Review: Every Day by David Levithan

Title: Every Day by David Levithan
Page count: 336
Published on: August 28th, 2012
Goodreads rating: 4.12
Buy it via: Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Rating: 5/5 Crystal Balls
Summary: 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.

This review is going to be really tough to write, because this book is just such a masterpiece, it's almost impossible to capture with words the ways it touched me. Let me say this: You. simply. must. read. this. book. I had heard about Every Day some months back and I was immediately fascinated by the premise. How often do you come across an idea as truly original as this? I knew I had to read it, and I'm so glad I did. I not only inhaled this book in less than 24 hours, but I gained a new favorite author.

Imagine living a life where you don't have a physical body you could call your own. Picture a life where your friends and family aren't really yours but loved ones of the body you're forced to inhabit every single day. Visualize living a life with no one ever knowing you're really there.

Welcome to the only life A has ever known.

To be a part of A's world is bittersweet, but to experience life through A's eyes, has given me a new perspective. I will not only appreciate the big things more, but the little things we take for granted, like something as simple as being able to sleep in the same bed every night, or being able to have one singular possession that you can truly call your own.

Every Day is unlike anything actually I've ever read, in the best way possible. I want to point out right now that if you go into this story thinking A will go on a quest to find out the reason why he/she was born the way they were, then you might want to readjust your expectations. There are things about A's existence that are explored, but this isn't a paranormal mystery/thriller. A’s story is one of quiet intensity, and one that will make you think about things you have never really thought about. Every Day is a sophisticated, tender work of art, where every brush stroke is one of great meaning. This is a tale so profound, so important, everyone needs to experience this book at least once in their lifetime.

Every Day at the very core is about wanting the things everyone want in life: 

To have a family.
Friends.
Being able to spend time with the person you love ever day.
To just be..normal.
To be OK.

Every Day will leave you with questions, but like this book taught me, sometimes to be at peace you have to know when to let go. Every Day will fill your eyes with a river of tears, and your heart with deep sorrow, but it will satisfy you in a way you thought not possible.

Go ahead and pick up a copy of Every Day right now. Have a tissue box ready and let it change your life.