Everything Everything, a novel by Nicola Yoon, has taken the literary world by storm since its publication in 2015. The book tells the story of Madeline Whittier, an 18-year-old girl who has been confined to her home for most of her life due to a rare disease that makes her allergic to everything. The story takes a dramatic turn when Olly, a charming and adventurous boy, moves in next door, and their lives become intertwined in ways that change them forever. But what exactly is the rising action of Everything Everything, and how does it contribute to the novel’s captivating narrative?
The Exposition: Introducing Madeline’s Isolated World
The novel begins by introducing Madeline, a bright and curious girl who has been living in a bubble, literally and figuratively. Her rare disease, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), makes her allergic to everything, forcing her to live in a hermetically sealed environment. Madeline’s life is monotonous and predictable, with her mother, a doctor, and her nurse, Carla, being her only human interactions. The exposition sets the tone for the rest of the story, highlighting Madeline’s longing for freedom and human connection.
Madeline’s World: A Prison of Protection
Madeline’s world is a prison of protection, where every aspect of her life is controlled and monitored. Her mother’s overprotectiveness stems from the fear of losing her daughter, but it also suffocates Madeline’s spirit. The author masterfully creates a sense of claustrophobia, making the reader feel trapped alongside Madeline. The detailed descriptions of Madeline’s daily routine, her interaction with Carla, and her love for books and science create a vivid picture of her isolated existence.
The Inciting Incident: Olly’s Arrival and the Spark of Change
The inciting incident of Everything Everything occurs when Olly, a charming and adventurous boy, moves in next door. Olly’s presence sparks a change in Madeline’s life, causing her to question her existence and yearn for more. Their initial interactions are limited to messages and gestures, but they soon develop a bond that transcends the physical barriers between them.
The Power of Human Connection
The novel highlights the power of human connection in Madeline’s life. Olly’s presence awakens a sense of excitement and possibility, making Madeline realize that there is more to life than her confined world. The author emphasizes the importance of human relationships, showcasing how Olly’s friendship brings joy and meaning to Madeline’s life.
The Rising Action: A Descent into Madness and Freedom
The rising action of Everything Everything is a slow-burning fire that gradually builds up, fueled by Madeline’s growing desire for freedom and her blossoming relationship with Olly. As Madeline becomes more confident, she begins to challenge the rules and restrictions imposed upon her. She starts to question her mother’s motives and the true nature of her disease.
The Descent into Madness
Madeline’s growing rebelliousness is met with resistance from her mother, who is determined to keep her safe. The tension between them escalates, leading to a series of confrontations that push Madeline to the edge. The author skillfully portrays Madeline’s frustration, anxiety, and desperation, making the reader feel her pain and anguish.
The Turning Point: Madeline’s Escape
The turning point of the novel occurs when Madeline decides to take matters into her own hands and escape her home. This bold move marks a significant shift in the narrative, as Madeline takes control of her life and faces the consequences of her actions. The escape is a pivotal moment, as it sets in motion a chain of events that will change Madeline’s life forever.
The Climax: Confronting the Truth and Finding Freedom
The climax of Everything Everything is a heart-stopping, emotional rollercoaster that culminates in a shocking revelation. Madeline’s escape leads her to uncover a dark secret that will change her life forever. The author masterfully builds up the tension, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Truth Revealed
The truth about Madeline’s disease and her mother’s motives is finally revealed, shattering the illusions that have governed Madeline’s life. The author’s clever use of twists and turns keeps the reader guessing until the very end, making the revelation both surprising and satisfying.
The Falling Action: Coming to Terms with the Truth
The falling action of Everything Everything is a poignant and introspective exploration of Madeline’s emotions as she comes to terms with the truth. The novel takes a philosophical turn, delving into the complexities of life, love, and identity.
A Newfound Sense of Freedom
Madeline’s world is turned upside down, but she finds a newfound sense of freedom in the chaos. She begins to see the world in a different light, questioning the rules and norms that have governed her life. The author’s lyrical prose captures Madeline’s emotional turmoil, making the reader feel her pain, anger, and ultimately, her liberation.
The Resolution: Finding Happiness in the Unknown
The resolution of Everything Everything is a bittersweet and uplifting conclusion that will leave readers feeling satisfied and hopeful. Madeline’s journey is a testament to the human spirit, showcasing her capacity to adapt, grow, and find happiness in the face of uncertainty.
A New Beginning
The novel concludes with Madeline embarking on a new journey, one that is filled with uncertainty and possibility. The author’s message is clear: life is about embracing the unknown and finding happiness in the imperfections. Madeline’s story is a powerful reminder that true freedom lies in living life on our own terms, despite the risks and challenges that come with it.
