Questions for Lauren Oliver?

[Lil_Irish_Lass]

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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bkwormMD wrote:

I'm really glad that emers0207 asked that question, because I didn't grow up in the US, and as a teenager, I was in a very conservative Catholic school. I never really knew anyone who did drugs, and my concern was more on how to pass our classes, or how our teacher had favorites. We all wore uniforms, too, so we never really did worry about clothes or being fashionistas, except during school parties, which wasn't very often anyway. So I wanted to know what it was really like for a typical, modern high school student. Both of your comments were very helpful.

The comment about music was interesting, too. I did notice that 80's music being played in that party. It's really funny, but Lauren, we're near around the same age, I think (although I must be older), and I love U2 also, and a lot of the "New Wave" music. I used to think everyone loved the 80's music, but one day, I asked a guy in his mid-20's, who liked music, and he looked weirded out when I asked him if he liked the 80's. It seemed that he liked the 90's music best. It was the first time I realized, I'm turning into my parents when they talk about the 60's music!

I wonder if it's possible, really, to make a book less dated when you include an era of music played in a party, especially a supposedly cool one. Don't they only play the latest hot thing? And then when they grow up to their 20's, or 30's, it's probably the music that was played in their teen years that they'd consider the best music of all time. I wouldn't know though. I am just beginning to realize how far removed I already am from my teen years.

I really liked this exchange. =) Thank you!

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It's tricky, and I suppose it depends on what kind of book you're trying to write. I tend to believe that if you make characters and relationships feel like real people, readers will be able to connect to them, no matter what kind of music they are listening to or clothes they are wearing. I mean, I love Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and homegirl had never even heard of a computer! 

Also, just again to return to the content issue, as it is one that has come up in other forums and in people's reviews...there were probably a ton of people in my high school who never drank and never smoked and never hooked up--they were probably in the majority, actually. But I didn't know any of them! And I believe the overall message of my book--how important it is to be mindful of your actions, and their consequences--actually is meant to discourage and dissuade people from reckless or harmful behavior.

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I'm staying with the reading schedule so I haven't finished your novel, and I'm in my late 20's so I'm not entirely out of touch with what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, but I have to say... even up through chapter 6 I feel as if the message is it's ok to drink/smoke/hook up because everyone else is - the accident is not enough of a deterrent to prove reckless behavior can lead to really bad results. And that makes me sad that a young girl/boy could pick up your novel and take that message away with them as well. I went to two different high schools (graduated in '99) and while there were kids who did those things, they were not the majority, nor was I an outsider because I didn't partake. Actually, there was no social pressure to do so (and my first high school was just over the CT border from NYC). While I don't believe tweenagers would allow a "don't smoke, don't hook up, and especially don't drink and drive" message to hit home, I would have liked to have not had the feeling that it was being encouraged as I read BIF.

It just seemed to me, like there was too large of a light shining on these activities so that there were placed in the spotlight as something that all teenagers do, and that that's ok. Kids are growing up way too fast these days, and I feel that we should be doing everything in our power to help encourage them to STAY kids for as long as possible rather than aide them in speeding the process up.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Vtc wrote..Like is not an an accepted word..Loved it,will re-read it and have already emailed my "Bookstore "In Manchester Center,Vt 05255 to carry it,so maybe a book tour stop would be in order.,one day in VT.Many well known writers live here...I cannot mention the name of The Bookstore here because of the competition,and I understand that.We are close to "Stratton Mt". Have you traveled to VT?..My daughters Bookstore is BN  Latham Ny..so I usually buy my books there..Its a strange occurance in life,change through acceptance and release...Thats says so much to me,on a personal level..Thank you again..Susan

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Dear Lauren,Again this may be a "Spoiler".I finally did finish your beautiful book..It was difficult during Chapter 5,then I was no longer in denial that Sam was dying,getting ready to fall.going to the other side.Not until she was ready..That to me was the key element for the whole novel.Acceptance.,change..You have probably no idea how "Before I Fall "would effect all of us. You were able as an Author.to harshly and gently give us a glimpse into what might occur,what did occur in Sam's visualization of her life.Thank you Lauren for your insight and brilliant writing skills..I wish you many years of success,in both your Career and  your Life as well..."Delirium "will be of course ,very well received by all your readers as well..Another week with you,Vtc  Susan

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Thank you, Susan, for your extremely generous words. I am so glad you finished and you liked it--yes, themes of change and acceptance--and change through acceptance--and release--are certainly critical to the book. I'm very happy you saw that.

