Laura Nowlin’s If Only I Had Told Her is praised for its emotionally resonant storytelling and well-developed characters, making it a compelling read. However, some readers found the pacing uneven and the plot predictable at times. Despite this, its exploration of grief and relationships captivates and resonates with many.

Readers who savor emotionally charged YA novels like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott will find If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin gripping. This book appeals to those who enjoy poignant stories of love, loss, and self-discovery.

If Only I Had Told Her explores the impact of Finn Smith's death on his closest friends through the perspectives of Finn, his best friend Jack, and his longtime friend Autumn. The narrative chronicles their emotional journeys as they process grief, relationships, and the challenges of maturing into adulthood. Topics include teen pregnancy, suicide, depression, and sexual abuse.

Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Contemplative

**Finn**  
Finn is the narrator and tragic protagonist of Part 1, a popular soccer player who excels in math and science and plans to pursue pre-med studies. His deep respect for women and caretaking nature are important aspects of his character.

**Jack**  
Jack is the narrator and protagonist of Part 2, Finn's best friend since middle school, showcasing his loyalty and selflessness. He grapples with grief and loss following Finn's untimely death at the start of Part 2.

**Autumn**  
Autumn is the narrator and protagonist of Part 3, a talented and beautiful writer with brown hair and eyes. She grew up next door to Finn and is deeply affected by his death.

**Sylvie**  
Sylvie is a secondary character who was Finn's high school girlfriend known for her intelligence and self-assured nature. Her complex dynamic with Finn highlights the tension between relationships.

**Claire and Angelina**  
Claire and Angelina, affectionately known as “The Mothers," are best friends and the mothers of Autumn and Finn respectively. They are known for their supportive and loyal friendship with each other and their children.

**Angie**  
Angie is a high school friend of Autumn’s who became a teen mother. She offers unique insights into motherhood and builds a supportive friendship with Autumn.

Laura Nowlin

Novel

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read If Only I Had Told Her | SuperSummary

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Overview

If Only I Had Told Her explores a man’s regret as he reflects on a life-changing romance and the painful truth he never shared. Access the full summary here.

If Only I Had Told Her Summary and Study Guide

Background

Get ready to explore If Only I Had Told Her and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

If Only I Had Told Her Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Finn”

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

If Only I Had Told Her Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-16

If Only I Had Told Her Part 1, Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Jack”

Part 2, Chapters 1-9

If Only I Had Told Her Part 2, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-18

If Only I Had Told Her Part 2, Chapters 10-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Autumn”

Part 3, Chapters 1-7

If Only I Had Told Her Part 3, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 8-15

If Only I Had Told Her Part 3, Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

If Only I Had Told Her Character Analysis

theme

Themes

If Only I Had Told Her Themes

Symbols & Motifs

If Only I Had Told Her Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

If Only I Had Told Her Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

If Only I Had Told Her Essay Topics

If Only I Had Told Her

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read If Only I Had Told Her?

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