David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion

On Monday, March 18th, Jenny, Karen, Simone and I are starting a buddy read of Requiem, the third book in the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver. All are welcome to join the discussion!!

We like to keep our buddy reads relaxed, so no limits on pages/chapters per day, read at your own pace. But for speedier readers, please use spoiler tags and let us know how far you've read so we know when we can read your juicy thoughts!

Hahaha... I'm in on this one too!! :) I'd better go buy and load up Requiem!

Yes, yes, yes! I think you, Jenny and I are bad (or really good) influences on each other!

Oh and I updated the first post to include you...because you're awesome!

I want in on the awesomeness!!! Sign me up :)

Yes, Simone!! Become one of the regular buddy readers, we need your comments like we need candy and chocolate!! I'm adding you to the first post too, because you used the word "awesomeness"

Hey, I'll take a place of honor anytime! :)

David wrote: "Yes, yes, yes! I think you, Jenny and I are bad (or really good) influences on each other!"

I'm going to go with "good"!

Simone wrote: "I want in on the awesomeness!!! Sign me up :)"

Yay, Simone! :-D

Should I keep my mouth shut on this one David?

Lol you can chime in anytime you want Brooke!

David wrote: "Lol you can chime in anytime you want Brooke!"

Ok, once you all start chatting, I'll jump in! LOL!

I already read this - but I thought this comment was more suited to this discussion rather than the "What are you Reading?" discussion -

I was in BAM the other night specifically to check out the "Alex" short story that's in the hardcover. It's only a few pages, so I read it there. As I flipped through the book, I found a key scene between Alex and Lena. I read through it, and although it's a wonderful scene, it didn't have the emotional charge I remembered. Just now I listened to it on my audio version - and holy cow, what a difference. I think that's why this book was such a disappointment to me, because these characters are so alive in Delirium (the audio) and here they're so different. Sarah Drew isn't just good - she's amazing. The audio is SO worth it.

Jen wrote: "I already read this - but I thought this comment was more suited to this discussion rather than the "What are you Reading?" discussion -

I was in BAM the other night specifically to check out the..."

Ooh, I love audios! Good to know Jen! I was hoping to get this one on audio, but my elibrary didn't have it. :( I'll keep checking.

What's BAM? My tired brain can't conjure anything up.

Karen wrote: "Jen wrote: "I already read this - but I thought this comment was more suited to this discussion rather than the "What are you Reading?" discussion -

I was in BAM the other night specifically to c..."

BAM = Books A Million. Sarah Drew puts such emotion into it; that particular scene - to read it, it's emotional but in an "arm's distance" kind of way. When Sarah Drew reads it, you're right there, with the crying and shouting and anger and sorrow, and you just come completely undone. Like being a blind person in a movie. She doesn't make the words jump off the page, she puts you in the midst of everything. You're right there. It's amazing.

I was listening to a book this morning while in the tub and I completely get what you mean! When you hear an actor putting heart and soul into the meaning of the words, it's an entirely different experience than reading the words on a page. My brain does not put all the nuances into the words I read. I'd really like to listen to Requiem now rather than read! You've definitely peaked my interest in Sarah Drew!

Jen wrote: "I already read this - but I thought this comment was more suited to this discussion rather than the "What are you Reading?" discussion -

I was in BAM the other night specifically to check out the..."

I tried to read the short today while at B&N but my middle wouldn't sit still. I'm going tomorrow with my oldest and he'll sit there and read so I can see what Alex's POV is about.

Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far (view spoiler)[ Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk! I know life is hard, really hard for him considering what he's gone through, but he supposedly loved Lena and now he can barely talk to her? And she poured out her heart to him (right before the thing with the bear, which was awesome!). I loved what she said, so poignant and beautiful, and then he spat it back in her face! Ugh! Julian on the other hand, well, I didn't believe their romance in the last book, but suddenly I believe it! He's so sweet and there for her. The only problem: Alex still has her heart. So sucks to be Julian. Ugh (have I said that yet?)

Really like Hana's chapters too, good to see a different perspective, something BIG has to happen with her story, I can feel it! (hide spoiler)]

David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk! I know life ..."

