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Everything That Makes You
One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore.
And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?
Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.
And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?
Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2015
57 people are currently reading
9072 people want to read
About the author
Moriah McStay
1 book100 followersMoriah McStay grew up in Memphis, TN, where she acquired a come-and-go drawl and a lifelong love of cowboy boots and fried pickles. She attended Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Two graduate degrees and seven jobs later, she finally figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.
EVERYTHING THAT MAKES YOU is her first novel, and she's probably at home right now working on another one.
EVERYTHING THAT MAKES YOU is her first novel, and she's probably at home right now working on another one.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 451 reviews
May 30, 2017
I’d like to make it clear that I did enjoy reading the novel and that I thought the author’s writing is smooth and easy to read. I do appreciate the concept, the alternative stories/universes of an individual and the overall theme that Ms. Moriah Mcstay is trying to convey (hey that rhymed^^) that a single life event/moment can make all the difference in a person’s entire being and in practically everything that makes a person.
I just personally don’t see the necessity of the alternative stories in this particular novel. I was waiting for a point in the plotlines where the alternative universes would fundamentally matter to or affect each other but I didn’t see it.
I honestly think these two plotlines could have been made into two different and distinct novels. Both stories have great potential if developed into two distinct, full blown novels- one with the element of music as its creative ingredient and the other with sports. As used in the novel though, I felt like the two plotlines become quite chopped and rushed that there wasn’t enough time for me as a reader to fully connect with the characters in the individual stories.
For a debut novel though, this wasn’t at all bad. I would give Ms. Mcstay another chance should she write another novel. ;)
I just personally don’t see the necessity of the alternative stories in this particular novel. I was waiting for a point in the plotlines where the alternative universes would fundamentally matter to or affect each other but I didn’t see it.
I honestly think these two plotlines could have been made into two different and distinct novels. Both stories have great potential if developed into two distinct, full blown novels- one with the element of music as its creative ingredient and the other with sports. As used in the novel though, I felt like the two plotlines become quite chopped and rushed that there wasn’t enough time for me as a reader to fully connect with the characters in the individual stories.
For a debut novel though, this wasn’t at all bad. I would give Ms. Mcstay another chance should she write another novel. ;)
February 18, 2015
This book was a solid 4-stars at first, but once the intriguing factor wore off I just got bored and then confused. It's a good premise, but one that was executed much better in a few other books I've read: Just Like Fate and Pivot Point. The "what if" is a question that many can't help but consider. In Fiona's case, what if she had never had that accident that left her scarred? It's interesting to see how an event like that changes someone, or how different their lives would be had in not happened. Unfortunately, once this initial curious factor wears off, the novel starts to become quite mundane, with characters who are not easily likeable.
Told in alternating perspectives, we get Fiona's story who was tragically scarred at the age of 5 after an accident at the zoo, and then we see how Fi is living her life unscarred. Fiona was always the most interesting - and the most likeable - to me. It's easy to sympathize with her, seeing her live through stares and snickers. People thinking she's an invalid, even, just because she has scars. As expected, she has self-esteem issues that run deep, but like any normal teenager, she has crushes and future plans and hopes and dreams. Fi, on the other hand, has lived a pretty normal life so far with no worries other than getting a scholarship for lacrosse. Until she breaks her ankle, at least. Fi is definitely much harder to like. She's whiny and kind of a bitch at times, and just.... a quitter. How can you root for that? She gets a little bump in the road and that's it, her life is over so might as well stop trying altogether! Urgh! On the romance side, (and this goes for both perspectives) I didn't get her attraction to Trent. He's "hot" apparently, but his personality leaves much to be desired if you ask me. She kept being so fixated on him even though he didn't deserve it most of the time, I just didn't get it.
So with both these stories I expected either some kind of thought-provoking conclusion or a meaningful self-finding mission where you realize that with or without a tragedy, you'd end up where you're supposed to be, you know. And while there is some sporadic emotional content, we mostly get two fairly average teenage lives that end up not being that... interesting. In addition, and this was the biggest problem for me, both perspective become so similar, with the same secondary characters who are only slightly different on each side, that it all starts to blend together. It confused me enough that I couldn't even recall which character had which role in which perspective anymore. Trent was her crush on one side, her best friend on the other. Jackson was her crush on one side, her friend on the other. Ryan - her brother - was pretty much the very same on either side, same girlfriend and all just in a slightly different place in his life. Plus, Fiona gets her scars fixed a quarter through anyways so her finally finding the courage to sing at open mic night is nothing spectacular. So in short: side 1) She was scarred, she gets "fixed" she continues to live. Side 2) She's a lacrosse prodigy, she breaks her ankle, she pouts and complains, it heals, she continues to live. This is pretty much the gist of this novel. I found it pretty directionless overall. Like, what's the point of this story?
So as you can see, I was not the biggest fan of this one in the end. It's a solid idea, but the delivery is lacking. Maybe if I didn't have anything to compare it with I would have enjoyed it more, but as it stands, I expected to find a much more powerful read than what I got.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Told in alternating perspectives, we get Fiona's story who was tragically scarred at the age of 5 after an accident at the zoo, and then we see how Fi is living her life unscarred. Fiona was always the most interesting - and the most likeable - to me. It's easy to sympathize with her, seeing her live through stares and snickers. People thinking she's an invalid, even, just because she has scars. As expected, she has self-esteem issues that run deep, but like any normal teenager, she has crushes and future plans and hopes and dreams. Fi, on the other hand, has lived a pretty normal life so far with no worries other than getting a scholarship for lacrosse. Until she breaks her ankle, at least. Fi is definitely much harder to like. She's whiny and kind of a bitch at times, and just.... a quitter. How can you root for that? She gets a little bump in the road and that's it, her life is over so might as well stop trying altogether! Urgh! On the romance side, (and this goes for both perspectives) I didn't get her attraction to Trent. He's "hot" apparently, but his personality leaves much to be desired if you ask me. She kept being so fixated on him even though he didn't deserve it most of the time, I just didn't get it.
So with both these stories I expected either some kind of thought-provoking conclusion or a meaningful self-finding mission where you realize that with or without a tragedy, you'd end up where you're supposed to be, you know. And while there is some sporadic emotional content, we mostly get two fairly average teenage lives that end up not being that... interesting. In addition, and this was the biggest problem for me, both perspective become so similar, with the same secondary characters who are only slightly different on each side, that it all starts to blend together. It confused me enough that I couldn't even recall which character had which role in which perspective anymore. Trent was her crush on one side, her best friend on the other. Jackson was her crush on one side, her friend on the other. Ryan - her brother - was pretty much the very same on either side, same girlfriend and all just in a slightly different place in his life. Plus, Fiona gets her scars fixed a quarter through anyways so her finally finding the courage to sing at open mic night is nothing spectacular. So in short: side 1) She was scarred, she gets "fixed" she continues to live. Side 2) She's a lacrosse prodigy, she breaks her ankle, she pouts and complains, it heals, she continues to live. This is pretty much the gist of this novel. I found it pretty directionless overall. Like, what's the point of this story?
So as you can see, I was not the biggest fan of this one in the end. It's a solid idea, but the delivery is lacking. Maybe if I didn't have anything to compare it with I would have enjoyed it more, but as it stands, I expected to find a much more powerful read than what I got.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
July 14, 2022
there is a circle of hell reserved solely for fictional characters who are written as being really good at songwriting and then lyrics are included that have roughly the artistic value of your average spongebob popsicle.
you know. because those always look like nightmares?
like, picture a 16 year old made-up teen breaking out into song, and it hits your ears like the audible equivalent of the google images results for "spongebob popsicle cursed."
that's this book.
you're welcome.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
you know. because those always look like nightmares?
like, picture a 16 year old made-up teen breaking out into song, and it hits your ears like the audible equivalent of the google images results for "spongebob popsicle cursed."
that's this book.
you're welcome.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
July 20, 2015
After loving books like Pivot Point by Kasie West, I was really hoping that I’d love this one just as much, as they both are about “what ifs” and alternate universes. Unfortunately, Everything that Makes You just didn’t manage to keep me engaged. I really liked the idea, but the execution was absolutely lacking. There wasn’t really a plot line, either – it was just us following the lives of a girl who could have lived two totally different lives because of her accident that left jarring scars on her face. So yeah, this book honestly didn’t feel like it had a purpose. It’s still rather enjoyable, that being said, but I soon lost interest because I didn’t have anything that I could invest in.
December 15, 2016
Everything That Makes You is great debut story about possible parallel lives and "what ifs". I read it based on recommendation from Lily @Lily's Book Blog (you can read her full review here) and I really enjoyed it!
January 3, 2016
I received a free copy from the publishers via Edelweiss for review purposes.
Everything That Makes You is an interesting concept -- what if that ONE thing didn't happen? How different would your life be? Would it be better, or worse? Would you fall in love with the same person? It was this type of narrative that really made this book something unique.
