Every Day by David Levithan Book Review

Every Day by David Levithan Book ReviewEvery Day by David Levithan
Series: Every Day #1
Published by Random House Children's Books on August 28th 2012
Genres: Young Adult, Social Issues, Emotions & Feelings, Love & Romance, LGBT, Fantasy & Magic
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
five-stars
Also by this author: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, The Lover's Dictionary, Two Boys Kissing, Another Day, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily

In his New York Times bestselling novel, David Levithan introduces readers to what Entertainment Weekly calls a "wise, wildly unique" love story about A, a teen who wakes up every morning in a different body, living a different life.
Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.
With his new novel, David Levithan, bestselling co-author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

I’m always excited when there’s a new David Levithan book out, and Every Day may be my favorite yet. The concept caught my eye immediately – a being who wakes up every day in a new body, wow! It works as both a science fiction book and a contemporary love story and really draws you in.

“A” is a genderless entity and spends every day in someone else’s body- going through the motions of their life and trying not to disrupt anything. No matter what, the next day there will be a new body, could be male, female, straight or gay, a drug addict, a loner, an athlete, or a social butterfly. A has learned to adapt, and race, gender, and sexual orientation is no big deal to A. A can access the host body’s memories to get by, but still has a unique personality and thoughts, just without a physical body. It’s lonely never being able to form attachments or stay in one family for more than one day. Everything changes one day when A falls in love and begins to question everything. Sounds like a cool concept, yes?

This exercise of A’s really made me think when I was reading it, trying to imagine what it would be like to experience the world through someone else’s eyes every day and all the good and bad that comes with it. It’s a big responsibility to hold someone’s life in your hands for a day!  It definitely takes someone kind and compassionate with a good moral code to handle that role.  There is the temptation to meddle in the life of this temporary body, but should you?

Given A’s situation of being without a permanent body, the romance is on the angst-y side. It takes a special person to be accepting of their partner regardless of their ever-changing appearance and gender. It is really sweet to see A make a go at romance and let someone in on the secret.  Talk about relationship challenges!

I liked learning about all the different characters A personified and seeing how A handled the reactions of others to each different body. The situation inspires a great deal of empathy. A is respectful of each character’s choices, but the different experiences can’t help but color your view of the world.

Of course I questioned why A has this role, and if there are others like A, etc. But I also was really interested in the story Levithan was trying to tell and not too concerned with the whys. Every Day is really gorgeous, thought provoking and special, a little melancholy and intense. This is a good choice for fans of Levithan or John Green, and should appeal to young adults and adults of both every gender. I liked the ending too, but can’t help thinking about what happens next…

Every Day is in stores Tuesday August 28. Hope you check it out!

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9 thoughts on “Every Day by David Levithan Book Review

  1. Tammy Sparks says:

    Great review Lucy! I have this book too and can’t wait to read it.

  2. BermudaOnion says:

    There used to be an old TV show kind of like that – this sounds great!

  3. bookgoonie says:

    I’m really excited about the concept of this book. Think about the exercise in empathy. Society could use a few lessons. Looking forward to getting it for the school.

  4. Every Day sounds a bit confusing and I can’t imagine being in a relationship with A, but you totally intrigued me with your description of the book.

  5. Brittany says:

    I just saw this review on someone else’s blog and thought it sounded so neat! This is definitely one I’m adding to my list!

  6. Putting this one on my list! 🙂

  7. Candice says:

    Started this one a while back but didn’t get too far into it. Not because it wasn’t good. Someone probably dangled something shiny and it caught my attention. I really want to finish it thought; I’m in love with the concept!

  8. […] 6. Every Day by David Levithan – Probably my favorite Levithan book. Lots to think about with this one. Review […]

  9. […] by this author: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, The Lover's Dictionary, Every Day, Two Boys […]

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