BOOK REVIEW: EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU BY CELESTE NG 

This might sound depressing but I can relate to so many things in this book and I feel that the characters are painfully real, like any family you met in the street can hide those kind of secrets. It even feels like the book understands me and my family. And I just can't get over the beautiful writing style.

Just read this this month. Enjoyed the story so much. I didn't cry either, but I never cry while reading anyhow. I loved how the author moved backwards to a certain moment near the end and turned what would in another novel be the moment just before triumph, into the moment just before tragedy. Nicely done Ms. Ng. Also, I felt the pervading presence of her mother and the sudden evaluation of her life to be very real. This evaluation happens to sooo many people at 30 or just afterward. Being biracial (Korean mother, African-American father) I related to everyone's struggles, although the father in this story is American so that cultural element for the children aren't as prevalent. Still, I too found it hard to relate to him. There was something jelly-spined about him that made me want to shake him the entire story. And don't get me started on his little mid-life issue🙄. Great review, Sophia, as always! 😊

I really appreciate your thoughts on this book. What I appreciated most about this book was not only the writing style, which was so beautiful to me with Ng's attentiveness to each character's emotions and details, but how, like you said, she managed to tackle so many big topics in a relatively short book. Because it was a quick read, I was nervous I would be left unsatisfied, but in my experience, it was very satisfying. I think maybe the hype monster killed it for you; I was fortunate enough to read this before I had really heard anything about it. But I'm glad you still decided to review it and share your opinions. You are always so eloquent!

Sophia, you are so eloquent it amazes me! You express yourself better by talking then I do by writing! Your reviews are always so well put together and to the point, I love them!

I think its a book you appreciate when you're older as well...

When you think about it, there are millions of writers out there striving for a good story that ISN'T cliche at all-something that nobody has ever done before. *A story thats totally unique.* But really, theres so many stories out there already that its impossible to not find similarity in any form. Im basically saying that cliche is everywhere, *and thats okay.* So yes, you can consider this story of a favorite child being pinned down by the expectations of her parents as a cliche. But its a beautiful story because Celeste did her job as the storyteller to explain **WHY** they are the way they are. She fleshed out these characters so that you as the reader can understand their struggle, their motivation, their fear. Thats what differentiates a good cliche from a bad one.

This was a very good, thoughtful review. I really like the way that you've talked about not liking it despite the fact that everyone else seems to, it seems like a very mature way to see the situation :)

I agree with you about the character's individual points of view being the driving force in this book. I did enjoy their separate back stories. Really started to hate the dad by the middle of the book, you know why. I understand he was grieving but that was a really messed up thing to do when his family needed him. I thought the writing was really beautiful and savored many of the sentences and chapters for that reason. The biggest letdown for me was the ending, namely the conclusion to the investigation. I thought the reason that she died was quite unbelievable, after all we learned about the family. Also while I was trying to enjoy the book and as you would expect a book revolving around a death to build to an exciting climax, the ending was boring. Makes me really unexcited to pick up Little Fires, even though that one is also "widely acclaimed." Thanks for your review!

I just LOVE this book. I finished it in like 2-3 days!!! And tbh it made me feel really sad

This story is sad, emotional, but utterly absorbing, and beautifully written. This is because real life, to me, is far more interesting. Reality is strange, painful, rapturous, and mysterious all on its own. This is definitely one of my favorite books from this year, Thanks !

Great review!! I felt the same as you on this one. I agree with your point about how the characters felt like cliches or reiterations of characters we've seen before and this is probably why we felt detached. Also, I'm biracial and didn't feel like this book offered much more than a shallow and cliche interpretation of what it's like growing up biracial.

I agree, didn't really like the book, I was disappointed. I am sad I am stuck with it and have to do my English project on it 😵

Why have I never discovered your videos before?! I loved this book, but I love your review so much. So eloquent and well thought out.

Fantastic review Sophia! You always explain yourself so eloquently :)

I really like the characters and the secrets slowly being revealed. I'm only halfway through though.

i kinda want some recommendations from you now. i did really enjoy this book but i agree it was a little difficult to overlook the parents' undiscerning approach to raising their kids. eventually i chalked it up to the 70s just being a different era communication-wise. but if u have any books with interesting family dynamics and characters u find more readable plz recommend

I just found your video! I was starting to think that something was wrong with me because I did not like the book either. Like you, I had high expectations but was deeply disappointed when I was reading it. I am literally forcing myself to continue on with the book because I am curious to see how it all turns out for Hannah.

Great honest review thank you for not following the crowd and making things so clear (and spoiler free). You earned a new subscriber!

I love this book is very emotional for me!

I felt the same way. The book had its good moments but was ultimately riddled with cliches and predictability. I was totally disappointed.

This is exactly how i feel!.i appreciate the book but somehow i cannot fall in love with it.

Super late on the video, I searched for reviews for this book to see if anyone else didn't like it! I'm almost halfway through listening on audio, and it's just so incredibly boring. The family dynamic seems really interesting and I love that it's dealing with stereotypes but I'm with you, I just don't care about the characters.

I agree...I had to force my way through this book because I didn't want a DNF plus I paid full price for this book. I wouldn't recommend this book and to 😭 over this book sounds nuts. This was a frustrating read.

Just finished 10 min ago and ran to the reviews. It was just OK for me. I feel like I’ve read multiple similar stories before.

Just finished it and agree with your review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great review! I want to pick this one up soon :)

You're the 2nd booktuber who wasn't crazy about this book. I didn't care for it either. I just couldn't really care about the characters and it was just too dark and depressing for me.

Always wondered this, but are you nearsighted or farsighted?

You spoke my mind

Wow! Enjoyable riview & video. Keep up the good work every single day. You're super welcome Sophia. Looking forward amusing new videos. Wish you a fulfilling week.

nice

PLEASE READ "THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN" BY PAULA HAWKINS AND MAKE A REVIEW!!! PLEASE IT'S WORTH IT!

I haven't seen a book that impressed you.

I have to admit that I also did not like this book as much. I find it talks about important topics but I also find it is too much cliché and at time it is too obvious and Insistng on those. To me charachters do lack some broadness as they are too much simplified and pointed out on race, gender... I think that each character is more than that in reality- altough discrimination can exist. I felt a bit deeper feeling and sandness in chapters just before end about Ludyas feelings tough.

You should definitely reread when you’re older.

I think it was an important story to read about, but definitely not enjoyable

I didn't particularly liked this book, way overhyped and the story was just depressing and seemed to have no point.

Kawaii.

Great review! I want to pick this one up soon :)