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Every You, Every Me
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Struggling with insomnia and guilt after the disappearance of his best friend, Evan discovers a cache of photographs that reveal that someone is stalking him and begins to suffer profound psychological distress stemming from a growing conviction that his missing friend is trying to hurt him.
256 pages, Library Binding
First published September 13, 2011
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About the author
David Levithan
118 books19.4k followersDavid Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,188 reviews
September 21, 2011
I usually like David Levithan, a lot even. But this new experimental piece of his - it caused me physical pain to slog through that little bit of the book that I did manage to read.
Let me recount my problems with Every You, Every Me in order of appearance:
1) the ANGST - the book assaults with an unbearable amount of teen boy angst from the very first page, when you do not even know the main character's name and circumstances. It's just angst, angst, angst with a hint of mystery. The novel breathes, circulates on, bleeds angst.
2) struck through words - would you like to read a book where50% of the text is struck through? I find this technique fairly annoying, but in some books (Wintergirls) it can work, here it serves no discernible purpose except adding in a double dose of angst and appears to be pretty random.
3) it is a writing exercise! - the book was evidently written around photographs, meaning, the photographer would send David some random picture and he will write the next piece of novel based on it, without knowing what is to come next. It's not that I have anything against using photographs as an inspiration, but when you use something like this to limit your creativity, it almost always feels forced and inorganic. (See Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for more examples.)
Every You, Every Me should have never made it into print and stayed where it belongs - in Levithan's bottom desk drawer with the rest of his creative writing exercises.
Let me recount my problems with Every You, Every Me in order of appearance:
1) the ANGST - the book assaults with an unbearable amount of teen boy angst from the very first page, when you do not even know the main character's name and circumstances. It's just angst, angst, angst with a hint of mystery. The novel breathes, circulates on, bleeds angst.
2) struck through words - would you like to read a book where
3) it is a writing exercise! - the book was evidently written around photographs, meaning, the photographer would send David some random picture and he will write the next piece of novel based on it, without knowing what is to come next. It's not that I have anything against using photographs as an inspiration, but when you use something like this to limit your creativity, it almost always feels forced and inorganic. (See Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for more examples.)
Every You, Every Me should have never made it into print and stayed where it belongs - in Levithan's bottom desk drawer with the rest of his creative writing exercises.
June 14, 2016
What a shame.
With black-and-white pictures and strike-through texts, I thought this book will be a disturbing psychological tale but the thing is, it wasn't.
Yes, there was a mystery but it didn't really work for me. I think it has been used just to make someone be compelled and read the book until the end in one sitting (which I did, unfortunately).
But this is a hideous and pretentious technique. Because really, this book is all about angst, teenage angst and nothing more. The angst is strong in this one.
I gave it two stars, anyhow, because I bought it in a cheap price. Hehe.
With black-and-white pictures and strike-through texts, I thought this book will be a disturbing psychological tale but the thing is, it wasn't.
Yes, there was a mystery but it didn't really work for me. I think it has been used just to make someone be compelled and read the book until the end in one sitting (which I did, unfortunately).
But this is a hideous and pretentious technique. Because really, this book is all about angst, teenage angst and nothing more. The angst is strong in this one.
I gave it two stars, anyhow, because I bought it in a cheap price. Hehe.
November 25, 2011
Wow, this book was a bit of a trainwreck.
There are a few things I need to point out.
Firstly, the strikethough. Halfthe novel was written like this and for the most part it seemed pretty random. I almost dropped it on the first page, because it was just that annoying.
Secondly, oh my god, the angst. Do you remember that part in New Moon, where Edward dumped Bella, and she was just this depressed mess for months? Yeah, well, Evan is like that, but permanently, and for no reason that I can discern. He's just angsty for the sake of it. And it is so fucking annoying.
Thirdly, in the acknowledgements, Levithan says that Jonathan Farmer, the guy who did the images, would send him a picture, and then Levithan would write the photo into the story. Neither he, nor Farmer knew the outcome of the story. And it shows. The novel has a disjointed feeling to it, and you can tell that it wasn't properly planned out, or even thought out.
This novel could have been so much better. It just feels like a hipster's wet dream.
There are a few things I need to point out.
Firstly, the strikethough. Half
Secondly, oh my god, the angst. Do you remember that part in New Moon, where Edward dumped Bella, and she was just this depressed mess for months? Yeah, well, Evan is like that, but permanently, and for no reason that I can discern. He's just angsty for the sake of it. And it is so fucking annoying.
Thirdly, in the acknowledgements, Levithan says that Jonathan Farmer, the guy who did the images, would send him a picture, and then Levithan would write the photo into the story. Neither he, nor Farmer knew the outcome of the story. And it shows. The novel has a disjointed feeling to it, and you can tell that it wasn't properly planned out, or even thought out.
This novel could have been so much better. It just feels like a hipster's wet dream.
November 21, 2011
All I needed to know about Every You, Every Me was that David Levithan wrote it. The man has a permanent spot in my heart for giving me Dash & Lily! But this! Well…it was a whole new experience filled with imagination.
Once I opened the book, I could not put it down. The mystery and tension just built page turn after page turn just pulling me deeper into the story. I found myself clutching the book at times trying to get a better look! It truly was an amazing reading experience that blended pictures, words, emotion, and mystery. It will make you wonder how well we really know the people we love.
Going into this story with a little mystery might add to the experience, so I will say no more! Just jump in!
**Favorite Levithan word from this story: scatterthoughts. :)
Once I opened the book, I could not put it down. The mystery and tension just built page turn after page turn just pulling me deeper into the story. I found myself clutching the book at times trying to get a better look! It truly was an amazing reading experience that blended pictures, words, emotion, and mystery. It will make you wonder how well we really know the people we love.
Going into this story with a little mystery might add to the experience, so I will say no more! Just jump in!
**Favorite Levithan word from this story: scatterthoughts. :)
May 29, 2012
Oh god, this book.
I like the books of Levithan's that I've read but this was just awful.
The idea behind this book was actually a great and interesting. I like the way the book was set up and the addition of pictures to it and how the story was written between the author and the photographer.
The problems I had with this book:
1. The characters were COMPLETELY one dimensional and they didn;t develop at all over the book. On top of that the relationships between the characters weren't very convining, mostly because they weren't all presented at the beginning of the story, they just randomly appeared throughout. The main character, Evan, was so emo I couldn't stand it and I kind of wanted to find a hammer and bet myself in the head at some points. Also, Evan's relationship with Ariel didn't really do it for me either. It's hard to judge on this aspect because she is only talked about and never present, but still, their friendship seemed like one that would end come graduation day.
2. I had no idea what the heck happened to this Ariel girl until the end of the story. At first I thoguht she had commmited suicide, but it was so vague that I had no idea. This normally wouldn't bother me because it adds a sense of mystery, but this unexplained incident is mentioned so often that it started to become annoying.
3. When Jack flips out on Evan because he thought that Evan was leaving the pictures around was so painful. It was so obvious that that was going to happen at one point and when I finsihed reading this I realized that this event was supposed to be a twist, which is upsetting because it was a very bad and over used one.