I hope your predictions for DELIRIUM are also accurate. It's a very different book, but I'm equally as proud of it.

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Um, yes, I LOVE Vermont! My mother (who is a professor) rents a house there every summer; I usually spend a few weeks up there with her, reading and writing and swimming in ponds and being very happy. So a bookstore visit could definitely go on the books!

[Lauren-Oliver]

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ChArLiE_LeViTs wrote:

So I loved the ending of the book! it was amazing! and I'd just like to say thanks for giving us all the chance to read it and give our input!

I have only one question and may have already been asked but i didn't see it so I am going to ask. What happens to Juliet and Sam's friends?  Do they change after Sam dies? or do they just continue to be exactly how they were?

Again many thanks for the oppurtunity!

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Thanks so much for your generous words! I'm so glad you liked it. In terms of what happens post-ending...you know, you'll just have to determine that for yourself! The book belongs to you, now, and you are just as much a creator of its world as I am. But for me, yes, I would like to believe that many of the characters experience a real shift and change in the aftermath of Sam's death.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Lil_Irish_Lass wrote:

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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bkwormMD wrote:

I'm really glad that emers0207 asked that question, because I didn't grow up in the US, and as a teenager, I was in a very conservative Catholic school. I never really knew anyone who did drugs, and my concern was more on how to pass our classes, or how our teacher had favorites. We all wore uniforms, too, so we never really did worry about clothes or being fashionistas, except during school parties, which wasn't very often anyway. So I wanted to know what it was really like for a typical, modern high school student. Both of your comments were very helpful.

The comment about music was interesting, too. I did notice that 80's music being played in that party. It's really funny, but Lauren, we're near around the same age, I think (although I must be older), and I love U2 also, and a lot of the "New Wave" music. I used to think everyone loved the 80's music, but one day, I asked a guy in his mid-20's, who liked music, and he looked weirded out when I asked him if he liked the 80's. It seemed that he liked the 90's music best. It was the first time I realized, I'm turning into my parents when they talk about the 60's music!

I wonder if it's possible, really, to make a book less dated when you include an era of music played in a party, especially a supposedly cool one. Don't they only play the latest hot thing? And then when they grow up to their 20's, or 30's, it's probably the music that was played in their teen years that they'd consider the best music of all time. I wouldn't know though. I am just beginning to realize how far removed I already am from my teen years.

I really liked this exchange. =) Thank you!

---

It's tricky, and I suppose it depends on what kind of book you're trying to write. I tend to believe that if you make characters and relationships feel like real people, readers will be able to connect to them, no matter what kind of music they are listening to or clothes they are wearing. I mean, I love Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and homegirl had never even heard of a computer! 

Also, just again to return to the content issue, as it is one that has come up in other forums and in people's reviews...there were probably a ton of people in my high school who never drank and never smoked and never hooked up--they were probably in the majority, actually. But I didn't know any of them! And I believe the overall message of my book--how important it is to be mindful of your actions, and their consequences--actually is meant to discourage and dissuade people from reckless or harmful behavior.

---

I'm staying with the reading schedule so I haven't finished your novel, and I'm in my late 20's so I'm not entirely out of touch with what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, but I have to say... even up through chapter 6 I feel as if the message is it's ok to drink/smoke/hook up because everyone else is - the accident is not enough of a deterrent to prove reckless behavior can lead to really bad results. And that makes me sad that a young girl/boy could pick up your novel and take that message away with them as well. I went to two different high schools (graduated in '99) and while there were kids who did those things, they were not the majority, nor was I an outsider because I didn't partake. Actually, there was no social pressure to do so (and my first high school was just over the CT border from NYC). While I don't believe tweenagers would allow a "don't smoke, don't hook up, and especially don't drink and drive" message to hit home, I would have liked to have not had the feeling that it was being encouraged as I read BIF.

