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Everything is Changed
Lifelong friends Jake and Alex are torn apart when they make a terrible split-second decision that ends in tragedy.
As guilt closes in on Jake, he becomes increasingly determined to confess to the police. But Alex just wants to move on with life. He's got a cool new girlfriend, fancy new house and posh new school, and doesn't want his future to be ruined by a mistake in his past.
Told backwards in alternating viewpoints, this gritty novel takes us through the wreckage of a broken friendship, back to the moment when everything changed.
As guilt closes in on Jake, he becomes increasingly determined to confess to the police. But Alex just wants to move on with life. He's got a cool new girlfriend, fancy new house and posh new school, and doesn't want his future to be ruined by a mistake in his past.
Told backwards in alternating viewpoints, this gritty novel takes us through the wreckage of a broken friendship, back to the moment when everything changed.
262 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2016
7 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Nova Weetman
27 books105 followersNova Weetman wrote short fiction and children’s television before publishing her first YA novel, The Haunting of Lily Frost, in 2014. She lives with her partner, a playwright, and their two children in Brunswick, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 26, 2016
Every year as an educator I inevitably teach at least once a unit in Human Sexuality to a group of year 8 or 9 students. As part of this program we explore the gender and the general differences in brain function between the sexes. It never ceases to amaze students that in males the part of the brain which predicts unfavourable outcomes is less developed in teenage boys than their female counterparts. Of course, as educators we know this too well, seeing this played out on a daily basis with the boys that we work with.
“Why did you do that?”
The subject, a year 10 boy shrugs his shoulders.
“What were you thinking?” We probe a little further.
“Nothing.” Comes the emphatic response.
Nothing is probably the best description of what was going through the adolescent brain the moment the chair (or fist or rock) was thrown through the window. Impulsivity is characteristic of many teenage boys and the impact of such an episode is the core focus of Nova Weetman’s latest YA offering Everything is Changed. The novel tells the story of Jake and Alex, best mates who, in a moment of spontaneity, make a mistake that will change the course of their lives forever. Told in reverse the novel tracks back through events and documents how their lives, and those around them, literally fall apart.
Everything is Changed is suitable for use with students in the middle years of secondary school. I imagine that grade 10 will be the sweet spot for this. With engaging language and a cast of characters that students will easily identify with, this is a story that doesn’t preach. The story speaks for itself and will no doubt evoke an emotional response in students while also providing rich content for debate and discussion. In light of this I would definitely flag this as a wonderful text for shared class reading. Similarly, it would work well in smaller reading circles. Of course, in terms of text construction, the story provides wonderful opportunities to discuss how the reverse telling of the story contributes to our understanding of the key themes and ideas. Students might also appreciate comparisons with other film and prose texts that also challenge the convention of a linear and chronological narration; Pulp Fiction for example.
Everything is Changed is a compelling read with a grittiness that will strike a chord with adolescent readers. I imagine that many of these readers will find its accuracy haunting, as they will no doubt draw parallels between Jake and Alex and their own experiences.
Tanya Grech Welden
“Why did you do that?”
The subject, a year 10 boy shrugs his shoulders.
“What were you thinking?” We probe a little further.
“Nothing.” Comes the emphatic response.
Nothing is probably the best description of what was going through the adolescent brain the moment the chair (or fist or rock) was thrown through the window. Impulsivity is characteristic of many teenage boys and the impact of such an episode is the core focus of Nova Weetman’s latest YA offering Everything is Changed. The novel tells the story of Jake and Alex, best mates who, in a moment of spontaneity, make a mistake that will change the course of their lives forever. Told in reverse the novel tracks back through events and documents how their lives, and those around them, literally fall apart.