Lauren's writing is utterly amazing. Even tho I was frustrated with this book, I really could not put it down b/c Oliver's writing tugs at you and pulls you right thru.

Jen, i didnt know there was an audio! i want to listen to it so bad!

David (just answring what you said), i dont know hot to put the spolier thing so.. SPOILER ALERT!!!![ I was so sad when that (the bear scene happened, i felt like i i was going to crumble down and get depressed just for that scene, i seriously hated Alex when he said he didnt love her and he never has. Wile reading that part i couldnt take away from my head the Alex book looks like two different people!. I love Julian he is so sweet but in the bottom of my heart I still am waiting for Lena to get back with Alex, they belong together.]

Dalu wrote: "Jen, i didnt know there was an audio! i want to listen to it so bad!

David (just answring what you said), i dont know hot to put the spolier thing so.. SPOILER ALERT!!!![ I was so sad when that (..."

Yes, Alex is different in this book. Much harder
I did get to read his short story today at B&N, it didn't shed much light on anything for me.

What do you guys think about Fred? isnt he like 10 years older than Hana? weird

David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk! I know life ..."

I will try to keep up, but unfortunately, I'm going into a brutal work week. :( Just keep throwing in those spoiler tags and I'll catch up as I can.

Jen, I didn't look at yours! hehehehe... but you do it this way (NO spaces though) ---> < spoiler > put your spoiler in here < / spoiler >

Karen wrote: "David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk..."

I think the spoler thing was for me so thank you :)

OH whoops, you're right, Dalu. (Sorry Jen!) I just saw spoiler and flipped down quickly and Jen must have posted around there too. hahah...

Dalu wrote: "What do you guys think about Fred? isnt he like 10 years older than Hana? weird"

Yes, and totally strange. And he was (view spoiler)[ married before! (hide spoiler)], a big part of the story in the end.

Dalu wrote: "Jen, i didnt know there was an audio! i want to listen to it so bad!

David (just answring what you said), i dont know hot to put the spolier thing so.. SPOILER ALERT!!!![ I was so sad when that (..."

Yay welcome to the buddy read!!! If you could just let us know how far you are before you post and use the spoiler tags Karen showed you, then we'll all know which spoilers we can read when we get to the parts :) I am so with you that (view spoiler)[ Alex was a perfect fit for her but it makes it hard when Alex is being frustrating and Julian sweet :( (hide spoiler)]

David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk! I know life ..."

I keep trying to reply to this, and it keeps sounding like a soap opera. Lauren Oliver is a wonderful writer. I just wish the characters had gone a completely different direction. I'll elaborate more after hearing what all of you think.

Jen wrote: "David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk..."

Lol I need to know the rest now! It's killing me!

Wow, we already have a huge discussion going! I might have to crack the book open tonight....You guys are killing me!

I really hope I like this one, I loved the first 2 books, but I've heard a lot of negativity on the final book. *bites fingernails*

Yes, crack away!

I plan to! It's almost Monday, right?

It's Monday in Australia!

Lets do this!!! David you should be put in time out for starting early ;)

25% in! Yay, can read the spoilers now! (view spoiler)[So what the heck IS Alex doing? He's being all nice and his old self with Coral!? Yes, he had it very bad in prison, but you would expect him to act all sullen and angry all the time, not just with Lena. He's being an ass and pushing her to Julian. At this point, Julian deserves to get the girl because he's being sweet and patient. Well, he was. Lena just may have blown it by not telling him she loved him back.

And I am really enjoying Hana's viewpoint after being cured. I agree that her cure will be major in this story! (hide spoiler)]

I'm sucked in ! ;)

Jen wrote: "David wrote: "Sorry, started early, couldn't help myself! 20% in. OK Lauren Oliver's writing continues to AMAZE me, so beautiful! My thoughts so far Ugh ugh ugh. Darn Alex is being a complete jerk..."

Agreed!

I'm 73 % in!I can't stop reading it! i spend the whole afternoon in my bed with my ereader! Now it's 10:51 am in Argentina, and i cant believe that (view spoiler)[ Alex is with Coral now, i really hated him when Lena said: if it wasnt for me your new GIRLFRIEND would be dead (i read it in spanish so i dont know the exact words) AND ALEX DIDNT SAY ANYTHING! I WAS HOPING HE WOULD SAY: SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!. but no! i really hated him and Coral who came out of nowhere and i dont know but i dont like her!. I cant believe that Alex left, i'm hoping he would come back and get back together wiith Lena :) (hide spoiler)]
I'm hoping you guys are enjoying it as much as i do!

