Now is Everything Review

Post date: May 22, 2024

By Skylar Soltis

When reading Now is Everything by Amy Giles, it is important to understand the book is about the troubled home life of the McCauley family. The teenage girl is burdened by the weight of her family’s secrets and the pressure to maintain a facade of perfection. “I don’t tell him how my entire body coils into a tight knot every time I walk through my front door, whether I’m in trouble or not,” (Giles 98). Throughout Hadley’s life, it is important to keep certain things to herself. Her parents have trained her that what happens in the house stays there, and she could not express anything even to some of her closest friends. The novel takes the reader through Hadley McCauley’s lifestyle, both before and after the traumatic crash in her life, leaving her without her parents. Giles uses a style of writing that can intrigue the reader to not put the book down, known as a dual timeline. This keeps the book suspenseful while also staying organized. Throughout the book, Hadley feels as if she will never be enough for her father, but no matter what, she must keep her sister safe from his abusive tendencies of which she experiences.

The engrossing book pushes the reader toward an unexpected ending with consequences along the way. Giles easily blends the timeline to maintain the reader’s tension until finally coalescing near the conclusion. The novel opens up with a gripping scene that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Hadley survives a tragic plane crash that costs a heavy price. She is left with scars and trauma that haunt her every waking moment. Giles captures the intensity of Hadley’s grief and guilt painting her struggle to come to terms with the loss of her family. With some of the heartbreaking scenes, it is not unusual to wince or perhaps get goosebumps while reading this novel.

Through flashbacks, Giles provides insight into Hadley’s childhood in a house plagued by abuse and manipulation. Her father is portrayed as a controlling and abusive figure to the girls who exerts his power through physical consequences. Giles handles these sensitive themes with fine distinction while shedding light on abuse and its effects on victims. The novel exceeds in the topic of family relationships. Hadley’s bond with her younger sister represents warmth, used as a contrast to the dysfunction with her relationship with her parents. Her younger sister Lila is only ten years old, and Hadley will take as much blame for her if Lila stays untouched by their father. “I can take it. But Lila could never take it, and I could never let this happen to her,” (Giles 151). Hadley knows how hard the abuse was when she was younger and could never imagine Lila’s “perfect” childhood taking a turn into what her’s did. Her biggest fear is having Lila’s innocence to the matter disappear overnight. Amy Giles captures the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood memories through Lila even in the face of adversity. 

As Hadley struggles to rebuild her life after the crash, she finds relief in unexpected places. Her romance with Charlie offers hope that did not lie with her before in her darkness. Charlie’s character in the novel enhances the plot by navigating the entanglement of young love with themes of vulnerability and trust. The relationship with Charlie forces Hadley to sneak around her father, and even lead to further consequences from him as he discovers her indiscretions. Giles uses Charlie as a contrast and compliment to Hadley. While Hadley is grappling with trauma and internal struggles, Charlie represents stability and support. The relationship between Charlie and Hadley helps Giles advance the narrative and gradually reveals key pieces of the puzzle, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story’s outcome. 

In conclusion, Amy Giles’ Now is Everything is a compelling story that tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and grace. The novel is a moving exploration of the human capacity for resilience under tragedy. Its captivating narrative and memorable characters offer the novel life, secrets, and the healing power of love. For a wide range of readers, Giles’ clever narrative and expressive style make this a must read.