It just seemed to me, like there was too large of a light shining on these activities so that there were placed in the spotlight as something that all teenagers do, and that that's ok. Kids are growing up way too fast these days, and I feel that we should be doing everything in our power to help encourage them to STAY kids for as long as possible rather than aide them in speeding the process up.

---

I appreciate your honesty, and I certainly know that a lot of people have difficulty with some of the content of the book. To be perfectly candid, I was only trying to represent, realistically, what I felt the world of this fictional high school might be like. Sam dies in a car accident--I think that's a pretty strong motivating message not to drink and drive, but I wasn't actually trying to write a "message" book, if that makes sense. The only message I intended to convey was that it is important to live kindly and generously and sensitively--and that ultimately, you will be a happier person if you do. Sam discovers that the moments that really matter to her aren't the times she is at a party, or drinking, or doing any of those things--they are the moments she is with her sister, or laughing with her friends on their morning drive, or being kissed by a boy who really likes her and embraces her for who she is. 

But, you know, I completely understand and value your criticism--I think ultimately parents and educators should be involved in a discussion about when and whether this book is appropriate for the teens they know. I think any book that generates frank conversation about these issues can be a positive way of opening up dialogues that need to be had, personally, and while I don't believe in censorship, I certainly believe in guidance.

But again, thank you, and I certainly understand your concerns about some of the content. I hope I've clarified what my intentions were somewhat.

[Lil_Irish_Lass]

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Lil_Irish_Lass wrote:

I'm staying with the reading schedule so I haven't finished your novel, and I'm in my late 20's so I'm not entirely out of touch with what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, but I have to say... even up through chapter 6 I feel as if the message is it's ok to drink/smoke/hook up because everyone else is - the accident is not enough of a deterrent to prove reckless behavior can lead to really bad results. And that makes me sad that a young girl/boy could pick up your novel and take that message away with them as well. I went to two different high schools (graduated in '99) and while there were kids who did those things, they were not the majority, nor was I an outsider because I didn't partake. Actually, there was no social pressure to do so (and my first high school was just over the CT border from NYC). While I don't believe tweenagers would allow a "don't smoke, don't hook up, and especially don't drink and drive" message to hit home, I would have liked to have not had the feeling that it was being encouraged as I read BIF.

It just seemed to me, like there was too large of a light shining on these activities so that there were placed in the spotlight as something that all teenagers do, and that that's ok. Kids are growing up way too fast these days, and I feel that we should be doing everything in our power to help encourage them to STAY kids for as long as possible rather than aide them in speeding the process up.

---

I appreciate your honesty, and I certainly know that a lot of people have difficulty with some of the content of the book. To be perfectly candid, I was only trying to represent, realistically, what I felt the world of this fictional high school might be like. Sam dies in a car accident--I think that's a pretty strong motivating message not to drink and drive, but I wasn't actually trying to write a "message" book, if that makes sense. The only message I intended to convey was that it is important to live kindly and generously and sensitively--and that ultimately, you will be a happier person if you do. Sam discovers that the moments that really matter to her aren't the times she is at a party, or drinking, or doing any of those things--they are the moments she is with her sister, or laughing with her friends on their morning drive, or being kissed by a boy who really likes her and embraces her for who she is. 

But, you know, I completely understand and value your criticism--I think ultimately parents and educators should be involved in a discussion about when and whether this book is appropriate for the teens they know. I think any book that generates frank conversation about these issues can be a positive way of opening up dialogues that need to be had, personally, and while I don't believe in censorship, I certainly believe in guidance.

But again, thank you, and I certainly understand your concerns about some of the content. I hope I've clarified what my intentions were somewhat.

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I hope I didn't come across as rude Lauren, I mean no disrespect, and once I hit the end of chapter 5 and especially in to chapter 6 I have become fully engaged with your novel. I've been around long enough to know that innocence is a dying joy and that thanks to the world we live in and the media we're obsessed with, kids are growing up earlier and faster than past generations. And you're right, parents and educators have a duty in trying to steer children onto the right path, but sometimes they listen more to other outlets and sources of information and take those lessons to heart.

