Review Detail

Finishing Every Day by David Levithan broke my heart (in the best way possible). I've read a few of Levithan's other books including Two Boys Kissing, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, Will Grayson Will Grayson, and Invisibility. This book boasts the same compelling characters and wonderful writing style synonymous with the Levithan name.

Every Day begins with the protagonist in the body of a sixteen year old boy named Justin. The character is not Justin but in a way he is, or at least he is for the day. Our main character, known as A, wakes up in a different body every day. Sometimes it's a boy's body and sometimes it's a girl's. But either way, that's how it's been since the beginning. Up until now, A has gone along with this way of life. But that's before he falls in love.

What happens next is heartbreaking, beautiful, and dare I say, life-changing. I know this book has definitely helped changed the way I look at the world. But I guess that's what all writers kind of secretly hope for when writing; we hope that our words can change the world, even if it's only one person, one life.

I don't want to give too much away because I'd rather everyone just read this book! But I will say, almost every page I found words that spoke to me. While I loved many of the quotes in this book, my favorite explained: "It's as if when you love someone, they become your reason." I still remember the book that became the reason I loved reading, the teacher that became the reason I loved english and writing, and even the person that became my reason for pushing forward.

While each day in this book brings us a different person, A's appreciation of life and the possibilities it has to offer stays with each change in identity. Through A's unique outlook, I felt my own view of the world become revitalized, reminding me how precious each day is, how beautiful it is to get a tomorrow.

Though this book had to end, I didn't want it to. It really sparkled from start to finish and I didn't want to leave that pleasant glow. The characters are brought to life through their imperfections and with Levithan's words, I think it brought me back to life (even if I didn't know I needed to be brought back). But that's the best thing about books. I think the moment they open you back up to the world, the moment they make you feel something, they've already performed some kind of magic. And I absolutely love that. Check out Every Day by David Levithan before its companion, Another Day, debuts this summer!