A sweet story about a teen living with a horrible disease and the new neighbour who teaches her about the value of love and friendship, Everything, Everything is not only a great YA novel but also a beautiful movie. A little twist towards the end brings this story full circle.
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
That is the kind of cover you want to see on your book shelf!
“My disease is as rare as it is famous”
Madeline has been cooped up in her house for 17 years thanks to a life threatening disease which has almost depleted her immune system completely. Maddy is content with her life for the most part having daily interactions with her nurse Carla and her mum, but it is when the very sweet and lively Olly moves in next door that her life starts to take on new meaning.
“As much as I’m trying to keep the world out, it seems determined to come in”
We really loved Maddy and Olly as a unit and individually. They are both smart, witty, nervous and inquisitive characters that balanced each other perfectly. Through some sneaky interactions thanks to Carla and some natural chemistry, we get to watch these two develop a friendship and fall in love in a completely unique way.
The writing in this is beautiful and at times is completely lyrical. Yoon has done a wonderful job of pulling on your heartstrings. We really enjoyed the addition of the LIFE IS SHORT spoiler reviews by Madeline chapters where she would break down books she was reading throughout the story into one sentence reviews. They served as a great little insight into her wit and emotions at any given moment.
The last part of this book was both sad and uplifting. We know from reading some other reviews that some young readers (and adults who love YA) had a problem with the wrap up but it was personally one of our favourite parts. No spoilers so you will have to check it out for yourself.
Round of applause for Nicola Yoon, this book was absolutely fantastic! A great young adult contemporary that is perfect for readers aged 16+.
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Finding good books for our almost 11 year old can be hard as it needs to be something that interests him and will retain his interest. We read together each night before bed and he also has homework reading where he can choose his own book to read. I think I will be looking into the Goodreads website to see what they suggest.
Oh this sounds really good, I used to be such an avid reader but now don’t read anywhere near as much due to work, family and time being limited 🙁 It sounds real, happy and sad but is definitely something I would love to read. I am determined to make time for more reading as I really enjoy it – lying in bed at night reading a book relaxes me. We do not watch TV in bed anymore (we used to every night) as it’s not a good idea and keeps you awake.
Thanks for this review. The book cover makes me want to pick it up anyway. I enjoy reading young adult books and stories like this usually gets translated into movies. Would be good to read it first as sometimes movies either do it justice or spoil it.
Ooo this soinds like a really good book… Id be wuite keen to read it too, love YA books they are full of hope and truth always so well written…wonder if my young reader will be into this hes been so engrossed with all the goosebumps and captain underpants books this would be a good way to ibtroduce somethibg abit different and a new genre to read.
Wowee this sounds like a really good story that would totally interest me as I’m doing nursing and this sort of thing is always very intriguing. What a great review of the book you’ve definitely sold it to me.
I love reading YA novels. They are my jam. This one sounds really good and I might have to check it out. I’m not hugely into sad endings. But I guess that is life isn’t it. There’s happy and sad endings for all threads omin our lives.
Very nice…i find there is a lack of stories like this these days that actually make people think, empathize, sympathize and look beyond oneself… i believe these stories bring us back to reality and away from the make belief that the world is happy living in…a world with no real issues to face… love this…will check it out…