Debut author Nicola Yoon delivers a knockout hit sure to please fans of YA contemporaries with her book, “Everything, Everything.” Maddy suffers from SCID, a disease that renders her allergic to nearly everything. She cannot leave her house and everything around her must be extremely sanitized. Her life consists of reading books, doing homework for her online classes, spending time with her mom who is a doctor, and being attended to by her nurse, Carla.
When a new family moves in next door, the new neighbor boy, Olly, notices her. He is intrigued by why she doesn’t leave her house so he writes his e-mail address on his window. The two start up an online friendship which quickly blossoms into something more, especially once Carla arranges for him to visit in-person. As Maddy’s feelings for Olly grow, her home begins to feel more confining than ever before. Is love worth risking her health for?
With short chapters interspersed with doodles, doctor notes, and IMs, this book is a quick read that begs to be devoured whole, even as readers will want to savor every page right up to the shocking end. The story explores deep issues without ever feeling overly heavy-handed, and the writing is lyrical while remaining fast-paced. Readers will close the book feeling inspired to embrace life and love even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Because of its equal parts drama and romance, this is a great pick for fans of “If I Stay,” “The Fault in Our Stars,” and “All the Bright Places.” If you enjoy stories that tug the heartstrings in all different directions, don’t miss out on this lovely book!
You can place a hold on “Everything, Everything” in our catalog right now. If you have to wait, be sure to check out “You Might Also Like These…” at the bottom of the book’s catalog page.
