Introduction to Everything, Everything In 2015, Nicola Yoon captivated readers with her debut novel, “Everything, Everything.”
The story follows the life of Maddy, a young girl with a rare disease that forces her to spend her entire life indoors, and her blossoming romance with her new neighbor, Olly.
The novel quickly gained popularity, leading to a film adaptation in 2017.
In this article, we will explore the book summary, the movie adaptation, intriguing insights, and more, providing an in-depth look at the world of “Everything, Everything.”
Book Summary and Key Themes
“Everything, Everything” tells the story of Madeline Whittier, an 18-year-old girl who suffers from a rare disease known as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
Due to her condition, she is unable to leave her house, as the outside world is filled with potential risks to her health. Maddy’s life is turned upside down when a new family moves in next door, and she becomes captivated by their teenage son, Olly.
As Maddy and Olly’s relationship deepens, they communicate through emails, text messages, and even share drawings. Their bond transcends Maddy’s confinement and leads her to question her life’s limitations.
The key themes of the story include love, sacrifice, and the importance of taking risks in life.
The novel is written in a unique format, combining prose, illustrations, charts, and other visual elements, which adds depth and creativity to the storytelling.
Movie Adaptation and Comparison to the Book
The film adaptation of “Everything, Everything” was released in 2017, directed by Stella Meghie and starring Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly. The movie stays relatively faithful to the source material, with only minor changes and omissions.
One significant difference between the book and the movie is the visual representation of Maddy and Olly’s text conversations.
In the book, their messages are displayed as text, while the movie brings their conversations to life by having the characters interact in Maddy’s imagined spaces.
Overall, the film adaptation captures the essence of the novel, bringing Maddy and Olly’s love story to life on the big screen.
Parent Guide: Is Everything, Everything Suitable for Your Child?
“Everything, Everything” is a coming-of-age story and a romance, which may appeal to teenagers and young adults. The novel is generally appropriate for readers aged 13 and up, as it contains mild language and some romantic scenes.
The movie adaptation is rated PG-13, mainly due to thematic elements and brief sensuality. Parents should be aware of these aspects and use their discretion when deciding if “Everything, Everything” is suitable for their child.
When and Where Does Everything, Everything Take Place?
The story of “Everything, Everything” takes place in Los Angeles, California, in the present day.
Maddy’s life revolves around her sterile, air-locked home, while Olly’s family lives in the house next door.
Film Locations and Travel Guide
The movie adaptation of “Everything, Everything” was primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Los Angeles, California. The production team transformed various locations in Vancouver to replicate the Los Angeles setting.
For fans interested in visiting the film locations, some key spots include the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, which was used to create the lush, indoor garden where Maddy and Olly share their first kiss, and the scenic beaches of Malibu, California.
Who’s Who: Main Characters and Actors
In “Everything, Everything,” the main characters are Madeline Whittier (Maddy) and Oliver (Olly) Bright. Maddy is portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, known for her roles in “The Hunger Games” and “The Hate U Give.”
Olly is played by Nick Robinson, who has appeared in films such as “Jurassic World” and “Love, Simon.”
Other notable characters include Maddy’s mother, Dr. Pauline Whittier, portrayed by Anika Noni Rose, and Olly’s mother, Carla, played by Ana de la Reguera.
Memorable Quotes from Everything, Everything
“Everything, Everything” is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story.
Some standout lines include:
- “Love is worth everything. Everything.” – Maddy
- “Sometimes you do things for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong ones and sometimes it’s impossible to tell the difference.” – Olly
- “Life is a gift. Don’t forget to live it.” – Maddy
Soundtrack Highlights: Ludwig Gí¶ransson and Zedd
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Ludwig Gí¶ransson and featuring artists such as Zedd and Alessia Cara, creates a vibrant and emotional backdrop for Maddy and Olly’s love story.
Some standout tracks include “Stay” by Zedd and Alessia Cara and “How Did We” by Skylar Stecker.
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
During the production of “Everything, Everything,” the cast and crew faced some unique challenges, such as creating the sterile environment of Maddy’s home and filming the imagined spaces where Maddy and Olly interact.
In addition, Amandla Stenberg, who plays Maddy, revealed that she actually learned architectural drawing for her role.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Your Favorite Characters
For fans interested in cosplaying as Maddy and Olly, some key costume pieces include Maddy’s white turtleneck sweater and jeans, and Olly’s black T-shirt and jeans.
Additionally, incorporating props such as architectural drawings or an astronaut helmet can enhance the cosplay experience.
Nicola Yoon: Bio, Works, and Influences
Nicola Yoon is a Jamaican-American author, best known for her debut novel “Everything, Everything” and her second novel, “The Sun Is Also a Star.”
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Yoon later moved to the United States and studied electrical engineering and creative writing.
Her work is influenced by her multicultural background and explores themes of identity, love, and belonging.
Ending Explained: Analyzing the Conclusion
The conclusion of “Everything, Everything” provides a surprising twist, as Maddy discovers that she does not actually have SCID.
Rather, her mother fabricated the diagnosis to protect her from the world after the loss of Maddy’s father and brother.
This revelation challenges the reader’s perception of the story and raises questions about the nature of love, sacrifice, and deception.
Future Prospects: Remake, Sequel, Spin-Off, and Other Media
While there are no current plans for a sequel or spin-off, fans can explore other media related to “Everything, Everything,” such as a graphic novel adaptation released in 2019.
Additionally, Nicola Yoon’s second novel, “The Sun Is Also a Star,” has also been adapted into a film, offering a similar romantic and emotional experience.
Director Stella Meghie’s Other Works
Stella Meghie is a Canadian film director and screenwriter, known for her work on “Everything, Everything” and other films such as “The Photograph” and “Jean of the Joneses.”
Meghie’s projects often explore themes of love, family, and identity.
Similar Media: Books and Movies Like Everything, Everything
For fans of “Everything, Everything,” there are numerous books and movies that offer similar themes and emotional experiences.
Some recommendations include:
- “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
- “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews
- “Five Feet Apart” by Rachael Lippincott
- “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
Other Works by Nicola Yoon
In addition to “Everything, Everything,” Nicola Yoon has written “The Sun Is Also a Star,” a novel that explores themes of love, fate, and identity. Fans of her work should also explore her contributions to anthologies such as “Meet Cute” and “Black Enough.”
Book Club Discussion Questions
For those looking to delve deeper into “Everything, Everything,” some book club discussion questions might include:
- What role does isolation play in Maddy’s life, and how does Olly help her break free from her confinement?
- How does the novel’s unique format enhance the storytelling experience?
- How does the revelation about Maddy’s true condition change your perception of the story and its characters?
Video Games Inspired by Everything, Everything
While there are no video games directly inspired by “Everything, Everything,” fans of the story may enjoy narrative-driven games that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery, such as “Life is Strange” and “Oxenfree.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
“Everything, Everything” is a captivating and emotional story that explores love, sacrifice, and the importance of taking risks in life.
With its unique format, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, it’s no wonder that the novel and its movie adaptation have captured the hearts of readers and viewers alike.
