Delirium

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Recommendation: 8th Grade and Up
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Plot: One rule had been made clear and simple through Lena's childhood: Do not catch delirium. In other words: Do not fall in love. As an innocent and obedient citizen of our advanced nation, Lina has no intention of breaking such a law. That is until she meets Alex, the autumn of her last, dreadful year being unmarried. He's different that the man who she is engaged, he's a free spirit. But, he's also and Invalid; to her country, he doesn't exist in any legal way. Will Lena fight for her newfound, precisely  forbidden love or will she die trying? After all, how many times can this law be broken, how many times will a citizen catch Delirium before chaos strikes?

Critique: I remember picking up this book in the store, not knowing what it was about, but somehow knowing I'd like it. I don't know if that's intuition or just a really good cover, but  what I do know is I was right. I was attached to this book from page one. I didn't let it slip out of my hands for more than a second. The plot, the ideas, the world in which Lena must live (which is the future of our own country) was perfectly constructed though I feel the writing didn't quite live up. Lena's character was nicely composed, however at times, doubted her love and became hesitant while decided how she could be with Alex. It almost seems as though she wasn't prepared to give enough effort to escape. Over all, it was a fascinating read that opened my eyes to what forbidden love really is, and the intensity that burns when you are denied your freedom.