Oh, and I'm with you on the whole Scout thing!

[ReadingPatti]

Lauren, I just want to say how much I loved your book. I think more teens and pre-teens need to read this book.

I love that you gave us an honest look at what happens in teens lifes today. It was sad that Sam had to die. But I think she learned much about herself.

I think this book can be a wake-up call for us all. That we never know when our last day on this earth maybe. What will our life leave behind? Let us all pray that we look at ourselves and realize know just one smalll word or action can hurt someone so very much.

I was wondering if you will be writing anything about the other characters. I would like to know what happens to them as a result of Sam's death.

Your book made me cry and made me mad. That these girls were wasting their lifes on such trivial things and popularity and clothes and being in with the right crowd.

I graduate in 71 and belive me there are still people from my class to this day think they are better than every one else. My next class reunion is next year. It is my 40th. I would have hoped by now that this stuff was not still around. I guess it just goes to show you that some people just never learn.

I look forward to your next book.

ReadingPatti

[mrsareads]

Hello and thank you for sharing with the group. I taught junior high literature for 14 years and am always excited to tap into an author's mind! I would recommend this book to any junior high/high schooler. In fact I have already 'passed it on'. 

My question may already have been asked - there are many posts here - Were you worried that the topic of 'reliving a day in your life' would seem overdone? How were able to put such a unique spin on it? I was worried when I first picked it up - I thought ' oh no, not another one' - but found your book very compelling and could not put it down. Although a previous post asked about letting the reader know that the main character (how awful I cna't remember her name - I've read much since I finished Before I Fall) would die - I imagined a possible ending where she would be redeemed and lived - did that ending ever surface in your mind?

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Lil_Irish_Lass wrote:

---

Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Lil_Irish_Lass wrote:

I'm staying with the reading schedule so I haven't finished your novel, and I'm in my late 20's so I'm not entirely out of touch with what it's like to be a teenager in this day and age, but I have to say... even up through chapter 6 I feel as if the message is it's ok to drink/smoke/hook up because everyone else is - the accident is not enough of a deterrent to prove reckless behavior can lead to really bad results. And that makes me sad that a young girl/boy could pick up your novel and take that message away with them as well. I went to two different high schools (graduated in '99) and while there were kids who did those things, they were not the majority, nor was I an outsider because I didn't partake. Actually, there was no social pressure to do so (and my first high school was just over the CT border from NYC). While I don't believe tweenagers would allow a "don't smoke, don't hook up, and especially don't drink and drive" message to hit home, I would have liked to have not had the feeling that it was being encouraged as I read BIF.

It just seemed to me, like there was too large of a light shining on these activities so that there were placed in the spotlight as something that all teenagers do, and that that's ok. Kids are growing up way too fast these days, and I feel that we should be doing everything in our power to help encourage them to STAY kids for as long as possible rather than aide them in speeding the process up.

---

I appreciate your honesty, and I certainly know that a lot of people have difficulty with some of the content of the book. To be perfectly candid, I was only trying to represent, realistically, what I felt the world of this fictional high school might be like. Sam dies in a car accident--I think that's a pretty strong motivating message not to drink and drive, but I wasn't actually trying to write a "message" book, if that makes sense. The only message I intended to convey was that it is important to live kindly and generously and sensitively--and that ultimately, you will be a happier person if you do. Sam discovers that the moments that really matter to her aren't the times she is at a party, or drinking, or doing any of those things--they are the moments she is with her sister, or laughing with her friends on their morning drive, or being kissed by a boy who really likes her and embraces her for who she is. 

But, you know, I completely understand and value your criticism--I think ultimately parents and educators should be involved in a discussion about when and whether this book is appropriate for the teens they know. I think any book that generates frank conversation about these issues can be a positive way of opening up dialogues that need to be had, personally, and while I don't believe in censorship, I certainly believe in guidance.

But again, thank you, and I certainly understand your concerns about some of the content. I hope I've clarified what my intentions were somewhat.

