BOOK REVIEW: “Every Day” by David Levithan

In Every Day by David Levithan, readers are introduced to A, who does not have their own body, but instead wakes up each morning in the body of a different 16-year-old. This has been happening for A’s entire life, and they aren’t sure how or why it happens. What they do know is how to go through a routine– find out who’s body they are in and survive through the day without doing any damage. But things change when A inhabits Justin’s body and falls head over heels in love for his girlfriend, Rhiannon. When they wakes up the next day (and every day after that) in a new body, their routine of causing as little damage of possible is thrown to the side, and instead their main goal is to find Rhiannon.

I absolutely adored this book from the moment I started reading it. I picked up Every Day for Diverse-a-Thon (more info about that here), as it was recommended on the group rec list for discussing gender in a new and innovative way. As I got further into the book, I realized that it touched on more than just gender– there were also incredible revelations about sexuality, race, disability, and body image all wrapped up in this novel! I was very hesitant about this book when I read the synopsis, but was very happily surprised with how much of a punch it managed to pack with such an interesting plotline.

Every Day was a quick read, too– I finished it in one sitting! I literally couldn’t put it down. I think that had to do with the endearing protagonist and the desire I had to find out what would happen to A, and the fact that the book was divided into bite-sized chapters.

My only possible con was the insta-love that A had for Rhiannon. I  totally got the desire to have a stable relationship inside of A’s crazy life, but I’m not sure why they went off the rails for one girl after only spending a short part of a day with her. It didn’t bother me too much, as their connection deepened and thus made more sense to me as the book went on, but I was a little weirded out by that at first.

Overall, Every Day was SUCH a meaningful read.

       

Until next time,
Abby