Today in Jen's Library

I feel better now. This is a nice little tidbit that will tide me over (hopefully) until March. I have never been so excited for a book to release in all my life. I keep having to remind myself that these are FICTIONAL CHARACTERS.

So Hana - this very short story that gives us more info about her. I honestly loved it. I say this not because I love Hana, but because of the bigger picture it gives us of the society. Let's face it, not everyone who is rebelling against the cure is going to find their soulmate and live happily ever after. I love that Oliver has given us the dark side of things. Boys who just want to get a girl into bed, kids who just want to rebel for rebellion's sake, wanting "the forbidden" simply because it is forbidden; these are all part of a realistic look at a repressive society.

Hana is no exception to the norm. It follows that she would be jealous of Lena. Lena has always been the one who was afraid, while Hana was the one taking the risks. So from Hana's point of view, of course it's unfair that Lena gets the great guy and the storybook romance. Why not Hana, when she's the one who's always gotten all the breaks? She's wealthy, highly matched, so how come Lena (who's from the wrong side of the tracks anyway) gets what she, Hana, longs for?

She's also very afraid, although reluctant to admit it. And all this adds up to a nicer, rounder understanding of her character. I think it will also serve to explain much of what happens in Requiem. And who doesn't love Oliver's writing style?

So thank you, Lauren Oliver, for the taste of what is to come. I can't wait.