Everything All At Once, by: Katrina Leno

       ​Lottie Reeves has always struggled with anxiety, and when her beloved Aunt Helen dies, Lottie begins to fear that her own unexpected death might be waiting around every corner.
       Aunt Helen wasn’t a typical aunt. She was the author of the best–selling Alvin Hatter series, about siblings who discover the elixir of immortality. Her writing inspired a generation of readers. 
       In her will, she leaves one last writing project—just for Lottie. It’s a series of letters, each containing mysterious 

instructions designed to push Lottie out of ​her comfort zone. Soon, Lottie’s trying some writing of her own, leaping off cliffs, and even falling for a boy she’s only just met. Then the letters reveal an extraordinary secret about the inspiration for the Alvin Hatter series. Lottie finds herself faced with an impossible choice, one that will force her to confront her greatest fear once and for all.

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MY Rating: ★★★★★

​       Everything All At Once has just rooted itself as one of my all-time favorites. It was such a thoughtful, fun, and spectacular book. After being in a bit of a reading slump caused by the start of school, I decided to pick up this book that was sent to me in the August Uppercase Box. It sounded reminiscent of Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson, which is a book I read in middle school that I really enjoyed. The overall premise sucked me right in, and wouldn't let me go until I'd read every word.
       Now, before I get too into this review, I have to mention that I went into this book knowing nothing about it except for the information provided in the synopsis. I do think this is a book that is really enjoyed when started without background knowledge. With that being said, this review (as always) will be a spoiler free one, so feel free to read on if you would like, or just go pick up the book now!
       This book was such a great way to end the summer. It was a very fun read, but it also had a few twists up its sleeve, which kept me on my toes throughout the book. It starts off with a hilarious scene in which Lottie's family is spreading Aunt Helen's ashes, and it takes such a funny turn that sets the tone for the rest of book. So even as I was reading, since the joking tone of the book was set, it didn't ever take any unexpected turns into a dark tone, which could've happened, especially with Lottie having a history dealing with anxiety. While it is a serious condition, and lots of people have to deal with it every day, that part of the story never overtook the main plot, and instead complimented it really well.
       I've always thought it would be neat to leave a series of letters for someone when I die, and the way that Katrina Leno took this idea and used it was absolutely amazing. Aunt Helen leaves these letters for Lottie as a comfort and a tool to use to help her deal with her anxiety, which I think is so sweet. It shows the relationship that Lottie and Helen had, even though we never get to actually meet Helen.
      My favorite part of the book, though, has to be Sam and his whole arc. The way he (literally) danced into Lottie's life and supported her through her grieving and letter reading was a great way for us to meet Lottie through a secondary character in the story. He was also a great connection to the other characters throughout the book, but, you know. Spoilers!

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       If you haven't already picked up Everything All At Once, then what are you waiting for?! Get your hands on a copy and start reading! If you've already read it, please leave your thoughts in the comments. I would love to discuss it with you!

As she tries to balance reading and everything else,
Ashton

You deserve to be whole. You deserve to remember. And you deserve to live.

— Katrina Leno, The Half Life of Molly Pierce