---

I hope I didn't come across as rude Lauren, I mean no disrespect, and once I hit the end of chapter 5 and especially in to chapter 6 I have become fully engaged with your novel. I've been around long enough to know that innocence is a dying joy and that thanks to the world we live in and the media we're obsessed with, kids are growing up earlier and faster than past generations. And you're right, parents and educators have a duty in trying to steer children onto the right path, but sometimes they listen more to other outlets and sources of information and take those lessons to heart.

Oh, and I'm with you on the whole Scout thing!

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Of course you didn't come across as rude! I appreciate your perspective. Like I said, I do truly believe in dialogue and conversation; the only way to learn from one another is to listen to opinions different from your own! And trust me, if I ever have a child, I will probably be tempted to lock him/her in a tower until the age of eighteen, so I'm with you...at the same time, I know that many people will confront these temptations and choices, and I believe it's important to provide them a fictional forum in which they can evaluate the effects of their behavior and their actions.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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ReadingPatti wrote:

Lauren, I just want to say how much I loved your book. I think more teens and pre-teens need to read this book.

I love that you gave us an honest look at what happens in teens lifes today. It was sad that Sam had to die. But I think she learned much about herself.

I think this book can be a wake-up call for us all. That we never know when our last day on this earth maybe. What will our life leave behind? Let us all pray that we look at ourselves and realize know just one smalll word or action can hurt someone so very much.

I was wondering if you will be writing anything about the other characters. I would like to know what happens to them as a result of Sam's death.

Your book made me cry and made me mad. That these girls were wasting their lifes on such trivial things and popularity and clothes and being in with the right crowd.

I graduate in 71 and belive me there are still people from my class to this day think they are better than every one else. My next class reunion is next year. It is my 40th. I would have hoped by now that this stuff was not still around. I guess it just goes to show you that some people just never learn.

I look forward to your next book.

ReadingPatti

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Oh, absolutely. I was talking to my friend Briana about this the other day. She is a teen book blogger who has experienced a lot of alienation and harassment from people in her small town, and I had to tell her, look, I wish I could say that people always got better after high school and that everyone evolved, but that's unfortunately not true: there are still people in the world, no matter how old you are, who are petty, mean, and selfish. But there are also people who are loving, gracious, and generous--the truth is, almost everyone is some combination of both. You can find goodness if you put goodness out there--I really believe that.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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mrsareads wrote:

Hello and thank you for sharing with the group. I taught junior high literature for 14 years and am always excited to tap into an author's mind! I would recommend this book to any junior high/high schooler. In fact I have already 'passed it on'. 

My question may already have been asked - there are many posts here - Were you worried that the topic of 'reliving a day in your life' would seem overdone? How were able to put such a unique spin on it? I was worried when I first picked it up - I thought ' oh no, not another one' - but found your book very compelling and could not put it down. Although a previous post asked about letting the reader know that the main character (how awful I cna't remember her name - I've read much since I finished Before I Fall) would die - I imagined a possible ending where she would be redeemed and lived - did that ending ever surface in your mind?

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Yes, I was certainly worried that trying to write about the same day over and over would grow tedious, especially since I am not the world's most concise writer! And of course, I tried as hard as I could to avoid doing a kind of saccharine "lesson" book--I thought a novel about a girl who discovers what is meaningful could be so easily overly cheesy. I tried to make everyone and everything in the book as multi-dimensional as possible, which I think (or, I hope) helped make it feel full and real and unique.

And to be honest, no, I did not think of having Sam (the MC) live in the end...I wrote the prologue and the epilogue before I started the book. The rest of the novel was all about my attempt to get the main character on an emotional trajectory that would carry her convincingly from one to the other.

[Vermontcozy]

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Vtc wrote..Like is not an an accepted word..Loved it,will re-read it and have already emailed my "Bookstore "In Manchester Center,Vt 05255 to carry it,so maybe a book tour stop would be in order.,one day in VT.Many well known writers live here...I cannot mention the name of The Bookstore here because of the competition,and I understand that.We are close to "Stratton Mt". Have you traveled to VT?..My daughters Bookstore is BN  Latham Ny..so I usually buy my books there..Its a strange occurance in life,change through acceptance and release...Thats says so much to me,on a personal level..Thank you again..Susan