Fiona has a scarred face from an accident twelve years ago. She's shy and considers herself an outcast. She writes songs about her life, her scars and the beautiful and charming Trent McKinnon. Throughout Fiona's story, she finds the courage not to be defined by her scars anymore. Then there's Fi -- the Fiona who didn't have the accident. Ranked top in the state for lacrosse heading to one of the best colleges for female lacrosse, Fi has it all. Her best friend is also Trent McKinnon, who is acting weird since their kiss, but Fi has more important things on her mind and when her luck goes sideways, she decides lacrosse isn't the only important thing in her life.
Everything That Makes You is a moving piece of writing with a relatable protagonist, witty dialogue, thoughtful choices and some loveable secondary characters. It makes you really think about whether YOU define your path or whether fate or luck does. I'm happy at how both Fi's and Fiona's stories ended, and how their difficult choices and unfortunate luck made them the people who they were. Their interests differed, but essentially, they were the same girl -- headstrong, passionate, kind and realistic.
For me, it was Fiona and Fi who made this story as great as it was. To see each develop into somebody stronger and better and didn't let her scars/lacrosse define who she was. By the end of the novel, they have discovered themselves.
A highly recommendable piece of contemporary fiction with some really great moments.
Plus, the cover is lovely.
Everything That Makes You is an interesting concept -- what if that ONE thing didn't happen? How different would your life be? Would it be better, or worse? Would you fall in love with the same person? It was this type of narrative that really made this book something unique.
Fiona has a scarred face from an accident twelve years ago. She's shy and considers herself an outcast. She writes songs about her life, her scars and the beautiful and charming Trent McKinnon. Throughout Fiona's story, she finds the courage not to be defined by her scars anymore. Then there's Fi -- the Fiona who didn't have the accident. Ranked top in the state for lacrosse heading to one of the best colleges for female lacrosse, Fi has it all. Her best friend is also Trent McKinnon, who is acting weird since their kiss, but Fi has more important things on her mind and when her luck goes sideways, she decides lacrosse isn't the only important thing in her life.
Everything That Makes You is a moving piece of writing with a relatable protagonist, witty dialogue, thoughtful choices and some loveable secondary characters. It makes you really think about whether YOU define your path or whether fate or luck does. I'm happy at how both Fi's and Fiona's stories ended, and how their difficult choices and unfortunate luck made them the people who they were. Their interests differed, but essentially, they were the same girl -- headstrong, passionate, kind and realistic.
For me, it was Fiona and Fi who made this story as great as it was. To see each develop into somebody stronger and better and didn't let her scars/lacrosse define who she was. By the end of the novel, they have discovered themselves.
A highly recommendable piece of contemporary fiction with some really great moments.
Plus, the cover is lovely.
October 14, 2015
Questo è uno di quei libri che non ti aspetti di quelli, per intenderci, che ti costringe a riflettere sulle casualità di alcuni eventi.
Fatalità che ci segnano per sempre.
La protagonista si trova ad un bivio, quei momenti cruciali che cambiano ogni cosa, l'istante esatto in cui hai la consapevolezza che non sarai più la stessa persona.
L'autrice mostra le due vite vissute da prospettive diametralmente opposte; storie che sembrano scritte in parallelo, in quanto a tempistica, ma che descrivono due storie molto diverse.
Fiona e Fi sono simili ma agiscono in modi molto diversi, tanto da non incarnare quasi la stessa persona.
Le vicissitudini della vita ci mettono davanti scelte che, in altre situazioni o con un altro stato d'animo, non avremmo mai considerato.
Ho amato entrambi i pov di Fiona e Fi perché la narrazione, così delicata e scorrevole, ha saputo creare quell'immediata empatia nei suoi confronti.
Una storia malinconia e dolceamara, che racconta di scelte e rinunce, di fragilità e coraggio, e dei diversi percorsi che fa l'amore per trovarci.
Ognuna di noi si identificherà meglio in una delle due, ma io sono molto combattuta a riguardo: amare, perdere e riconquistare un'altra felicità oppure vivere sulla pelle qualcosa di molto doloroso per poi avere tutto ciò di cui il cuore ha bisogno?!
Pur tentennando per una manciata di secondi, io sceglierei sempre di essere Fiona.
Jackson ❤️
Fatalità che ci segnano per sempre.
La protagonista si trova ad un bivio, quei momenti cruciali che cambiano ogni cosa, l'istante esatto in cui hai la consapevolezza che non sarai più la stessa persona.
L'autrice mostra le due vite vissute da prospettive diametralmente opposte; storie che sembrano scritte in parallelo, in quanto a tempistica, ma che descrivono due storie molto diverse.
Fiona e Fi sono simili ma agiscono in modi molto diversi, tanto da non incarnare quasi la stessa persona.
Le vicissitudini della vita ci mettono davanti scelte che, in altre situazioni o con un altro stato d'animo, non avremmo mai considerato.
Ho amato entrambi i pov di Fiona e Fi perché la narrazione, così delicata e scorrevole, ha saputo creare quell'immediata empatia nei suoi confronti.
Una storia malinconia e dolceamara, che racconta di scelte e rinunce, di fragilità e coraggio, e dei diversi percorsi che fa l'amore per trovarci.
Ognuna di noi si identificherà meglio in una delle due, ma io sono molto combattuta a riguardo: amare, perdere e riconquistare un'altra felicità oppure vivere sulla pelle qualcosa di molto doloroso per poi avere tutto ciò di cui il cuore ha bisogno?!
Pur tentennando per una manciata di secondi, io sceglierei sempre di essere Fiona.
Jackson ❤️
February 19, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
This book was on of my most anticipated releases of the year, so I had high expectations. This book wasn't as groundbreaking as I expected, but I still loved it!
Ever since an accident at the zoo when she was a child, Fiona has had a large scar running across her face. Her scar prevents her from being brave (and trying out for any contact sports). She's too scared to face her crush and too scared for anyone to hear her songs. When an opportunity arises for her to surgically change her face, will she take it?
Then there's Fi. Fi is what Fiona might've been. Fi doesn't have a scar and is a star lacrosse player.She lives for lacrosse and she wishes her only problem was that her best friend might be interested in her.
It's no secret that I love parallel universes. This book isn't as sci-fi as my favorite parallel universe reads, but this book has my favorite factor: What if? This question is what I find so fascinating about parallel worlds. There are so many crossroads throughout our lives and I find it so interesting to wonder how different our lives could be in each one! This book explores this concept in such an amazing way!
One thing I always wonder, especially, if how different I would be if my life went a different direction at one point. It's entirely possible that I could be an entirely different person! That's the case with Fiona and Fi. They're the same girl, but they are completely different. They each have different talents, interests, personalities, and lives. Fiona is a songwriter, Fi loves lacrosse. Fiona is shy, Fi is more outspoken. It's just amazing how different someone could be if lives were led a different direction!
I loved seeing the differences between the two universes, but I also loved seeing how they connected. Fiona/Fi's stories were different, obviously, and their two lives were different, but the surroundings had similarities. One main factor that I loved was how both of them had the same people in their lives somehow. Fiona's best friend was just an annoying class partner to Fi, but there were others who were always there and I liked that. It gives the idea that the same people revolve in all of your lives.
I know I'm raving about this book, so now here comes the part that I wasn't a fan of. This book follows Fiona//Fi for 3 years (last two years of high school and first year of college. While I liked seeing how their lives went, it was told in a way that we were following their lives. I don't want to say it was uneventful, because there were big moments, but it wasn't enormously exciting. Still liked it, but it's what prevented me from giving this book a 5/5.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was an amazing book! I love how the question of "What if?" was addressed and I found the two stories fascinating! This book was a bit slow-going due to the format, but it's still a great read! I strongly recommend it and I look forward to any books Moriah McStay writes in the future!
MY THOUGHTS
This book was on of my most anticipated releases of the year, so I had high expectations. This book wasn't as groundbreaking as I expected, but I still loved it!
Ever since an accident at the zoo when she was a child, Fiona has had a large scar running across her face. Her scar prevents her from being brave (and trying out for any contact sports). She's too scared to face her crush and too scared for anyone to hear her songs. When an opportunity arises for her to surgically change her face, will she take it?
Then there's Fi. Fi is what Fiona might've been. Fi doesn't have a scar and is a star lacrosse player.She lives for lacrosse and she wishes her only problem was that her best friend might be interested in her.
It's no secret that I love parallel universes. This book isn't as sci-fi as my favorite parallel universe reads, but this book has my favorite factor: What if? This question is what I find so fascinating about parallel worlds. There are so many crossroads throughout our lives and I find it so interesting to wonder how different our lives could be in each one! This book explores this concept in such an amazing way!
