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mmokler 's review for:
Everything, Everything
by Nicola Yoon
I read this in one blissful whirlwind. I downloaded it before I got on an airplane, then periodically picked it up as the day went on. It's been a minute since a book hooked me like that.
Everything Everything is a young adult debut novel. Maddy has never been outside of her house. Horrifyingly ill with a rare disease, her world is her books and her studies and her window. Until... a boy appears at her window. Olly is the catalyst that changes many things in unexpected ways for young Maddy.
I loved the subtle interweaving of modern issues. I loved that the main character is mixed race, but that this isn't key to her story necessarily. I love that there's a quick visit with a gay character, who is honest and well-rounded and not a stereotype. I loved the aside about the illegal immigrant character. The mother/daughter relationship was lovingly crafted, as was the nurse/patient relationship. I hate to admit it, because I should probably be "over" this, but I the love story captivated me. It was well-written, especially considering the young audience. EDIT TO ADD: I LOOOOOOVED the additional illustrations. What a great way to tell a story!
I struggled with the seeming perfection of the little romance. I don't like the idea of young readers seeing only "sunshine and roses" about young love. It seems dangerous to me. I'll readily admit, however, that I don't necessarily see an appropriate place to include it, as it could easily have distracted from other major plot points. I also found the plot a tad predictable, but, again, young adult novel.
I would recommend this to young readers, especially struggling readers. It's captivating and sweet. I could see myself teaching it as part of literature circles or choice-books.
Warnings:
Drugs: Medicine. There is a character who drinks far too much. He is seen from a distance, although it is frequent.
Violence: There is some domestic violence. Hitting is implied. The family's story is definitely a major plot point and it is explored, although not graphically.
Sex: SPOILER
Language: None.
Everything Everything is a young adult debut novel. Maddy has never been outside of her house. Horrifyingly ill with a rare disease, her world is her books and her studies and her window. Until... a boy appears at her window. Olly is the catalyst that changes many things in unexpected ways for young Maddy.
I loved the subtle interweaving of modern issues. I loved that the main character is mixed race, but that this isn't key to her story necessarily. I love that there's a quick visit with a gay character, who is honest and well-rounded and not a stereotype. I loved the aside about the illegal immigrant character. The mother/daughter relationship was lovingly crafted, as was the nurse/patient relationship. I hate to admit it, because I should probably be "over" this, but I the love story captivated me. It was well-written, especially considering the young audience. EDIT TO ADD: I LOOOOOOVED the additional illustrations. What a great way to tell a story!
I struggled with the seeming perfection of the little romance. I don't like the idea of young readers seeing only "sunshine and roses" about young love. It seems dangerous to me. I'll readily admit, however, that I don't necessarily see an appropriate place to include it, as it could easily have distracted from other major plot points. I also found the plot a tad predictable, but, again, young adult novel.
I would recommend this to young readers, especially struggling readers. It's captivating and sweet. I could see myself teaching it as part of literature circles or choice-books.
Warnings:
Drugs: Medicine. There is a character who drinks far too much. He is seen from a distance, although it is frequent.
Violence: There is some domestic violence. Hitting is implied. The family's story is definitely a major plot point and it is explored, although not graphically.
Sex: SPOILER
Spoiler
The main two characters do have sex in a hotel room. It is sweet, not pornographic, but also not shy. She does use a phrase similar to "Feel him going into her."Language: None.