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Dear Lauren,Again this may be a "Spoiler".I finally did finish your beautiful book..It was difficult during Chapter 5,then I was no longer in denial that Sam was dying,getting ready to fall.going to the other side.Not until she was ready..That to me was the key element for the whole novel.Acceptance.,change..You have probably no idea how "Before I Fall "would effect all of us. You were able as an Author.to harshly and gently give us a glimpse into what might occur,what did occur in Sam's visualization of her life.Thank you Lauren for your insight and brilliant writing skills..I wish you many years of success,in both your Career and  your Life as well..."Delirium "will be of course ,very well received by all your readers as well..Another week with you,Vtc  Susan

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Thank you, Susan, for your extremely generous words. I am so glad you finished and you liked it--yes, themes of change and acceptance--and change through acceptance--and release--are certainly critical to the book. I'm very happy you saw that.

I hope your predictions for DELIRIUM are also accurate. It's a very different book, but I'm equally as proud of it.

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Um, yes, I LOVE Vermont! My mother (who is a professor) rents a house there every summer; I usually spend a few weeks up there with her, reading and writing and swimming in ponds and being very happy. So a bookstore visit could definitely go on the books!

 Lauren:

I couldn't go without posting to you..I hope its been a good day here for you,,I love reading all the posts...,I was so taken back when you said you spend time in VT..There are not enough words in the Universe for me to explain VT...It is VT..Ok,one word.'Special"..not for everyone,but does get under your skin..Just a few words...I am near Dorset,Stratton,Manchester..Not expecting you to reveal your Location ever..I am big on Privacy..Have a Good night..See you tomorrow...Susan....

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[Vermontcozy]

Hi Lauren  We thought you might be peeking in tonight,so we decided to post this here;Tomorrow,in the Community Room(Thrus) at 10am we are having a Cyber Breakfast for you..All are invited and will post this in the Community Room as well..pen21 is baking and I will be serving  :  ).See you  tomorrow...Susan...

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Hi Lauren  We thought you might be peeking in tonight,so we decided to post this here;Tomorrow,in the Community Room(Thrus) at 10am we are having a Cyber Breakfast for you..All are invited and will post this in the Community Room as well..pen21 is baking and I will be serving  :  ).See you  tomorrow...Susan...

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Hey Susan--

I *just* saw this because I did not, in fact, get to peek in yesterday...I had a crazy publishing day (lunch with my Finnish publisher, recording a video at the Harper studio, drinks with an editor friend) and was running around like a madwoman from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. (!!). But I am here with my coffee now.

[Zia01]

I didn't have any questions. Most of them have been asked and answered. I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your amazing book with us.

[pen21]

Lauren

Take a look at the Community Thread on this board. Coffee/Tea and Pastries are being served, even some fruit(all virtual of course, with no calories).

Just a fun way to celebrate how much we have enjoyed your time with us.

pen21

[Vermontcozy]

Hi Lauren Just stopping n say Hi,join us when you can..We are very laid back....Thanks,Susan...

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Zia01 wrote:

I didn't have any questions. Most of them have been asked and answered. I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your amazing book with us.

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You are so welcome. Thank you so much for reading!

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Hi Lauren Just stopping n say Hi,join us when you can..We are very laid back....Thanks,Susan...

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Just stopped in...love the pic of the breakfast nook...you guys are the best!

[Lauren-Oliver]

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pen21 wrote:

Lauren

Take a look at the Community Thread on this board. Coffee/Tea and Pastries are being served, even some fruit(all virtual of course, with no calories).

Just a fun way to celebrate how much we have enjoyed your time with us.

pen21

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Me too! I just posted a note in the Community Thread. I've loved this entire experience. Thank you. I took a virtual pastry and now may take my very real tea into bed with a book--it's very snowy in NYC (a perfect bed-and-book day!!).

[Vermontcozy]

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Hi Lauren Just stopping n say Hi,join us when you can..We are very laid back....Thanks,Susan...

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Just stopped in...love the pic of the breakfast nook...you guys are the best!

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Hi Lauren Thanks for stopping in and enjoying the "Party"..We just wanted to say "Thank you"..Now go and relax..You deserve it!!!  Susan