One thing I always wonder, especially, if how different I would be if my life went a different direction at one point. It's entirely possible that I could be an entirely different person! That's the case with Fiona and Fi. They're the same girl, but they are completely different. They each have different talents, interests, personalities, and lives. Fiona is a songwriter, Fi loves lacrosse. Fiona is shy, Fi is more outspoken. It's just amazing how different someone could be if lives were led a different direction!
I loved seeing the differences between the two universes, but I also loved seeing how they connected. Fiona/Fi's stories were different, obviously, and their two lives were different, but the surroundings had similarities. One main factor that I loved was how both of them had the same people in their lives somehow. Fiona's best friend was just an annoying class partner to Fi, but there were others who were always there and I liked that. It gives the idea that the same people revolve in all of your lives.
I know I'm raving about this book, so now here comes the part that I wasn't a fan of. This book follows Fiona//Fi for 3 years (last two years of high school and first year of college. While I liked seeing how their lives went, it was told in a way that we were following their lives. I don't want to say it was uneventful, because there were big moments, but it wasn't enormously exciting. Still liked it, but it's what prevented me from giving this book a 5/5.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was an amazing book! I love how the question of "What if?" was addressed and I found the two stories fascinating! This book was a bit slow-going due to the format, but it's still a great read! I strongly recommend it and I look forward to any books Moriah McStay writes in the future!
March 19, 2015
As a teenager about to enter University, I'm (as per right of passage) destined to ask the "what if's" questions. One does not go through life without asking themselves "What if that didn't happen?" or "What if I had handled that differently?" There are so many 'what if's' we can ask ourselves, it's a wonder we can still find the strength to live with the 'What is' and not continuously worry about the 'What if's' every second of everyday. As someone whose in the position of questioning every decision and the possible implications of each one, I found myself not being able to put down Moriah McStay's beautiful debut.
With University applications, deadlines and graduation approaching i'm constantly plagued with the fear of making a wrong choice and looking back down the road and wondering 'What if...' Because of this I found it incredibly easy to connect with the central themes of this one.
Everything That Makes You tells the story of young Fiona Doyle, who at age five had an accident at a zoo that resulted in her having scars on one side of her face. She chooses to define herself by her scars; going as far as avoiding all mirrors and refusing to be the centre of attention for any given reason. She's quiet and has a small group of friends that understand her troubles. She's a gifted song writer but refuses to perform her songs in public and she's got a crush on one of the most popular boys in her school, lacrosse player Trent, but she lacks the courage to do anything about it.
Since Everything That Makes You's central theme is the question 'What if' we're introduced to Fi Doyle in alternating chapters. Fi never had the accident that gave Fiona her scars. Instead, Fi happens to be best friends with Trent, a friendship that formed from their mutual love and obsession with Lacrosse. Fi is easily defined by the sport, and while those around her don't see Lacrosse as a potential career option, it's all Fi really knows. When Fi has an accident that forces her to stop Lacrosse, she's faced with the ever troubling question 'What defines me now?'
Told in alternating chapters between Fiona and Fi, Everything That Makes You tells the story of both girls and their separate journeys of self discovery.
One of the aspects I really loved that Moriah McStay included in Everything That Makes You was the overlap between Fi and Fiona's lives. From characters like Trent and Marcus to the moleskin notebooks and café, there are some things that are inevitably meant to be in both Fi and Fiona's paths. Whether they play a small or large role is up for Fi and Fiona to decide. While Fi and Fiona go on two very separate journey's,both girl's lives are touched by tragedy and grief. Moriah McStay really highlighted the fact that no life can ever be perfect or easy. Everyone's forced into reality at some point. This was one of my favourite aspects of the novel as with our own 'What if's' we're constantly thinking that if things had happened a different way or we'd made a different choice, our lives we be so much easier. When in reality, there is no way we can ever really know that. I loved how Moriah McStay made that excruciatingly evident with Fi and Fiona stories.
Another big theme Moriah McStay tackles with her debut? Self-love. Fi and Fiona face so many struggles. While they both have issues with their confidence, watching Fi and Fiona really come into their own and learn to embrace themselves, their choices and who they are inside was incredibly beautiful. At the end of Everything That Makes You, Fi and Fiona's lives couldn't be more different but they both reach a wonderful character arc of acceptance and understanding of who they are.
Moriah McStay impressed me with her wonderful debut, Everything That Makes You. This one is bound to make you feel all the feels. With her beautiful themes, characters and life lessons, it's impossible to make it through this book without have it touch a little part of your heart.
With University applications, deadlines and graduation approaching i'm constantly plagued with the fear of making a wrong choice and looking back down the road and wondering 'What if...' Because of this I found it incredibly easy to connect with the central themes of this one.
Everything That Makes You tells the story of young Fiona Doyle, who at age five had an accident at a zoo that resulted in her having scars on one side of her face. She chooses to define herself by her scars; going as far as avoiding all mirrors and refusing to be the centre of attention for any given reason. She's quiet and has a small group of friends that understand her troubles. She's a gifted song writer but refuses to perform her songs in public and she's got a crush on one of the most popular boys in her school, lacrosse player Trent, but she lacks the courage to do anything about it.
Since Everything That Makes You's central theme is the question 'What if' we're introduced to Fi Doyle in alternating chapters. Fi never had the accident that gave Fiona her scars. Instead, Fi happens to be best friends with Trent, a friendship that formed from their mutual love and obsession with Lacrosse. Fi is easily defined by the sport, and while those around her don't see Lacrosse as a potential career option, it's all Fi really knows. When Fi has an accident that forces her to stop Lacrosse, she's faced with the ever troubling question 'What defines me now?'
Told in alternating chapters between Fiona and Fi, Everything That Makes You tells the story of both girls and their separate journeys of self discovery.
One of the aspects I really loved that Moriah McStay included in Everything That Makes You was the overlap between Fi and Fiona's lives. From characters like Trent and Marcus to the moleskin notebooks and café, there are some things that are inevitably meant to be in both Fi and Fiona's paths. Whether they play a small or large role is up for Fi and Fiona to decide. While Fi and Fiona go on two very separate journey's,both girl's lives are touched by tragedy and grief. Moriah McStay really highlighted the fact that no life can ever be perfect or easy. Everyone's forced into reality at some point. This was one of my favourite aspects of the novel as with our own 'What if's' we're constantly thinking that if things had happened a different way or we'd made a different choice, our lives we be so much easier. When in reality, there is no way we can ever really know that. I loved how Moriah McStay made that excruciatingly evident with Fi and Fiona stories.
Another big theme Moriah McStay tackles with her debut? Self-love. Fi and Fiona face so many struggles. While they both have issues with their confidence, watching Fi and Fiona really come into their own and learn to embrace themselves, their choices and who they are inside was incredibly beautiful. At the end of Everything That Makes You, Fi and Fiona's lives couldn't be more different but they both reach a wonderful character arc of acceptance and understanding of who they are.
Moriah McStay impressed me with her wonderful debut, Everything That Makes You. This one is bound to make you feel all the feels. With her beautiful themes, characters and life lessons, it's impossible to make it through this book without have it touch a little part of your heart.
January 5, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5 (blast goodreads and their lack of decimal ratings)
January 7, 2015
Okay first I have to give Moriah a hug KUDOS for the cover. I loved it and it fits the story perfectly.
This review is going to be so hard for me to write without spoilers because I loved how everything flowed so smooth together and you get two stories for the price of one. This is a story that had me crying and laughing because it is about the what if's for one girl and I felt for her because Lord knows I have had days like that where I say what if I did this differently.
Fiona is our main character. She was scarred on her face as a child and she is tired of everyone always having pity for her and wanting to help her. She is scarred not crippled but people just flock to her so she starts to write down her thoughts of what if and this is where we get Fi who is perfect and scare free. She is care free and plays Lacrosse and goes to a great college but even Fi has something happen to her and she must deal with that.
Would she rather be Fi or Fiona? What happens when the rubber burns the road? Who will Fiona choose reality or make believe. Sometimes it is easier to have a made up life than face the pain and hurt. This is a must read! You have to see what happens to Fiona and Fi.
This review is going to be so hard for me to write without spoilers because I loved how everything flowed so smooth together and you get two stories for the price of one. This is a story that had me crying and laughing because it is about the what if's for one girl and I felt for her because Lord knows I have had days like that where I say what if I did this differently.
Fiona is our main character. She was scarred on her face as a child and she is tired of everyone always having pity for her and wanting to help her. She is scarred not crippled but people just flock to her so she starts to write down her thoughts of what if and this is where we get Fi who is perfect and scare free. She is care free and plays Lacrosse and goes to a great college but even Fi has something happen to her and she must deal with that.
Would she rather be Fi or Fiona? What happens when the rubber burns the road? Who will Fiona choose reality or make believe. Sometimes it is easier to have a made up life than face the pain and hurt. This is a must read! You have to see what happens to Fiona and Fi.
