EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING

Maddy, a biracial 18-year-old, has severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome. Allergic to everything, she doesn’t go outside, and only an occasional antiseptic tutor, her physician mother, and Carla, her nurse, enter her sterile home. Bahni Turpin conveys Maddy’s intelligence and playful spirit, which is surprising for someone who is trapped inside. Observant Maddy is intrigued when Olly moves in next door. Robbie Daymond conveys Olly’s sincerity and a curiosity that is Maddy’s match—except when he clams up about his father’s violence. The sparks in Olly’s and Maddy’s emails are enhanced by Turpin and Daymond’s dual narration. These engaging characters fall quickly into a deep friendship that is honest and flirtatious and bound for a love that’s worth taking risks for. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2015]