Everything is Changed is suitable for use with students in the middle years of secondary school. I imagine that grade 10 will be the sweet spot for this. With engaging language and a cast of characters that students will easily identify with, this is a story that doesn’t preach. The story speaks for itself and will no doubt evoke an emotional response in students while also providing rich content for debate and discussion. In light of this I would definitely flag this as a wonderful text for shared class reading. Similarly, it would work well in smaller reading circles. Of course, in terms of text construction, the story provides wonderful opportunities to discuss how the reverse telling of the story contributes to our understanding of the key themes and ideas. Students might also appreciate comparisons with other film and prose texts that also challenge the convention of a linear and chronological narration; Pulp Fiction for example.
Everything is Changed is a compelling read with a grittiness that will strike a chord with adolescent readers. I imagine that many of these readers will find its accuracy haunting, as they will no doubt draw parallels between Jake and Alex and their own experiences.
Tanya Grech Welden
November 3, 2016
Before the accident, Jake and Alex had been raised in a leafy, family oriented suburb of Melbourne. Jake lives with his single mother in a small unit, working long hours as a nurse to provide Jake with a bright future he would otherwise have never been afforded, Science being his chosen field of study. Alex is about to embark on a new adventure, moving to an affluent suburb, a new home and a private school education, while leaving Jake and new girlfriend Ellie behind. Regrettably. Until the accident.
Two very distinct characters who both endeavour to overcome grief and in Alex's case, culpability. Jake's internal struggle with his guilt felt incredibly honest and genuine. His grief is palpable as he copes with the aftermath of the accident and feelings of isolation as Alex begins to distance himself both physically and emotionally. It soon becomes apparent that Jake harbours feelings for Alex's girlfriend, the two having bonded over Alex's departure and becoming close friends in his absence.
Alex wants to forget the accident and Jake is the constant reminder Alex is determined to distance himself from. Alex felt incredibly narcissistic and seemingly only cared for himself while under his flawless exterior he was terrified of repercussions, escaping into his new life, new friends and abandoned twelve years of friendship.
Although the storyline was captivating, the regressive storyline didn't allow for me to connect with either character, as the reader is unaware exactly what the referred to accident is, or how it was caused. As the storyline regressed, I felt myself holding back from an emotional connection until learning what role Alex and Jake had played, not committing to either character as an emotional defence.
The most intriguing aspect was the difference in emotion from both Alex and Jake and how each young man dealt with his internal struggle. Their twelve year friendship has left the boys heavily influenced by one another, but the introduction of distance, environment and socioeconomic factors also seemingly factored into their individual reactions and ongoing turmoil. As the boys drift apart, it's Alex's girlfriend Ellie who becomes the link that ties their lives together. The storyline begins with a single narrative from Ellie's point of view, but it lacked an emotional impact which may have been more effective as an epilogue.
Alex and Jake have always been inseparable, until their drunken stupor and a night that will have repercussions for them both. Everything Has Changed is captivating and intelligent with a unique narrative from the accident, then regressing throughout both Alex and Jake's lives. Refreshing and wonderfully written from the male perspective as a multifaceted narration dealing with the emotional struggle between grief and guilt.
Two very distinct characters who both endeavour to overcome grief and in Alex's case, culpability. Jake's internal struggle with his guilt felt incredibly honest and genuine. His grief is palpable as he copes with the aftermath of the accident and feelings of isolation as Alex begins to distance himself both physically and emotionally. It soon becomes apparent that Jake harbours feelings for Alex's girlfriend, the two having bonded over Alex's departure and becoming close friends in his absence.
Alex wants to forget the accident and Jake is the constant reminder Alex is determined to distance himself from. Alex felt incredibly narcissistic and seemingly only cared for himself while under his flawless exterior he was terrified of repercussions, escaping into his new life, new friends and abandoned twelve years of friendship.
Although the storyline was captivating, the regressive storyline didn't allow for me to connect with either character, as the reader is unaware exactly what the referred to accident is, or how it was caused. As the storyline regressed, I felt myself holding back from an emotional connection until learning what role Alex and Jake had played, not committing to either character as an emotional defence.
