By: Nicola Yoon
Synopsis:
Madeline is a seventeen year old girl who has never been outside of her house. She suffers from a rare disorder called SCID, which is also known as Bubble Baby Disease. If she leaves her house, she is very likely to get sick and die. So she doesn't. She lives alone with her mother, and the only other in-person socialization she takes part of is with her caretaker, Carla. Madeline is content in her life, and makes the most of her depressing situation, until one day an attractive teenage boy, Olly, moves in next door and changes her outlook on life. Communicating strictly, at first, through instant messaging and emails, Madeline quickly develops feelings that she has never felt before: love. Madeline soon begins to wonder if simply being alive is more important than actually having a chance to really live.
Appeals and Characteristics of Young Adult:
- Pace: This book starts off a little slow (the main character is homebound and the first half of the book is learning about her day-to-day routines inside her home), but then changes suddenly, drawing the reader in and leaving them wanting more.
- Characterization: The book is centered around teenage Madeline and her love interest, Olly. Both characters are well-developed and likable, which is common in young adult books. Madeline’s mother is also a main character, as she and Madeline’s caretaker are pretty much the only two people who Madeline is able to be around due to her extreme illness. Without spoiling anything, some of the characters take a turn for the worst, and a big twist leaves readers heartbroken and confused.
- Theme: The theme of this book is teenage romance, which is a common theme of young adult books. As with most teenage romances, it’s not an easy love story. The two main characters fall in love without ever thinking they’d be able to touch or be in the same room as one another.
- Tone: I thought the tone of the book was depressing, as it centered around a teenager who spent her entire life (seventeen years) cooped inside her house for fear that if she left she’d have an allergic reaction and die. There are obviously more upbeat and happy parts to this book, but most of the tone is a bit somber.
Read-A-Likes:
If you enjoyed Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon, you might want to try the following titles:
- Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornell
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteYou had me until you mentioned the 'Tone was depressing'. Life is hard enough, that is why we use books and movies to esape from reality to get recharged with bits of happy endings. It difficult enough for adults to cope let alone kids. Though I did love The Fault in OUr Stars. It was a great read when I took a Children's Lit class.
Eugenie... if you liked The Fault In Our Stars, I think you’d enjoy this one as well. I read it in a night and really enjoyed it.
DeleteHi Rebecca, This is one popular teen book to movie title that I haven't read (or watched) yet. I do think that teens gravitate towards characters with unique challenges like Madeline's. I'm curious enough about her illness alone to read the book now. Of course, I loved The Fault in Our Stars (although it's not my favorite John Green, that prize goes to Looking for Alaska). All that to say, I'm not opposed to the depressing tone if it's a well-written, believable story.
ReplyDeleteLaura - you should read this one. I had no interest in reading it until my sister said she loved it and I decided to give it a try. I really did enjoy it and it was a really quick read (I read it in a night).
DeleteI haven’t read Looking for Alaska - so now I’ll have to try that!
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThis is a book that I have heard a lot about. It seems to have an interesting concept so I think I will check it out when I have some time. I liked the brevity of your annotation where I was able to get a feel for what the book is like without yoiu having to over explain it.
Great annotation! You did a great job with your summary and your appeals are spot on. I haven't seen the movie yet but I enjoyed the book. Full points!
ReplyDelete