Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Madeline lives in a bubble. Figuratively. See Madeline suffers from SCID - Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. In other words, Madeline is allergic to everything. Her mother has outfitted their house with every possibility in mind - air filters, an airlock at the front door, and a full decontamination process for anyone who enters the home. Special care is taken with Madeline's food, books, and anything else she comes into contact with and a nurse is on hand full time to monitor her health. Most importantly, Madeline never goes outside.

This is Madeline's life, the only one she's ever known. And though she might long for more it isn't until Olly moves in next door that she really begins to wish that things were different. 

Alright, I have to go fan girl for this book. I have no other options! I just loved it way too much to do otherwise. You've been warned.

Wow! Nicola Yoon's debut is absolutely amazing! Madeline shines so spectacularly through Yoon's prose and her husband's illustrations. She glows, in fact!

Her story is kind of a tragic one. Her father and brother died before she was old enough to remember them and she and her mother have lived with Madeline's condition for eighteen years. Madeline's only contact with the outside world is via the internet and the only people she has face to face contact with are her mother, her nurse, and the very few people her mother allows into their home (her architecture tutor). And yet, Madeline is a hopeful character. She appreciates what she has, she loves her mother, and she takes all of the precautions her mother has set seriously and to heart.

Until she meets a boy. And falls in love.

The story is interspersed with different little aspects that show more of Madeline's personality - illustrations, her own spoiler reviews of books, emails and IM messages between her and Olly - they're fun little interludes that actually move the story forward fabulously and give the reader really wonderful insight into her character. And I loved her. I adored her. I thought my heart might actually explode wanting more for her!

Everything, Everything is Nicola Yoon's teen debut but it's an absolute must read for anyone of any age who has a heart. Anyone and everyone! It's officially out on shelves September 1, so mark preorder/mark your calendars/add it to your must have lists 'cause this is one you won't want to miss out on.

Rating: 5/5