The most intriguing aspect was the difference in emotion from both Alex and Jake and how each young man dealt with his internal struggle. Their twelve year friendship has left the boys heavily influenced by one another, but the introduction of distance, environment and socioeconomic factors also seemingly factored into their individual reactions and ongoing turmoil. As the boys drift apart, it's Alex's girlfriend Ellie who becomes the link that ties their lives together. The storyline begins with a single narrative from Ellie's point of view, but it lacked an emotional impact which may have been more effective as an epilogue.
Alex and Jake have always been inseparable, until their drunken stupor and a night that will have repercussions for them both. Everything Has Changed is captivating and intelligent with a unique narrative from the accident, then regressing throughout both Alex and Jake's lives. Refreshing and wonderfully written from the male perspective as a multifaceted narration dealing with the emotional struggle between grief and guilt.
August 16, 2017
This is so achy breaky my little heart. So much sorrow.
And there's the whole backwards thing. Which makes it even more of a challenging read.
But basically I hurts. Lots.
And there's the whole backwards thing. Which makes it even more of a challenging read.
But basically I hurts. Lots.
September 23, 2016
This is how good this book is: swans are playing the cats tonight, and I have had my head in this novel since I picked it up after dinner. Fortunately at third time when I finished the Swannies are up!
With my bookseller hat on, the three things I love about Nova's new novel 1) enthralling story relayed in reverse 2) well drawn teen male characters 3) suspense without gratuitous language or violence
This will appeal to less regular readers, which in mid teens (esp male) is a tough audience. Congrats Nova on your amazing 2016 offerings.
With my bookseller hat on, the three things I love about Nova's new novel 1) enthralling story relayed in reverse 2) well drawn teen male characters 3) suspense without gratuitous language or violence
This will appeal to less regular readers, which in mid teens (esp male) is a tough audience. Congrats Nova on your amazing 2016 offerings.
October 27, 2016
The format (told in reverse chronological order) makes for an interesting read! Tragedy, guilt and the tatters of a friendship we see unraveled, and learn how it all came about.
October 24, 2016
Cinematic and devastating. 4.5 stars and full review here on the blog.
April 18, 2017
"And I want to punch him, right there in his perfect pretty face, and give him some reason to remember I'm still here."
On the Notables for the CBCA Book of The Year Older Readers 2017. The story is amazing, not least because it's told backwards. While I thought I knew exactly what was coming, I didn't and surprises kept jumping out from the page.
"I just wish he'd stay and be frightened with me instead of leaving me here in the borough alone."
Jake and Alex did something terrible and the police are questioning them. We don't know what happened that night, but it soon becomes apparent a man died and the guilt is not shared equally between the boys. Jake wants to tell the police but Alex wants to forget and get back to his new school and girlfriend.
"I wonder where my friend has gone. He's nowhere to be found in this place."
The seemingly simple premise encompasses so much more. What was the crime - murder, manslaughter, an awful accident? Why does Jake feel more remorse, was it all down to him? And could they had done something to avert it all. Or as Jake's favourite teacher says,
"You always have to allow for chance."
As the story unravels, the pain becomes acute - the boys' emotions on display. And this really is the point, not so much the twists and turns the story takes, but the heart wrenching breakdown of their friendship, and the lives they knew, all the while in reverse.
The reverse timeline is so cleverly done. As the awful moment approaches, I felt worse and worse, already knowing exactly how bad things were, and that there was no hope for Alex or Jake, or the man who died. While knowing all this, I still wanted more and couldn't stop reading their pain.
"She smiles and for the moment I've saved her from knowing just how bad I really am."
When Alex says, "Let's get into trouble." The foreshadowing, that isn't foreshadowing at all, broke me. They will never escape from where they don't want to be.
"This is a freeway. A major road that does little more than get people very fast out of where they don't want to be."
One of these days I might try a book which doesn't wend loss and grief through exceptional word craft, not so much when I read Everything is Changed. Somehow I managed to read Bro by Helen Chebatte and We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan & Brian Conaghan around the same time. Each book is as heart wrenching as the next, but all three have a slightly different take on what happens when violence collides with boys who don't consider the consequences of their anger and/or stupidity. The latter two combine racism and racial violence in the mix. Very different beginnings, but leading to tragedy and death as the action spirals out of control.