4. The end of this book, mainly the whole showdown with the mystery person would was leaving the pictures around. This ending was the epitome of a literary face-palm. It was so awful. First, the way they get this person to the woods for this little staring contest/ word fight was so stupid. I feel like it their was more emotional build up and Levithan made the reader feel like Evan was trapped and had no other option, I'd believe it. Then when they were actually in the forest and trying to understand why this girl Dana was doing what she was doing, I rolled my eyes. Typical "you never knew her like i knew her and you never understood. I was really her best friend and i knew what she wanted and you guys are the reason she's locked up in the looney bin". Basically, she blaming Jack and Evan for saving Ariel when she tried to kill herself because this Dana girl felt that she knew that Ariel wasn't super depressed but that she just understood the true nature of the world and wanted to be free from the pain. a true WTF. So then it ends with Evan finally forgiving himself for saving his friends life, which is confusing. P.S. I finally found out @ the end that no, she didn't actually kill herself, but she did try, which is why this chick Dana felt entitled to start stalking and harrassing Ariel's friends.
5. I wish someone could explain to me why 50% of this book iscrossed out. Seriously! I would understand if it was contributing to the overall story, but it's not. It only add more angst and teenage boy emo-ness, like a male Bella after Edward leaves her dont ask me how or why i know this information o_o. I feel like it was mostly to make the book longer because there were literally whole chapters that were strikethroughs. Granted, a lot of the chapters were only a page long, but still.
And that's it. Like most YA books nowadays, you see a pretty cover with a good quote from the text, but when you actually start reading it , the illusion is shattered. The only reason I finished this book was because I thought it was going to go somewhere, but sadly it didn't. How this book made it into print will remain a mystery to me.
I like the books of Levithan's that I've read but this was just awful.
The idea behind this book was actually a great and interesting. I like the way the book was set up and the addition of pictures to it and how the story was written between the author and the photographer.
The problems I had with this book:
1. The characters were COMPLETELY one dimensional and they didn;t develop at all over the book. On top of that the relationships between the characters weren't very convining, mostly because they weren't all presented at the beginning of the story, they just randomly appeared throughout. The main character, Evan, was so emo I couldn't stand it and I kind of wanted to find a hammer and bet myself in the head at some points. Also, Evan's relationship with Ariel didn't really do it for me either. It's hard to judge on this aspect because she is only talked about and never present, but still, their friendship seemed like one that would end come graduation day.
2. I had no idea what the heck happened to this Ariel girl until the end of the story. At first I thoguht she had commmited suicide, but it was so vague that I had no idea. This normally wouldn't bother me because it adds a sense of mystery, but this unexplained incident is mentioned so often that it started to become annoying.
3. When Jack flips out on Evan because he thought that Evan was leaving the pictures around was so painful. It was so obvious that that was going to happen at one point and when I finsihed reading this I realized that this event was supposed to be a twist, which is upsetting because it was a very bad and over used one.
4. The end of this book, mainly the whole showdown with the mystery person would was leaving the pictures around. This ending was the epitome of a literary face-palm. It was so awful. First, the way they get this person to the woods for this little staring contest/ word fight was so stupid. I feel like it their was more emotional build up and Levithan made the reader feel like Evan was trapped and had no other option, I'd believe it. Then when they were actually in the forest and trying to understand why this girl Dana was doing what she was doing, I rolled my eyes. Typical "you never knew her like i knew her and you never understood. I was really her best friend and i knew what she wanted and you guys are the reason she's locked up in the looney bin". Basically, she blaming Jack and Evan for saving Ariel when she tried to kill herself because this Dana girl felt that she knew that Ariel wasn't super depressed but that she just understood the true nature of the world and wanted to be free from the pain. a true WTF. So then it ends with Evan finally forgiving himself for saving his friends life, which is confusing. P.S. I finally found out @ the end that no, she didn't actually kill herself, but she did try, which is why this chick Dana felt entitled to start stalking and harrassing Ariel's friends.
5. I wish someone could explain to me why 50% of this book is
And that's it. Like most YA books nowadays, you see a pretty cover with a good quote from the text, but when you actually start reading it , the illusion is shattered. The only reason I finished this book was because I thought it was going to go somewhere, but sadly it didn't. How this book made it into print will remain a mystery to me.
February 23, 2016
Easily, best book I've read all year. However, very different from David Levithan's other books.
December 7, 2016
Evan is on his way home from school when he finds an envelope on the ground that has a photo inside. He starts to think that Ariel is back to torment him, because of what he did to her. As they unravel the mystery behind the photographs, he soon discovers how little he knows about Ariel and the truth.
This was a heartfelt story of love and loss, and dealing with the tragedy of losing a close friend. It had a very haunting aura throughout the book, so that I felt Ariel’s missing presence right along with the characters.
My favourite element in Every You, Every Me was the format. I picked this one up at the library knowing nothing about, and the crossed-out words and photographs piqued my interest.
While the story itself is slow and quiet, it works well for this book. Evan narrates the story, and readers will clearly see his slow descent into depression, which began with what happened with Ariel and has worsened by the time the book begins. The mystery of what happened to Ariel and who is stalking Evan keeps the story moving along, despite Evan’s profound sadness and confusion.
Full Review Here
This was a heartfelt story of love and loss, and dealing with the tragedy of losing a close friend. It had a very haunting aura throughout the book, so that I felt Ariel’s missing presence right along with the characters.
My favourite element in Every You, Every Me was the format. I picked this one up at the library knowing nothing about, and the crossed-out words and photographs piqued my interest.
While the story itself is slow and quiet, it works well for this book. Evan narrates the story, and readers will clearly see his slow descent into depression, which began with what happened with Ariel and has worsened by the time the book begins. The mystery of what happened to Ariel and who is stalking Evan keeps the story moving along, despite Evan’s profound sadness and confusion.
Full Review Here
January 6, 2016
Op zoek naar een contemporary waarbij foto's deel uit maken van een bijzonder verhaal? Dan is Every You, Every Me misschien wat voor jou! Lees hier mijn recensie:
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
July 14, 2016
I finished this book in around 4 hours and i have no regrets. I enjoyed it. I loved every single page of it. I was fascinated by each and every photograph within its pages. Read it. Just read it.
January 3, 2012
I was intrigued by this novel for the opening 30 or so pages, given its unusual use of strike-through text to indicate retracted internal monologue of the main character. This also made it a bit challenging to read, as one has to read his thoughts on the two levels. But the novelty wore off quickly, and the overdose of teen angst became overwhelming. I felt trapped in what I imagine a really bad episode of "Dawson's Creek" must've been like -- miserable teenagers speaking in tautologies and metaphors, and not a single adult character in sight to snap anyone out of it.
Levithan admits to writing this novel in jump-started bursts, fueled by a friend-photographer's randomly delivered prints intended to inspire a narrative. There's something to be said for an author having a clear vision of an intended story before the writing begins. Levithan had absolutely no vision, and the teeth-gnashing meanderings of his characters make that quite evident.
Consider this excerpt of dialogue between Evan, the anguished main character, and a classmate named Matt:
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I don't know what okay is," I said.
"What?"
"I mean -- I don't know what okay means. No, not what it means. Where it comes from. Where does okay come from?"
We looked it up.
[Evan and Matt then eagerly research the etymology of "okay", discuss it, and the scene closes with Evan ruefully noting that Matt didn't realize that he'd never received an answer to his question of "are you okay?".)