February 6, 2015
3.5 stars
Video review coming! Very conflicted about this book. It's going to be very difficult to put it into words. On one hand I liked it, on another hand I felt it wasn't executed very well. Maybe when I do my review tomorrow, after sleeping, it will make more sense in my head. But other than the shakiness of the two perspectives, I loved everything else in this!
Video review coming! Very conflicted about this book. It's going to be very difficult to put it into words. On one hand I liked it, on another hand I felt it wasn't executed very well. Maybe when I do my review tomorrow, after sleeping, it will make more sense in my head. But other than the shakiness of the two perspectives, I loved everything else in this!
May 4, 2014
Everything That Makes You is an inspiring exploration of destiny, strength, and the power of human connection. I loved Moriah McStay's spot-on dialogue and strong characters. A striking debut!
July 12, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
This debut novel has a lot going on, and it endeavors to tackle a lot of hefty topics. On the book's menu, we've got: a childhood accident leaving scarring/physical disfigurement, serious illness, guilt, grief, sports injuries, college life, self esteem, self doubt, self discovery, embracing one's flaws and complicated sibling and parental relationships. All these themes have been portrayed in a fairly realistic and raw manner.
Underlying all the issues is the basic "what if" concept. And this I like very much. The idea that who we are is a collection of moments and experiences. Taking even one key experience away could potentially change us in radical ways. What if we'd chosen a different path, done that ONE thing differently, we wouldn't be who we are today. We'd be someone else.
In the novel, there are two alternate realities. One in which the childhood accident happened to Fiona and one in which she's nicknamed Fi and it didn't happen. Even though both the parallel stories feature the same cast of characters and both time-lines have many overlapping events, it still wasn't hard for me to keep track of both the realities. It's very interesting to see how things and relationships are similar and different in the two realities. Both versions of Fiona have their merits and demerits. Both are lost souls, both looking to find their own way. Fi is a bit more headstrong and exasperating than Fiona. Not that Fiona doesn't have her own set of exasperating moments. Still, I was rooting for both of them.
I wasn't too crazy about Fiona's songs, they all sounded too similar. I kinda liked this version of the all-songs-are-the-same-song:
When I’m inside out / And upside down
When I’m piece by piece / And pound by pound
After the stitches have faded.
How will I know what’s left is enough for you?
All in all, a good and steady read.
This debut novel has a lot going on, and it endeavors to tackle a lot of hefty topics. On the book's menu, we've got: a childhood accident leaving scarring/physical disfigurement, serious illness, guilt, grief, sports injuries, college life, self esteem, self doubt, self discovery, embracing one's flaws and complicated sibling and parental relationships. All these themes have been portrayed in a fairly realistic and raw manner.
Underlying all the issues is the basic "what if" concept. And this I like very much. The idea that who we are is a collection of moments and experiences. Taking even one key experience away could potentially change us in radical ways. What if we'd chosen a different path, done that ONE thing differently, we wouldn't be who we are today. We'd be someone else.
In the novel, there are two alternate realities. One in which the childhood accident happened to Fiona and one in which she's nicknamed Fi and it didn't happen. Even though both the parallel stories feature the same cast of characters and both time-lines have many overlapping events, it still wasn't hard for me to keep track of both the realities. It's very interesting to see how things and relationships are similar and different in the two realities. Both versions of Fiona have their merits and demerits. Both are lost souls, both looking to find their own way. Fi is a bit more headstrong and exasperating than Fiona. Not that Fiona doesn't have her own set of exasperating moments. Still, I was rooting for both of them.
I wasn't too crazy about Fiona's songs, they all sounded too similar. I kinda liked this version of the all-songs-are-the-same-song:
When I’m inside out / And upside down
When I’m piece by piece / And pound by pound
After the stitches have faded.
How will I know what’s left is enough for you?
All in all, a good and steady read.
November 3, 2015
4 stelle stiracchiate
Confesso di essere partita prevenuta, le storie parallele non sono il mio genere, normalmente. Infatti fin da subito, sia Fiona che Fi mi sono andate di traverso. La prima perché è una che fa finta di nulla ma che si piange spesso addosso, la seconda perché è talmente concentrata su se stessa da non accorgersi di niente, nemmeno dell’evidenza!
La McStay, però sa scrivere e gestisce tutto molto bene.
Da semplice YA, il libro si trasforma in un vero e proprio racconto di formazione.
Sia Fiona che Fi, dovranno affrontare la vita, quella vera, non sempre in discesa, ma, molto spesso in salita. Le due Fiona faranno scelte, affronteranno le proprie paure, subiranno traumi, soffriranno, piangeranno e rinasceranno. Alla fine cresceranno, scopriranno che la vita concede sempre una seconda occasione e che va vissuta con gioia, anche nei momenti più bui.
L’autrice ha avuto il coraggio di trattare più temi in modo piuttosto approfondito senza mai cadere nel banale e nello scontato, questo le va riconosciuto. Ha saputo, inoltre, brillantemente gestire la parte romance. Anche questa volta non si è limitata a percorrere la via più facile, cadendo così nello già visto. No, è riuscita ad intrecciare brillantemente le storie dei personaggi e soprattutto a trovare un punto di congiunzione nella strada di Fiona e Fi, diversificando però i due percorsi.
Questo ha messo in risalto come le esperienze, le conoscenze, le scelte, i se e i ma della vita possano cambiare un unico destino, trasformandolo completamente. Ho letteralmente adorato questa parte! La vita di Fiona e Fi è la stessa, ma allo stesso modo non lo è affatto.
Unico neo: purtroppo ne Fiona, ne Fi sono riuscite a riscuotere la mia approvazione…
Mi rendo conto che è un mio grosso (e personale) limite, ma tant’è!
Confesso di essere partita prevenuta, le storie parallele non sono il mio genere, normalmente. Infatti fin da subito, sia Fiona che Fi mi sono andate di traverso. La prima perché è una che fa finta di nulla ma che si piange spesso addosso, la seconda perché è talmente concentrata su se stessa da non accorgersi di niente, nemmeno dell’evidenza!
La McStay, però sa scrivere e gestisce tutto molto bene.
Da semplice YA, il libro si trasforma in un vero e proprio racconto di formazione.
Sia Fiona che Fi, dovranno affrontare la vita, quella vera, non sempre in discesa, ma, molto spesso in salita. Le due Fiona faranno scelte, affronteranno le proprie paure, subiranno traumi, soffriranno, piangeranno e rinasceranno. Alla fine cresceranno, scopriranno che la vita concede sempre una seconda occasione e che va vissuta con gioia, anche nei momenti più bui.
L’autrice ha avuto il coraggio di trattare più temi in modo piuttosto approfondito senza mai cadere nel banale e nello scontato, questo le va riconosciuto. Ha saputo, inoltre, brillantemente gestire la parte romance. Anche questa volta non si è limitata a percorrere la via più facile, cadendo così nello già visto. No, è riuscita ad intrecciare brillantemente le storie dei personaggi e soprattutto a trovare un punto di congiunzione nella strada di Fiona e Fi, diversificando però i due percorsi.
Questo ha messo in risalto come le esperienze, le conoscenze, le scelte, i se e i ma della vita possano cambiare un unico destino, trasformandolo completamente. Ho letteralmente adorato questa parte! La vita di Fiona e Fi è la stessa, ma allo stesso modo non lo è affatto.
Unico neo: purtroppo ne Fiona, ne Fi sono riuscite a riscuotere la mia approvazione…
Mi rendo conto che è un mio grosso (e personale) limite, ma tant’è!
April 3, 2016
Sì può scrivere una recensione di un paio di righe? Tipo... ;____; Bello bello bello in modo assurdo?! Si? Lo posso fare? Rendo l'idea lo stesso, non è vero? Perché perdersi in millemila parole che comunque non riuscirebbero a descrivere la bellezza di questo romanzo? (mi sa che ci sono arrivata ad almeno quattro righe, ahahahah)
Scherzo. Uao, che dire. Le storie di Fiona e Fi sono meravigliose. Dolci, commoventi, profonde, uniche. A breve ve ne parlerò meglio, molto meglio. Ma ora è tardi e i neuroni non connettono. L'ho appena finito e volevo condividere il mio parere del momento, cioè quello da lettrice impazzita. Ne sarete immensamente felici immagino :p
Leggetelo comunque, è una vera chicca ♡
Scherzo. Uao, che dire. Le storie di Fiona e Fi sono meravigliose. Dolci, commoventi, profonde, uniche. A breve ve ne parlerò meglio, molto meglio. Ma ora è tardi e i neuroni non connettono. L'ho appena finito e volevo condividere il mio parere del momento, cioè quello da lettrice impazzita. Ne sarete immensamente felici immagino :p
Leggetelo comunque, è una vera chicca ♡
February 12, 2017
Books that makes me bawl will always have a special place in my heart and Everything That Makes You are one of those very special book.
