Lauren Oliver
Biography
Lauren Oliver, born Lauren Schechter on November 8, 1982, in Westchester, New York, is an American author of young adult and middle grade fiction. The daughter of true crime writer Harold Schechter and literature professor Elizabeth Oliver, she grew up surrounded by books. She earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from New York University. Before dedicating herself to writing full-time, she worked as an editorial assistant at Penguin Books. Her debut novel, 'Before I Fall' (2010), became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a film. She is widely recognized for her bestselling 'Delirium' trilogy. Oliver's works frequently explore complex emotional landscapes and thought-provoking societal issues.
Selected Thoughts
«For a long time, I was so afraid of death and loss that I wouldn't allow myself to love. The truth is, love is a risk. Love is a gamble. And no matter what happens, you're going to lose something you love. But the reward is worth the risk. The reward is worth the gamble.»
«It's like a memory, you know? It's something you have to choose to keep. Otherwise, it just fades.»
«I guess that's the thing about memory. It's not a library or a storehouse. It's a field, and it's being plowed. Every day, new seeds are planted, and old things are changed.»
Writing Style
Lauren Oliver's writing style is characterized by its lyrical and evocative prose, which often balances poetic descriptions with accessible language. She excels at crafting complex and emotionally resonant characters, delving deeply into their internal struggles and growth. Her narratives frequently feature intriguing plots with elements of mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists, particularly within dystopian or contemporary settings. She masterfully employs multiple perspectives and non-linear storytelling to explore themes of memory, identity, and the subjective nature of truth.