Book review: Everything You Ever Wanted
I received a copy of Everything You Ever Wanted last week and devoured it within 36 hours. This is unlike most of the other books I read (chick lit. self help. Dr. Seuss. This was neither.)
I have never read Jillian Lauren’s first memoir. From what I’ve read, Everything You Ever Wanted essentially picks up where Jillian Lauren’s first memoir left off. She’s an adult and you learn about how she met her husband, the early stages of their relationship, into their marriage, and some of the struggles she’s faced in life – and that she is still dealing with years later.
The description of the book:
In her younger years, Jillian Lauren was a college dropout, a drug addict, and an international concubine in the Prince of Brunei’s harem, an experience she immortalized in in her bestselling memoir, SOME GIRLS. In her thirties, Jillian’s most radical act was learning the steadying power of love when she and her rock star husband adopt an Ethiopian child with special needs. After Jillian loses a close friend to drugs, she herself is saved by her fierce, bold love for her son as she fights to make him—and herself—feel safe and at home in the world.
Exploring complex ideas of identity and reinvention, Everything You Ever Wanted is a must-read for everyone, especially every mother, who has ever hoped for a second act in life.
You’re immediately drawn into her story. Her struggles to become pregnant. The decision to adopt.
I think the adoption is what sucked me in. She goes through the process and you can’t help but get emotionally invested in their story. You end up in Ethiopia as they are adopting their first son – and there’s a moment that the adoption almost doesn’t happen. It’s heart-wrenching and as a mom I just can’t imagine being in that position (even though I know there are so many people dealing with this very thing as I type this.)
Once we get through the adoption and their son is home in California, you get to see the parental struggles. Oh the parental struggles. I’ve felt the stares as my son as acted out at toddler time at the library or in the store. This family dealt with much more. A child was removed from an orphanage in another country – of course he is going to have issues. He’s eventually properly diagnosed and it’s nice to see his family and teachers really rally for him to succeed. To show his true bubbly self.
This memoir is about a second chance in life.
If you aren’t a parent, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It was released today and I hope you’ll check it out. Even better, I hope you’ll enter the giveaway below!
Check out Jillian Lauren on Facebook | Twitter | Website
I received a copy of Everything You Ever Wanted in exchange for this review. No other compensation was exchanged and all opinions are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That doesn’t change my opinion of the book. It’s good. You should read it.
What genre of book do you normally read? Have you read Jillian Lauren’s first memoir, “Some Girls”?
Sounds like a great book. I have a friend who adopted from Ethiopia and remember their struggles well!
I have never known anyone personally who adopted. I am sure this is an interesting read!
You know I love reading like a fiend. I love fiction books that capture you with a story you need to unwind in some ways. But I also love stories with heart like these!
What an interesting sounding book – definitely one I need to add to me TBR pile I think! x
I love these kinds of books about real people’s lives. I enjoy learning from others’ experiences. This sounds like a book I might have to check into for summer reading!!
I will be adding another book to my reading this summer. Thanks for sharing, this does look like a great read
This sounds great. I generally read true stories and stories about tragic things that have happened to people. Awful I know. but this type of book sparks my interests too! I shall check it out!
This sounds like a great book. I need to pick up a copy and read it! I love adoption stories.
Sounds like a great book. I like the realistic side of parenting.
I love reading stories where people overcome obstacles despite encountering adversity. It gives a lot of hope to the rest of us.
Sounds like a great book. I enjoy reading books about real people and real struggles.
Sounds like an interesting book, I would love to give it a read myself!
This sounds like a very inspirational book! That is definitely a mother’s love!
This looks like a good book I could definitely recommend to my friends.
I really want to read this. I loved Jillian Lauren’s first book.
Sounds like a great book to put on my must read list! I’ll check it out,
I haven’t read her first book, but this ones sounds like a fascinating read. I should probably start with the first one though!
This looks like a great read. I love the story outline and thanks for the chance to win a copy
This sounds like a great book. I will have to grab a copy to read on my road trip.
What a story and life – I think adoption is wonderful, whether you can have your own children or not – there are so many little ones that need more – and hopefully be led and loved by great parents –
This sounds like a great story. I will have to check it out for my next trip.
I have been looking for new books to read! This one looks great.
This looks like a good read. I’ll have to check it out!
i’m all over the map with the books i read. this one sounds good!!
This sounds like a great memoir. I have not read Jillian’s first book, but I am curious to read this one.
This sounds like a great read. I need to add it to my good reads.