Overhyped, Overhyped

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There’s more to life than being alive — Madeline

The blurb at the back of Everything, Everything said, “Read the book that everyone, everyone is falling in love with.” I was quite dubious about the latter when I first picked up this book, inevitably thinking that this might be just another case of overhyping. However, things temporarily changed after I got to page 42, which marked the beginning of Madeline and Olly’s online relationship.

The conversations of these two characters were downright hilarious. Madeline’s sarcasm and Olly’s wit combined to form highly entertaining dialogues that made me laugh out loud. I generally have a serious demeanor, which often makes me unappreciative of things that most people may find funny. With that in mind, Everything, Everything took me by surprise because it somehow managed to tickle my hidden funny bone.

The plot itself was also intriguing. After all, I never knew it was possible for someone to be allergic to the world. Even now, such a disease seems like hyperbole to me. I simply cannot fathom how or why it could happen. Oh well, I guess I just have to consult dear Google and do my own research soon.

I actually started to love Everything, Everything because of its endearingly humorous content. I thought that my positive feelings would carry on through the entire novel, but I encountered a few problems that made me think twice: instalove and character flaws.

There are some books that execute instalove more tolerably or logically, if that makes sense, but Everything, Everything is not one of them. I acknowledge that there were sparks between Madeline and Olly; they were obviously very compatible. Regardless, their relationship progressed so quickly that I could barely comprehend it. I believe that in a way, YA contemporary novels are supposed to portray reality. Thus, I did not fully support #Mally because it was a nearly fantastical and contrived ship (pairing).

The remnants of my positive feelings were further reduced by Madeline’s flaws. Her resentful, impulsive, and unforgiving attitude really bothered me. I do not intend to judge her in light of her unfortunate circumstances. Still, I expected that her struggles in life would make her more understanding, especially towards her family.

All things considered, I am not a part of everyone, everyone who loves Everything, Everything. There were parts that I deeply enjoyed, but there were also parts that made me scowl. Looking at the glass half full, I agree that Nicola Yoon is a talented writer. I already have a copy of her new book, The Sun Is Also a Star, so I shall stay optimistic and hope that it will give me a better reading experience.