Aaaagh! Two teenage guys, not even necessarily best friends, having this conversation? And this is only one example of the long, lost wanderings, vague mutterings, and struck-through words, phrases, even entire chapters.
By two-thirds the way through, Evan muses: I had to see it through to the end. Because the end could be better. It couldn't be worse than this.
At that point, drifting in and out of consciousness with the novel, I lost touch with whether that was me thinking, Evan thinking, or could it have been Levithan himself momentarily coming clean on what he had by then realized was just a really bad idea.
Levithan admits to writing this novel in jump-started bursts, fueled by a friend-photographer's randomly delivered prints intended to inspire a narrative. There's something to be said for an author having a clear vision of an intended story before the writing begins. Levithan had absolutely no vision, and the teeth-gnashing meanderings of his characters make that quite evident.
Consider this excerpt of dialogue between Evan, the anguished main character, and a classmate named Matt:
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I don't know what okay is," I said.
"What?"
"I mean -- I don't know what okay means. No, not what it means. Where it comes from. Where does okay come from?"
We looked it up.
[Evan and Matt then eagerly research the etymology of "okay", discuss it, and the scene closes with Evan ruefully noting that Matt didn't realize that he'd never received an answer to his question of "are you okay?".)
Aaaagh! Two teenage guys, not even necessarily best friends, having this conversation? And this is only one example of the long, lost wanderings, vague mutterings, and struck-through words, phrases, even entire chapters.
By two-thirds the way through, Evan muses: I had to see it through to the end. Because the end could be better. It couldn't be worse than this.
At that point, drifting in and out of consciousness with the novel, I lost touch with whether that was me thinking, Evan thinking, or could it have been Levithan himself momentarily coming clean on what he had by then realized was just a really bad idea.
August 25, 2011
Now THIS is what a young-adult thriller should be like. After being a bit disappointed at the mystery-thriller aspect of Susan Beth Pfeffer's Blood Wounds (but not disappointed in the book as a whole), Every You, Every Me was definitely a welcome surprise. I had expected the book to focus heavily on the gimmick and let the actual mystery plot, of what happened to Ariel and who's sending Evan those mysterious photographs, fall to the wayside. But it didn't. In fact, Every You, Every Me wouldn't have suffered one bit if it didn't include any of the photographs. It still would have been an intriguing story and one hell of a mystery. Yet the photographs do add something extra to it.
Since I had an advanced reader's copy of Every You, Every Me, I didn't get the full effect of the photographs. Not that that part of the book was bad at all. The book was still pretty amazing, but the final released copy of Every You, Every Me is supposed to include full-length color photographs, while those with an ARC had small-ish black and white photos. But again, the photographs do add something extra. For me, it had me feeling that much more freaked out for Evan. The slashed out lines (that were still completely readable) were an interesting way to show what Evan was really thinking as opposed to what he was actually saying. So, the gimmicky parts of Every You, Every Me actually worked and were very well-done.
Every You, Every Me was also superbly written. You can just feel how screwed up Evan is due to everything that happened to Ariel. You really do start to wonder about Evan's state of mind and that just intensifies the disturbing factor. Every You, Every Me just drives home the fact that we never really know someone completely. We just know one facet of them. Who they are when they're with you can be completely different than who they are when they're with someone else.
So, I thought Every You, Every Me was a fantastic novel. Every single aspect of it worked wonderfully. I do think that it will be even more amazing as a finished product with the full-length cover pictures included. Either way, Every You, Every Me is highly recommended.
Since I had an advanced reader's copy of Every You, Every Me, I didn't get the full effect of the photographs. Not that that part of the book was bad at all. The book was still pretty amazing, but the final released copy of Every You, Every Me is supposed to include full-length color photographs, while those with an ARC had small-ish black and white photos. But again, the photographs do add something extra. For me, it had me feeling that much more freaked out for Evan. The slashed out lines (that were still completely readable) were an interesting way to show what Evan was really thinking as opposed to what he was actually saying. So, the gimmicky parts of Every You, Every Me actually worked and were very well-done.
Every You, Every Me was also superbly written. You can just feel how screwed up Evan is due to everything that happened to Ariel. You really do start to wonder about Evan's state of mind and that just intensifies the disturbing factor. Every You, Every Me just drives home the fact that we never really know someone completely. We just know one facet of them. Who they are when they're with you can be completely different than who they are when they're with someone else.
So, I thought Every You, Every Me was a fantastic novel. Every single aspect of it worked wonderfully. I do think that it will be even more amazing as a finished product with the full-length cover pictures included. Either way, Every You, Every Me is highly recommended.
December 29, 2014
This book would not be my first encounter with David Levithan. The first book I read of his was Lover’s Dictionary which I loved completely because of how he unconventionally told the story of the lovers whose names were never mentioned (their gender was never mentioned too).
Every You, Every Me was eccentric. It was odd. It would put you on the edge of your seat. It would keep you reading until you find out what really happened.
Evan started getting weird photographs.
First when he was on his way to school and the next was a photo on the exact same spot on the first picture but this time of him.
He has no clue of who was sending these pictures.
Evan thought that the pictures were probably from his friend Ariel who had to be taken away.
He and Jack felt guilty but they knew it was the right thing to do.
The pictures were all related to Ariel which led Evan to depression and paranoia.
He believes that Ariel was getting back at them for what they did but was it really her that was really sending those pictures?
Or was there someone else in Ariel’s life that they didn’t know about that knew all her secrets too.
The whole experience of reading this book was eerie. It gave you this feeling that someone was watching you which I think is how Evan felt as well when he’s been constantly receiving those creepy photos. You’ll see those photos in the book so I’ll leave you guys to be the judge of the photographs. All I am saying is they’re unusually unusual which means that unusual is already weird which makes the photos in this book even more unusual than normal.
One thing constant although out of the book aside from the eeriness was the teenage angst. It was all over the book. There was depression, paranoia, suicide, despair, sorrow and a lot more of angst. I mean I am okay with a certain amount but for a book to really have a significant amount of angst it just gets really depressing.
I would have to say that the strikethrough on Evan’s inner thoughts were just amazing. I liked how his thoughts were hidden yet revealed at the same time. You get to feel how Evan feels despite him not wanting to divulge that side of him to anyone. But we as readers get to see his concealed thoughts through the strikethroughs. I give kudos to that!
Although I seriously loved the concept, writing style (as always) and the photographs there were a couple of things I disliked.
1. It was too depressing. It was full angst that you’d feel Evan’s depression and paranoia.
2. You get will meet Ariel but you won’t be able to really know her. For me Ariel’s character was pretty one dimensional in contrast to Evan. Ariel was pretty much a main character as Evan but we don’t get to really know her at all aside from the little snippets of her in Evan’s memories.
3. I didn’t like the ending period. I was expecting more from the ending since everything on this book has been pretty much great. It didn’t do well with me that it has such a weak ending. I would prefer if the Ariel girl was dead rather than what was revealed as to why she committed a (stupid) suicide attempt.
As much as I would like to this book more than 3 stars I couldn’t. I mean everything has been great. It was thrilling and mind boggling, I just didn’t like how it ended. I don’t always like happy ending but I want a decent ending and the ending on this book just didn’t work with me.
For me David Levithan would always be one of my favorite authors. If I would recommend a book I would recommend Lover’s Dictionary and not really this one.