Simone wrote: "Lets do this!!! David you should be put in time out for starting early ;)"

Haha! As long as I can read there I'm ok with that!

Karen wrote: "25% in! Yay, can read the spoilers now! So what the heck IS Alex doing? He's being all nice and his old self with Coral!? Yes, he had it very bad in prison, but you would expect him to act all su..."

Ugh I know, I feel horrible for Julian.

Dalu wrote: "I'm 73 % in!I can't stop reading it! i spend the whole afternoon in my bed with my ereader! Now it's 10:51 am in Argentina, and i cant believe that [spoilers removed]
I'm hoping you guys are enjoy..."

Thanks Dalu! I want to read your spoiler so bad! I gotta catch up first :) I'm at 38% and wow! (view spoiler)[ What a dark turn! All the killing, the burning, so awful! And then the fight, eek I thought for sure something really bad would happen but they came out ok except for Pike going missing.

And Fred, eek! Hana is in for a terrible and controlling marriage it seems. But I like that she's already going against him by giving Grace the food. There's gotta be something more to her story, like maybe the procedure didn't really work or something. (hide spoiler)]

David wrote: "Dalu wrote: "I'm 73 % in!I can't stop reading it! i spend the whole afternoon in my bed with my ereader! Now it's 10:51 am in Argentina, and i cant believe that [spoilers removed]
I'm hoping you ..."

David, it gets worse! so keep on reading and looking forward to see what you think!

Haha eek!!! I'm about to start reading since I finished my writing for the day. Can't wait!!!!

I'm not that far in, but I want to smack the hell out of Hana and Alex...

I am making a little break and reading Hanna before finishing Requiem

David wrote: "Haha eek!!! I'm about to start reading since I finished my writing for the day. Can't wait!!!!"

I can't wait until all of you finish this. I have an idea about the way it SHOULD have gone and I'm interested in what you would think of it.

And Simone - I'm with you! I wanted to smack the hell out of all of them!

Jen wrote: "David wrote: "Haha eek!!! I'm about to start reading since I finished my writing for the day. Can't wait!!!!"

I can't wait until all of you finish this. I have an idea about the way it SHOULD hav..."

Yup, let's smack them!

I'm finished! cant wait for all of you guys to finish the book!

Okay I'm now 57% of the way in.
(view spoiler)[ Okay, I here you all about Alex, it made me feel really bad for Lena...but on the other hand, she's now in a new relationship, so he's probably trying to protect his heart. I'm sure he's insanely jealous as well! I'm not that surprised at the way things turned out with them--they have both changed so much. I'm sure really, really bad things happened to Alex when he was captured. It did make me want to cry though!
I was all prepared to HATE Coral, but I've kinda started to like her a little. She's very brave, protecting Lena over the fence when she doesn't like her!
The camp outside of Waterbury was very disturbing, but not that hard to imagine. People turn into animals when they are hungry and cold! It happens all the time.
LU?!!! That pissed me off so bad! I'm really surprised Lena didn't just kill her, but its nice to see that Lena still has some humanity after all this! I have no idea how this will turn out, but its not going very well!
Hana--yes, I'm thinking the procedure didn't really work. Atleast, not all the way. Fred is ghastly! And doesn't this prove that the idea of their "disease" isn't really true??? Fred is worse than any savage!
I think I need to go read all the short stories! (hide spoiler)]

you all can read this when you're finished: (view spoiler)[ LOVED IT and i can't belive it! I am in shock right now! like seriously! i ended crying, i'm so glad Lena and Alex were back together, i dont really know what's gonna happen with Julian but i'm so glad Lena & Alex (L). Another thing is: what happen to Hana?, and Tack?, i dont really care if Fred dies or not, i hope he does. I blame Pippa for Raven's death! i cryied so much when that happened! (hide spoiler)]

So who read the short stories in order? Did anyone read Raven before reading this? Just curious if you have the same questions as me.