Everything, Somewhere is a coming of age story about three friends living in Little Rush, Indiana. Written by David Duane Kummer, the book follows the inhabitants of the sleepy town of Little Rush as they search for meaning in their relationships and aspirations and try to mend past mistakes. Hudson, Willow, and Mason are high school seniors who spend their days drinking in Mason's family cabin and make plans to seek a life outside of Little Rush. Unbeknownst to Willow and Mason, Hudson suffers from clinical depression. While Willow tries desperately to get out of abject poverty and build a future with Mason, Mason himself maintains a distant relationship with his father. However, the shocking arrival of Hollywood heart-throb Bruce Michaels creates a frenzy in Little Rush that the friends cannot escape.

Everything, Somewhere is a slice-of-life tale that primely showcases the lives of people living across the small towns of America. David Duane Kummer's novel is a character-driven drama that deftly explores the complications regarding growing up, maintaining friendships, and owning up to your past. The pacing of the narrative feels suitable to its plot, and Kummer's masterful usage of multiple POV characters provides a sense of authenticity to the small-town setting of the story. The characters feel vivid and well-realized, with distinct traits and personalities that make them compelling to read. I enjoyed Hudson, Willow, and Mason's relationship dynamic and found it realistic and relatable. I think Everything, Somewhere is an immersive story that most readers would enjoy.

David Duane Kummer celebrates the power of memories in his coming of age novel, Everything, Somewhere. Both mature and young adult audiences can find relatable truths in this drama that takes place in the sleepy town of Little Rush. When high-profile Hollywood actor Bruce Michaels moves into this laid-back town, it signals an invitation for an emotional spectacle. One of the locals, a young man named Hudson, who is trying to come to terms with his depression, is elated upon finding out that his movie idol has moved into town. Remember how classic novels are further immortalized by their first opening sentence? This book will likely place itself in that distinction, as Hudson states at the beginning that there had not been a suicide in Little Rush for at least fifty years. This gives you a larger picture of the plot and the direction of his friendship with the brooding actor. It appears that Hudson and Bruce both possess something that allows them to take a step toward common ground, which is something that is worth finding out.

Kummer is largely consistent and unlimited in his characterization. As his characters take turns in narration, they are splendid when they provide perspectives from their own angle that allow you to see the big picture, which makes it a brilliant textbook example of how to use point of view in prose. Everything, Somewhere understands the demon of depression, and how it triggers to cause pain not only to the sufferer but to others as well. Hudson's and Bruce’s thoughts are worthwhile and haunting at the same time. The buildup of tension and the discovery of Bruce’s personal struggle make for a satisfying denouement. For anyone with a taste for drama without a cheesy element, this book is a must-read.

Everything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer is a coming of age story of young adults who have to face circumstances that they least expected. Almost an adult, Hudson is not ready to face the reality of graduating high school and being responsible for himself. All his friends have solid plans for the future, and here he is, unsure and depressed. He cannot connect to anyone, and he has no idea if he even has a future. Actor Bruce Michaels comes into his life like a breath of fresh air. There is an instant connection and finally, Hudson feels human again. However, there are secrets that Bruce is hiding, and when Hudson figures them out, he will come crashing down. When the smokescreen clears, and the truth is revealed, Hudson will have to make some tough decisions that only he can make. What will Hudson do?

Hudson is a brave yet very vulnerable character. He is smart, yet he is not sure of himself. He needs a confidence boost (something that Bruce gave him), and once he gets it, he is a young man on a mission. I think David Duane Kummer depicts youthful innocence well. Hudson, Mason, and Willow are all three very different teenagers, and their reactions are different. The author makes sure they each have individual characteristics that define them. The relationship between Bruce and Hudson is a good kind of chaotic; it is tough, but it is what Hudson needs for a wake-up call. The pace is a little slow at times, but the narrative is perfect for Hudson’s growth. Bruce plays a vital role in Hudson’s development, but the author never makes Bruce a side-line. He is given enough page space to grow as well and tell his side of the story in Everything, Somewhere! I loved this fantastically intricate novel.

A wonderful read from the first to last sentence. From its beauty to its cruelty and despair, David captures small town , Midwest life perfectly. An easy read that’s hard to put down; he strolls and sometimes gallops through each characters view of life and exposes both their everyday and extraordinarily rare experiences in a faltering community of limited options and small town habits.