Every You, Every Me was eccentric. It was odd. It would put you on the edge of your seat. It would keep you reading until you find out what really happened.
Evan started getting weird photographs.
First when he was on his way to school and the next was a photo on the exact same spot on the first picture but this time of him.
He has no clue of who was sending these pictures.
Evan thought that the pictures were probably from his friend Ariel who had to be taken away.
He and Jack felt guilty but they knew it was the right thing to do.
The pictures were all related to Ariel which led Evan to depression and paranoia.
He believes that Ariel was getting back at them for what they did but was it really her that was really sending those pictures?
Or was there someone else in Ariel’s life that they didn’t know about that knew all her secrets too.
The whole experience of reading this book was eerie. It gave you this feeling that someone was watching you which I think is how Evan felt as well when he’s been constantly receiving those creepy photos. You’ll see those photos in the book so I’ll leave you guys to be the judge of the photographs. All I am saying is they’re unusually unusual which means that unusual is already weird which makes the photos in this book even more unusual than normal.
One thing constant although out of the book aside from the eeriness was the teenage angst. It was all over the book. There was depression, paranoia, suicide, despair, sorrow and a lot more of angst. I mean I am okay with a certain amount but for a book to really have a significant amount of angst it just gets really depressing.
I would have to say that the strikethrough on Evan’s inner thoughts were just amazing. I liked how his thoughts were hidden yet revealed at the same time. You get to feel how Evan feels despite him not wanting to divulge that side of him to anyone. But we as readers get to see his concealed thoughts through the strikethroughs. I give kudos to that!
Although I seriously loved the concept, writing style (as always) and the photographs there were a couple of things I disliked.
1. It was too depressing. It was full angst that you’d feel Evan’s depression and paranoia.
2. You get will meet Ariel but you won’t be able to really know her. For me Ariel’s character was pretty one dimensional in contrast to Evan. Ariel was pretty much a main character as Evan but we don’t get to really know her at all aside from the little snippets of her in Evan’s memories.
3. I didn’t like the ending period. I was expecting more from the ending since everything on this book has been pretty much great. It didn’t do well with me that it has such a weak ending. I would prefer if the Ariel girl was dead rather than what was revealed as to why she committed a (stupid) suicide attempt.
As much as I would like to this book more than 3 stars I couldn’t. I mean everything has been great. It was thrilling and mind boggling, I just didn’t like how it ended. I don’t always like happy ending but I want a decent ending and the ending on this book just didn’t work with me.
For me David Levithan would always be one of my favorite authors. If I would recommend a book I would recommend Lover’s Dictionary and not really this one.
May 19, 2012
Two words: teen angst! And how does one evoke more teen angst? Strike through wording!
Evan has lost his best friend, Ariel, but how? Readers are not meant to discover a solid explanation until the end. In the mean time, Evan is haunted by her through memories and his own guilt for actions that resulted in her absence. Then, beginning on Ariel's birthday, someone starts leaving photos for Evan: a picture of trees, a picture of him, more trees, more Evan, and finally... pictures of Ariel. Evan, no thanks to his guilt and truck load of angst!angst!angst, interprets these as messages meant to punish him, and he's right.
So what happened to Ariel and who is stalking Evan? Why is someone stalking Evan? Several ideas popped in and out of my head, none of which were correct, and I am honestly sad that I didn't see it sooner. In retrospect, because Every You, Every Me is easy to zip through, I most likely overlooked tell-tale hints. No matter, because Levithan did not capture my intrigue. The concept of Every You, Every Me is interesting and true: there are several unalike fragments that make up the whole of an individual. We (speaking generally) often choose to reveal only one aspect of ourselves to certain people. This story, however, is a far cry from any kind of thrill.
If you can manage two or three uninterrupted hours, this is not difficult to read and finish in one sitting. Delighted to discover this wouldn't take long to finish--a quick, light book--I originally slapped Every You, Every Me a three-star rating. What it comes down to in the end, however, is quality, which I find sub-par. I dislike the angst and word-striking (among other things), but it isn't terrible, and I know terrible: those books that take days of resentful trudging, and the only reason I find myself continuing to read is the simple yet sad motivation to say, "I did it! I read the book!" Regardless:
Strike-through. I can't stand it. I don't find it clever; I find it annoying, especially when 65% or more of the text has a line running through it. I read
and I wonder why the narrator can't simply say that to his or her audience. It's not pleasing, aesthetically, but the bulk of Every You, Every Me's struck-through text could have avoided a strike had Levithan phrased it differently. At other times, it is doesn't look needed whatsoever:
Because Evan decides to keep the photograph, which he places inside the envelope, it indicates that the envelope is not returned to the ground.
Did I mention there are entire struck-through entries? Well, there are entries entirely struck through.
To add, Evan's angst is vastly explored but little else is. Because this seems more like a neat project Levithan opted to do, I feel doubtful that he intended for it to work in conjunction with the title. The photographs shown were taken by Jonathan Farmer, who'd send Levithan any random photo(s) from which Levithan would construct his plot around. It's similar to how Ransom Riggs wrote Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children , yet I enjoyed Riggs' book. The plot is layered, as are the characters. In contrast, Every You, Every Me offers one-dimensional characters and a weak plot in which very little occurs.
Suspense that should surround the mysterious photographs--who is leaving them and why?--goes by uneventful until the near-end, to which I say: what the heck is that? The "climax" (it would be the climax if I had felt proper suspension) comes much too quickly, too predictably, and ends similarly. This is an issue I have with the book in general. If Levithan had put in more effort--allowed necessary timing for events to pop up and unfold, realistic teen dialogue, less broody angst, perhaps a twist or two--this story would simply be a better story.
Although I have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist , this is, technically, my second Levithan book. The problems I have with this are similar to the ones I have with Boy Meets Boy , yet I already expected the lackluster effect because I'd already read Boy Meets Boy. What I know of David Levithan's writing style is not much, but I understand that he is a popular author. I just haven't discovered why.
Evan has lost his best friend, Ariel, but how? Readers are not meant to discover a solid explanation until the end. In the mean time, Evan is haunted by her through memories and his own guilt for actions that resulted in her absence. Then, beginning on Ariel's birthday, someone starts leaving photos for Evan: a picture of trees, a picture of him, more trees, more Evan, and finally... pictures of Ariel. Evan, no thanks to his guilt and truck load of angst!angst!angst, interprets these as messages meant to punish him, and he's right.
So what happened to Ariel and who is stalking Evan? Why is someone stalking Evan? Several ideas popped in and out of my head, none of which were correct, and I am honestly sad that I didn't see it sooner. In retrospect, because Every You, Every Me is easy to zip through, I most likely overlooked tell-tale hints. No matter, because Levithan did not capture my intrigue. The concept of Every You, Every Me is interesting and true: there are several unalike fragments that make up the whole of an individual. We (speaking generally) often choose to reveal only one aspect of ourselves to certain people. This story, however, is a far cry from any kind of thrill.
