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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
wow. I consider myself an LGBT Ally, something I don't take lightly. I sponsor the Gay-Straight Alliance at the school I teach at. Levithan's works have been on my to-read list for a while, and I am so glad to have this book be the first one I read. Thoygh there are serious LGBTQ undertones throughout the book (since A is in love with a girl and frequently inhabits girls' bodies, not to mention the occasional gay or transgendered teen), this book is far more about determining who you are and what your place in the world is. And we can't forget the star-crossed lovers, either...
Another reviewer said there were too many sub-plots that were irrelevant. I disagree. I think Levithan does an excellent job balancing the main story with the stories of the lives A takes over for the day. The fact that our narrator can so easily, seamlessly adapt (CAN does not mean he al ways DOES) makes these sub-plots vital to the character development of A, as well as placing him in the larger context of his unique existence.
The fact that Goodreads lists this book as #1 in a series is heartening...The book ended, and I was not satisfied. This part of A's life may be over, but there are too many promises for the future and too many possibilities. I'm looking forward to the next book, no doubt.
Another reviewer said there were too many sub-plots that were irrelevant. I disagree. I think Levithan does an excellent job balancing the main story with the stories of the lives A takes over for the day. The fact that our narrator can so easily, seamlessly adapt (CAN does not mean he al ways DOES) makes these sub-plots vital to the character development of A, as well as placing him in the larger context of his unique existence.
The fact that Goodreads lists this book as #1 in a series is heartening...The book ended, and I was not satisfied. This part of A's life may be over, but there are too many promises for the future and too many possibilities. I'm looking forward to the next book, no doubt.
emotional
Okay, so I was really torn when deciding what to rate this novel.
The writing is unique and really just amazing. While the story line....I have to admit, I really didn't enjoy or relate to. I had a hard time connecting or commiserating with A. I really didn't enjoy how he/she just used people. And I did not understand the devotion to the one girl she just met. I also had a major problem with how superficial R was when A was an obese person for the day. Sure attraction matters, but I felt the whole point of A being really only a spirit or a mind (existential, if you will), was to go beyond that. I felt the purpose should have been to focus on minds connecting, not bodies. I think too many lines were crossed physically. Some major issues were totally glazed over.
Going only skin deep in the many character's lives is a fascinating premise for a book, however, it is also extremely hard to execute. It is hard to connect with anyone, even A sometimes. I think Leviathan is a wonderful writer. I love his prose and how eloquent the wording can be....I was interested enough in his style to to finish so I am giving this 4 stars. I will read more of his books.
The writing is unique and really just amazing. While the story line....I have to admit, I really didn't enjoy or relate to. I had a hard time connecting or commiserating with A. I really didn't enjoy how he/she just used people. And I did not understand the devotion to the one girl she just met. I also had a major problem with how superficial R was when A was an obese person for the day. Sure attraction matters, but I felt the whole point of A being really only a spirit or a mind (existential, if you will), was to go beyond that. I felt the purpose should have been to focus on minds connecting, not bodies. I think too many lines were crossed physically. Some major issues were totally glazed over.
Going only skin deep in the many character's lives is a fascinating premise for a book, however, it is also extremely hard to execute. It is hard to connect with anyone, even A sometimes. I think Leviathan is a wonderful writer. I love his prose and how eloquent the wording can be....I was interested enough in his style to to finish so I am giving this 4 stars. I will read more of his books.
The description of Every Day makes it sound like it will be nothing short of phenomenal. How disappointing that I should find it to be...like...kinda sorta ok-ish...with a couple nice moments...but more annoying moments than nice ones. Sorry (not sorry).
Presenting the simple yet effective like vs dislike lists!
I Liked:
1. The writing. I don't necessarily mean what was written but that it was written well and wasn't an elementary style.
2. The unique concept of waking up in a different body every day and having no "shell" of your own.
3. Some of the bodies A inhabits. I was, however, disappointed that as his/her obsession with Rhiannon grew, his/her details of the bodies he/she was in became less meaningful. Even so, I found myself unexpectedly crying over the part where.
