Everything Everything | Book Review

This book... oh my goodness... let me just gather my thoughts for a second. 

Plot Summary

Madeline is a teenage girl who excels in school, is loved by everyone she knows, and has an amazingly witty sense of humour. Pretty typical right? Not so much. Madeline hasn't left her house since she was a baby thanks to a disease that goes by the name of SCID. She's a bubble child- everything white, everything sterilized, no triggers in sight. She doesn't remember the outside world and as such has no desire to experience it; she's comfortable in her bubble with her mom and her nurse, Carla. That is until Olly moves into the house next door. He's dark, mysterious, and captivating. For the first time in her life, Madeline craves more than what she has. Their love story is beautifully spontaneous and unexpected. With a twist ending that will leave you on the edge of your couch cushions, this novel is a stunning coming of age novel. With every page Maddy grows more into herself and blossoms into a gorgeous young woman.

GoodReads Reviews

1/5 stars

"So disappointing on so many levels. Cop out ending- which was predictable. Insta-love which came about after she has the ability to see and hear through walls. Generic doctors who never questions anything. There were so many things wrong with the plot on this one. The fact that it's being touted as this GIRL WITH A SICKNESS is ridiculous. The fact that anyone could EVER compare this to TFIOS is ridiculous, too. Not a fan."

2/5 stars

"Wow. This novel is severely messed up. I'm still trying to figure out if I'm pleased or if I loathed it. Yup it's that kind of book. GOSH. It's just 100% opposite to what I expected. What even haaaappened."

3/5 stars

"After some thought, I can honestly say that this book had the potential to be amazeballs, but the ending was that of a bird flying into a glass door"

4/5 stars

"3.5 stars rounded up. Because it was a cute story dammit."

4.5/5 stars

"Pretty damned close to perfect. And this one is going to make a lot of top 10 lists this year, including mine"

5/5 stars

"I loved everything, everything about this book. *hugs book closely*"

My Opinion

I personally enjoyed this book. I would agree with the mixed feelings that some people are having in regards to the ending. In my opinion it was typical and predictable- is that a reason to write off how great it was? I'm not sure yet. It was one of those books that I devoured in just a few days and while I was reading it, I loved it. However, once I finished all I wanted was more. It wasn't enough. 

The beginning was beautiful. There were so many different levels to Maddy as a character and I found myself relating to her in a few different ways. Enter: Olly. The love story is where the novel fell flat in my opinion. It was far too predictable and cliché for me to fully immerse myself in the story. 

The relationship between Maddy and her mother was beautiful until it wasn't.

The relationship between Maddy and Carla was beautiful until it wasn't. 

The relationship between Maddy and Olly was beautiful until it wasn't.

The relationship between Maddy and herself was beautiful until it wasn't.

I think the whole novel was perfect... until it wasn't. The end was just too typical, too cliché and too unfulfilling for me to label this book as a winner. I would still, certainly, recommend it but I think there are much better YA romance novels out there. 

Have you read Everything Everything? What did you think? Let me know in a comment!

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Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo 

Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe | Review

Oh my gosh.

So good.

Loved it.

Gimme a sec... Need to gather thoughts.

I haven't read a book that I related to so much in a really long time- probably since I read Eat Pray Love in about grade eleven or twelve. The story is about two misfit boys who find each other's company and eventually become best friends. They have their ups and downs of course, but their relationship is so strong and unbreakable. 

The novel is written through the eyes of Ari (Aristotle) and is a really introspective look at who he is, what he feels, and why he feels it. He is such a guarded and complex human being and I really relate to that personality type. He eventually comes to terms with who he is and realizes that there is no shame in being himself. 

It's such a beautiful and tender examination of self worth and identity. It takes such a delicate approach to the human condition and it's truly so touching. As much as I would like to recommend this book to everyone, I also don't want to recommend it to anyone. I want it to be mine and to not have to share it- that's how much I love it.

Bottom line- amazing book. I haven't read a book I was this passionate about in quite some time; read it!

Have you ever been touched by a book? What was it?

Have you read this book? What'd you think?

Please do leave a comment! I'd love to read them. Also feel free to leave any book recommendations for me as I'm now looking for a new one!

Thanks for reading & check back to see what KatieDidd, xo

18. Gift Guide For Gals (non-beauty) | Blogmas

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers focus on makeup/beauty items when putting together a ladies gift guide, however there are more women in my life don't wear makeup than do. I myself am not a huge makeup fan or beauty guru and most of the women I surround myself with aren't either. Au naturel, my love!

