Everything I Never Told You By Celeste Ng
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Web ID: 21334054 stars
EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng Oof, this was such a heavy read. It’s gut wrenching, uncomfortable, thought provoking, and quite sad. The (dysfunctional) Lee family are trying to come to terms with the unexpected loss of their (favorite) daughter Lydia. Lydia was the child Marilyn and James projected all their hopes and aspirations onto while their other children, Nathan and Hannah, were largely ignored. These parents were so incredibly selfish and self absorbed - it was maddening! Touching on weighty topics such as; racism/racial inequality, sexism (within a family) and unfulfilled dreams, Lydia’s death unearths the long buried resentments, secrets, disappointments, and feelings the family has endured over the years. Nathan and Hannah are gonna need *so* much therapy! This is one of those stories where the family’s issues could have been resolved had they actually communicated and talked things through. The miscommunication trope is so frustrating to me as a reader (and Aquarius!). Recommend only if you have the bandwidth to feel all the feels. The plot is slow moving, and you’re left with unclear resolutions, but as a whole I did feel it was worth my time. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Sad story about grief
A slow-burn tragic story that takes place in 1960s/1970s and centers around a dysfunctional, mixed race Asian American family who experiences racism and discrimination at every turn. The prose felt pretty detached as there’s a lot of exposition in past tense and flashbacks to explore the family’s history, so it was hard to empathize or relate to any of the characters. After all, most of the events are in the past, so there are no stakes. To be honest, this story is pretty mentally taxing to read as it also deals with heavy topics around grief, depression, societal pressures, and the weight of parental expectations. The story also starts off with dramatic irony in that no one in the family was aware Lydia, the middle daughter, was dead, which maintains a constant feeling of discovery to uncover the mystery behind her death. However, this writing strategy requires a lot of patience, especially when readers have yet to connect with any of the characters. Once you get to the end, I would say the story is worth it but it does take effort to get there.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
INCREDIBLY TOUCHING
Brought me to tears, it's the best book I've ever read. Definitely recommend!!! 100/10
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good read, difficult topic
I really enjoy Celeste Ng's writing. This was a good read and I think it reflects the lived experience of many immigrants. Well worth the read.
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Everything I Never Told You Book Review
Lydia’s life makes me very sad. Playing pretend in so many different ways to satisfy her family. Nathan, so smart and his accomplishments go unnoticed. Jack, at blame, when he loved Lydia for who she truly was. Marilyn and James trying their best to raise a family with the means that they have but wondering if it was good enough. Both of them hiding their own secrets. Was Lydia’s death a suicide or a mere accident while trying to face what is her life?
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This book is misunderstood.
Although I have not finished reading the book, I have read many of the reviews. I will agree with some and say this book is not a thriller, however, it is mysterious. The characters aren't likable and that is the point. The book is sad and can only be understood if you put yourself into the shoes of each and every character in the novel as they live their lives in the 1970s. Yes, the overarching themes of the novel are pressed into the reader in every chapter, but that is the point. The lack of communication and the conflicts between the dysfunctional family enforce the title: "Everything I Never Told You". This book is not about how "real" it is to the reader because the plot was not written to relate to the audience. The book is supposed to highlight racism, child trauma, love, parental pressures, and everyday miscommunications that can build up to destroy a family. It may be annoying, but it's not a happy book and for someone who only reads romance, this book deserves a higher rating.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unfiltered and heart-wrenching
I LOVED this book and its rawness. If you're looking for some story that could never be based on real life, this is not for you. The themes of racism, classism, sexism, and the expectations put on each person in society's macrosystem is central to the story, and all is seen in the struggles faced within this one family. I have been looking for books similar and just as emotional, though have been unsuccessful. Truly one of a kind. For reference, my typical interests include realistic fiction, mystery, social justice, poetry, and psychology. This one hits them all.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautiful, tragic, unstoppable
You slowly realize what happened and as a parent, it's a nightmare. I related to the characters, the way siblings understand each other without saying a word. The hopes and dreams the parents have are what every parent has. I found the family to be completely relatable. I was a little confused with the way the story is written, but I appreciated it in the end. The flashbacks allow the reader to know the deceased character. I hurt for Lydia.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com