Publication Context
Another Day was published in 2015 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers as a companion novel to David Levithan's 2012 book Every Day. Levithan, an established voice in YA literature, is known for tackling themes of identity, gender, and love in unconventional ways. With Another Day, he revisits the same timeline as Every Day, but shifts the perspective from the mysterious, genderless character "A" to Rhiannon, the human girl caught between her toxic relationship with Justin and her profound connection with A. Levithan's inspiration for writing this novel stemmed from his desire to expand on Rhiannon's inner world, giving readers access to her vulnerabilities, doubts, and growth—something that was less visible in Every Day.
A Companion, Not a Sequel
Unlike traditional sequels that continue the narrative forward, Another Day acts as a mirror, retelling the same events from a different lens. By doing this, Levithan emphasizes the importance of perspective: the same story can shift dramatically depending on whose eyes we see it through. This structural choice highlights one of the novel's core themes—that every relationship, and every truth, has multiple sides.
Rhiannon's Perspective and Inner Struggles
The shift in narration places Rhiannon at the center. Through her voice, we witness the challenges of loving someone whose body and identity change daily. More importantly, the narrative reveals Rhiannon's insecurities, shaped by her emotionally damaging relationship with Justin. While Every Day showcased A's philosophical reflections on identity and existence, Another Day grounds the story in very human struggles—self-esteem, doubt, and the yearning for stability in love.
Love Beyond Appearances
A's fluid existence—moving from one body to another regardless of gender, race, or background—forces Rhiannon to confront what it truly means to love someone. Is love about physical attraction, stability, or a deeper emotional and spiritual bond? The novel challenges conventional notions of romance, asking readers to consider whether love can remain pure when stripped of the security of physical constancy.
Toxicity vs. Transformation
The juxtaposition of Justin and A is crucial. Justin embodies neglect, selfishness, and toxicity, trapping Rhiannon in a cycle of self-doubt. In contrast, A embodies transformation, possibility, and emotional honesty. Through her bond with A, Rhiannon learns to see her relationship with Justin more clearly, gradually recognizing that love should not mean enduring harm or belittlement.
Themes of Identity and Belonging
While Every Day focused heavily on A's unique identity, Another Day reframes the theme: it becomes about Rhiannon learning to navigate love with someone who exists outside conventional categories. This exploration reflects broader questions about how society defines relationships, gender roles, and belonging. Levithan uses Rhiannon's voice to ground these philosophical ideas in an intimate, personal struggle.
Embracing Uncertainty
At its heart, the novel is also about learning to live with uncertainty. Rhiannon's journey is not one of perfect resolution but of growth—learning to let go of toxic attachments, to embrace change, and to love with courage even when stability cannot be guaranteed. Levithan suggests that real love is not about permanence, but about authenticity and mutual respect.
