets Alex.
Alex. The intelligent girl that she is, Lena knows from the beginning that there is something up with Alex, but she can’t help meeting with him again and again. Words can’t describe the beauty of their relationship except that they were meant to be. Looking back at this book, I can only describe the magic of their relationship as the magic of first love. It is a magic that we all want to see last, but a magic that we know extinguishes all too often.
Delirium is a book about love. It is about faith and courage in opening yourself to pain and sorrow at the same time that you discover the blessing that is love. Lena lives in a rigid society with many strict rules and beliefs. Reading Delirium as a story is an experience in itself, but I can’t help comparing Lena’s life to my own. When I read this book, I am thankful that we have no laws against love, that we have the freedom of creativity and independence. And I cheer on Lena, wishing her all the best in her pursuit of love.
Lauren Oliver is an amazing writer. You should read all of her books. Even though she plays with our hearts and leaves us with cliffhangers, it is well worth the experience. I have no idea what we’ll have coming to us in book three, but I have high expectations for it. Once you own all three Delirium books, you should reread the entire trilogy in full. I know that I will!
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Christy Maurer says
I have really been wanting to read this book. I've read such great things about it and you have added to that! Thanks for your descriptive review.
Jeanz says
I really love this series of books by Lauren Oliver! I rarely read books more than once book think this series is a keeper that I would read again.
Christabelle says
Oh, just reading your review makes my heart ache, but it is true, although this book is very emotional (if not only for me), it is well worth it. One of the best books I have ever read. Thank you for detailing Delirium do well, you did it justice.
Teresa says
I have to agree, Lena's voice is beautiful. No complaints there. Lauren Oliver is a fabulous writer! I'm hoping i can read Pandemonium soon!
Jasmine Rose says
This book completely captured my heart.I adored it and boy howdy did that ending make me bawl.
Jen R. says
Oh wow. Great review! You really convinced me that this book is amazing! 😀 Will surely check it out now!
~Korena~ says
I have heard a lot about Pandemonium and loved Delirium! Cannot wait to read it!
Kristin@BloodSweatandBooks says
I love this story. It was such a refreshing change of pace.
Little Star says
I have heard amazing things about this book – I can't wait to read it
-Carla
Kaci Verdun says
I haven't read the book yet, but the review was great and i'm definetly wanting to check it out!
TayteH says
Hmm….Interesting. Her voice? Never looked at her or the book that way. Very interesting and thoughtful. Wonderful review!
Christina Kit. says
It's like she's trying to break through:))
Christina Kit. says
What I like about this cover, is that you get a peek of Lena through the writing. Kind of like she's trying to find herself, she's slowly reaching out, and she has a huge barrier that society put in front of her.
Very symbolic!
Jennifer Messerschmidt says
Delirium is so beautiful! I LOVE Alex!!!
Natalie Aguirre says
So agree with your review and that Lauren Oliver is an amazing author. I've already requested Pandemonium at the library. Can't wait till it comes in.
Crystal says
To be honest, I prefer the cover that I have up; it's the one I originally got, and I just love it. I was sad when they changed the cover theme, but I agree that no cover can truly match this story. It's too good. 🙂
Kali S says
Love love love this book! I bought it on my Kindle sometime around X-mas as a special for 2.99, and I want to have a hardcopy so much! One day I'll own all of my favourite series on hardcopies instead of e-books…
Thanks for the review! It's seriously one of the best books I've read this year so far. I can't wait to read Pandemonium.
Christina Kit. says
Which cover do you prefer, this one or the other one with the girl?
I love both! With this kind of story, no cover can do it justice anyway:))
Christina Kit. says
Oh the beauty that is Delirium!!
I find the premise and characters so intriguing!