All Better Now

By: Neal Shusterman

Narrated by: Greg Tremblay, Neal Shusterman

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a “thought-provoking and grimly enjoyable” (Kirkus Reviews) “epic biological thriller” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.

A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.

More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plans ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.

It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.©2024 Neal Shusterman (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

I loved it!

Ever since I read the Unwind series I have been in love with Neal Shusterman's books. Always engaging with fleshy characters that you feel like you really get to know. He's works are thought provoking as they deal with societal issues that are easy for you to see as frightening possiblities. This book delivers. i was so happy to see that I fell in love with this books concept and characters. Please try it!

Another Shusterman-Tremblay Adventure

Absolutely loved it! Always an adventure with the best story and the best character development!

Neal At It Again

I love Neal and his writing. I love his books. The narration was great like usual. However, this one didn’t really vibe with me that much. I dragged myself through it when usually I can’t put the books down. Taking me like three weeks to get myself through this book. I really only liked one or two characters, and even then I wasn’t too attached to them. I did enjoy this book, and I will most likely pick up the second one and see where it goes, but on the tier list of Neal’s book, this isn’t near the top.

Justice for Morgan!

As much as she was a manipulator, I feel like she still had the right idea. The idea of forcibly being happy disgusts me in multiple ways. I enjoy feeling all kinds of emotion.. While the counter virus wasn't the ideal scenario, if it had more work done with probably would have given people a better option. A world without it is just a monopoly on the other. I'd love to see more of the story.

Pleasantly surprised

When I read the description of the book the idea I had was nothing like what the book ended up being. This medical “what if” story just hits so close to home on a lot of issues right now. Great book.

Is there a sequel

It needs a better ending or a sequel. It was too much of a cliff hanger.

Mostly enjoyable story, flat ending

For most of the way, I was pretty engaged with this story. Which is why I was surprised to find the plot just petered out. The story didn't go anywhere. The narration was good, though.

Personally, I found all the pandemic puns in end credits to be in very poor taste. I was expecting this story to be a little bit more of serious commentary on how the world responds to a pandemic. I quickly realized that wasn't going to be the case. I still wasn't expecting the book to end with a bunch of jokes about a topic that has reshaped our world, caused many deaths, chronically impacted the health of so many survivors.

This book will make you stop and think

This book will appeal to readers of any age. It is timely and serves as a prescient warning about the dangerous volatility at the center of an intersection between vaccines, politics and wealth.

Great Story

this was a wonderful plot and i thought it was very complicated in a good way

What a Trip of a Story, Gave me Little Flash Backs

Neal Shusterman’s All Better Now is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that continues to showcase his unparalleled ability to tackle complex emotional and social issues with nuance and heart. In his 2025 release, Shusterman takes readers on an unflinching journey through mental health, self-identity, and the pursuit of healing in a world that often feels broken.

The story centers on a character who, after a personal crisis, embarks on a transformative journey to "get better" — but what does “better” really mean? Shusterman, known for his skill in creating multidimensional characters, does not shy away from the messiness of healing, offering a narrative that feels both raw and honest. What sets this novel apart is Shusterman's deft ability to blend emotional depth with moments of hope and resilience, making the story both poignant and uplifting.

The pacing of All Better Now strikes the perfect balance, keeping readers engaged with a steady rhythm that mirrors the character’s growth. Shusterman's prose is, as always, sharp and impactful, creating moments of introspection that linger long after the final page is turned. The themes of mental health and recovery are handled with sensitivity, inviting readers into a conversation about the complexities of what it means to truly heal.

One of the standout elements of All Better Now is the way Shusterman crafts relationships. Whether it’s the protagonist’s interactions with family, friends, or even strangers, each connection feels grounded in reality, offering insights into the way we connect, support, and sometimes inadvertently harm one another. It's a testament to Shusterman’s understanding of the human experience, and it makes the characters’ emotional journeys resonate on a deeply personal level.

In a world where the conversation around mental health is more crucial than ever, All Better Now provides a compelling, compassionate narrative that encourages reflection without feeling preachy. It's a book that doesn’t just tell a story, it invites the reader to explore their own understanding of recovery, growth, and what it truly means to be "all better."

In short, All Better Now is a standout in Neal Shusterman’s impressive body of work, delivering a powerful and empathetic story that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished it. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a narrative that balances emotional depth, hope, and a little bit of thriller providing a story that’s as relatable as it is moving.

Im Rae Serbeck, I Read and Review all books Large and Small!