Monday, March 21, 2016

Book Club: Everything Everything

Tomorrow night my book club meets to discuss Nicola Yoon's Everything Everything.  Last month, which was our first book club meeting EVER, we discussed Gretchen Rubin's Better Than Before.  I was impressed that we talked for over ninety minutes about this book without any prompts or discussion questions.  

I have a feeling that Everything Everything is not the sort of book that lends itself to that much discussion.  So far, the members of our group that have rated it on GoodReads have consistently given it a four or five star rating.  

I don't love it as much as some other members, but I still liked it, and think it's a great YA read. 




Maddy has only known a life inside the four walls of her house. She is allergic to everything- even the air outside.  Her mom, a doctor, has taken great care of her and the house is equipped with special air filters and other necessities to keep her safe.  Her nurse Carla records her vital signs every few hours.

When Maddy watches the new neighbors move in -one of which is a teenage boy, her desire to be a part of the outside world kicks in.  With Carla's help, the two are allowed to meet, although touching is forbidden.  In the technology age, the two can also keep in contact with each other by IMing.  

Of course this small amount of contact isn't enough for Maddy. She is willing to put her life at risk in order to truly be alive.  

This is already a great story, but there's a twist at the end that just adds to things.  (I will say that I saw the twist coming, which doesn't often happen).

So if we all like this book, I am wondering what we will discuss.  I am recalling an article I read a while ago about how the best discussions are about books that are controversial so that there are differing opinions.  

Have any of you read it?  Do you know of some talking points for this novel?


2 comments:

Kay said...

I have not read it, but it's on my list. I've been trying to think what the twist might be even though I haven't even begun the book. I have a couple of ideas. As to your group, well, if you don't have enough to talk about - which has happened in my mystery group at times - talk about what else you've been reading or other YA books that you've liked or something on TV - stuff like that. Sometimes, meetings and discussion just doesn't last as long and that's usually OK.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I'm not familiar with this one as I don't read much YA. My bookclub meets tomorrow and the book was Z: Zelda :a Novel - it was quite good.