I can't think of too many books this year that have been met with as much advanced buzz as Everything, Everything, the debut from Nicola Yoon. Ever since the wild success of The Fault in our Stars back in 2012, publishers and audiences have been clamoring for the next romance with a "hook," which this title delivers: 18-year-old Madeline lives a life of solitude. She's never been to school, never learned to drive, never taken a vacation. Maddie suffers from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, also known as "bubble boy disease." Because any small element outside of her sterilized environment could trigger a massive attack or illness, she spends all her time indoors with her mother and her nurse.
Maddie spends lots of time looking out her window at the house next door, eventually catching the attention of her cute neighbor, Ollie. He writes his email address on the window pane, and soon the two begin emailing and instant messaging. When that doesn't become enough, Maddie's nurse, Carla, begins sneaking Ollie inside the house (after going through decontamination) for short visits in person.
One thing I liked about Everything, Everything is the format; it's not just straight prose, but includes diary entries, IM chat transcripts, sketches, and so forth. It makes for a very quick, accessible read. Madeline and Ollie are both sweet, likeable characters, even though you know their relationship will only spell trouble in the end. My biggest complaint, however, was the unlikely "twist" at the end. It defied credulity and was something of a let down for me. The ending felt rushed and a little too tidy. Nevertheless, this title should find a big audience with teens.

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