Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything

by Nicola Yoon

Risk everything for love with this #1 New York Times bestseller from Nicola Yoon • "Gorgeous and lyrical"—The New York Times Book Review

What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken. 

"This extraordinary first novel about love so strong it might kill us is too good to feel like a debut. Tender, creative, beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, Everything is one of the best books I've read this year."—Jodi Picoult

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 will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. It's an innovative, inspiring, and heartbreakingly romantic debut novel that unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, and more. 

And don’t miss Nicola Yoon's bestselling novels The Sun Is Also A Star and Instructions for Dancing.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

5 of 5 stars

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For her entire life, Madeline lived within the confines of her home, as she was allergic to the world. She was, however, content with her life. She had her books, her nurse (Carla), her mom, and her tutors. She interacted with others through the internet, and did not want for more, until HE moved in next door.

For the first time in a long time, I want more than I have.


Olly was a handsome, athletic boy who wore all black, and took an interest in Madeline. I loved Olly from the start. This boy, who had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His priority was protecting his mom and sister, and giving in to his father's demands, in an attempt to keep the peace. He was funny and sweet and was able to see past Madeline's illness. He is slightly damaged, but still living and hoping and dreaming. The IMs and emails between Olly and Madeline were fantastic. I loved the back and forth, give and take. There is not doubt, that the love story took root in those IMs.

I was happy before I met him. But I’m alive now, and those are not the same thing.


I have to speak about Nicola Yoon and her writing. I got to attend several panels and signings of Nicola Yoon's, and she was just so lovely. I was so struck by her graciousness and gratitude. She was completely awed by the long line of people waiting to meet her at BEA. Those traits are definitely apparent in writing, and the writing is so beautiful. I could seriously quote this book forever. She crafted her characters with such warmth and honesty, but also allowed them to be angsty when it was appropriate. Her writing evoked many an emotional response for me. I teared up quite a few times, ok, I actually cried too, but I also laughed, and smiled. I listened to the audiobook, but I actually had an ARC from last year on my shelf. I recommend the book to my more visual people, as Yoon included some great illustrations, as well as layouts, which contribute to the impact of the words.

Spoiler alert: Love is worth everything. Everything.


My heart broke in half for Madeline's mom. She lost her husband and son in a car accident, and was left with a sickly infant. Her family was her whole world, and she lost them. As a doctor, she decided Madeline's care would be her own responsibility, thus, she would protect her.

For her it was the Big Bang in reverse—everything that became a nothing.


This is a beautiful story of so many things: love, friendship, family, forgiveness, gratitude. I was left warm and fuzzy and happy.

You're not living if you're not regretting.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 June, 2016: Finished reading
  • 9 June, 2016: Reviewed