Have you ever been in love? Have you ever had your heart broken? Chances are, even if you haven’t experienced it for yourself, you’ve watched a movie or read a book and have some understanding of the rush of emotions involved. But what if love didn’t exist or was considered a disease that needed to be eradicated?
In Lena’s world, love is better known as Amor Deliria Nervosa. Luckily there is a cure for this deadly delirium. At the age of 18, hopefully before it is too late, you can have the procedure and be safe. Lena is counting down the days until she is no longer at risk. She has graduated high school, passed the evaluations, and has been matched with her future husband. Everything is in order. And then Lena meets Alex.
Why I picked up the book: It has been on my to-read pile for quite sometime and while I’ve heard great things about it, I never managed to start it. I chose it for our August “Never Too Old” book discussion so that I’d be forced to start it. The premise is great: Love as a disease.
Why I finished it: I wanted to know what decision Lena would make and if she would get caught. I also wondered how my life would be different if I hadn’t experienced love and teenage heartbreak.
I’d give it to: Fans (adults and teens) of dystopian novels, like “Uglies” by Westerfeld, “The Hunger Games“, “Divergent“, even “The Scorpio Races“. Other readers in our group also mentioned it feeling similar to “Matched” or “The Giver“. Anyone who has even been in love or heartbroken.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars (I Liked It)
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Review by Jenn, YA librarian (View all my Goodreads reviews)