Reviews

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

gtmommy05's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars. I think it was a great topic to touch on, but I would have liked to see more repercussions for the student at fault.

alliepeduto's review against another edition

5.0

I flew through this book, and not just because Emily Giffin is one of my favorite writers. The story was so timely and well written I couldn’t have stopped reading if I tried. I absolutely loved the characters, and how effortlessly the voice of each switched from chapter to chapter. And a book like this could so easily veer into preachy territory, but it’s doesn’t at all. At it’s heart, it’s about moral issues, and how different people approach the same situation. It’s about compassion and doing what’s right, and that’s all anyone wants in the end.

jcpdiesel21's review against another edition

4.0

I approached Giffin's latest with trepidation considering how disappointed I was in the last book I read by her, [b:The One & Only|18465657|The One & Only|Emily Giffin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387399626s/18465657.jpg|26123646], but this is a huge step up in comparison. The book is far from perfect; Giffin could have delved more deeply into the timely main issue that is presented and everything is wrapped up a little too neatly at the end. However, I found myself hooked early on quite easily and enjoyed following the unfolding events from both Nina's and Tom's perspectives. Lyla feels like an afterthought throughout most of the novel, but the epilogue ultimately makes her point of view feel more important to the overall story.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title.

thementalmeow's review against another edition

2.0

I liked what this book wanted to do, I just don't believe it succeed.

carlyroth10's review against another edition

4.0

I have had a hell of an "I hate men" week! After watching the beauty that is the movie Barbie and now reading this book, I really question their existence. But I suppose they are pretty to look at, so I won't pray on the entire species' downfall.

God, [b:All We Ever Wanted|36344555|All We Ever Wanted|Emily Giffin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1512578976l/36344555._SY75_.jpg|58025501] is such a unique perspective of a story that has been told many times and in many formats, yet many never talk about the mom who raised the abuser. I was fascinated by Nina's storyline - while still loving Tom and Lyla's POV too - and could feel the emotional turmoil from the decision she was having to make. I wish I got a little more in depth with Nina's feelings even if that meant sacrificing more time with Tom and Lyla or just simply making the book longer. I also will complain about the lack of satisfaction from the ending.

Spoiler

It would have been fine had Finch just stayed out of the picture having gotten away with it, but him showing up to the award show and giving another (in my opinion) half-assed apology, just angered me and overshadowed the bittersweet, "happy-ending" the ending could of had. And you know me, I am a SUCKER for a sad ending, but not a dissatisfying one that I don't think was intended to be sad in the first place.

Anyways, as I said, a great follow-up to Barbie , and now I feel like I need to read a book about an unrealistic man of my dreams written by and for a woman.

alykat264's review against another edition

5.0

Multiple TWs for this book (see other reviews for specifics), but wow, was it powerful! I can never put Emily Giffin books down, including this one, although this book’s storyline was so very heavy (and about such important topics) compared to others I’ve read of hers. Highly recommend.

caledonia's review against another edition

4.0

The story was really strong right up until the end when it kind of blew up and then just stranded you on the cliff. The final chapter didn't really bring the insight I was hoping to get but overall a really soild novel filled with horrible people who become less horrible.

kaitp617's review against another edition

5.0

WOW. I absolutely LOVED this. I couldn't put it down, especially the last fifty pages. I've never read an Emily Giffin novel before but now I definitely will be reading more! This story will stick with me--a concerned father, a mother taking off her rose-colored glasses, and a 16 year old girl who isn't sure what to believe. Yes, this follows the plot of an awful picture of Lyla going around the school. But it's so much more than that! It's a commentary on a mother's love for her son, the blurry lines between class/privilege and education, and the way teenage girls find out who they are and what they are capable of. God, I just loved it so much. One of my favorites of this year for sure.

5/5 fantastic stars

EDIT: oof just found out Emily Giffin as a person actually sucks re: meghan markle....just kidding i will not be reading more of her books lol

sakline's review against another edition

5.0

i think emily giffin is one of my new favorite authors! like her other book i read, her stories are raw & real. another multi-perspective book (my favorite!!) that flows effortlessly. a book discussing loyalty, friendship, trust & growth. highly recommend!

carolbsmith's review against another edition

3.0

This has a "me too movement", "rich white entitled male" storyline. Not that that's a bad thing, but it was pretty predictable. I gave it a 3, but may have been too generous.