Everything That Makes You explores “what ifs” and the pros and cons of two sides of a coin. This is such a beautiful book, I almost ended up highlighting everything. There's so much things to love about this book — the relatable protagonist, great bunch of supporting characters, the snarky humor, plenty of fortune cookie messages and it's swooon romance(s).
Aside from that it also dealt with pain, grief and self discovery. It was ridiculously easy to get lost into this breathtaking piece. A highly recommendable read.
Everything That Makes You explores “what ifs” and the pros and cons of two sides of a coin. This is such a beautiful book, I almost ended up highlighting everything. There's so much things to love about this book — the relatable protagonist, great bunch of supporting characters, the snarky humor, plenty of fortune cookie messages and it's swooon romance(s).
Aside from that it also dealt with pain, grief and self discovery. It was ridiculously easy to get lost into this breathtaking piece. A highly recommendable read.
Read
December 12, 2023The story is told in two different timelines, Fiona with scars, and Fi without scars. It's fascinating, seeing how Fiona's scars, or lack of, affects not just her life, but her personality and the people she befriends. At first, I wasn't fond of Fi without scars, but she grew on me a lot. There were parts that I really felt for her, and I'm happy with the way her story ended. I identified with Fiona a lot more, from her crippling shyness to her fierce creative streak; I could hear Fiona's songs when she sang and played her guitar. That said, I found both sides equally compelling.
There's a lot more I could say about this one, but I'll stop because my timer on GR is about to kick me off, and I have cold-for-brains and just...can't right now. But I definitely recommend this book.
And isn't that a phenomenal cover?
There's a lot more I could say about this one, but I'll stop because my timer on GR is about to kick me off, and I have cold-for-brains and just...can't right now. But I definitely recommend this book.
And isn't that a phenomenal cover?
June 25, 2022
Since at least late high school, I've had these strong beliefs that people come into (and to some extent, out of) each other's lives for a reason, and that certain things happen in our lives to bring us closer to people who will make a difference in our lives.
Everything That Makes You brings these questions to light in a unique perspective of "what ifs." The premise is Fiona with versus without a childhood accident that marred her face, but that only scratches the surface. In this story, the "what ifs" follow everyone, and every life is interconnected in the parallel realities.
I loved the characters in this book, and the way they interacted across realities. Everything from Trent to Lucy to Northwestern to the Kings made an appearance in both lives, in incredibly surprising ways. I've often gone down the rabbit hole of the "what ifs" in my life, the biggest ones being if I hadn't gotten cancer; or if I still had, but my mom had taken that job in Pennsylvania and I had grown up somewhere completely differently. According to my theory, I still would have crossed paths with the most significant people in my life at some point, and I think Moriah McStay says a lot of the same thing in Everything That Makes You. The main difference is the significance of the people. While I believe they would still have similar significance, even if it was at different times, McStay changes the significance effects that people have on other people. Obviously, there's no way to know for sure, but Everything That Makes You provides a new take on the realities that make us who we are.
There's also a reason I'm using the term "parallel reality" instead of "parallel universe." I feel like a parallel universe is pure fiction, it's everything we imagine could be going on at any given time in any given place. It's a lot more related to places and events. A parallel reality, on the other hand, is purely imagination at its finest. It's all the realities of existence, and it's the "what ifs" and the "everything" that truly makes you. It's more likely that it could happen, and that it could have happened. I've never seen a realistic fiction story that uses this trope, and I'd really appreciate more of this, or more books with this realistic take. This works so well for me, and I want to find out more about different takes on this concept. Other reviewers have commented that the stories don't flow well together, but I argue that the two stories need to be arranged in the way that they are to truly show what is and what could have been.
If there's anything I would have wanted to see more in this book, it would be and , but I understand why these weren't necessarily included, in terms of staying on the theme of what is and what could have been.
I knew Everything That Makes You would speak to me, but I didn't know it would move me in quite this way. This book sums up my entire existence.
Everything That Makes You brings these questions to light in a unique perspective of "what ifs." The premise is Fiona with versus without a childhood accident that marred her face, but that only scratches the surface. In this story, the "what ifs" follow everyone, and every life is interconnected in the parallel realities.
I loved the characters in this book, and the way they interacted across realities. Everything from Trent to Lucy to Northwestern to the Kings made an appearance in both lives, in incredibly surprising ways. I've often gone down the rabbit hole of the "what ifs" in my life, the biggest ones being if I hadn't gotten cancer; or if I still had, but my mom had taken that job in Pennsylvania and I had grown up somewhere completely differently. According to my theory, I still would have crossed paths with the most significant people in my life at some point, and I think Moriah McStay says a lot of the same thing in Everything That Makes You. The main difference is the significance of the people. While I believe they would still have similar significance, even if it was at different times, McStay changes the significance effects that people have on other people. Obviously, there's no way to know for sure, but Everything That Makes You provides a new take on the realities that make us who we are.
There's also a reason I'm using the term "parallel reality" instead of "parallel universe." I feel like a parallel universe is pure fiction, it's everything we imagine could be going on at any given time in any given place. It's a lot more related to places and events. A parallel reality, on the other hand, is purely imagination at its finest. It's all the realities of existence, and it's the "what ifs" and the "everything" that truly makes you. It's more likely that it could happen, and that it could have happened. I've never seen a realistic fiction story that uses this trope, and I'd really appreciate more of this, or more books with this realistic take. This works so well for me, and I want to find out more about different takes on this concept. Other reviewers have commented that the stories don't flow well together, but I argue that the two stories need to be arranged in the way that they are to truly show what is and what could have been.
If there's anything I would have wanted to see more in this book, it would be and , but I understand why these weren't necessarily included, in terms of staying on the theme of what is and what could have been.
I knew Everything That Makes You would speak to me, but I didn't know it would move me in quite this way. This book sums up my entire existence.
May 29, 2015
I've always liked the "Sliding Doors" type of book, so I was really intrigued by this use of the scars to be the turning point.
I liked Fiona. I completely understood how she would have retreated after the accident. It was interesting to see her journey into opening up and experiencing life. On the other hand, I struggled with Fi. Where Fiona was friendly and sweet, Fi was aggressive and sort of bitchy. I wasn't nearly as invested in Fi's journey.
I absolutely loved how the stories sort of intertwined and how certain people became exceptionally important in different versions. I wasn't ever confused; both girls had such a unique voice.
My only real complaint is that I wasn't happy with the ending. I get the idea behind why it was left the way it was, but after all of the build up, for me, it fell flat. I would have liked just a bit more. Maybe an epilogue. I don't know what exactly. Just more.
**Huge thanks to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I liked Fiona. I completely understood how she would have retreated after the accident. It was interesting to see her journey into opening up and experiencing life. On the other hand, I struggled with Fi. Where Fiona was friendly and sweet, Fi was aggressive and sort of bitchy. I wasn't nearly as invested in Fi's journey.
I absolutely loved how the stories sort of intertwined and how certain people became exceptionally important in different versions. I wasn't ever confused; both girls had such a unique voice.
My only real complaint is that I wasn't happy with the ending. I get the idea behind why it was left the way it was, but after all of the build up, for me, it fell flat. I would have liked just a bit more. Maybe an epilogue. I don't know what exactly. Just more.
**Huge thanks to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
October 10, 2015
4.5
Romanzo particolare, ma meraviglioso! <3
Recensione sul blog:http://wefoundwonderlandinbooks.blogs...
Romanzo particolare, ma meraviglioso! <3
Recensione sul blog:http://wefoundwonderlandinbooks.blogs...
April 30, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more reviews!
*3.5 star rating*
What would you do if you figured out that there’s another person who has gone through the same life events as yourself? What about the fact that they look exactly alike as you? Parallel worlds, you may say—but this is a complete contemporary romance with a complexity of some tragic events involved. I guess that if you’re not capable of reading a book like that, then you’re seriously weird, because McStay has done a fantastic job of bringing readers into a completely different setting than we’re usually used to. One girl. Two stories. You betcha’. This cannot be more correct than ever.
I’m pretty sure that I’ve read this two weeks ago (about that sequence of time), and it has definitely taken me a while to finally get into writing this review. I just have no words and I can’t get the words to actually give my thoughts because this book was different. But don’t expect me to say that it was different in a bad, negative way—it was weird, eerie. Get what I’m saying? Of course you do, especially since Fiona’s character was weird too. I didn’t feel for her, but we’ll obviously get to that and chat about her.
So, so, so. This story is basically split into two. There are two points-of-view from the same person (basically) in two different situations. Both are Fiona Doyle, a girl who went through an accident twelve years ago and the scars on her face still lie there, and she’s basically unable to let go of it all. What happens in her life where the accident did happen? She writes songs and has a crush on Trent and she’s afraid. What about if the accident never had happened? She would be a star lacrosse player and her life is also going down the drain.
