Every Day Summary

Every Day

by David Levithan • 2012 • 322 pages
3.9
240.5K ratings
Young Adult Romance Fantasy
Send EPUB to your Kindle
Chapters summary Summary FAQ Reviews

Plot Summary

Waking in New Bodies

A's unique existence:

A wakes up each day in a different body, living a different life. A has learned to adapt, never getting too attached, until inhabiting Justin's body and meeting Rhiannon. This encounter changes everything, as A falls in love with her, despite the impossibility of a stable relationship. A's existence is a constant cycle of adaptation, with no control over the body or life inhabited each day.

Falling for Rhiannon

A's love for Rhiannon:

While in Justin's body, A experiences a perfect day with Rhiannon, feeling a connection that transcends the physical. A is drawn to her kindness and beauty, and despite the challenges, A is determined to pursue this love. A's feelings for Rhiannon become a driving force, leading to risky decisions and a desire to reveal the truth about A's existence.

The Challenge of Love

Struggles of an impossible relationship:

A and Rhiannon attempt to navigate their relationship, but the constant change of A's physical form creates insurmountable challenges. Rhiannon struggles with the reality of A's existence, and A grapples with the limitations of their love. Despite their deep connection, the practicalities of A's life make a traditional relationship impossible.

Nathan's Revelation

Nathan's unsettling experience:

After A inhabits Nathan's body, Nathan becomes aware of the possession and seeks answers. His story gains attention, leading to a meeting with Reverend Poole, who claims to understand A's condition. Nathan's experience highlights the ethical dilemmas of A's existence and the impact on those whose lives are briefly shared.

Poole's Dark Offer

A dangerous proposition:

Reverend Poole reveals he knows about A's condition and offers a way to stay in one body permanently. This revelation is both tempting and terrifying, as it suggests the existence of others like A. Poole's offer forces A to confront the moral implications of such a choice, ultimately deciding to reject it and continue the search for answers.

Rhiannon's Dilemma

Rhiannon's difficult decision:

Rhiannon loves A but struggles with the reality of their relationship. She desires a normal life, with stability and predictability, which A cannot provide. Despite their deep connection, Rhiannon decides she cannot continue the relationship, leaving A heartbroken but understanding of her choice.

The Final Goodbye

A's departure and hope for the future:

A realizes the need to move on, both for Rhiannon's sake and to explore the possibility of others like A. The final goodbye is bittersweet, filled with love and the hope that Rhiannon will find happiness. A decides to run, seeking answers and a place in the world, leaving behind the first and only love.

Characters

A

A's transient existence:

A is a unique being who wakes up in a different body each day. A's life is defined by adaptability and a lack of permanence, leading to a deep understanding of humanity but also profound loneliness. A's love for Rhiannon challenges the boundaries of this existence, driving A to seek connection despite the impossibility of a stable relationship.

Rhiannon

Rhiannon's struggle with love:

Rhiannon is a kind and introspective girl who captures A's heart. She is drawn to A's sincerity and depth but struggles with the reality of A's existence. Her desire for a normal life conflicts with her feelings for A, leading to a difficult decision to end their relationship for her own well-being.

Justin

Justin's obliviousness:

Justin is Rhiannon's boyfriend, whose body A inhabits when first meeting her. He is largely unaware of the depth of Rhiannon's feelings and the complexities of A's existence. His relationship with Rhiannon is marked by a lack of appreciation for her true self.

Nathan

Nathan's unsettling awareness:

Nathan becomes aware of A's possession and seeks answers, inadvertently drawing attention to A's existence. His experience highlights the ethical dilemmas of A's life and the impact on those whose bodies are briefly inhabited.

Reverend Poole

Poole's sinister knowledge:

Reverend Poole claims to understand A's condition and offers a way to stay in one body permanently. His knowledge and intentions are both intriguing and dangerous, forcing A to confront the moral implications of such a choice.

Plot Devices

Body-Switching

A's daily transformation:

A's existence is defined by waking up in a different body each day, experiencing life through various perspectives. This plot device explores themes of identity, empathy, and the nature of love, as A navigates the complexities of human relationships.

Ethical Dilemmas

Moral implications of A's existence:

A's ability to inhabit different bodies raises ethical questions about autonomy, consent, and the impact on those whose lives are briefly shared. These dilemmas are central to the narrative, driving A's internal conflict and interactions with others.

Love and Connection

The challenge of an impossible relationship:

A's love for Rhiannon is a central theme, highlighting the challenges of forming a meaningful connection in the face of constant change. The narrative explores the nature of love, identity, and the desire for stability in an unpredictable world.

Analysis

Exploration of identity and love:

"Every Day" delves into the complexities of identity, empathy, and the nature of love through A's unique existence. The narrative challenges readers to consider the essence of self and the impact of our actions on others. A's journey highlights the importance of connection and understanding, even in the face of insurmountable challenges. The story ultimately suggests that love is a powerful force, but it cannot overcome all obstacles without the foundation of stability and mutual understanding.

Last updated:

Report Issue