Neal Schusterman’s All Better Now presents a captivating and thought-provoking concept: what if a virus could erase all negative emotions, leaving only eternal contentment in its wake? Set in a world grappling with another global pandemic, Crown Royale, the novel delves into weighty questions about humanity, identity, and the cost of happiness.

The premise of All Better Now is undeniably intriguing, and Schusterman’s writing is as insightful as ever. The central conflict—whether the virus is a blessing or a curse—sets the stage for some truly engaging and thought-provoking discussions, making this a solid pick for book clubs or anyone who loves unpacking moral dilemmas.

That said, my reading experience wasn’t as immersive as I’d hoped. The constant switching between three POVs—Morgan, Mariel, and Rón—kept me at arm’s length from the characters, and the abundance of side stories and secondary characters made the narrative feel scattered. While the concept is strong, the execution felt overly ambitious, stretching the story longer than it needed to be.

And while the pandemic backdrop is eerily familiar, it might hit a little too close to home for some readers. The masks, isolation, and split public opinions on the virus will undoubtedly remind many of COVID-19, for better or worse.

In the end, I appreciated the big questions All Better Now asks, but the storytelling didn’t quite live up to the potential of its premise. It’s a decent read for those who enjoy speculative fiction with a philosophical edge but be prepared for some narrative overload.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat: go in for the discussions, not the immersion.