4. That I had an excuse to sing "Rhiannon" over and over.
I Disliked:
1. The lack of character development. For example, I truly could not understand A's obsession with Rhiannon. It wasn't that I thought she was a bad person/character, I just found her to be FLAT AS A DAMN BOARD (and I'm not talking about her chest size!). I couldn't buy into this abracadabra love.
2. A (as in the main character). I was nothing short of annoyed by the thoughts of A. I understand that A may be a little more wise than others that age because he/she has "been" so many different people, but they are still never older than the age he/she would really be. In this case - SIXTEEN. There is nothing more annoying than a preachy sixteen-year-old. Speaking of being preachy...
3. Levithan's tone itself is preachy as hell. I am pretty sure that if he tried to shove homosexual/cross-gender/etc. acceptance down my throat anymore, I was going to CHOKE. I am already absolutely accepting of these things and was still bothered by his approach.
4. That I couldn't get the song "Rhiannon" out of my head.
I was going to give this one 3 stars but felt that it was just ok, which Goodreads tells me is a measly 2 stars.
Presenting the simple yet effective like vs dislike lists!
I Liked:
1. The writing. I don't necessarily mean what was written but that it was written well and wasn't an elementary style.
2. The unique concept of waking up in a different body every day and having no "shell" of your own.
3. Some of the bodies A inhabits. I was, however, disappointed that as his/her obsession with Rhiannon grew, his/her details of the bodies he/she was in became less meaningful. Even so, I found myself unexpectedly crying over the part where
Spoiler
A is in the body of the suicidal girl and goes to her Dad for help4. That I had an excuse to sing "Rhiannon" over and over.
I Disliked:
1. The lack of character development. For example, I truly could not understand A's obsession with Rhiannon. It wasn't that I thought she was a bad person/character, I just found her to be FLAT AS A DAMN BOARD (and I'm not talking about her chest size!). I couldn't buy into this abracadabra love.
2. A (as in the main character). I was nothing short of annoyed by the thoughts of A. I understand that A may be a little more wise than others that age because he/she has "been" so many different people, but they are still never older than the age he/she would really be. In this case - SIXTEEN. There is nothing more annoying than a preachy sixteen-year-old. Speaking of being preachy...
3. Levithan's tone itself is preachy as hell. I am pretty sure that if he tried to shove homosexual/cross-gender/etc. acceptance down my throat anymore, I was going to CHOKE. I am already absolutely accepting of these things and was still bothered by his approach.
4. That I couldn't get the song "Rhiannon" out of my head.
I was going to give this one 3 stars but felt that it was just ok, which Goodreads tells me is a measly 2 stars.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I devoured this book in an unintentional one-evening sitting. One moment I was at page 80, and what felt like the next, it was five in the morning and I had unknowingly opted to read the entire book instead of sleep.
I only purchased this book to begin with because David Levithan gave a stellar reading at a book signing I went to Friday night. I didn't mean to buy it, but I just had to. The concept grasped me and Levithan's plot execution was on point.
I fell in love with A and Rhiannon and felt surprised when they were surprised, scared when they were scared, happy when they were happy, and devastated when they were devastated. I had tears in my eyes during the final scenes.
Dislikes: I wish Levithan was a more descriptive writer. I felt connected to the characters, but not the setting/feel of the book, which is also important. Ultimately, though, that didn't keep me from being completely absorbed in this book and eager to read more when it was done.
I only purchased this book to begin with because David Levithan gave a stellar reading at a book signing I went to Friday night. I didn't mean to buy it, but I just had to. The concept grasped me and Levithan's plot execution was on point.
I fell in love with A and Rhiannon and felt surprised when they were surprised, scared when they were scared, happy when they were happy, and devastated when they were devastated. I had tears in my eyes during the final scenes.
Dislikes: I wish Levithan was a more descriptive writer. I felt connected to the characters, but not the setting/feel of the book, which is also important. Ultimately, though, that didn't keep me from being completely absorbed in this book and eager to read more when it was done.
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
