ARC Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Release date: September 1st, 2015

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Goodreads link: (click here) 

What's it about?

Madeline Whittier is basically allergic to everything. As an infant she was always sickly, and shortly after her father and brother were killed in an accident, she was diagnosed with SCID, a rare disease that's better known as "bubble baby syndrome". Only her mother was left to take care of her, so the two locked themselves inside their filtered and sanitized house and they took care of each other. Over the years, Maddy had only her mother and her nurse, Carla, to keep her company. She couldn't go outside or be near other people without risking illness or worse. Maddy loves her books and her time with her mother, but she's always longed for more. Unfortunately, that's not possible.

One day when a moving truck pulls in next door it changes her entire life. Out of the truck walks Olly. Tall, handsome, black clad and mysterious Olly. They made eye contact through the window and that marked the moment that Maddy's life became about possibility instead of resignation.

Olly is full of life and the two quickly become friends, IMing each other, sending emails and miming through their windows. Soon, Maddy spends every free minute she has thinking about him, talking to him and secretly meeting with him. But they can only meet inside of her bubble. Maddy is tired of not living and she longs to have at least one taste of freedom, so she and Olly take a risk as they get their chance at love. This risk may put Maddy's life in danger, but she believes it's all worth it. After all, what's the point of living if you all you do is exist?

My Thoughts:

Everything (everything) about this book was absolutely fantastic! This is a fabulous contemporary romance with heart, drama and substance. It's so unique in it's style, too. The story is told by Madeline Whittier, a girl with a rare immune disease. Throughout the book there are diary entries, illustrations, IMs, and emails interspersed with regular narratives. This keeps the story interesting and the wit, strength and intelligence of Maddy's character will make you laugh, cry and root for her. Everything, Everything also has diversity, which is always a good thing. Maddy is half Asian, half African-American and she has a life threatening illness. Besides being sweet, funny and full of swoon-worthy romance, the book also explores serious issues like grief and domestic abuse. It is quite an emotional ride and it definitely has some surprises inside. Oh, and Olly . . . yeah . . . he's on my imaginary book boyfriend list now. 

Everything, Everything is a beautiful book that I definitely recommend picking up when it's released (9/1/15). This is Nicola Yoon's debut novel and she knocked it out of the park!

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<3 Michelle