This book shows us the different possibilities and paths that one person can take if something in their life changes forever. Things can go through many different ways, and McStay has gotten readers to imagine these things. I guess that it deals with parallel universes in a way, but there’s more to it. McStay hadn’t written this novel just to show readers some kind of sci-fi concept that’s stealing our hearts, instead she wanted to write about Fiona Doyle, one girl who likes different things in her own virtual world that’s about to change forever when her luck dissipates for good. And to also tell you the truth, THIS BOOK WAS SAD AND HEARTBREAKING AND MY FEELS EXPLODED ALL OVER THE PLACE. When beginning the story, I had been afraid that I was going to lose all of the emotions eventually, but I never felt that because of who McStay was writing the book for—for all YA readers looking for a contemporary twist in their lives, instead of only those who can relate to Fiona’s character. Now that’s the important and prominent thing here, no?
As for the actual plot, I'll admit that this is where the issues that evolved actually come into. It's the writing that actually made the book explode into tiny pieces. I don't know—it was pretty dull and boring if you ask me. I can see the potential that it had to become into something bigger, better and ten times more wonderfully addictive, but it didn't go there. Maybe this was because McStay wanted the Fiona-Trent thing to work out? There's another possibility. And if it actually revolved the way I wish it could've, there would've been a chance that I could give this a 5 star rating. But it is what it is, my friends.
Fiona Doyle. This may seem like the name of your average person with a reminder of Shrek, (jokes) but I'll tell you that it isn't. Fiona is traumatized and has fallen into the deep heart of stupid teenagers. I'm not saying that she is one—but they influenced her. She was normal, okay in the beginning of the book although she had fallen to become a weaker and more broken character to that point, but she afterwards became a carbon copy, a clone if you think about it. The influence of her nasty judgmental friends left her hanging and only thinking about a boy in her life—what about her music, life and happiness? She had gotten a little depressed, and her friends made her think about the opposite way of what it should have been to help her out. Naïve to society, much? I just thought that she'd be better, that's all.
The romance was cute, hah, and I'm glad that it was what helped Fi out in the end, although it wasn't the best decision. It was adorable and intriguing, but I'm not saying that I'd want my own Trent in my life because he wasn't an ultimate fictional boyfriend, that's for sure. But if you'd just like to read as an actual reader instead of living the life of an abnormal teenager, then take a chance on this one.
If you're looking for a fresh, new debut of 2015 with contemporary, romance and duel-character-importance POVs, then this book is honestly for you. I adored the concept and the way McStay handled the whole situation of the protagonist and the troubles that she continued to face for the largest part of the book. It took us to a blast of real life where we're unable to feel anything around us except the characters' emotions. Forget about the issues that I faced, because most people actually loved this one to pieces, and you probably will, too!
*3.5 star rating*
What would you do if you figured out that there’s another person who has gone through the same life events as yourself? What about the fact that they look exactly alike as you? Parallel worlds, you may say—but this is a complete contemporary romance with a complexity of some tragic events involved. I guess that if you’re not capable of reading a book like that, then you’re seriously weird, because McStay has done a fantastic job of bringing readers into a completely different setting than we’re usually used to. One girl. Two stories. You betcha’. This cannot be more correct than ever.
I’m pretty sure that I’ve read this two weeks ago (about that sequence of time), and it has definitely taken me a while to finally get into writing this review. I just have no words and I can’t get the words to actually give my thoughts because this book was different. But don’t expect me to say that it was different in a bad, negative way—it was weird, eerie. Get what I’m saying? Of course you do, especially since Fiona’s character was weird too. I didn’t feel for her, but we’ll obviously get to that and chat about her.
“On February 27, she was scared. Every bit of her—face, heart, soul, brain—was mauled and mutilated. She was nothing but damage. She hated it all. Her scars, her self-pity, herself. She wanted to be whole.”
So, so, so. This story is basically split into two. There are two points-of-view from the same person (basically) in two different situations. Both are Fiona Doyle, a girl who went through an accident twelve years ago and the scars on her face still lie there, and she’s basically unable to let go of it all. What happens in her life where the accident did happen? She writes songs and has a crush on Trent and she’s afraid. What about if the accident never had happened? She would be a star lacrosse player and her life is also going down the drain.
This book shows us the different possibilities and paths that one person can take if something in their life changes forever. Things can go through many different ways, and McStay has gotten readers to imagine these things. I guess that it deals with parallel universes in a way, but there’s more to it. McStay hadn’t written this novel just to show readers some kind of sci-fi concept that’s stealing our hearts, instead she wanted to write about Fiona Doyle, one girl who likes different things in her own virtual world that’s about to change forever when her luck dissipates for good. And to also tell you the truth, THIS BOOK WAS SAD AND HEARTBREAKING AND MY FEELS EXPLODED ALL OVER THE PLACE. When beginning the story, I had been afraid that I was going to lose all of the emotions eventually, but I never felt that because of who McStay was writing the book for—for all YA readers looking for a contemporary twist in their lives, instead of only those who can relate to Fiona’s character. Now that’s the important and prominent thing here, no?
"I don't want you to stay. You need to do this. I can't force your life into what works for me, anyway. But at least I can tell you, make sure you understand—like, really understand. About me. And how I feel about you."
As for the actual plot, I'll admit that this is where the issues that evolved actually come into. It's the writing that actually made the book explode into tiny pieces. I don't know—it was pretty dull and boring if you ask me. I can see the potential that it had to become into something bigger, better and ten times more wonderfully addictive, but it didn't go there. Maybe this was because McStay wanted the Fiona-Trent thing to work out? There's another possibility. And if it actually revolved the way I wish it could've, there would've been a chance that I could give this a 5 star rating. But it is what it is, my friends.
Fiona Doyle. This may seem like the name of your average person with a reminder of Shrek, (jokes) but I'll tell you that it isn't. Fiona is traumatized and has fallen into the deep heart of stupid teenagers. I'm not saying that she is one—but they influenced her. She was normal, okay in the beginning of the book although she had fallen to become a weaker and more broken character to that point, but she afterwards became a carbon copy, a clone if you think about it. The influence of her nasty judgmental friends left her hanging and only thinking about a boy in her life—what about her music, life and happiness? She had gotten a little depressed, and her friends made her think about the opposite way of what it should have been to help her out. Naïve to society, much? I just thought that she'd be better, that's all.
The romance was cute, hah, and I'm glad that it was what helped Fi out in the end, although it wasn't the best decision. It was adorable and intriguing, but I'm not saying that I'd want my own Trent in my life because he wasn't an ultimate fictional boyfriend, that's for sure. But if you'd just like to read as an actual reader instead of living the life of an abnormal teenager, then take a chance on this one.
If you're looking for a fresh, new debut of 2015 with contemporary, romance and duel-character-importance POVs, then this book is honestly for you. I adored the concept and the way McStay handled the whole situation of the protagonist and the troubles that she continued to face for the largest part of the book. It took us to a blast of real life where we're unable to feel anything around us except the characters' emotions. Forget about the issues that I faced, because most people actually loved this one to pieces, and you probably will, too!
April 4, 2022
This book takes the question "What If?" and runs with it. Here we meet Fiona - in one story, she's a introvert who was horribly scarred as a child and in another she's a star lacrosse player with zero scars. Because of the alternating chapter POV's we get to see the parallels between their lives and how different or alike they are because of one day.
While I enjoyed the story and it was fairly easy to tell the girls apart, I did find myself having to remind myself whose POV we were in and what had previously been going on in their lives. Since each story contained the same people, it was a balancing act to keep their storylines straight along with the MC.
I was also missing the connection. Maybe because it was the same character just two different ways, but I just never developed any sort of feeling toward Fiona/Fi. I mean, there were times where I did feel sorry for her and others where I wanted to smack her because she was being dumb, but that was the extent of my emotions. And there was some really sad crap that happened in this book.
But the way the author played with the 'what if' scenario was really interesting. It's crazy to think how one moment can be so significant that it alters everything that surrounds it, not just the main person. I would have liked a little more at the end because everything seemed to end rather abruptly after the aha! moment, but for a debut it was pretty enjoyable.
While I enjoyed the story and it was fairly easy to tell the girls apart, I did find myself having to remind myself whose POV we were in and what had previously been going on in their lives. Since each story contained the same people, it was a balancing act to keep their storylines straight along with the MC.
I was also missing the connection. Maybe because it was the same character just two different ways, but I just never developed any sort of feeling toward Fiona/Fi. I mean, there were times where I did feel sorry for her and others where I wanted to smack her because she was being dumb, but that was the extent of my emotions. And there was some really sad crap that happened in this book.
But the way the author played with the 'what if' scenario was really interesting. It's crazy to think how one moment can be so significant that it alters everything that surrounds it, not just the main person. I would have liked a little more at the end because everything seemed to end rather abruptly after the aha! moment, but for a debut it was pretty enjoyable.
March 13, 2015
3.5*
This has been one of my most anticipated debuts of 2015 for a long time. Because really, who among us hasn't wondered what our lives would be like if we had taken another road, made an alternative choice, done something just a little bit differently? I pretty much ask myself this every day, so the topic of this book was appealing to me from the start.
Some things worked, and a few didn't. Overall, I liked the book, and I really only had one actual issue with it.
The Good:
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of Fiona and Fi. Neither was always likable, but I mean, neither is anyone else. Both Fionas had a habit of feeling bad for themselves and wallowing a bit, but no one is perfect, and I probably would have felt sorry for myself too. But apart from that, they were quite different people, though they shared some similar characteristics. It kind of brought up the nature versus nurture debate, and whether our experiences define us.
The secondary characters were intriguing too, since a lot of them overlapped in both Fionas' lives. But as she was different, so were they. I then started questioning the impact and influence of those around us on our personalities.
The plot was (predictably) character driven, since the point was exploring what would happen if Fiona hadn't had the accident. I liked that it spanned a pretty long period of time, because I think it gave more insight into both girls' characters. There was a lot of focus not just on romantic relationships, but friendships and family relationships as well (quite possibly more of a focus on the latter two than the first).
Basically, this book made me think a lot, which I appreciate in a book. It made me consider the importance events have in our lives, the importance other people's interactions and reactions to us have in our lives... pretty much it made me question how every single experience brought me to where I am. That's heavy stuff!
The Not As Good:
I really only have one complaint, but it is a kind of big one: I don't think it is a spoiler, per se, but I will mark it as such just in case.
Bottom Line: I enjoyed the book while reading it, and I definitely had feels on more than one occasion. I think that the separate lives of Fiona and Fi were handled quite well, and the way things played out was incredibly plausible. If the "real world" application piece had been there, this probably would have been a home run for me, but it was still worth reading for sure!
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
Copy provided for review.
This has been one of my most anticipated debuts of 2015 for a long time. Because really, who among us hasn't wondered what our lives would be like if we had taken another road, made an alternative choice, done something just a little bit differently? I pretty much ask myself this every day, so the topic of this book was appealing to me from the start.
Some things worked, and a few didn't. Overall, I liked the book, and I really only had one actual issue with it.
The Good:
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of Fiona and Fi. Neither was always likable, but I mean, neither is anyone else. Both Fionas had a habit of feeling bad for themselves and wallowing a bit, but no one is perfect, and I probably would have felt sorry for myself too. But apart from that, they were quite different people, though they shared some similar characteristics. It kind of brought up the nature versus nurture debate, and whether our experiences define us.
The secondary characters were intriguing too, since a lot of them overlapped in both Fionas' lives. But as she was different, so were they. I then started questioning the impact and influence of those around us on our personalities.
The plot was (predictably) character driven, since the point was exploring what would happen if Fiona hadn't had the accident. I liked that it spanned a pretty long period of time, because I think it gave more insight into both girls' characters. There was a lot of focus not just on romantic relationships, but friendships and family relationships as well (quite possibly more of a focus on the latter two than the first).
Basically, this book made me think a lot, which I appreciate in a book. It made me consider the importance events have in our lives, the importance other people's interactions and reactions to us have in our lives... pretty much it made me question how every single experience brought me to where I am. That's heavy stuff!
The Not As Good:
I really only have one complaint, but it is a kind of big one: I don't think it is a spoiler, per se, but I will mark it as such just in case.
Bottom Line: I enjoyed the book while reading it, and I definitely had feels on more than one occasion. I think that the separate lives of Fiona and Fi were handled quite well, and the way things played out was incredibly plausible. If the "real world" application piece had been there, this probably would have been a home run for me, but it was still worth reading for sure!
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
Copy provided for review.
February 23, 2015
Thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins, for providing me with a copy of this book via Edelweiss. I have been provided a copy in exchanged for a honest and unbiased review.
This book answers the “what ifs” question that most people spend time wondering about. One story is about Fiona Doyle, a girl whose had half of her face burned by an accident that happened when she was young. There is also another story about a girl named Fi Doyle, whose face is smooth and not marred with scars. Same girl, but different circumstances.
Fiona Doyle. She has had the scars on her face since a very young age. She wears her hair in her face to hide the scars as much as she can. She has always wanted to plays sports, but her parents won’t allow her due to the sensitivity of the skin on her face. With all the free time of not playing sports, Fiona fills her time with writing songs and playing her guitar. She has an awesome brother named Ryan, a best friend named Lucy, and a huge crush on Trent McKinnon.
Fi Doyle. Fi has never had scars on her face. She is the best lacrosse player in the state. She plans on getting a scholarship to Northwestern once she graduates high school. She also has an awesome brother named Ryan, she is best friends with Trent McKinnon, faintly knows of an annoying classmate named Lucy, and has an incredible boyfriend, Marcus.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I loved Ryan in both stories. His love for Fiona was very obvious in both stories. It was quite interesting to observe how Trent McKinnon was barely apart of Fiona’s life was more than a few minutes and he was best friends with Fi. Fiona was best friends with Lucy, but Fi was annoyed with her. Marcus is Fi’s boyfriend, but Fiona never personally knew him. I have never read a novel that was set up this way and I honestly loved it! It was interesting to see how the stories intertwined in their own unique way.
As far as the story went, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story was solid and I thoroughly entertained and there was a few “OHMYGOSH” moments they that made me not want to put the book down. While Fiona and Fi has different burdens and struggles, both stories had pleasant, happy endings.
This book provides you with the answer to the idea of “is the grass really greener on the other side?”
I want to mention that beautiful cover! It is gorgeous, unique, and I think it captures the story brilliantly.
This book answers the “what ifs” question that most people spend time wondering about. One story is about Fiona Doyle, a girl whose had half of her face burned by an accident that happened when she was young. There is also another story about a girl named Fi Doyle, whose face is smooth and not marred with scars. Same girl, but different circumstances.
Fiona Doyle. She has had the scars on her face since a very young age. She wears her hair in her face to hide the scars as much as she can. She has always wanted to plays sports, but her parents won’t allow her due to the sensitivity of the skin on her face. With all the free time of not playing sports, Fiona fills her time with writing songs and playing her guitar. She has an awesome brother named Ryan, a best friend named Lucy, and a huge crush on Trent McKinnon.
Fi Doyle. Fi has never had scars on her face. She is the best lacrosse player in the state. She plans on getting a scholarship to Northwestern once she graduates high school. She also has an awesome brother named Ryan, she is best friends with Trent McKinnon, faintly knows of an annoying classmate named Lucy, and has an incredible boyfriend, Marcus.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I loved Ryan in both stories. His love for Fiona was very obvious in both stories. It was quite interesting to observe how Trent McKinnon was barely apart of Fiona’s life was more than a few minutes and he was best friends with Fi. Fiona was best friends with Lucy, but Fi was annoyed with her. Marcus is Fi’s boyfriend, but Fiona never personally knew him. I have never read a novel that was set up this way and I honestly loved it! It was interesting to see how the stories intertwined in their own unique way.
As far as the story went, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story was solid and I thoroughly entertained and there was a few “OHMYGOSH” moments they that made me not want to put the book down. While Fiona and Fi has different burdens and struggles, both stories had pleasant, happy endings.
This book provides you with the answer to the idea of “is the grass really greener on the other side?”
I want to mention that beautiful cover! It is gorgeous, unique, and I think it captures the story brilliantly.
March 15, 2015
Dayum, that cover is seriously perfect for the book. One horrific accident changes a girl's life forever, and we get to see exactly what changes occur. Fiona is the girl who has suffered from the accident; Fi is who results when no accident occurred. Two lives, two halves of the cover.
If I start off with the negatives, I think perhaps what let the book down a little were the actual characters. Fiona and Fi are both not the most likeable characters out there. Initially, Fiona is quite timid, and almost a bit too immature, and Fi seems that little bit too bitchy. However, as the book goes on, you do get development of both of their characters, and they're decidedly more likeable at the end of the tale. The other thing is that the actual drive of the plot wavers, and so there are quite a few lulls where you're bored of what's happening- the two definitely don't have the most interesting of lives; they're very average sort of teenagers.
I suppose that's also where one of the positive aspects of the book lies: since the characters' lives were so average, it was easy to empathise with them. I could see parts of myself in both of them, although I'd probably say that if I had to choose one that I felt more of a connection with, it would be Fiona. I did enjoy both timelines equally though, with different sections of each tale holding my attention at different points in the book.
It was quite interesting reading the two alternate realities because the sound of the narrative voice was pretty much the same, but the actions and thoughts of Fiona and Fi were so different. I also really appreciated how things went quite differently in the two timelines, in terms of how we didn't have a situation where "destiny" really played a role in what happened to the two characters. The characters made different choices, which resulted in diverging lives (although of course, some things stayed the same).