I put together a little list of gift ideas for the ladies in your life that doesn't include makeup/beauty or skincare products. All of these gift ideas are gifts I know I'd like to receive myself and are all things I'd feel comfortable giving to another woman in my life. Enjoy!

A Book

I feel like a book is one of those things you can't go wrong with. Wether it be a cook book, a biography, a self-help guide, or a work of fiction- a book is always a nice gift. A couple books I've bought as gifts this Christmas include Jamie Oliver's EveryDay Super Food, and Let It Snow.

Pyjamas

PJs at Christmas are a classic! I picked up these adorable fleece pyjamas for my mom from La Vie En Rose and I just know she's going to love them!

Jewelry

I'm not saying go out to Tiffany's and buy a diamond necklace or anything, but a nice bracelet or earrings are a gift that most ladies would love! You can get some really lovely statement jewelry from H&M and Forever21 or you can go slightly more expensive (but still very affordable) and check out Sears and Nordstrom. 

Something Homemade

I feel like you can never go wrong with a homemade gift- check out Pinterest for some great ideas! It's always nice to get something really thoughtful that you know had a lot of thought, time, and effort put into it. A diy gift I'm going to be giving out this Christmas to my three cousins and their significant others is a cozy night in basket containing a fuzzy blanket, hot chocolate mix, microwave popcorn packs, a Christmas movie and a few other bits and snacks.

A Photo Print

I think photographs are so special (maybe part of the reason I've chosen photography as a career path haha). I think a photo of any kind is a great idea for a gift- a photo they've taken, a photo you've taken, or a photo print you find at a store- they're all beautiful and a great gift idea. My mom loves this photo so I got it printed and framed for her to go along with her pyjamas!

A Liqueur, Spirit, or Wine

When all else fails (and if your intended receiver drinks alcohol) can't go wrong with booze! When it comes to ladies I tend to stick to coffee based liqueur, fruity cocktail mixers, champagne, wine, etc.

I hope this gift guide will help some of you out who are in my position of buying for ladies who aren't into beauty and makeup! If you have any other ideas please do share them in a comment (I still have a few more people to buy for!!).

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

10. Christmas Wish List | Blogmas

Putting together a Christmas wish list has proven to be a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. I don't actually really want anything other than to be home for the holidays with everyone I love, and that's happening! In ten days time I'll be on the plane travelling home.

I was able, however, to put together a few little bits and bobs that I would like to receive this Christmas- nothing crazy or over the top. Enjoy my Christmas wish list!

1. Coasters

As a morning tea drinker, coasters are a must have to protect tables and such from the heat of the mug. Buying coasters is not something you think of straight away when you're moving out, but they're something I'm in serious need of!

2. Pyjamas

I always love getting pyjamas for Christmas- its the one thing that I always ask for without fail. I don't like wide legged pyjamas or sleeping in long sleeves so this set would be something I'd love to receive. Legging style bottoms with a t-shirt is definitely my favourite pyjama style!

3. Book

As a self-proclaimed book worm, I'm always excited to receive a novel at Christmas time (or any time for that matter). Nicholas Sparks has written some of my favourite books of all time so his newest work had to make my wish list!

4. Journal

I'm always writing so a new journal is something I'm looking for. I love these inspiring quote journals at Chapters so much! This had to make my wish list.

5. 2016 Calendar

Everybody needs a new calendar at Christmas time so it's something that's always on my wish list. When I came across this particular calendar I was immediately smitten! I actually almost ordered it for myself but decided to send the link to my Grandma who had asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I've been obsessed with New York for as long as I can remember and seeing the photographs displayed in this calendar- gosh they're beautiful!

I hope you all enjoyed this little wish list that I put together. I know it's a lot different than the extravagant wish lists that other bloggers throw out there, but I seriously don't want anything this Christmas- just to be with my family. What's on your Christmas wish list?

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

24. A Book You Learned From | 52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

As someone who really enjoys reading, it's really hard for me to narrow down the list of books I've read and choose just one that I learned from to discuss. That being said, I have indeed managed to do it! 

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert taught me uncountable lessons and actually helped me to find my faith; I owe a lot to this novel. I highly recommend checking it out and buying it. It's a perfect read for anyone really, but especially for young to middle aged women. 

I hope you all will check out this novel, it really is a good'un! What is a book you've learned from? Do let me know as I'm always up for a new book!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn