In anticipation of Pandemonium being released, I decided to reread Delirium – the first in this series – right before reading Pandemonium for the first time. I’m glad I read the book one more time because turns out I forgot a LOT of what happened. The general plot I still had outlined in my mind, but rereading the book made me realize just how many important details had escaped from my brain since I read the novel the first time.
If you recall, I LOVED Delirium when I first read it. I’m happy to report that it definitely stood up to my reread – that is to say, I loved it just as much the second time around. I can definitely tell how much I raced through the book when I originally read it, because so many of the details felt completely new to me. Obviously I read them the first time, but I was reading so fast to keep up with the plot that I didn’t recall a LOT of little things. However, the big stuff stuck with me from the first time and it was a much different experience reading the novel with the general knowledge of what was going to happen. I was able to relax, enjoy the characters more, and savor Oliver’s writing, as opposed to racing through the book to find out what happens next.
I have to be honest and say that I don’t love the new cover… I much prefer the original one, but I suppose you can’t have everything.
If you are a fan of this book and plan to read Pandemonium, I would highly recommend a reread of Delirium. Pandemonium starts off with a huge bang and if you are fuzzy on the details of the first book, you might find yourself lost in Lena’s new life. Just a suggestion – it definitely was the right choice for me.
Check back tomorrow because I’ll be reviewing Pandemonium, the second book in this exciting trilogy by the fabulously talented Lauren Oliver.
I haven’t started Pandy yet…I need to slog through my mandatory books first (like that awful book club one)! But it is high in the stack. See, I THINK I remember the important stuff about Delirium, but I guess I will see for sure. I do know that I loved that book. I can’t wait.
READ IT READ IT READ IT
I am planning on reading these one right after the other, and am so looking forward to it! I have heard amazing things about both, so I will be interested in hearing what you think of the second book. But I might have to skim that article for fear of spoilers! Great re-review today, Heather! Glad that you loved it the second time around!
Heather, I can’t wait til you read it so we can discuss!
I LOVE this series! I re-read Delirium before Pandemonium and I’m so glad I did!
I know, me too! I would have been so lost otherwise.
It’s nice to know it stands up to a re-read. I need to read it for the first time.
Yes, you do, Kathy! Awesome series.
I had to reread Delirium also before starting Pandemonium, and I ended up liking Delirium much better the second time!
I loved Delirium both times, however the second time I was able to notice things I didn’t see the first time such as the quality of the writing, since I wasn’t racing through it so much.
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