While it wasn't without its flaws, Everything That Makes You still did a good job of illustrating alternate timelines and how one event can change the course of your entire future. It was certainly an adventurous debut from an author whose upcoming books I will definitely be looking out for.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 4/5
If I start off with the negatives, I think perhaps what let the book down a little were the actual characters. Fiona and Fi are both not the most likeable characters out there. Initially, Fiona is quite timid, and almost a bit too immature, and Fi seems that little bit too bitchy. However, as the book goes on, you do get development of both of their characters, and they're decidedly more likeable at the end of the tale. The other thing is that the actual drive of the plot wavers, and so there are quite a few lulls where you're bored of what's happening- the two definitely don't have the most interesting of lives; they're very average sort of teenagers.
I suppose that's also where one of the positive aspects of the book lies: since the characters' lives were so average, it was easy to empathise with them. I could see parts of myself in both of them, although I'd probably say that if I had to choose one that I felt more of a connection with, it would be Fiona. I did enjoy both timelines equally though, with different sections of each tale holding my attention at different points in the book.
It was quite interesting reading the two alternate realities because the sound of the narrative voice was pretty much the same, but the actions and thoughts of Fiona and Fi were so different. I also really appreciated how things went quite differently in the two timelines, in terms of how we didn't have a situation where "destiny" really played a role in what happened to the two characters. The characters made different choices, which resulted in diverging lives (although of course, some things stayed the same).
While it wasn't without its flaws, Everything That Makes You still did a good job of illustrating alternate timelines and how one event can change the course of your entire future. It was certainly an adventurous debut from an author whose upcoming books I will definitely be looking out for.
Ratings
Overall: 7/10
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 4/5
December 15, 2015
A me il destino affascina, ma fa paura allo stesso tempo. Il bivio, le scelte, le diverse strade o sfumature che può assumere una vita, la nostra o quella di qualcun'altro.
Spesso mi domando, cosa sarebbe successo se? Come sarei ora se non?
Ve lo chiedete anche voi?
Con "La strada che mi porta a te" Moriah McStay ci mette davanti due vite appartenenti però ad una sola persona: Fiona, o Fi.
Che buffo, anche solo a partire da un nome o un soprannome. Quante cose possono cambiare?
Fiona è una ragazza che è stata segnata in passato da un incidente: olio bollente e mezza faccia sfigurata. Cicatrici indelebili e scomode.
Fi è una premessa del Lacrosse. Determinata, intelligente, spensierata.
Elementi che si incontrano, si scontrano, ma che poi prendono direzioni incredibilmente diverse. Il lettore non può far altro che vivere queste due realtà insieme alle protagoniste, ricordandosi solo a tratti che sono la stessa persona, ma con un destino diverso. La stessa famiglia, si. Ma diversi amici, cotte, fidanzati. Diversi problemi, fortune, direzioni.
È impossibile non chiedersi come sarebbe stato per noi stessi, o perdersi nei nostri ricordi passati. Sospirare per qualche chance mancata o ripensare ad una vecchia cotta che poteva diventare qualcosa di più. Una persona che forse potrebbe essere rimasta amica, o mai esserlo stata. È così via.
Eppure la vita è così, ti mette davanti a scelte su scelte. Sta a noi prendere la direzione giusta o sbagliata, correggersi e riprendere in mano la nostra vita.
Ci sono stati dei colpi di scena o il colpo di scena nel libro che mi ha letteralmente spiazzata, non lo avrei mai immaginato.
Allo stesso tempo...quelle occasioni mancate o sfiorate. Quel finale lasciato lì per Fi e poi per Fiona.
Quell'intendere forse... Un seguito?
So solo che gli ultimi capitoli hanno fatto guadagnare la quarta stellina a questo libro. Se siete affascinati come me al bivio della vita... Non lasciatevelo sfuggire!
Spesso mi domando, cosa sarebbe successo se? Come sarei ora se non?
Ve lo chiedete anche voi?
Con "La strada che mi porta a te" Moriah McStay ci mette davanti due vite appartenenti però ad una sola persona: Fiona, o Fi.
Che buffo, anche solo a partire da un nome o un soprannome. Quante cose possono cambiare?
Fiona è una ragazza che è stata segnata in passato da un incidente: olio bollente e mezza faccia sfigurata. Cicatrici indelebili e scomode.
Fi è una premessa del Lacrosse. Determinata, intelligente, spensierata.
Elementi che si incontrano, si scontrano, ma che poi prendono direzioni incredibilmente diverse. Il lettore non può far altro che vivere queste due realtà insieme alle protagoniste, ricordandosi solo a tratti che sono la stessa persona, ma con un destino diverso. La stessa famiglia, si. Ma diversi amici, cotte, fidanzati. Diversi problemi, fortune, direzioni.
È impossibile non chiedersi come sarebbe stato per noi stessi, o perdersi nei nostri ricordi passati. Sospirare per qualche chance mancata o ripensare ad una vecchia cotta che poteva diventare qualcosa di più. Una persona che forse potrebbe essere rimasta amica, o mai esserlo stata. È così via.
Eppure la vita è così, ti mette davanti a scelte su scelte. Sta a noi prendere la direzione giusta o sbagliata, correggersi e riprendere in mano la nostra vita.
Ci sono stati dei colpi di scena o il colpo di scena nel libro che mi ha letteralmente spiazzata, non lo avrei mai immaginato.
Allo stesso tempo...quelle occasioni mancate o sfiorate. Quel finale lasciato lì per Fi e poi per Fiona.
Quell'intendere forse... Un seguito?
So solo che gli ultimi capitoli hanno fatto guadagnare la quarta stellina a questo libro. Se siete affascinati come me al bivio della vita... Non lasciatevelo sfuggire!
August 6, 2014
(Source: I received a digitalcopy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edeweiss.)
There was nothing wrong with this story; I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
I found this book started quite oddly, because it wasn’t immediately obvious that the main character from the first chapter (Fiona) was the same character, just in an alternate universe in the second chapter! I got so confused, and didn’t get why in one chapter Fi was playing Hockey, and then in the next chapter wasn’t allowed to play hockey because of her scars! Talk about confusing! It’s not good when you need the blurb to explain what’s happening in the book!
Unfortunately I couldn’t connect with Fiona or Fi. I felt sorry for both of them at points, but I just couldn’t relate to them, I didn’t like them, and I didn't really care what happened to them, which unfortunately does not a good book make.
The storyline in this would probably appeal to some people, but I just couldn’t get into it, and because I didn’t really like the characters, I didn’t like the story. I found it quite dull, and I got bored. Again though, I think other people will like this, it just wasn’t something that I could enjoy though.
The ending was pretty puzzling to me, as both Fiona’s ended up happy! So what was the point of the story? Was the point that no matter what disabilities or adversities you have, everyone lives happily ever after in the end? Because to me that is a little too fairy-tale-esque for this story, and pretty unbelievable.
4.5 out of 10.
There was nothing wrong with this story; I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
I found this book started quite oddly, because it wasn’t immediately obvious that the main character from the first chapter (Fiona) was the same character, just in an alternate universe in the second chapter! I got so confused, and didn’t get why in one chapter Fi was playing Hockey, and then in the next chapter wasn’t allowed to play hockey because of her scars! Talk about confusing! It’s not good when you need the blurb to explain what’s happening in the book!
Unfortunately I couldn’t connect with Fiona or Fi. I felt sorry for both of them at points, but I just couldn’t relate to them, I didn’t like them, and I didn't really care what happened to them, which unfortunately does not a good book make.
The storyline in this would probably appeal to some people, but I just couldn’t get into it, and because I didn’t really like the characters, I didn’t like the story. I found it quite dull, and I got bored. Again though, I think other people will like this, it just wasn’t something that I could enjoy though.
The ending was pretty puzzling to me, as both Fiona’s ended up happy! So what was the point of the story? Was the point that no matter what disabilities or adversities you have, everyone lives happily ever after in the end? Because to me that is a little too fairy-tale-esque for this story, and pretty unbelievable.
4.5 out of 10.
August 26, 2014
My thanks to Katherine Tegen Books & Edelweiss
Actual Rating: 3.5
Point of View: Single (Fiona Doyle)
Writing: Third Person | Past Tense
Setting: Memphis/Chicago
Genre: Young Adult | Realistic Fiction
This book reveals 2 realities of Fiona Doyle - one where she had been in an accident when she was 5 which had scarred the right side of her face pretty badly, and the other where it hadn't happened (in this reality, she went by "Fi"). Dividing into 3 parts, this book relates the story about the two Fionas from when she was a junior, a senior and a college freshman. It is a story about finding who you really are, what you are capable of, about family and destiny.
I can't say the idea of exploring 2 versions of the same character is that original because I have read Just Like Fate where similar plot happen. FYI, I loved that book more than this one. I enjoyed the first and second parts of the story more than the last one because things were more interesting back then. The great thing about the part was probably the connection and the overlapping between both realities, showing that even with the slightest twist of fate, something major and tragic could happen.
In general it was a nice book with an interesting premise and characters.
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