When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk receives praise for its realistic portrayal of friendship breakups, offering depth in its emotional exploration. Readers appreciate the compelling narrative and character development. Criticisms focus on pacing issues and occasional predictability. Overall, it's a resonant and relatable read on personal growth through relationships.

Readers who enjoy When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk likely appreciate emotionally resonant YA fiction that explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell may also find this book appealing for its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters.

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk follows protagonist Cleo Baker as she reflects on her dissolved high school friendship with Layla Hassan. The narrative alternates between Cleo’s past and present, highlighting how her memories shape her evolving identity amidst numerous life changes and new relationships. This young adult novel addresses themes of friendship, change, and personal growth. Descriptions of bullying, exclusion, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression appear in the book.

Melancholic / Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Heartwarming

Ashley Woodfolk

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore When You Were Everything 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.

When You Were Everything Summary and Study Guide

Background

When You Were Everything Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Now” - Part 6: “Then: September”

Parts 1-6

When You Were Everything Parts 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Now” - Part 10: “Then: November”

Parts 7-10

When You Were Everything Parts 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 11: “Now” - Part 16: “Then: December, Week 3”

Parts 11-16

When You Were Everything Parts 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 17: “Now” - Part 20: “Still Now”

Parts 17-20

When You Were Everything Parts 17-20 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

When You Were Everything Character Analysis

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Themes

When You Were Everything Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When You Were Everything Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

When You Were Everything Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

When You Were Everything Essay Topics

When You Were Everything

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read When You Were Everything?

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Book Details