This review is from my blog http://ofceilingwax.wordpress.com/201...
April 15, 2019
Everything is Changed is an interesting take on a story like this. The main selling point of this book is the fact that it is told in reverse and from two different points of view. This could occasionally be challenging to keep track of when reading but it also made the book stand out against some other YA ones I’ve read recently.
Alex and Jake have two very different points of view, which makes it good to see the different sides of the story. It is pretty hard sometimes to keep track of who is the character telling the story until one detail that might be in that chapter, but it still at the same time means that we don’t always have the same character saying the same thing.
Being told in reverse. This is the main point of this book and I commend the author for doing this. Because this is a crime mystery, it means that without revealing anything we go from when they get arrested back, so it’s all about figuring out why they got there. This is great because it meant that we the reader could see the journey but in a whole different way and this overall made this book different from the rest and made it really interesting.
Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book before I read it but I really do. I think that it got confusing of character prospective every so often but this can be easily overlooked for the way that this book was written and the storyline it has. Well deserved 4 stars, very close to 5!
Alex and Jake have two very different points of view, which makes it good to see the different sides of the story. It is pretty hard sometimes to keep track of who is the character telling the story until one detail that might be in that chapter, but it still at the same time means that we don’t always have the same character saying the same thing.
Being told in reverse. This is the main point of this book and I commend the author for doing this. Because this is a crime mystery, it means that without revealing anything we go from when they get arrested back, so it’s all about figuring out why they got there. This is great because it meant that we the reader could see the journey but in a whole different way and this overall made this book different from the rest and made it really interesting.
Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book before I read it but I really do. I think that it got confusing of character prospective every so often but this can be easily overlooked for the way that this book was written and the storyline it has. Well deserved 4 stars, very close to 5!
February 6, 2017
One moment, one action, that's all it takes for everything to change. This novel had me hooked from page one as I just had to know what did Alex and Jake do. The clever way in which it is written in reverse kept me guessing right up until the end. My only problem with it is that I'm now left wondering what happened next.
October 26, 2016
Set in and around the suburbs of Melbourne tells of an incident which changes the lives of the two main characters, Alex and Jake. They have been best friends forever, but things change. Alex and his family are moving to another suburb, another school. Alex and the new girl at school are hitting it off. Then there is the 'incident'. Where does this leave Jake? This novel is told in reverse.
October 31, 2016
I loved this book. Ambitious, devastating and authentic.
You can read my full review at the CBCA website - http://readingtime.com.au/everything-...
Or via my own website www.reneemihulka.com
You can read my full review at the CBCA website - http://readingtime.com.au/everything-...
Or via my own website www.reneemihulka.com
November 22, 2016
A story of consequences but told from the end to the beginning. So we know the ending but need to work our way back to find out what led to it. A compulsive page-turner, with real characters that are not always likeable but still manage to evoke sympathy at different times.
December 7, 2016
So cleverly written!! My daughter and I both read it and really enjoyed it.
April 2, 2023
This story is hard for me to review. I'd say it is a 3.5 rounded up. Alex and Jake are friends and one day everything changes for them in an instant. This is a great idea for a story and I really liked the premise. I liked the two points of view and how Jake and Alex struggle here. Nova Weetman handles the two sides of the story well.
I must be a complete idiot because unlike some people, I didn't handle the "telling in reverse" so well. I knew the story was told in reverse from the back blurb but if I hadn't read that on the back blurb I don't think it would have been so obvious (there are no time markers on the chapter headings, for instance). At times I was confused because it didn't always seem to be told exactly in reverse and I was wondering if there were some sideways slides.
Maybe I think too much about this.
