Nikki's Reviews > All We Ever Wanted

My reviews can also be read at www.wanderponder.com

I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

This book feels really timely. In the era of black lives matter and MeToo, it's interesting to have a story like this that touches on race and rape, as well as class, among other issues. What I really was intrigued by when reading this book was the way it makes you examine bias. As the reader we come to different parts of the story without all the facts and yet we make judgments, which is natural, but this novel does a good job of exposing our bias. I am not saying anything is what it seems in this novel and I don't want to give anything away.

I suggest reading this book if you want to spend a bit of time struggling with issues of class, sexual assault, and race/ethnicity. It's not that these issues are the only focus of the book as the story is much more about our protagonist, Nina and the younger female Lyla (Tom's daughter) and their journey to finding themselves.

It's also a book about the elite and what money can do and what it does do - i.e. the opportunities it brings and the spoliation it causes.

It is a thought provoking read. It doesn't shy away from topics like suicide and what it is like to be a teenager today. At the same time, it's filled with love, fun, sadness, and joy.

I found that I came away feeling like the book offered a very bright outlook on a feminist future but honestly portrayed a few of the many set backs that women face today. I do find it hard to discuss this book without including any spoilers. I recommend it.