"Every Day" By David Levithan
0"Every Day" by David Levithan is a young adult novel that explores the concept of love and identity through the unique perspective of a genderless entity named A who wakes up every day in a new body. The novel presents an intriguing premise that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of self-identity and the role of physical appearance in shaping our relationships.The story follows A, who inhabits a different body each day, and as a result, has learned to adapt and blend in with their surroundings to avoid suspicion. However, everything changes when A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Rhiannon, Justin's girlfriend. Despite the obstacles presented by their unconventional situation, A and Rhiannon form a connection that transcends physical appearances and societal norms.One of the key themes of the novel is the idea that true love is not based on external appearances but on the connection between two individuals. Levithan challenges the traditional notions of romantic love by showing that it is possible to form a deep emotional bond with someone without the physical attraction that is often associated with it. A's ability to see beyond physical appearances allows them to form connections with people of different genders, races, and body types, demonstrating that love is not limited to a particular physical form.Another significant theme explored in "Every Day" is the concept of identity. A's existence challenges the notion of a fixed identity as they are constantly adapting to their new bodies and their surroundings. This leads to a deeper exploration of the role of physical appearance in shaping our sense of self. A's experiences show that our physical appearance has a significant impact on how others perceive us, and consequently, how we perceive ourselves. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where social media and societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards can have a detrimental effect on our self-esteem.The novel also explores the idea of gender and sexuality. A's genderless existence and their ability to inhabit bodies of different genders allows Levithan to explore the fluidity of gender and the limitations of binary gender identities. The novel shows that gender is not necessarily tied to physical characteristics and that our understanding of gender is a social construct that is constantly evolving.Levithan's writing style is poetic and lyrical, and his use of first-person narration allows the reader to experience the world through A's perspective. This gives the novel a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader into A's world. The novel is also structured in a way that keeps the reader engaged, with each chapter representing a different day in A's life, and the suspense of not knowing whose body A will wake up in next.In conclusion, "Every Day" by David Levithan is a thought-provoking novel that challenges traditional notions of love and identity. Through A's experiences, the novel presents a powerful message about the importance of looking beyond physical appearances and the limitations of binary gender identities. Levithan's poetic writing style and unique premise make this a captivating read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.