Everything, Everything
by Nicola Yoon
To be published by Delacorte BFYR
on September 1, 2015
Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley
But I really loved everything, everything about this book. To me, the greatest strength of Everything, Everything was its narrative voice. This story is told by Madeline, a girl whose illness (has made her pretty much a Girl in a Plastic Bubble. She's a prisoner in her own home, and has been for her entire life. Nicola Yoon has given her what was, to me, a pitch-perfect voice: simultaneously innocent of the world and a little jaded by her condition, self-deprecating but never self-pitying, and filled with wonder at the idea of falling in love. All the drawings, charts, and little additions to the text were charming.
Love is what gives Madeline the courage to break out of her protective cocoon (figuratively and literally) and risk ... everything. If this sounds like it could be cheesy, it didn't read that way to me, just captivating and sweet. While at its heart this book is a romance, it's also a story with some twists and turns. Given that Madeline writes one sentence spoiler reviews of the books she reads, I will follow suit (highlight blank area but it's a spoiler!)
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Spoiler alert: "Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.” ― Phaedrus
While I urge you not to peek, I DO urge you to stop by on Friday, when I will be offering up a SIGNED ARC AND a matching tote bag that's as adorable as this book!
by Nicola Yoon
To be published by Delacorte BFYR
on September 1, 2015
Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley
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.My take: On the surface, this book seems like everything, everything I dislike. A girl suffering from a rare illness (could use a break from that), epistolary elements (can do without those) and, according to the synopsis, a heavy dose of Instalove With the Boy Next Door (can't even...)
But I really loved everything, everything about this book. To me, the greatest strength of Everything, Everything was its narrative voice. This story is told by Madeline, a girl whose illness (has made her pretty much a Girl in a Plastic Bubble. She's a prisoner in her own home, and has been for her entire life. Nicola Yoon has given her what was, to me, a pitch-perfect voice: simultaneously innocent of the world and a little jaded by her condition, self-deprecating but never self-pitying, and filled with wonder at the idea of falling in love. All the drawings, charts, and little additions to the text were charming.
Love is what gives Madeline the courage to break out of her protective cocoon (figuratively and literally) and risk ... everything. If this sounds like it could be cheesy, it didn't read that way to me, just captivating and sweet. While at its heart this book is a romance, it's also a story with some twists and turns. Given that Madeline writes one sentence spoiler reviews of the books she reads, I will follow suit (highlight blank area but it's a spoiler!)
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Spoiler alert: "Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.” ― Phaedrus
While I urge you not to peek, I DO urge you to stop by on Friday, when I will be offering up a SIGNED ARC AND a matching tote bag that's as adorable as this book!
I really enjoyed this one too. Instalove type stuff usually bothers me but here it didn't. I also loved all the charts, drawings, and other little tidbits.
ReplyDeleteSame!
DeleteThis book was really beautiful and I really loved it too! I did feel that the ending seemed a bit too easy?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. There was stuff that didn't get fully addressed. Still liked the book but agree that the ending could have been filled out.
DeleteI really hope I can make time for this one, it sounds remarkable. And I do love a special narrative voice ;)
ReplyDeleteI really loved everything about this book. Especially the illustrations. They added so much to this amazing story. <3
ReplyDeleteWonderful review. I am so looking forward to reading this one!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful book and so unusual in many ways! I loved the way it felt like we were really a part of Maddy's life...
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
So glad you enjoyed this one, too, Jen. I couldn't find fault in it, to be honest. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about this one! I'm happy that it was a success for you, I don't think I've read any "meh" reviews for this one! I thought that this was going to be angst-ridden so I'm happy to see it's got more of a "coming-of-age" vibe.
ReplyDeleteGlad you really enjoyed this one. I've been waffling between reading it or not because it does sounds like it could be really cheesy. Happy to hear that this is not the case. :)
ReplyDeleteI got this one because my friend Nick loved it. Im hoping to get to it next, I've heard such great things.
ReplyDeleteLove how this one has charts and graphics added to the text! I've heard so many raves about this one and I'm looking forward to reading it - lovely review Jen!
ReplyDelete