In conclusion, the rising action of Everything Everything is a masterfully crafted narrative that explores the complexities of the human experience. Nicola Yoon’s novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, showcasing the transformative power of love, freedom, and human connection. As readers, we are left with a lasting impression, one that will linger long after we finish reading the final page.
What makes Everything Everything a bestseller?
Everything Everything, a novel by Nicola Yoon, has become a phenomenal bestseller due to its unique blend of romance, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes. The book’s intriguing premise, lovable characters, and Yoon’s lyrical writing style have all contributed to its massive appeal.
The novel’s success can also be attributed to its relatable portrayal of teenage struggles, identity, and first love. The protagonist, Madeline Whittier, is a sheltered 18-year-old who has never left her house due to a rare disease. Her story resonates with readers who have ever felt trapped or suffocated by their own circumstances. Yoon’s vivid storytelling and well-developed characters make it easy for readers to become invested in the narrative, which has led to its widespread popularity.
What is the central plot of Everything Everything?
The central plot of Everything Everything revolves around Madeline Whittier, a teenager who has been confined to her house for 18 years due to a rare immunodeficiency disorder. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with Olly, the boy who moves in next door. As Madeline begins to defy her mother’s rules and risk her own health to be with Olly, she must confront the secrets of her past and the true nature of her illness.
Through Madeline’s journey, Yoon explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The novel’s plot is propelled by Madeline’s desire to experience the world outside her bubble, even if it means putting her own life at risk. The rising action of the story is driven by Madeline’s desperation to uncover the truth about her past and her determination to take control of her own destiny.
What makes Madeline a compelling protagonist?
Madeline Whittier is a compelling protagonist because of her complexity, relatability, and growth throughout the novel. Despite being sheltered for 18 years, Madeline is intelligent, witty, and resourceful, making her easy to root for. Her curiosity and desire for human connection drive the plot forward and make her a sympathetic character.
Moreover, Madeline’s character development is remarkable, as she transitions from being a passive observer to a determined and assertive individual. Her interactions with Olly and her own mother reveal hidden facets of her personality, making her a more nuanced and believable character. Yoon’s masterful characterization of Madeline has helped readers form a deep emotional connection with her, making her an unforgettable protagonist.
How does Nicola Yoon’s writing style contribute to the novel’s success?
Nicola Yoon’s writing style in Everything Everything is lyrical, evocative, and engaging, making the novel a delightful read. Her use of vivid imagery, clever metaphors, and poetic language creates a rich and immersive world that draws readers in. Yoon’s prose is also infused with humor, wit, and emotion, making the narrative both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Yoon’s writing style is particularly effective in conveying the intensity of Madeline’s emotions and the urgency of her situation. The author’s use of short sentences, snappy dialogue, and clever plot twists keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story. Overall, Yoon’s writing style is a key factor in the novel’s success, as it adds depth, complexity, and emotional resonance to the narrative.
What themes does Everything Everything explore?
Everything Everything explores a range of themes that resonate with readers, including identity, love, risk, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The novel delves into the intricacies of Madeline’s identity, which has been shaped by her isolation and her desire for human connection. Through Madeline’s story, Yoon also examines the power of love and its ability to transform lives.
Additionally, the novel touches on the theme of risk and the importance of taking chances in life. Madeline’s decisions to defy her mother’s rules and venture out into the world demonstrate the power of risk-taking and its potential consequences. The novel also explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, revealing the sacrifices and challenges that come with loving and caring for someone.
Is Everything Everything a romance novel?
While romance is a significant aspect of Everything Everything, it is not strictly a romance novel. The novel defies genre categorization, blending elements of science fiction, coming-of-age, and romance to create a unique narrative. While Madeline and Olly’s love story is an essential part of the novel, it is not the sole focus of the book.
The novel’s scope is broader, exploring themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. Madeline’s relationships with her mother, nurse, and Olly are all crucial to the narrative, but the romance is just one aspect of the story. Yoon’s novel is a rich tapestry of emotions, ideas, and themes, making it difficult to pigeonhole into a single genre.
Is Everything Everything suitable for young adult readers?
Everything Everything is indeed suitable for young adult readers, although its themes and complexity may appeal to readers of all ages. The novel’s protagonist, Madeline, is an 18-year-old, and her story will resonate with many teenagers who have experienced feelings of isolation, loneliness, or suffocation.
The novel deals with mature themes, such as illness, mortality, and first love, but it does so in a way that is both authentic and sensitive. Yoon’s writing is accessible, engaging, and respectful of her young adult readers, making the novel an excellent choice for readers aged 14 and above.