A review by shealwaysreads
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

slow-paced

2.5

Hey book lovers! 📚 Let’s chat about Neal Shusterman’s latest novel, All Better Now, hitting shelves on February 4th, 2025. This one’s a wild ride through a world transformed by a virus that, get this, cures depression and anxiety. Sounds like a dream, right? But, as you’d expect, things aren’t that simple. 😅

The story follows three teens:
• Mariel Mudroch: Living in a car with her mom, she discovers she’s immune to the virus.
• Rón Escobedo: A wealthy guy battling depression who becomes an “alpha-spreader” after recovery.
• Morgan Willmon-Wu: An ambitious teen tasked with eradicating the virus after inheriting a fortune.

Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, diving deep into the societal impacts of this so-called “cure.”  

Now, let’s get real. I felt the book was a bit on the lengthy side and had moments where the pacing dragged. I did enjoyed certain characters but didn’t form strong attachments to them.  

On the flip side, I did appreciated the thought-provoking themes. The novel delves into questions like: Is unending happiness truly a gift? Does humanity need its darker emotions to maintain balance? It’s a narrative that gets your brain gears turning.  

Happy reading! 📖✨