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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Challenging / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

- All We Ever Wanted was a New York Times bestseller, reflecting its popularity among readers and critics alike.
- Emily Giffin considers All We Ever Wanted a timely piece, as it delves into issues surrounding social media, privilege, and moral dilemmas in contemporary society.
- The novel was released on June 26, 2018, and received praise for its engaging narrative that examines complex social issues.

**Nina**  
A member of the Nashville elite who begins to question her community's values, challenging social norms and embarking on a journey toward personal independence and community service.

**Tom**  
A single father and carpenter who navigates raising his daughter Lyla in a privileged community, while overcoming his initial judgments to foster understanding and support with the people around him.

**Lyla**  
A high school sophomore of mixed heritage attending a private school on financial aid, who wrestles with teenage challenges, her father's rules, and ultimately grows into a mature and empathetic young woman.

**Finch**  
A character viewed as the antagonist whose actions are shaped by privilege and lack of consequences, but who shows signs of remorse and personal growth by the end of the story.

Emily Giffin

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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All We Ever Wanted Summary and Study Guide

Background

All We Ever Wanted Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

All We Ever Wanted Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-12

All We Ever Wanted Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

All We Ever Wanted Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-25

All We Ever Wanted Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 26-Epilogue

All We Ever Wanted Chapter 26-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

All We Ever Wanted Character Analysis

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Themes

All We Ever Wanted Themes

Symbols & Motifs

All We Ever Wanted Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

All We Ever Wanted Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

All We Ever Wanted Essay Topics

All We Ever Wanted

Before You Read

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Who Should Read All We Ever Wanted?

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