If you can manage two or three uninterrupted hours, this is not difficult to read and finish in one sitting. Delighted to discover this wouldn't take long to finish--a quick, light book--I originally slapped Every You, Every Me a three-star rating. What it comes down to in the end, however, is quality, which I find sub-par. I dislike the angst and word-striking (among other things), but it isn't terrible, and I know terrible: those books that take days of resentful trudging, and the only reason I find myself continuing to read is the simple yet sad motivation to say, "I did it! I read the book!" Regardless:
"What'd you do last night?"I never do anything."Not much, you?"
and I wonder why the narrator can't simply say that to his or her audience. It's not pleasing, aesthetically, but the bulk of Every You, Every Me's struck-through text could have avoided a strike had Levithan phrased it differently. At other times, it is doesn't look needed whatsoever:
I put the photograph back in the envelope.I didn't put the envelope back on the ground.I kept it.
Because Evan decides to keep the photograph, which he places inside the envelope, it indicates that the envelope is not returned to the ground.
Did I mention there are entire struck-through entries? Well, there are entries entirely struck through.
To add, Evan's angst is vastly explored but little else is. Because this seems more like a neat project Levithan opted to do, I feel doubtful that he intended for it to work in conjunction with the title. The photographs shown were taken by Jonathan Farmer, who'd send Levithan any random photo(s) from which Levithan would construct his plot around. It's similar to how Ransom Riggs wrote Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children , yet I enjoyed Riggs' book. The plot is layered, as are the characters. In contrast, Every You, Every Me offers one-dimensional characters and a weak plot in which very little occurs.
Suspense that should surround the mysterious photographs--who is leaving them and why?--goes by uneventful until the near-end, to which I say: what the heck is that? The "climax" (it would be the climax if I had felt proper suspension) comes much too quickly, too predictably, and ends similarly. This is an issue I have with the book in general. If Levithan had put in more effort--allowed necessary timing for events to pop up and unfold, realistic teen dialogue, less broody angst, perhaps a twist or two--this story would simply be a better story.
Although I have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist , this is, technically, my second Levithan book. The problems I have with this are similar to the ones I have with Boy Meets Boy , yet I already expected the lackluster effect because I'd already read Boy Meets Boy. What I know of David Levithan's writing style is not much, but I understand that he is a popular author. I just haven't discovered why.
June 8, 2012
If somebody wanted to know what it was like to have depression I would tell them to read this book. Not because I think its awful: The opposite! The thoughts that Evan has and how he reacts match very nearly perfectly with how having depression really feels.
Beyond that, the descriptions and photos and mysteries were all brilliant, although the climax was a bit of a let down in some ways. (Dana is an idiot. It felt too simple. Why did the book have to end?)
I found myself confused about Ariel. Like... How did Katie know where she was but nobody else did? why had Paul been putting 'come back' on Ariel's facebook wall, when he knew that she wasn't well enough to see it?
The literary device of crossing out words was perfect. It showed the way Evan editted his thoughts, was scared of the past and was trying not to think about those so well!! Again, this is a common thing with people suffering from depression (at least in my experience)
Sometimes I foun the characters one dimensional, but I felt that that added to the whole theme of knowing only one facet of a person. As readers we only saw one side of a person, and that from Evan's perspective. Its not a thing I normally notice in books, but it was interesting to think about what is being left out. WHat interests do these characters have that Evan doesn't know about? What do they aspire to? What Ariel do they remember? What Evan do they see?
When Evan says he wants to return to binary... He wants to return to the simplicity of the world. Where only one set of things are possible. Only one tiny facet of the world.
The whole project was so fascinating! I haven't ever heard of such a way of writing a book and photogrpahy isn't exactly a way that I choose to explore the world. I suppose this book has given me a lot of wonderful (and less pleasing) things to think about. I will most likely read it again.
Beyond that, the descriptions and photos and mysteries were all brilliant, although the climax was a bit of a let down in some ways. (Dana is an idiot. It felt too simple. Why did the book have to end?)
I found myself confused about Ariel. Like... How did Katie know where she was but nobody else did? why had Paul been putting 'come back' on Ariel's facebook wall, when he knew that she wasn't well enough to see it?
The literary device of crossing out words was perfect. It showed the way Evan editted his thoughts, was scared of the past and was trying not to think about those so well!! Again, this is a common thing with people suffering from depression (at least in my experience)
Sometimes I foun the characters one dimensional, but I felt that that added to the whole theme of knowing only one facet of a person. As readers we only saw one side of a person, and that from Evan's perspective. Its not a thing I normally notice in books, but it was interesting to think about what is being left out. WHat interests do these characters have that Evan doesn't know about? What do they aspire to? What Ariel do they remember? What Evan do they see?
When Evan says he wants to return to binary... He wants to return to the simplicity of the world. Where only one set of things are possible. Only one tiny facet of the world.
The whole project was so fascinating! I haven't ever heard of such a way of writing a book and photogrpahy isn't exactly a way that I choose to explore the world. I suppose this book has given me a lot of wonderful (and less pleasing) things to think about. I will most likely read it again.
September 3, 2011
Every You, Every Me is an artistic endeavor that falls short. The idea of basing a story on random photos is intriguing and I was rooting for it to be an inspiring hit, but sadly I did not care very much for this work by David Levithan. Although I'm a fan of previous stories by the author, Every You, Every Me, didn't provide the level of intrigue or mystery the synopsis promises. At no point did I truly believe Ariel was behind the scheme and although this had depth potential, the plot wavered along the surface. The voice of Evan was feminine sounding in the beginning, so much so, that I had to recheck if the narrator was male or female. I was not convinced I was in the mind of a male teen. After I put that aside, I tried to focus on the photos and was equally put off. Nothing seemed to gel, especially Ariel's dress in contrast to Dana, Alex and Evans. It was strangely out of place and not in a that's so retro sort of way. The strike-through in the text is distracting. Some readers may find it interesting, but I became quickly annoyed, especially in long passages that included crossed out words. Lastly, the battle of BFF's between Dana and Evan was bizarre to say the least. It was difficult to believe that neither the boyfriend or Evan knew anything about this 'secret' friendship -- even though they all attended the same school. The whole tale was a tad inconceivable and I simply didn't care for it. The media intention was commendable and deserved the attempt, but was not achieved. A quick read that can easily be finished in a day since many of the 240+ pages have photos or merely 1 to few sentences.
December 28, 2013
I feel kind of disappointed after finishing Every You, Every Me. I love me some David Levithan from time to time and this one has definitely been the one book of his that I've been really meaning to read for a long time. Maybe it was the title or the cover, not sure exactly, but the book as a whole was really appealing to me, and I was really excited once I got my own copy and started reading it. Boy, did I get disappointed...
I mean, this is definitely David Levithan style: It's different, it's an interesting idea, however, the zsa zsa zsu that usually makes me really enjoy David Levithan books was missing. It wasn't boring, the pacing was really fast, the style is different and definitely my first time experiencing something similar, but still it was just meh. Maybe it was too much teenage drama or it required some higher cortical functions that my non-teenage brain doesn't possess, at the end of the day I'm kind of sad for not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I would still recommend reading it if you're a David Levithan fan, just don't get your hopes too high like I did.
I mean, this is definitely David Levithan style: It's different, it's an interesting idea, however, the zsa zsa zsu that usually makes me really enjoy David Levithan books was missing. It wasn't boring, the pacing was really fast, the style is different and definitely my first time experiencing something similar, but still it was just meh. Maybe it was too much teenage drama or it required some higher cortical functions that my non-teenage brain doesn't possess, at the end of the day I'm kind of sad for not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I would still recommend reading it if you're a David Levithan fan, just don't get your hopes too high like I did.
