A common belief among avid book readers is that a book is a good one if you forget to look at the page numbers. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon is one of those books. It’s got it all – serious topics that aren’t treated like jokes, diverse characters, humor, and romance. In my opinion, it was the perfect light, fluffy read for a Sunday afternoon.

In Everything, Everything, Madeline is allergic to the world. She hasn’t been outside since she was about three, instead living in isolation with her mom and nurse. Then one day, a new family moves in next door. Madeline knows she should not talk to Olly and form a friendship she’ll only be left behind in, but she can’t help herself. She’s soon indulging in new experiences, relationships, and desires, which lead to secrets that will change her entire world.

My favorite part about the book was the way it dealt with serious topics, including abuse and illness. These issues are not taken too lightly and their severity is addressed, but at the same time, the main character’s tone is light enough that it doesn’t make it the only thing you can think about when you are reading the book. The majority of the book is a cute romance (my other favorite part) that will make you smile uncontrollably.

Yoon’s writing is both witty and smart, and Madeline’s wonderings about the rest of the world and a life worth living are the types of musings all teenagers experience. I highly recommend Everything, Everything for anyone looking for a little romance and a good coming of age novel, because everyone can connect to it on some level.