Book Review - Delirium

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver 
Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
Release Date: 4 Aug 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0340980934

Synopsis
Lena Haloway is content in her safe, government-managed society. She feels (mostly) relaxed about the future in which her husband and career will be decided, and looks forward to turning 18, when she’ll be cured of deliria, a.k.a. love. She tries not to think about her mother’s suicide (her last words to Lena were a forbidden “I love you”) or the supposed “Invalid” community made up of the uncured just beyond her Portland, Maine, border. There’s no real point—she believes her government knows how to best protect its people, and should do so at any cost. But 95 days before her cure, Lena meets Alex, a confident and mysterious young man who makes her heart flutter and her skin turn red-hot. As their romance blossoms, Lena begins to doubt the intentions of those in power, and fears that her world will turn gray should she submit to the procedure.

My Review
I heard so many raving reviews about this book I had to find out what it was all about. I looked up the synopsis and thought it sounded interesting. A society where love is a disease - it's certainly different. So when I say this in my local discount bookshop in the '3 for £5' I decided to chance it.
When I first started reading the book I found it a bit slow. Lena seemed very shy, timid and a stickler for the rules. Her best friend Hana was more appealing, a bit of a rebel, full of life, willing to question the world. But as the story progressed I found myself liking Lena, she had an inner strength about her and did start questioning the world. Seeing her make the tough decision to go with what she knows and has been told or to try and find what love really is.
The days until her 'cure' are counting down and Lena has to discover what she really wants from life, as she gets closer to Alex her whole world changes.
I liked Alex right from the start, there was something so free about him, even trapped within this regimented society, he had such spirit. He is so calm and matter of fact about everything, but you often hear about the warmth in his eyes. I love expressive eyes. He is so good to Lena and you can see how much he cares.
I never knew quite what to make of Lena's aunt Carol, I wasn't sure if she really was so tight on the rules or if she did have a softer side - there were hints of it. 
The society sounded absolutely terrifying and I would hate to live in such a strong regime. 
Once Lena starts meeting with Alex the pace of the book picks up and you are swept into a whirlwind world of romance and danger, I could feel my heart pounding in excitement and trepidation.
I could suddenly see why everyone was so crazy about this book.
The last 80 pages or so will have you biting your nails, sitting on the edge of your seat, laughing, screaming and crying. The ending was unexpected, I won't give anything away but I was so shocked.
This book will stay with you even after you've finished it.


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. A breath taking read that will live within your heart. Just give it a chance to get good when you start.