December 21, 2016
I've been in a bad reading slump and I thought this book would be perfect to end it. Written by David Levithan, in what seemed to me a style almost like poetry and with photographs, what could go wrong? Well, as short as the book was, it took me almost a month to get through it. It didn't grab me or captivate me in any way. I found the story to be just flat. The main character was the only one that seemed to show a bit more depth, but I still couldn't connect or find myself to care for any of these characters. The crossed-over bits became almost annoying, having whole pages of text crossed-over did not appeal to me.
Also, in the acknowledgments, the author explains that he would write the story as the photos were sent to him, he would basically write a piece of the story for every photo he received at any given moment. And that showed in the final product, because you could feel some parts were disconnected or even unecessary.
The ending just left me completely unsatisfied. A "Is that it?" kinda feeling.
Anyway, this book did not work for me. I'll still keep an eye out for David Levithan's other works.
Also, in the acknowledgments, the author explains that he would write the story as the photos were sent to him, he would basically write a piece of the story for every photo he received at any given moment. And that showed in the final product, because you could feel some parts were disconnected or even unecessary.
The ending just left me completely unsatisfied. A "Is that it?" kinda feeling.
Anyway, this book did not work for me. I'll still keep an eye out for David Levithan's other works.
June 14, 2018
On one hand, in a weird way, in the far recesses of the weirdest places in my mind, I did actually like this book. On the other hand, WTF did I just read?!?
April 23, 2020
So that was a big bowl of WTF and MEH.
September 27, 2011
Lang und breit
Every You, Every Me ist ein experimenteller Roman. Nicht nur, dass die Geschichte mit Fotos bereichert wird, auch im Textbild springen einen immer wieder durchgestrichene Wörter und Sätze an. Für manche mag das störend, gar unnütz herüberkommen, aber wer Originalität schätzt, wird begeistert sein.
Das viele Durchstreichen verdeutlicht meiner Meinung nach nur das Chaos in Evans Gedankenwelt. Die Geschichte ist aus seiner Sicht geschrieben und seit seine beste Freundin Arial nicht mehr da ist, steht sein Leben Kopf. Er vermisst sie und fühlt sich schuldig. Dann tauchen da plötzlich diese mysteriösen Fotos auf, die etwas mit Arial zu tun zu haben scheinen.
Zugegeben, manchmal fand ich es anstrengend Evans Ausschweifungen zu folgen. Er spricht seine Gedanken oft an ein gedachtes Du und ich war mir nicht immer sicher, ob es sich dabei jetzt um Arial oder eine andere anwesende Person handelt.
Dieses ganze Wirrwarr trägt dazu bei, dass der Leser an Evans Seite immer mehr dem Aufklärungswahn verfällt. Von wem stammen die geheimnisvollen Fotos? Was gab es an Arial, von dem weder Evan noch ihr Freund Jack etwas wusste? Oder ist Evan inzwischen so besessen von Arials Verschwinden, dass er sich das alles nur einbildet? Evans Gedanken haben mich so vereinnahmt, dass ich gegen Ende selbst nicht mehr sicher war, was ich glauben konnte.
Die vielen unbeantworteten Fragen halten die Spannung des Romans aufrecht. Was ist damals mit Arial geschehen? Von wem kommen die Fotos? Und was hat Arial den Menschen, denen sie angeblich am nächsten stand verheimlicht? Stück für Stück gibt es Hinweise und mögliche Lösungsansätze bis sich am Ende ein komplettes, stimmiges Bild ergibt. Dieses Bild hat es in sich, nicht was Schockmomente angeht, eher was die Emotionen betrifft und die Gedanken, die es anstößt. In Verbindung hiermit finde ich den Titel perfekt gewählt. „Every Me, Every You“ beschreibt eine Tatsache, die uns sicherlich allen bewusst ist. Niemand kann eine andere Person in und auswendig kennen. Niemand kennt alle deine „Ichs“ und du kennst selbst von der Person, die dir am wichtigsten ist nicht jedes „Du“.
Die Beziehung zwischen Arial und Evan hat mich bewegt. In Rückblicken erzählt Evan von ihrer gemeinsamen Zeit. Immer wieder wird deutlich, dass er für Arial eigentlich viel mehr sein wollte als nur ein Freund, was Arial stets gekonnt ignoriert hat. Dennoch war die Freundschaft der beiden intensiver als manche Beziehung und wurde durch intensive Gespräche und kreative Ideen geprägt.
Die Idee einen Roman mit inhaltlich passenden Fotos zu bebildern, finde ich fantastisch. Der Entstehungsprozess des Buches wird im Anhang erklärt. Demnach hat Fotograf Jonathan Farmer Autor David Levithan ein Foto gegeben; Levithan hat etwas dazu geschrieben und anschließend das nächste Foto von Farmer erhalten (ohne, dass der Fotograf gelesen hat, was der Autor geschrieben hat) und so weiter. Interessant, und wenn die Fotos alle groß und farbig gedruckt worden wären, hätte mir die Umsetzung auch besser gefallen. Stattdessen sind viele der Fotos nur sehr klein abgebildet und einige auch nur in schwarzweiß. Die Bilder an sich fand ich künstlerisch nicht sonderlich wertvoll. Inhaltlich passt das zwar, weil auch im Buch die Aufnahmen nicht von einem Profi gemacht werden, aber Augenschmaus sieht anders aus.
Kurz und knapp
Ein leicht wirrer, emotional tiefgehender Gedankeneintopf, der erst am Ende der Geschichte seine volle Wirkung entfaltet. Von den unterstützenden Fotos sollte man nicht zu viel erwarten; lieber auf den hervorragenden Schreibstil des Autors setzen.
Every You, Every Me ist ein experimenteller Roman. Nicht nur, dass die Geschichte mit Fotos bereichert wird, auch im Textbild springen einen immer wieder durchgestrichene Wörter und Sätze an. Für manche mag das störend, gar unnütz herüberkommen, aber wer Originalität schätzt, wird begeistert sein.
Das viele Durchstreichen verdeutlicht meiner Meinung nach nur das Chaos in Evans Gedankenwelt. Die Geschichte ist aus seiner Sicht geschrieben und seit seine beste Freundin Arial nicht mehr da ist, steht sein Leben Kopf. Er vermisst sie und fühlt sich schuldig. Dann tauchen da plötzlich diese mysteriösen Fotos auf, die etwas mit Arial zu tun zu haben scheinen.
Zugegeben, manchmal fand ich es anstrengend Evans Ausschweifungen zu folgen. Er spricht seine Gedanken oft an ein gedachtes Du und ich war mir nicht immer sicher, ob es sich dabei jetzt um Arial oder eine andere anwesende Person handelt.
Dieses ganze Wirrwarr trägt dazu bei, dass der Leser an Evans Seite immer mehr dem Aufklärungswahn verfällt. Von wem stammen die geheimnisvollen Fotos? Was gab es an Arial, von dem weder Evan noch ihr Freund Jack etwas wusste? Oder ist Evan inzwischen so besessen von Arials Verschwinden, dass er sich das alles nur einbildet? Evans Gedanken haben mich so vereinnahmt, dass ich gegen Ende selbst nicht mehr sicher war, was ich glauben konnte.
