48 pages 1 hour read

Emily Giffin

All We Ever Wanted

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin is a contemporary literary fiction novel set in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the fallout of a scandalous photo involving two teenagers, Finch and Lyla, at a high school party. As their families grapple with the consequences, issues of privilege, integrity, and societal pressures come to the forefront, revealing complex interpersonal dynamics and moral dilemmas. This novel contains scenes relating to non-consensual sharing of sexual photos, sexual assault, racism, alcohol misuse disorder, and attempted suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Emily Giffin's All We Ever Wanted delves into timely social issues through its layered narrative. Readers praise its engaging writing and complex characters. Some criticize the predictability of the plot and the handling of sensitive topics, feeling it lacked depth. Nonetheless, the book is largely appreciated for sparking important conversations.

Who should read this

Who Should Read All We Ever Wanted?

Readers who enjoy All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin appreciate contemporary fiction that explores complex moral dilemmas and social issues. Similar to fans of Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things or Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies, they are drawn to emotionally charged narratives with multifaceted characters and thought-provoking themes.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Relationships: Daughters & Sons

Relationships: Fathers

Topics

Race / Racism

Class

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Drama / Tragedy

Romance