On June 28th, my friend Christine and I attended the book launch party for Emily Giffin’s latest book, All We Ever Wanted. We accidentally ended up in great seats right behind the author’s family and close friends. Her mom, a retired Illinois Librarian, was literally right in front of me. It was such an interesting perspective to watch Giffin’s Mom, Daughter, and Husband beam with pride throughout the entire event.
Since it was a book “launch” party, the general public (including me) had not read the book yet. I loved hearing Giffin talk about how she developed the characters, how she enjoyed writing from a male perspective for the first time, and how she was literally forced by her Editor to write an epilogue. Now that I’ve read the book (and loved it) I agree with her Editor. I can’t imagine this book without the epilogue.
On to the book…I literally read the whole thing within one calendar day. I think I liked it so much because I’m a mother with boys practically the same age as the stupid teenage boy in this book. I spent so much time thinking….”OMG…. What if I were Nina and one of my boys were Finch and sent this horrible racist revealing picture of a drunk, passed out, half-dressed schoolmate?” Would it be my fault for raising them badly? Would I take their side no matter what? Would I defend the girl in the photo? How would I handle the legal side of things? How can I make sure my boys never do anything this stupid and rude?
The book is told from the perspective of Nina (the mom of the stupid boy), Lyla (the girl in the photo), and Tom (Lyla’s Dad). It’s good. It’s thought provoking. It’s relevant. I recommend it.
In fact, I have three (gently read) autographed copies to give away. Leave a comment on this post if you would like to win a copy of this book. We’ll announce the winners on Friday the 13th of July!
I enjoy reading Emily Giffin and even moreso following her on Instagram and reading about her local experiences here in Atlanta!
I’m a boy Mom!
Would love to win a copy of Emily Griffins book. Have read all her others
I have not read Emily’s books yet. I am looking forward to finally start.
Sounds like good reading!
I love Emily’s Giffin! So does my book club.
Great author and looking forward to another summer read!
I love going to hear writers speak about their work! How interesting that she is writing from a male perspective. Can’t wait to read it!
Omg! I would love to read her book!
I would love this for a summer read!
Read a ton of reviews on amazon. I’d love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win a copy of the Emily Giffin book to share with my 90 year old mom, who loves to read to keep her mind sharp. Emily Giffin is one of our favorite authors!
Need and would love a new book!
Love her books!
One of my favorite authors!
I love Emily Giffin’s books and would love to win her latest!
I’m a huge fan of Giffin’s books, and would love to have a copy of this one!
I can’t wait to read the new book!
Would love to read this book. Have enjoyed her other books.
Summertime demands good reading so I am ready to read Emily’s book. Thanks for the opportunity.
What a summer treat it would be to read Emily Giffin’s new book!
I’d love to read this book as a mom of boys.
Would love to read this book and get to know this author.
I’d love to read this book —and my daughter wants to read it too! We’ve both enjoyed some of her earlier books.
Omg I’ve been following Emily since her last Atlanta event when she moderated for Kate Hudson in Decatur! I’d be so thrilled to have this book – seems very relevant to me too! Thank you so much Audra!
I have loved all of the other books by Emily Giffin and would love to add this one to my library. Thank you Aha!
I am looking for a great summer read and I’m always interested in new authors!
Would love to read Emily Griffin’s new book.
Love her books ! Can’t wait to read this one
Looking forward to a great Summer read like this!
I’ve loved all of Emily’s previous books…Can’t wait to read this one!
Would love a good summer read!
I’m reading one of her books right now!
I would love an excellent new book. Thank you.
Look forward to this new author (for me).
What a great author Emily Griffin is.
She is one of my favorite authors and I would love an autographed copy!
I’ve read one or 2 if her books and would love to read this one. She was in the arc recently and runs the Peachtree race every yr with her while fam!
Love her books and would love to add it to my summer reading collection!
Ooh! Would love to win her latest!
I have always enjoyed the books by Emily Giffin. How exciting to have an Atlanta author do so well!
I have started an Emily Giffin book collection and would love an autographed copy of her latest book to add to it!
I would love a copy of the book to enjoy on my beach vacation!
Thanks for the chance to win Emily’s newest book
I need a good summer reading book. I would love to win Emily’s book. Thanks
Loved all her other books and would love to read this one!
I am an Aha subscriber and love this author and would be thrilled to win an autographed copy of her latest book!
Would love to read this book!
Would LOVE to receive a copy of this book…ALL her books are so good!! Thanks Audra for all your prizes and great recommendations!!
I am just finishing up a book that a dear friend loaned to me and would love to read Emily’s new book!!!
Each of Emily Giffin’s books has been an interesting and enjoyable reading experience. I’d be delighted to receive a copy of her newest book!
Always looking for a fantastic read. This looks great!
I love Emily’s books and can’t wait to read this one too!
Need my next summer read before I leave for the beach!
This is on my list of books to read! I’d like to win the autographed copy of Emily Giffin’s new book!
Love her books and would love to win this!
I have heard some many great reviews about this book- it’s #1 on my wishlist for summer reads!
I’m ready for a good read!
How very nice it would be to win a copy of this book.
Love her books and would love to win this great read.
missed the event and would love to win a signed copy of Emily Giffin’s newest novel to add to my collection.
I would love a copy!!! War Eagle!
Would love to read and share with the mothers of my 6 grandsons
Would love to read this book! Sounds great!!
Would love to win this book – have enjoyed her others!
Would love to read this book! Sounds great!!
Going through some challenging times. Reading is my special time at the end of the day into the wee hours. Reading Emily Griffin would make that time even more special!
Would Love to read this book!
I would love to read Emily’ Griffins new book and would love to be a signed copy to add to my collextionb
I’m a boy mom and avid reader! I’ve read Emily Giffin’s other books and would love a copy of this one!
I love Emily Giffin’s books and would love to win an autographed copy!
Looking forward to being introduced to a new local author’s work. Thanks!
Her other books have been so good, I’d love to read this one!
Interesting topic!
Love all of her books! Would love to read this one too!!
I will be heading to the beach soon, and I am looking for a great beach read! This would be perfect
I would love to read another Emily Griffin book. Thank you.
LOVE Emily Griffin and can’t wait to read her new book! I hope I win! She’s a wonderful author with Southern Flair
Love Emily Giffin’s books! I would love an opportunity to win her new one.
I truly enjoy local author Emily Giffin and would love to read her new book!
Have never read any of her books, would love to read one!
I LOVE to read and have read Giffin’s books in the past. Would love to read this one too!
I’d LOVE to read this book – I’ve enjoyed all of Griffin’s books I’ve read thus far.