Die vielen unbeantworteten Fragen halten die Spannung des Romans aufrecht. Was ist damals mit Arial geschehen? Von wem kommen die Fotos? Und was hat Arial den Menschen, denen sie angeblich am nächsten stand verheimlicht? Stück für Stück gibt es Hinweise und mögliche Lösungsansätze bis sich am Ende ein komplettes, stimmiges Bild ergibt. Dieses Bild hat es in sich, nicht was Schockmomente angeht, eher was die Emotionen betrifft und die Gedanken, die es anstößt. In Verbindung hiermit finde ich den Titel perfekt gewählt. „Every Me, Every You“ beschreibt eine Tatsache, die uns sicherlich allen bewusst ist. Niemand kann eine andere Person in und auswendig kennen. Niemand kennt alle deine „Ichs“ und du kennst selbst von der Person, die dir am wichtigsten ist nicht jedes „Du“.
Die Beziehung zwischen Arial und Evan hat mich bewegt. In Rückblicken erzählt Evan von ihrer gemeinsamen Zeit. Immer wieder wird deutlich, dass er für Arial eigentlich viel mehr sein wollte als nur ein Freund, was Arial stets gekonnt ignoriert hat. Dennoch war die Freundschaft der beiden intensiver als manche Beziehung und wurde durch intensive Gespräche und kreative Ideen geprägt.
Die Idee einen Roman mit inhaltlich passenden Fotos zu bebildern, finde ich fantastisch. Der Entstehungsprozess des Buches wird im Anhang erklärt. Demnach hat Fotograf Jonathan Farmer Autor David Levithan ein Foto gegeben; Levithan hat etwas dazu geschrieben und anschließend das nächste Foto von Farmer erhalten (ohne, dass der Fotograf gelesen hat, was der Autor geschrieben hat) und so weiter. Interessant, und wenn die Fotos alle groß und farbig gedruckt worden wären, hätte mir die Umsetzung auch besser gefallen. Stattdessen sind viele der Fotos nur sehr klein abgebildet und einige auch nur in schwarzweiß. Die Bilder an sich fand ich künstlerisch nicht sonderlich wertvoll. Inhaltlich passt das zwar, weil auch im Buch die Aufnahmen nicht von einem Profi gemacht werden, aber Augenschmaus sieht anders aus.
Kurz und knapp
Ein leicht wirrer, emotional tiefgehender Gedankeneintopf, der erst am Ende der Geschichte seine volle Wirkung entfaltet. Von den unterstützenden Fotos sollte man nicht zu viel erwarten; lieber auf den hervorragenden Schreibstil des Autors setzen.
March 23, 2014
Ahaha, so this is what I really felt like while I was reading this book, but hey, not in a bad or negative way. Most of the time, I was just like "Hey! Oh yeah! That point there's cool! Where's the next interesting thing?" I was kind of lost reading this book, but I don't know if it was just me.
This definitely is not one of David Levithan's best novels. I loved how he chose this to be written with photographs, that is absolutely hipster and gorgeous all at the same time.
"This is it. This is what it feels like to be helpless."
I felt so bad for Evan, the protagonist. I felt like he was going through some sort of depression throughout the whole story. I thought that the ending would be totally different and unpredictable, I actually thought that it was all in his mind.
This book was so mysterious, I didn't know what to think! It's a different style than what the author usually masters, so please note that. It's very captivating because you just want to know what will happen in the end.
Although it was heart-racing and the romance was beautiful, I didn't like the ending. I wish that it was unpredictable and how David usually ends his outstanding novels. There should've something that made me go and say, "WOW," but I really didn't find that.
Ariel was strange, even though we didn't fully know her. I kept on feeling that she didn't want to hear or see Evan, and all that she was doing was hiding away from the world.
In my opinion, I think that depression and suicide plays a large key in this novel. It's not 100% clear that it's there, but it is, and us readers have to think outside the box to actually see it clearly. It's a deep story, and the photography does a job well done for the overall project.
It was definitely a fresh and light-hearted novel that will give you some emotional thoughts inside.
August 9, 2013
(Okay, I'm a little new to reviews, but I'll try my best)
I don't get why people don't love this book, because I thought it was simply amazing! This was one of those books where I could not put it down. Literally! I finished this in a matter of hours!! David Levithan's books are truly breath taking.
And this book took my breath away. First off, were the crossed off sentences. That really caught my attention. It's unique, and you really don't see it that often. Through the first few pages, I kind of got annoyed by it, because it drew my attention a little too much. (I had a little conversation with myself: "Am I supposed to read these parts?" "Well duh! That's what they're here for")And then I really enjoyed it. And then the pictures! Those were so cool! I loved how they were blurred out so that you couldn't exactly see them, but it was there. And I read how the author and the photographer put together the book with the words and pictures, and I thought that was so cool!
The characters were awesome. I loved Evan, and Jack, and Ariel (Though at first, I was really confused about Ariel.) And Evan was amazing. This emotionally struggling boy whose falling apart inside, and nobody seems to care! Gosh I wish there were more books with characters like him...
And the plot of the book was exhilarating! I felt myself flying through the book, devouring the words and eager to see the next picture! And like I said, I finished it in a couple of hours! When I finished it, I felt empty inside, like, shouldn't there be more? What happened to them!? How I wish there were a sequel (but I know that won't be happening :( ) So.... overall, I love this book. I give it 5 stars! It really took my breath away :)
I don't get why people don't love this book, because I thought it was simply amazing! This was one of those books where I could not put it down. Literally! I finished this in a matter of hours!! David Levithan's books are truly breath taking.
And this book took my breath away. First off, were the crossed off sentences. That really caught my attention. It's unique, and you really don't see it that often. Through the first few pages, I kind of got annoyed by it, because it drew my attention a little too much. (I had a little conversation with myself: "Am I supposed to read these parts?" "Well duh! That's what they're here for")And then I really enjoyed it. And then the pictures! Those were so cool! I loved how they were blurred out so that you couldn't exactly see them, but it was there. And I read how the author and the photographer put together the book with the words and pictures, and I thought that was so cool!
The characters were awesome. I loved Evan, and Jack, and Ariel (Though at first, I was really confused about Ariel.) And Evan was amazing. This emotionally struggling boy whose falling apart inside, and nobody seems to care! Gosh I wish there were more books with characters like him...
And the plot of the book was exhilarating! I felt myself flying through the book, devouring the words and eager to see the next picture! And like I said, I finished it in a couple of hours! When I finished it, I felt empty inside, like, shouldn't there be more? What happened to them!? How I wish there were a sequel (but I know that won't be happening :( ) So.... overall, I love this book. I give it 5 stars! It really took my breath away :)
March 29, 2018
I don't want you to think I got through this undamaged, okay? But I'm learning to live with it. Because otherwise, the damage is all you have."
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
It took me a while to get into the story but once it did, it was hard to put down. This is a very unique read for me. I don't think I've ever encountered a book similar to this before. The writing process the author did really intrigued me as well. It's amazing how he weaved a coherent story by basing everything on the photographs that Farmer provides.
