Review: Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

Posted 30 August, 2017 by Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms in Reviews / 21 Comments

Review: Everything, Everything – Nicola YoonEverything, Everything on 1 September 2015
Pages: 307
2.5 Stars

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.

Review - (un)Conventional Bookviews

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.

Fave Quotes - (un)Conventional Bookviews

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:

Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms

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.

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21 responses to “Review: Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

  1. Ailyn Koay
    Twitter:

    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?

  2. 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! ?❤️

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

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