Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
ISBN: 9780553496642
No. of Pages: 320
Genre: Young Adult; Romance
Origins: Random House Children’s Books
Release Date: 1 September 2015
Synopsis:
“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.”
I loved everything about this book. Sure, it is a bit simple and formulaic. Yes, it may trivialize children’s health issues. However, it is truly a special story. The illustrations are amazing. Ms. Yoon never tries to lighten Olly’s family situation or the seriousness of Maddy’s illness. Rather, she presents them both very matter-of-factly. To that end, the voices are authentic. Speaking of the end, it was just about perfect. I immediately ran out and bought a permanent copy for my library and cannot wait to share it with my daughter.