The thing that took away from my enjoyment was Evan. I didn't connect with his character. I know he lives with guilt for what he's done to Ariel but he did the right thing and he should be able to move on. I found him somewhat annoying. He's stuck in one place. He's a very linear and flat character. If this novel removed Evan entirely and focused on Jack instead, it would have been a 5 star read. But sadly it did not, which is why it was only a 3.5 star read.
February 19, 2012
The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. The boy on the cover looks so sad and thoughtful, not to mention he is wearing some odd clothes. It made me wonder more about this boy on the cover.
As I got into the book I thought it was a little bit creepy and a whole lot mysterious. It has this sort of unnerving edge to it, that someone is sending these weird photos to Evan. I feel like the photos in the book add to the unnerving vibe.
I liked the mystery surrounding who was leaving the pictures and also what had happened to Ariel. Was she alive, was she dead? You don’t know until the end just exactly what happened to her.
I have to say that the angst in this book is so bad. Evan feels so awful and being in his head the entire book was starting to make me feel a little angsty and down. I felt compelled to keep reading through the book so that I could get out of this pit of angst David Levithan had put me into with Evan.
The writing style was quite unique in that a lot of the book used strikethroughs. I thought this added an extra layer to the book as the strikethroughs were like Evan’s innermost thoughts. Like you’re processing through the things you’re thinking about.
The revelation at the end was different to what I had expected it to be. It was a little anti-climactic but I think it was supposed to be like that.
Overall, I thought that Every You, Every Me was quite an interesting book. The photos added an extra layer that made the story that more interesting.
As I got into the book I thought it was a little bit creepy and a whole lot mysterious. It has this sort of unnerving edge to it, that someone is sending these weird photos to Evan. I feel like the photos in the book add to the unnerving vibe.
I liked the mystery surrounding who was leaving the pictures and also what had happened to Ariel. Was she alive, was she dead? You don’t know until the end just exactly what happened to her.
I have to say that the angst in this book is so bad. Evan feels so awful and being in his head the entire book was starting to make me feel a little angsty and down. I felt compelled to keep reading through the book so that I could get out of this pit of angst David Levithan had put me into with Evan.
The writing style was quite unique in that a lot of the book used strikethroughs. I thought this added an extra layer to the book as the strikethroughs were like Evan’s innermost thoughts. Like you’re processing through the things you’re thinking about.
The revelation at the end was different to what I had expected it to be. It was a little anti-climactic but I think it was supposed to be like that.
Overall, I thought that Every You, Every Me was quite an interesting book. The photos added an extra layer that made the story that more interesting.
September 30, 2011
WHOA. Dark, compelling, unbelievably haunting and unimaginably brilliant.
I was dizzy from being inside Evan's mind. His character is so utterly palpable that it was scary. I've always loved anything that has to do with 'dangerous' girls. That sort of mysterious, dark and troubled female character that is just as messed up as she is magnetic. Sort of like Alaska in Looking for Alaska. And Ariel's character was mind-blowing. From inside Evan's head she was so many different things, so many different people and yet, I could just picture her perfectly. I was probably as drawn to her as any of the other characters.
I think 'gripping' is an understatement. It was almost physically painful to pull myself out of the book. Such magnificent writing with a relatively simple plot, but it was given in these bits and pieces, photos and moments, memories of half-conversations, taunting the reader until the very last page.
Some parts were even creepy, some pictures and scenes would give me goosebumps but just resulted in me being more and more invested. It was a delicious thrill-ride. I wish I had the time to read it in one sitting because it followed me around when I wasn't reading.
If you like dark, life-shaking contemporary fiction or if you want to read a thriller that will keep you GLUED to it, read this!
I was dizzy from being inside Evan's mind. His character is so utterly palpable that it was scary. I've always loved anything that has to do with 'dangerous' girls. That sort of mysterious, dark and troubled female character that is just as messed up as she is magnetic. Sort of like Alaska in Looking for Alaska. And Ariel's character was mind-blowing. From inside Evan's head she was so many different things, so many different people and yet, I could just picture her perfectly. I was probably as drawn to her as any of the other characters.
I think 'gripping' is an understatement. It was almost physically painful to pull myself out of the book. Such magnificent writing with a relatively simple plot, but it was given in these bits and pieces, photos and moments, memories of half-conversations, taunting the reader until the very last page.
Some parts were even creepy, some pictures and scenes would give me goosebumps but just resulted in me being more and more invested. It was a delicious thrill-ride. I wish I had the time to read it in one sitting because it followed me around when I wasn't reading.
If you like dark, life-shaking contemporary fiction or if you want to read a thriller that will keep you GLUED to it, read this!
December 29, 2015
There are so many versions of a person. We never completely understand a person, even if he/she is our closest friend, because we will only see one side of them. "You know one me. Just like I know one you. But you can't know every me. And I can't know every you."
Evan lost his best friend, Ariel. Evan blames himself. Suddenly, he comes along a mysterious photograph that is followed up by more curious pictures. Evan thinks Ariel is back to torment him, because of what he did to her. Photographs, memories, conversations bother Evan's every thought and soon, the absence of Ariel is eating him up whole. He discovers how little he knows about Ariel and the truth.
Every You, Every Me is haunting. I swear, I had goosebumps creeping over me as I was reading it. David Levithan is a genius. Not only does his style of writing excel, but the very thought of how he came up with such a compelling story is unfathomable. This book is a must-read!
Evan lost his best friend, Ariel. Evan blames himself. Suddenly, he comes along a mysterious photograph that is followed up by more curious pictures. Evan thinks Ariel is back to torment him, because of what he did to her. Photographs, memories, conversations bother Evan's every thought and soon, the absence of Ariel is eating him up whole. He discovers how little he knows about Ariel and the truth.
Every You, Every Me is haunting. I swear, I had goosebumps creeping over me as I was reading it. David Levithan is a genius. Not only does his style of writing excel, but the very thought of how he came up with such a compelling story is unfathomable. This book is a must-read!
June 25, 2016
This was quite pointless and plotless. A let down. It was an utter shame made up of literal and figurative madness.
I am not as annoyed at this book as I am with others because I did not have any expectations. So I guess that's why I gave it 2*.
Our MC
I am not as annoyed at this book as I am with others because I did not have any expectations. So I guess that's why I gave it 2*.
Our MC
February 11, 2019
“That's the question, isn't it?" you said one night. "Does death bring freedom, or is it the end of freedom?”
April 16, 2018
I had so many feelings about this book in the process of reading it. Initially, I was just like "ugh, this is all the bad parts of Shatter Me (overdone plot, underdeveloped characters, constantly repeating phrases and striking out every other line), then, as it progressed, I started to get into it, the striking out of entire pages stopped bothering me and I started to get more invested in the plot (probably bc of the photos, that was a cool idea I hadn't seen before-- not in the way that he did it at least). Then stuff went down and I started getting scared and got progressively more scared until the last 10-15 pages, at which point I was just kind of like "Oh. Ok, I get it now." It was kind of like turning on the industrial lights in a haunted house and seeing all the behind the scenes and being like ohhh, this isn't so bad. I feel like I'm painting myself as someone who gets scared easily, especially since this isn't even supposed to be a scary book, but I'm really not. I love horror, I go out of my way to do scarier things, there was just something in this book that got me. Idk. I think it's bc mental health issues tend to get me a little bit bc of my own mental health stuff. Idk. It wasn't supposed to be scary, though, so if you're worried about that, don't be haha.
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