I felt that if I hadn't read the back blurb, I would have had a hard time understanding the story order. Without chapter markers for time, it was not always clear we were going backwards immediately - the next chapter often just sounded a little odd and because you usually expect a story to go forwards, you try to "fit" the info into a forwards story line and think it will be explained later. Then the next odd thing happens. I think this could have been set out a little better as it should not be compulsory to read a back blurb (or reviews etc) to understand a book.
The problem with the backwards story is that while I was reading it I realised there were some things that would never be revealed to me and it was disappointing and I felt that there needed to be more resolution. I felt there was a lack of resolution to the story and I felt frustration.
On the other hand, I liked that it was very ambitious and did something different.
There were some great scenes showing very authentic interactions and emotions, and I really felt for their relationship.
I must be a complete idiot because unlike some people, I didn't handle the "telling in reverse" so well. I knew the story was told in reverse from the back blurb but if I hadn't read that on the back blurb I don't think it would have been so obvious (there are no time markers on the chapter headings, for instance). At times I was confused because it didn't always seem to be told exactly in reverse and I was wondering if there were some sideways slides.
Maybe I think too much about this.
I felt that if I hadn't read the back blurb, I would have had a hard time understanding the story order. Without chapter markers for time, it was not always clear we were going backwards immediately - the next chapter often just sounded a little odd and because you usually expect a story to go forwards, you try to "fit" the info into a forwards story line and think it will be explained later. Then the next odd thing happens. I think this could have been set out a little better as it should not be compulsory to read a back blurb (or reviews etc) to understand a book.
The problem with the backwards story is that while I was reading it I realised there were some things that would never be revealed to me and it was disappointing and I felt that there needed to be more resolution. I felt there was a lack of resolution to the story and I felt frustration.
On the other hand, I liked that it was very ambitious and did something different.
There were some great scenes showing very authentic interactions and emotions, and I really felt for their relationship.
July 19, 2022
This book had me hooked from the start... because of course I knew (or thought I knew) an outcome but wanted to know how we got there. Told in reverse, the story heads at full speed towards a moment which changed lives forever...
Jack and Alex have been inseparable for years, but something has happened that is tearing them apart.
It is not only that Alex is moving schools to somewhere much more upmarket than where the boys have been at school.
It is not only that Jake has been left behind with his single mother in a poorer part of town.
It is not only that Jake is starting to worry about whether he might take after his father.
It is not only that Alex has a new girlfriend - the new girl at the old school who Jake feels is splitting them apart.
Something catastrophic has occurred and you want to find out what has happened.
Told as an alternating narrative between Alex and Jake - with an introduction by Alex's girlfriend Ellie - it makes for compelling reading.
Alex is trying to move on with his life, at his new school, but Jake is conflicted and is desperately trying to work out what he needs to do in order to live his life.
There were moments where I had to really think because when you move backwards in time sometimes you second guess yourself about what has happened and when, but once I got used to the format I found it worked for me.
Jack and Alex have been inseparable for years, but something has happened that is tearing them apart.
It is not only that Alex is moving schools to somewhere much more upmarket than where the boys have been at school.
It is not only that Jake has been left behind with his single mother in a poorer part of town.
It is not only that Jake is starting to worry about whether he might take after his father.
It is not only that Alex has a new girlfriend - the new girl at the old school who Jake feels is splitting them apart.
Something catastrophic has occurred and you want to find out what has happened.
Told as an alternating narrative between Alex and Jake - with an introduction by Alex's girlfriend Ellie - it makes for compelling reading.
Alex is trying to move on with his life, at his new school, but Jake is conflicted and is desperately trying to work out what he needs to do in order to live his life.
There were moments where I had to really think because when you move backwards in time sometimes you second guess yourself about what has happened and when, but once I got used to the format I found it worked for me.
August 23, 2017
4.5 concept
3.5-4 writing
Really interesting concept - told in reverse, it starts with Jake turning himself in for committing a crime with his friend Alex that caused someone's death. Alternating perspectives combined with the reverse storytelling made it a bit confusing at first but the story kept me going. Readers slowly piece together what happened and see what how and why Jake and Alex's friendship deteriorated after that fateful night. This title could also lead to interesting discussions on narrative structure, teen friendship, and impulsivity.
