Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012
Fiction (YA); 336 pgs
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live someone else's life, even if only for a day? A has never lived any other way, being transported into someone new's life every day, never to return to the same person twice. Exactly why or where A originated is a mystery. All that A knows is that's always how its been.
On one particular day, A is living the life of a 16 year old boy, and not a particularly nice or remarkable boy at that. The boy's girlfriend, however, is another matter--A feels a connection with her and as the days pass, as A becomes other people, A cannot stop thinking of her. Suddenly A's rules to avoid getting attached, to never interfere and to avoid getting noticed fly out the window. A will do anything to see her again and seeks out a way for them to be together.
I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. David Levithan had me at the first line of the novel, and I really really really did not want to see it end. Over the course of the book, A jumps into the lives of several different people, each one unique and with their own flaws and issues. For the most part, A tries to navigate the people's lives so as not to cause any damage or make life altering changes. A has a good heart ultimately, and it comes across in A's dealing with a suicidal girl and a drug addict. A gets sloppy, however, as A's efforts to spend time with Rhiannon becomes a priority.
It really is no wonder A falls for Rhiannon. She is kind and thoughtful, sometimes confident while other times being much more timid, especially where her boyfriend, Justin, is concerned. She isn't sure she can love someone like A--someone who changes appearances every day, one day being a boy and the other being a girl. Do appearances matter? Does gender matter? Or is it the person within the body that we fall in love with?
Then there is Nathan who remembers bits and pieces of A's presence in his life. He struck me as a lonely young man. I felt sorry for him more than upset with him as he sought out answers for what happened, flinging accusations and crying devil. I can't help but wonder where he is now, what happened to him, and if he is okay.
Every Day is funny and sad; it is tragic and romantic; and it is a must read. The ending will put off some readers, those who like everything wrapped up neatly in the end and tied with a bow. I, however, thought the ending was perfect--very fitting given the story. David Levithan is a great storyteller and I will definitely be reading more by him in the future.
Rating:
(Outstanding)
You can learn more about David Levithan and his books on the author's website.
Source: I purchased an e-copy of the book for my reading pleasure. Many thanks to my friend, Nicole, for the recommendation!
© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I really want to read this, though I didn't know about the ending - kind of glad I've read your review so I'm aware in advance.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I know endings like that can ruin a book for some readers. And I hope my mentioning it doesn't spoil the book for anyone.
DeleteWondering why this book sounded familiar, I've just realised I have a copy on my TBR mountain though it has a different cover. Great review, I think I might have to push this up my reading list.
ReplyDeleteTracy - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
DeleteDid you know that Alyce was blurbed in Bookmarks for this book??? I've not seen a bad review. I must must read it.
ReplyDeleteSandy - Was she? How awesome is that?! And yes, you must read it! Hopefully you will like it too. :-)
DeleteYou must be like the millionth person this week to say they loved this book (ok, I remember two others but they were RhapsodyJill and Joy so I take their recommendations seriously). I'm off to see if I can find a copy of it!
ReplyDeleteTrish - I haven't been keeping up with my Google Reader so am behind in everyone's blogs. I am glad they liked it too!
DeleteI agree about the ending--really fantastic! And I still have so many questions about A's existence, if he/she is the only one like him/her...etc.
ReplyDeleteKelly - So do I! I want to more!
DeleteThis book is getting raves and it sounds like it's for good reason. I'll have to look for it!
ReplyDeleteKathy - It's funny too because I hadn't heard a thing about it until my friend mentioned it to me.
DeleteI was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. And, I, too, wonder about A every now and then. :) Levithan is on my list of authors to explore some more!
ReplyDeleteJoy - I was too! I definitely want to check out the author's backlist.
DeleteOh my goodness! Look what I just found:
ReplyDeleteSix Earlier Days
It's a Kindle eBook! Check it out! I would have posted a link but my iPad won't let me. (?)
Joy- Thanks for letting me know! I'll have to look for it.
DeleteAfter a little more exploring - I think I may pass on the additional excepts. Btw - Six Earlier Days is only 37 pages.
ReplyDeleteI hope it wasn't expensive. :-(
DeleteI really need to read this! I keep hearing such great things :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Please do read it! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
DeleteI admit that the premise of this book doesn't really interest me that much but the fact that EVERYONE LOVES IT makes me rethink my frame of reference. I just don't get how this "person" really exists...
ReplyDeleteAarti - I am not sure I would have picked it up to read had my friend Nicole not been so adamant that I should read it. It really is good though. :-)
DeleteI am so reading this one!!!!
ReplyDeleteStaci - You must!
DeleteI've been so on the fence about this one but your glowing review has me adding it to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteStacy - I hope you do read it. I don't think I would have read it had my friend not told me I had to, I admit. But I am glad I took a chance on it.
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