Waiting on Wednesday: The Program by Suzanne Young

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

And here we are with the always interesting futuristic dystopian novel. The Program by Suzanne Young isn't due until April 30, 2013, but I think there will definitely be a waiting list for this one. Much in the same vein as Delirium by Lauren Oliver, The Program promises a world without feelings and a heroine who can't help but feel. Take a peek below!

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.   From Goodreads

I don't know what it is about futuristic worlds where love is an obstacle to be overcome that draws me in, but I seem to be addicted to them. Maybe it's because I had to fight for my relationship & defend it so much when my husband and I first began dating. Or maybe it's because, while I enjoy the post-apocalyptic and dystopian worlds, I still like a good love story.

Have you read anything else by Suzanne Young? What do you think about dystopian love stories?

Waiting on Wednesday: Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Another series I am sad to see come to an end is the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver. A smash hit from the beginning, this series has been a seriously unique romp in the dystopian/future/romance realm. Requiem, coming out March 25, is gearing up to a blood-pumping conclusion to an astounding series. Spoilers abound below, so be sure you've either read the books or have seen my reviews of Delirium & Pandemonium.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

From Goodreads

I can't even begin to explain my elation at this book! Lena has been one of those awesome heroines that has conquered so much to find herself where is presently is, but I will be happy to see where she finally winds up. This has been such a different kind of series that I am truly excited to see what Lauren Oliver has in store for us next.

What are you waiting on this week?

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver review

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

From Goodreads

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR DELIRIUM!

Lena can't believe what she's just survived. But did she really survive? And if she did, then where is Alex? They were together & now they're not & she's stumbling through the Wilds. After being rescued from what would have surely been her death, Lena finds herself among the "invalids" fighting alongside them for survival.

It's not exactly what Alex described, not really anyway, since she's in a different part with different people. As her strength returns she begins to explore her new home with people like Blue, Raven & Hunter. Soon enough though it's time to move for the season, but nothing goes as smoothly as it should.

Oscillating between a "Then" time period in the Wilds & a "Now" time period back in the city working for the resistance by infiltrating a loyalist group, Pandemonium offers the absolute best of Delirium with a hint of awesome! While most second novels in a trilogy (or any series for that matter) tend to fall down a dark, sad hole where nothing important seems to take place, this book is the antithesis of that state. We learn so much more about the society that the characters inhabit & what exactly is going on in the Wilds.

But just when you think you've got things figured out & squared away into their neat little packages, Lauren Oliver throws you a nasty curve ball. I hope you enjoy curve balls because there's no avoiding this one & I honestly didn't see it coming. Take your time reading this book. There is a lot going on that you need to pay attention to & a lot of emotions being thrown all over the place. It kept me on my toes & has me primed for the final installment.

Waiting on Wednesday: Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I'm rather stoked that the release date of the much-anticipated sequel to Lauren Oliver's Delirium, Pandemonium has been moved up to February 28th! If you haven't read this one yet, I'm not sure what you were doing in late 2010, early 2011. Seriously. It was fantastic! Don't believe me? Check out my non-spoilery review.

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my
old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New
York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles
with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a
revolution about to ignite.

From Goodreads

While I don't think this gives enough detail about what might take place in the next installment, I kind of think that's a good thing. After the roller coaster ride that was the first book, this one is sure to follow in the same footsteps. Giving too much in the summary might detract from its appeal. I'm too excited & over-analyzing, but I hope you are too. What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: Delirium

Waiting on Wednesday recognizes that we as bookies pine for books. This post is about what I am impatiently waiting for right now. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I'm so stoked for the February 1st release of Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver. You all may remember that I wasn't the biggest fan (although it was still decent) of Lauren's first book Before I Fall. I must say that this one sounds even more amazing than her first novel!

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 governments 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.

I have to admit though, I already read this one. The ever-lovely Princess Bookie happened to have a copy on her tour site and I was luck enough to get a chance to read it. Should you want to read my review, you can do that here; or you can just go ahead & get this book because it is every bit as amazing as it seems! What are you waiting on this week?

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Love is a most potent & dangerous illness. So dangerous in fact, a cure has been created to prevent the population from having to suffer under its wrath. Lena Holoway can't wait until her 18th birthday, the day she'll finally receive the cure. She's not scared, she's simply anxious to have it over with already. A life without love is predictable & normal, safe. She's spent her whole life in the shameful shadow of her mother's love-induced suicide that Lena is ready to be protected from the deliria's grasp.

In a measured & calculated, fenced off Portland, Lena has spent the last 17 years of her life listening only to prescribed music, reading only approved books & being monitored for any possible sign of deliria infection. A few of her fellow classmates succumb to the terrible disease, but Lena is pleased that neither she nor her best friend Hana have been stricken. That is until Lena happens to meet Alex. And then, everything changes...

I know my review is a little shorter than you may be accustomed to from me, but that's because I continued to give away too much of the story as I wrote. This book was PHENOMENAL!! I absolutely could not put it down. The way the story is written is quite emotional because, despite the eradication of all forms of love, there is this undercurrent of repression. Suppressing a natural instinct is one of the most dangerous things that can be done & I honestly believe that this society is constantly on the brink of rupture. Why else would there be roving bands of guard-like protectors?

On a character level, this book was miles above the author's last attempt, Before I Fall. Many of you may recall my distaste for Oliver's characters in that novel & will say that I am very pleased that I tried this novel. A lot of the time if I don't like the first book an author has written, I won't bother to read any more. The premise of this book was too great to pass up & the characters were exactly what I was hoping they would be. I really enjoyed watching Lena struggle with not only her past & present, but with both her society & her expectations for her life. The three main characters, Lena, Hana, & Alex, are thoroughly formed & can stand on their own. While they all play off one another, I could see them working an independent people.

So basically in summation, you really need to read this book. While I may be overlooking some of the more minor editing details (that I'm sure will be cleaned up in the final editing) I really think this book has a great message & execution. Please enjoy & let me know your thoughts!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

How perfect would it be to relive the last school day before Valentine's Day? You get to wear a cute outfit, hangout with your friends, be showered with flowers from admirers, go to a great party, and then die in a car crash. Wait; that last bit's not quite right. Sadly though this is what 16 year-old Samantha Kingston relives. Seven times! Each time she hears the squealing tires, sees the car roll over, and then wakes up in her bed to the same morning over and over.

After a time or two, Sam starts to realize what's happening. She also discovers that by changing the smallest thing, she can change events that happen in that day. Can she change the outcome of that night? Is she strong enough to do what's right instead of what's easy?

I must admit that I wasn't as big a fan of this book as I was hoping to be. The premise sounds fascinating and weird, but it just didn't pan out so easy for me. Sam was such a revolting character to me. She was so shallow and unlikeable that I just couldn't relate to her. She spent a good deal of her time talking about the pending loss of her virginity (do people really plan it out like this?) and ignoring anything of real importance or value in her life. She was quite flippant in her care of life and I just kind of found her insufferable. Her friends were no better, but as the story progressed I did notice a change in many of them. They were all very individual people who stood out in their own rights and I enjoyed watching them alter their behavior and personalities accordingly.

The writing was quite eloquent and well thought, with attention paid to every possible detail. I guess when you're repeating the same day again and again you really need to make sure you get your details down. I found that while the day was continually repeating, that I wasn't getting tired of it. I was looking to see if I could spot the differences myself between the days. It was amazing to watch the chain of events set off by altering one little thing each day. I'm still not quite sure what I think and feel about the ending, so I'll let you decide. Don't let the hefty page count scare you off, give it a shot!