Everything Matters

by Ron Currie, Jr.
Published by The Penguin Group, 2009, 305 pages

Reviewed by:
David Trillizio (dpt@bradley.edu), Director, Orientation & Advisement, Bradley University

        The book Everything Matters is at times conversational, sarcastic, and humorous in nature, yet 
very touching, causing the reader to self-reflect. The story examines the unique life of protagonist 
Junior Thibodeau, his family, and others who interact with them, providing a fascinating view of a 
middle class working family drawn together by their son’s extreme intellect. Although this reviewer 
does not believe this book is the best choice for a new student reading program based on the topics 
and format, it could be a perfect fit for a higher level sociology or English class or an honors student 
learning community. 
        The story begins with the main character, Junior, relating what his life is like in the womb, 
including his perspective about relying on his mother’s umbilical cord and temporary intrusions 
when his father finds his pregnant wife desirable. Soon after his birth, Junior ponders whether 
anything he does matters when he learns there is a comet heading toward Earth with the power of 
283,824,000 Hiroshima bombs.
        Other characters include Junior’s mother, Debbie, who is a worrier which affects how she 
interacts with her children, and who turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Junior’s father, John 
Senior, who went to war as a teenager rather than pursuing a career in baseball, works long hours 
that keep him away from his family. He makes poor decisions but accepts and appreciates the life he 
leads. Rodney, Junior’s brother, is portrayed as a typical child—one who likes to watch television, 
play video games, spend time outside, and participate in sports. After Junior is born, his mother 
cannot devote equal time to both children, so Rodney begins spending time with his Uncle Rodney 
who hosts wild parties laden with alcohol and drugs. Rodney develops a drug addiction and later 
goes into treatment. All in all, Junior’s home life is very complicated. 
        It is later disclosed that Junior is the fourth most intelligent person in the world. The author 
includes a variety of instances where this proves to be awkward for Junior, his family, and with those 
he interacts. While in his grade school’s “Gifted and Talented” classroom, Junior is finally able to 
find someone he can relate to when he meets Amy, an “awkward-looking” girl filled with confidence 
and bravado. Amy becomes an integral part of Junior’s inner circle through the rest of story. The 
book describes Junior’s struggle to find his place in a world that has limited relevance or purpose for 
him. He grapples with deciding whether he should tell anyone about his intelligence, what would 
happen if he did, and how others would react.
        While the book is short, the author provides adequate character depth without short-changing 
the reader. The author provides just enough pre-adolescent and adolescent glimpses of Amy and 
Junior to allow the readers to accept her continuing to stand by Junior during some of his awkward 
high school years and even frightening life experiences during her college years. The book also deals 
with coming to terms with significant personal loss and gain in one’s life.
        As the main character of the story, the author guides the reader through easy-to-follow, 
enlightening, interesting, sometimes sad, yet delicious details about Junior’s thoughts and feelings 
throughout his life journey. His description of the physical, internal, and emotional frustrations that 
an insipid young man is forced to deal with are written with the right blend of sarcastic humor, 
sensitivity, and respect for Junior that leaves the reader hoping for the perfect outcome. This work of

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fiction portrays a deep exploration of characters, including their flaws, in real places and outcomes, 
both good and bad.
        As mentioned earlier, this reviewer does not see this book as the best fit for a common 
reading program for 17- and 18-years-old first-year college students because the character 
development aspect of the book is long. Additionally, today’s students might have difficulty relating 
to some of the more complicated life situations described in book. At the same time, juniors, seniors, 
and/or honors students interested in analyzing Currie Jr.’s. writing style or reflecting on how 
“everything matters” in their lives will appreciate that this book forces them to ponder the “what 
if’s” of life. 

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