Everything, Everything on 1 September 2015 Pages: 307
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.
Everything, Everything is quite beautifully written, but there were some things that I guessed when I was only a few pages in… and that kind of spoiled me – just like Madeline’s spoiler reviews.
Story:
Madeline has lived apart from the world for as long as she can remember. Her dad and her brother died in a car accident when she was young, so it’s just her, her mom and Carla. When the new neighbours move in, Madeline starts observing them, and she quickly realizes that the dad is abusive, the two teen-aged children are angry, and the mom is trying to keep the peace.
Madeline spent most of her time reading – and writing spoiler reviews. Beware – if Madeline reviewed a book you haven’t read yet, you’ll be spoiled. Because Madeline was allergic to the world, she spent all her time inside, but she never really seemed that upset about it. Most teenagers would have questioned their mom at one point – as the mom was her physician, and Madeline never got to leave the house, nor have any visitors. Apart from her architecture teacher.
Characters:
Madeline has spent her whole life indoors, no friends, no other people than her mom and her nurse. Home-schooled, and reading a lot fills her days. Madeline’s mom is a doctor, and she makes sure Madeline stays safe and healthy. Carla is Madeline’s nurse, and she wants Madeline to live a little more than she has up until now. Olly is the new next-door neighbour, who is, of course, hot and broody.
Writing style :
First person present tense from Madeline’s point of view. This made me get to know Madeline well, but some of it was a stream of consciousness that could border on annoying.
Feels :
I was frustrated most of all. I didn’t understand why Madeline didn’t ask more questions. Or why Carla didn’t take her to another doctor if she had reservations. I was also upset with Madeline’s mom, even if she was probably the one who was actually sick.
And it’s the wanting that pulls me back down to earth hard. The wanting scares me. It’s like ta weed that spreads slowly, just beneath your notice. Before you know it, it’s pitted your surfaces and darkened your windows.
I take Alice to my white couch and settle in. Carla’s right of course. I am OK, but, like Alice, I’m just trying not to get lost.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Aw too bad you didn’t enjoy this one more. I remember reading the book so fast and loving it, which is a rare occurence in this genre. 😛
I know a lot of people loved this one, Stephanie, and I’m glad you’re one of them!! It just didn’t work for me, sadly.
Twitter: ailynk
i think with most YA setting, you kinda have to make allowances? Most readers would have asked the same questions i think. but hey it was entertaining a little right?
I agree, allowances are important, but it was just too much in this one.
Oh sorry to hear this. I get it. I would have asked the same questions. Why did no one, even the one who was concerned, did nothing at all? Anyway, I’ve seen mixed reviews for this book and that’s why I didn’t pick it up although it’s been quite popular.
Awesome review, Lexxie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Loved it! ?❤️
I know a lot of other readers who loved this one, Geybie, but I also know some who didn’t. Too bad I’m in the latter group myself 🙂
I’m sorry this didn’t work for you. I absolutely loved it, but I can understand your issues.
I’m happy you loved it, Quinn!
Sorry this one didn’t work out for you, Lexxie. I figured out the twist but was still able to enjoy the book because I wasn’t sure I was right. I hope your next read works better for you.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Carole! It wasn’t just the fact that I figured out the twist, it was also that nobody questioned anything… And I can’t complain, I’ve loved most of the many books I’ve read so far this year!
Twitter: Mollykatie112
I figured the twist out by reading reviews when it first came out. It kept me from reading it. Now the movie is on Amazon and I keep looking at it and thinking nope. I think I would be the same as you about this book. Thank you for your honest review!
I’ve seen that there’s a movie too. Not sure how that would work, as most of the action happens inside of Madeline’s bedroom and kitchen…
Aww sorry to hear that you didn’t end up enjoying this one too much. I haven’t gotten to read it yet, and I’m avoiding the movie until I DO read it. lol! I have a feeling I may have the same issue as you with them never asking questions or trying to figure things out. Great honest review!
I know a lot of people loved this book, though, Julie, so maybe you will too.
Twitter: talksupeblog
This one got some polarizing reviews. I heard it’s being adapted into a movie, I think I’ll skip the book and MAYBE catch the movie?
I know, people either loved it, or really didn’t… I don’t think I’ll catch the movie, but I’m curious about what you’ll think of it.
I get frustrated too with characters who don’t ask questions when any average person would have a whole bunch. But idk, it sounds like it could be realistic in this one since she grew up in such a weird situation with a controlling mother? Like, this was just what the character was taught to believe. I haven’t read it though, so I don’t know. Sorry this one frustrated you so much!
The thing is, though, Madeline spends a lot of her time on the internet. She has a blog. She reads. She chats with people… So even if she was taught to believe one thing, it seemed weird to me that she never asked any questions.
Ah, ok. In that case, it does seem weird.
Honestly, this book made me so angry, I was so looking forward to it and when I got the ARC I was so excited. The twist ruined everything for me, and I know lot of people loved it which I still don’t get. Great review!
Yeah, I was firmly on the didn’t love it side, Kei. It’s nice to know there were more people thinking like me 🙂