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Synopsis (From GoodReads):
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.
Review:
Everything Everything won high praise when it first came out. Even though I hadn't read it yet, as the acclaim grew over time, I felt like there was no way it could live up to the hype. I did buy the book, but it sat on my shelf for months as I couldn't quite bring myself to read it. Would I like it? Would I be disappointed? Would it be one of those books that would leave me crying and devastated at the end?
Finally, I did read the novel, and I must say, it was delightful.
What I Liked:
Characters:Maddie:
Maddie is living with SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency). This means she is basically allergic to everything and can't leave her hermetically sealed home. She doesn't miss anything because this is how she grew up. When she sees a cute new neighbor living next door, she starts to wonder what her life would be like if she could go outside. I found Maddie's longing for friendship, love, and life experiences very touching. Maddie's struggles were actually quite universal. There are many teens who may not have a rare disease but feel just as isolated.
Ollie:
Ollie is the neighbor who lives next door. Living in an abusive home, he is dealing with his own problems. But he finds Maddie intriguing. I loved how Ollie cared about others as a way to block out what was happening to him at home.
Carla:
Maddie's caretaker, Carla, is a wonderful character. She is like a second mother to Maddie and really her only friend at the beginning of the book. Carla was a voice of reason in the book, and I think this is what grounded the novel for me.
Illustrations:
The book is filled with small, charming doodles that are supposed to be penned by the main character, Madeline. I loved these little touches as it made it seem more like Madeline's actual diary than just a book.
What I Didn't Like:
The Mother:The Mother does something in the book (I won't say exactly because I don't like spoilers) that I think is unforgivable. I was surprised that she didn't go to jail for what she did! While the book does not say precisely what happened to the mom, I wanted to see her own up to what she did. I didn't feel there was enough resolution of that part of the story.
What I Am Looking Forward To:
Movie Adaptation!!!
There will be a movie adaptation coming out in May of next year! I think this will be wonderful, especially as the actress playing Maddie will be Amandla Stenberg! She played Rue in The Hunger Games and is one of the most promising young actors around!
Ollie will be played by Nick Robinson, who has been in Jurassic World, and The 5th Wave. Don't these two look adorable together?
Rating:
Release Date: September 1st, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction
Source: Purchased by me
Format: Hardcover
Recommendation: A highly entertaining book that explores teen isolation in the extreme. You will root for Madeline and Ollie.
Yes! I loved Everything, Everything as well! The twist is awesome and Maddie's mom is so creepy! Great review and happy reading! :D
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about this book but I still haven't read it. It's one of those books that keeps calling to me from the bookshelves.
ReplyDelete"Dena! Come and read me. You know you want to."
Yes, my books talk to me. Yes, I may be losing my mind. Please don't tell anyone. ;)
Here's my STS
I like the cover of it, but haven´t read it yet. Maybe one day it will arrive at my home and become part of my library :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my STS
Best wishes
Vi @ Gone With The Books