Greetings Bookworms!
I typically have no idea what’s going on in publishing. I don’t know who gets big advances or whose cover art is the coolest or why they change the cover art when they go from hardcover to paperback or from North America to Europe. Luckily, from time to time, someone throws me a bone. I remember hearing all about how amazing Everything I Never Told You
Lydia Lee is the teenage daughter of a Chinese American History professor and a caucasian homemaker in 1970s small town Ohio. She’s also dead, which you find out in the first sentence, so that’s not a spoiler at all. Lydia was the favorite child of James and Marilyn, each attempting to live out their dreams vicariously through their daughter. When Lydia’s body is discovered at the bottom of a lake, the Lee family is shattered. Their delicate dynamics are toppled and they are left reeling.
I know, I know. When you start off with a dead teenager it sounds like the book is going to be a total downer. Go beyond the first few pages, however, and you will be drawn into a beautifully rendered complex family. Marilyn and James along with their two other children Nath and Hannah each have their own experiences with Lydia that allow the reader a multifaceted view of the enigmatic central character. I know, I know. This review starting to sound like a lame school assigned book review. The book is really fabulous, though, and I can’t find Katie-ish words to describe it. Readers who enjoyed The Lovely Bones
Talk to me Bookworms! Lydia Lee is the type of character that everyone in her family thinks they understand, but nobody truly does. Have you ever felt that people just didn’t get you? I mean, beyond your teen angst years. Because let’s face it. You didn’t know you yet either and that’s a terribly unfair double standard.
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kristin @ my little heart melodies
I really enjoyed Everything I Never Told You as well. (My review.) It was quiet but emotional and just heartbreaking! I love Celeste Ng on Twitter, too.
Christine @ BookishlyB
I just read and reviewed this a few weeks ago and LOVED it. It’s heartbreaking, but so well-written.
Amy @ Read a Latte
This book smashed my heart into pieces but it was incredible!
Amy @ Read a Latte
This book smash my heart into pieces but it was incredible!
tanya (52 books or bust)
This book is still on my list. For some reason, the way you’ve described it made me think of Serial, the podcast. And I really like the PB cover.
Katie McD @ Bookish Tendencies
This was one of my favorite reads of last year!
Megan M.
I did love The Lovely Bones so I bet I would love this, too. (I haven’t seen the movie, is it good? That scene from the trailer where the dad smashes all of his ships-in-a-bottle made me cry and I was like, nope, not gonna subject myself to that!)
I do feel misunderstood sometimes. They say INFJs are 2% of the population, so I chalk it up to that. I’m a rare creature!
Words For Worms
I never saw the whole movie of The Lovely Bones I don’t think… But INFJ’s are obviously the coolest 2% of the population. Because I’m right in that Meyers-Briggs square with you! INFJ, FTW!
Jennine G.
Lucky you! I would’ve accepted this from the in a heartbeat!
Andi
Allllllmost bought this one to take to the beach, but I opted for BJ Novak awesomeness instead. Gah!
Katie @ Doing Dewey
I thought this book was really fabulous too! What made it work for me was how believable the characters were. It was so good 🙂