Cover Image: All We Ever Wanted

All We Ever Wanted

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Lyla's story is one that will be familiar to many but has been told by very few. Wronged by the rich, entitled boy, Finch, who seemingly has no consequences - but since the narration isn't from his point of view, do we really know there were none? - Lyla is in the awkward time of life (high school) and really just looking for love and acceptance. Her single father is making her life miserable. It is surprisingly Nina, Finch's mother, amidst sad revelations that becomes her strongest supporter.

I received and ARC for my true and honest feedback. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it as a result of this copy.

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Nina Browning lives a privileged life in Atlanta with her successful husband and her high-achieving teenaged son, Finch. When finch is accused of taking a picture a half dressed classmate, complete with a racist caption, Nina begins to question her values and those she has passed on to her son. In the meantime, Finch's classmate, Lyla, just wants everyone to forget about the picture and move on. Her father, Tom, in contrast, wants Finch to be severely punished. As both parents struggle to understand their children, and do what is right for them, the each engage in an evaluation of themselves as people and parents. A rich and timely novel with realistic characters and a relatable story line, ALL WE EVER WANTED is a very satisfying and thought-provoking read.

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I always enjoy Emily Giffin's books and this new novel was also a nice and quick read for me. This story tackles the very present challenge around social media and the impacts that it can have with teenagers and relationships today. Texting quick picture can change the course of lives. In this book, two different families find themselves flung together through through experience. The story touches on the topics of wealth, privilege and the challenges that can come with different lifestyles.

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Another fabulous book from Emily Giffin! One of my favorite things about Giffin as that her books have grown and evolved with her. While she first became known for her chick lit focused on girls in their early 30s (because she was that age when she was writing them), her writing has evolved with her and her newest novel is about a mother dealing with issues that many parents of today are also likely dealing with. But before you say, "Aww, I want another 'Something Borrowed,'" you should know that you don't have to be a parent to fall in love with Emily's new book. She writes in a way that truly connects you to her characters, whether it's Nina, the wealthy mom of teenager Finch. Or Tom, the hardworking single dad of teenager Lyla.

The book is also a little bit terrifying in that it will make you realize just how much goes into parenting in this day and age. You can be a perfectly good parent and think you're teaching your kids all the right things, but if you don't touch upon certain topics or if you and your partner aren't on the same page, things can go very wrong. It's a timely novel, in part about teens and technology, but really more about family.

There were a few things in the book I felt were a little too coincidental and almost like an "easy way out," but they weren't deal breakers for me. Honestly, my biggest problem with this book is that I wish it were longer. I wanted more on Nina and I feel a little sad that I'm done with the book and she's not in my life anymore. The ending of All We Ever Wanted is satisfying enough, but I still want a followup novel from Giffin!

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I really enjoyed the characters and their develop!ent but I wanted more. they could be bigger. Bolder. I loved all of her books and this could be it. Bring it. Give us more.

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Emily Giffin has always been A MUST READ author to me. Her novels read like a great romantic comedy and he characters are palpable. Her novels are filled with great dialogue and great characters. Usually she is in my beach bag or for a late night relaxing read. So I was beyond elated when I won a physical ARC of this novel and then was provided a copy from NetGalley (thank you author, thank you Penguin!) I moved this novel to the top of my "to read" mountain and started right away. Like with Giffin's other novels I was automatically transported into the heart and head of the characters. I loved the setting of an elite prep school and a small area of Nashville which houses both the "right" and "wrong" side of tracks. I could picture the roadways and the shops and all the characters. Beyond the setting, the cliff hanger at the end of the first chapter hooked me and never let me go.

There are 3 MC and 3 distinct POVs in this novel:
NINA - A wife and Mother. She comes from humble beginnings, married for love, had a child for pride and to feel unconditional love. As she begins to navigate her son, Fitch's, teen years her husband strikes it rich. Now in an attempt to keep Fitch's feet on the ground and to raise him as a person who works for what he has she is at odds with the money and possibly her husband's stance on life. Its the first time she has felt this in their marriage.

TOM- A blue collar, working man who lives on the other side of town. Tom is a single father trying his hardest to run a business and raise his beautiful daughter, Lyla. Tom sends Lyla to a prestigious prep school but never fully fits in. Couple his ostracized feelings with his fear that Lyla may become like her Mother - a woman who abandoned her- Tom is very strict and worried about outside influences.

LYLA - a 15 year old hs sophomore trying to shed her parent's past. Her mother, a beautiful and free spirited Brazilian left years ago, her father works two jobs and tries to parent and befriend her. Lyla is a "financed" student at the Prep School and just wants to fit in. Sometimes fitting in means -- drinking, smoking and having sex.

All 3 of these characters are joined by blood or where they live but throughout their story we find that they share even more. Nina's son, Fitch, has always been a "good kid". Likeable, funny and to Nina's chagrin spoiled. His father hands over money instead of discipline or praise. for Kirk - money fixes all.

When these characters world's collide through a photo of Lyla found on Fitch's phone, we as the reader are sent on a mission of justice, fairness and friendship.

Ms. Giffin tackles the categories of racism, elitism, sexual assault and harassment and affluence. Never does she come across as "preachy" or condescending.

While this book certainly will find itself into my beach bag and on my favorites shelf, Ms Giffin has raised her game. I cant wait to share this novel!

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I absolutely adore Emily Giffin. I have read all her books, some more than once.

All We Ever Wanted touches on very real issues. The novel shows just how damaging social media can be. I think this is a must read for Parents. This book definitely points out how damaging it can be as a victim of modern technology.

I read this in one sitting. It is definitely a page turner. Just when you think you have figured it out, the plot twists yet again.

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Giffin writes a very timely novel about sexual abuse and its’ ramifications in this age of ME TOO.and TIME’S UP. It is the story of a mother, Nina, whose life is turned upside down when her entitled and privileged son is implicated in a sex scandal.

This is a perfect book for parents of todays’ youngsters armed with iPhones and cameras always ready to take photos and pass them swiftly through social media. Can it happen to your family? Without a doubt, no parent is immune to the type of scandal that quickly blows around Nina, Kirk and their son Finch. Amazingly, it is the victim, Lyla who is the true heroine.

There is a fine epilogue that pulls it all together, which provides the closure that I found satisfying. This is a great book for a college seminar or book club, an interesting read with lots of topics for timely discussion.

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This story definitely kept me turning the pages, eager to know what happens next. At some parts, I felt the story dragged a bit but I still greatly enjoyed it.

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I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
I have been reading Emily Giffin books for as long as she has been writing them. I was thrilled to see that she had a new one in the works.
This book touches on issues that are so real for us in 2018. I felt myself nodding through so much of this story. Giffin does an excellent job developing the characters in a way that draws the reader in and really makes us care for/ root for them. I got this book yesterday morning and I just finished. You will have trouble putting this one down!

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Technology and social media are taking over our world, but at what expense to our kids? Emily Giffin’s new book sheds light on the dangers of social media, and the consequences of posting things that you can’t take back. Great read and I couldn’t put it down.

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Well, I was given a galley in exchange for an honest review so honest I will be. I have been reading Emily’s books since 2005 so one could definitely say I am a fan of hers. So, the fact that this was so mediocre is a disappointment. It is not a bad book by any means but it is not what I have come to expect from Emily after 13 years as a reader, To be frank, the story drags. I also did not care for the format of an alternating viewpoint each and every chapter. I will say I thought the book was headed in a certain direction and when it didn’t go there I was pleased. I certainly wouldn’t tell people to avoid this book but I will say manage your expectations.

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