3.5-4 writing
Really interesting concept - told in reverse, it starts with Jake turning himself in for committing a crime with his friend Alex that caused someone's death. Alternating perspectives combined with the reverse storytelling made it a bit confusing at first but the story kept me going. Readers slowly piece together what happened and see what how and why Jake and Alex's friendship deteriorated after that fateful night. This title could also lead to interesting discussions on narrative structure, teen friendship, and impulsivity.
March 11, 2020
I have a problem with Alex
When he gets out of jail, I'm ending him myself
I found this a little frustrating because only one of the two characters seemed to be in the right, also it was a little predictable and the plot wasn't really there. I feel like it might have only needed fifteen pages instead of three hundred.
The characters were quite believable however and I liked the Melbourne refs :)
When he gets out of jail, I'm ending him myself
I found this a little frustrating because only one of the two characters seemed to be in the right, also it was a little predictable and the plot wasn't really there. I feel like it might have only needed fifteen pages instead of three hundred.
The characters were quite believable however and I liked the Melbourne refs :)
September 7, 2022
I've read a book similar to this where it's told backwards but that was to deepen the twist, but there's no twist for this book. It was quite anti-climatic and I have no sympathy for Jake or Alex.
Even though I was starting to empathise with Jake, since his mum was so sweet.
Very basic language, which is expected for YF.
Alex reminded me of Nate from Euphoria so that was who I imagined as him and it made me dislike him more.
Even though I was starting to empathise with Jake, since his mum was so sweet.
Very basic language, which is expected for YF.
Alex reminded me of Nate from Euphoria so that was who I imagined as him and it made me dislike him more.
March 4, 2018
Don't judge this book by its seemingly grammatically incorrect title - the reason becomes evident as you engage with this YA novel, which is narrated in reverse, with chapters told from the points of view of the main characters. A dark, emotive, harrowing, thought-provoking plot and storyline about 2 teens who make some wrong choices in life, and the repercussions of them making those choices.
June 28, 2021
Alex and Jake are best friends. But a mistake changes their life forever.
The story starts in the present and then works back to the incident. (Like the movie Momento).
Thoughts:
I doubt that Alex and Jake would have stayed friends after Alex moves.
As a parent it was interesting to get into the head of a 15 year old.
I would have like to know what the outcome/punishment was for them.
The story starts in the present and then works back to the incident. (Like the movie Momento).
Thoughts:
I doubt that Alex and Jake would have stayed friends after Alex moves.
As a parent it was interesting to get into the head of a 15 year old.
I would have like to know what the outcome/punishment was for them.
December 18, 2024
Alex and Jake are best friends who both like the same girl. They have also committed a crime and nobody knows it was them. The story is told backwards, starting with the police and ending with the crime, and set in nearby Melbourne suburbs which makes it familiar and real. Does their friendship survive?
June 3, 2019
I really liked the style of the book, as it's a mystery/crime story told backward. My interest was captured the entire time in order to find out about the incident that was the catalyst for the breakdown of the characters' friendship and lives.
July 31, 2017
I'm still not sure how I feel about this. Love the format though. Told in reverse? Strangely it worked.
September 26, 2017
I really enjoyed it! I found it more intriguing because it was written backwards. 4.5 stars
February 20, 2018
Incredibly tense and thrilling. Takes you right inside the minds and hearts of the characters. Unputdownable.
April 20, 2019
So anticlimactic
April 30, 2021
The series is really fantastic. I higly recommend this book. I liked it. I loved it
May 24, 2023
School book, not to bad but though the ending was going to be a bit more drastic. Set backwards, was a little tricky but would recommend as something different ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 9, 2024
Loved this format, more authors should try this. I'm going to be recommending it to all my students.
February 26, 2017
I persisted up until page 100, then gave up it was moving so slowly and I found I was losing interest in the characters. Turned to the last few pages and read them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews