Angie
Everything, Everything was probably one of my most anticipated reads of 2015. It just sounded so different, and I totally love Bubble Boy. Madeline hasn't left her house since she was a baby. It's just her, her mom, and her nurse. She's never had a friend until Olly moves in next door and he changes her whole world. Her whole world being her house and bookshelves, since she can't actually experience anything in the world without the risk of dying. Maddy's safe life may be keeping her alive, but she's certainly not living.
I really enjoyed Everything, Everything. Maddy has a great voice. Even though she's trapped indoors with just her books and the same two people for company, she's not bitter, angry, or depressed. I think this mostly has to do with her not really knowing what she's missing. Theoretically she knows, but she's never had anything else so it's not like she knows-knows. I also loved how it's not just her narrative. There's letters, diary entries, drawings, charts, records, all kinds of things. It really added to the story for me, even if it made it feel super short.
The one thing that really kept me from loving Everything, Everything was the romance. Olly and Maddy are super adorable with their limited contact, but I was never fully sold on them as being in love. It wasn't even so much that it happened super quickly. I could believe that from Maddy, since he's the first boy she's ever talked to, and he's a great one. It just felt forced as a way to get her to want to explore the world. I would believed them much more as friends going on an adventure rather than lovers.
I was suspicious throughout Everything, Everything. Probably because I've seen Bubble Boy about a thousand times too many. But I didn't expect this ending at all. I was shocked and disturbed, and I wanted more! But it was the end! I needed to know more, because that is fascinating! I should probably shut up though, so I don't spoil anything.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.