Everything I Never Told You

Ng, C. (2014). Everything I never told you. Penguin Books.  
ALEX Award List (2015 Winner)

Summary: Set in the 1970s in Ohio, The Lee family finds out that there middle daughter, Lydia, has drowned in a lake. After her death, secrets about the family’s dysfunction come to light. Between her dad’s insecurities about his Chinese-American heritage and her mom’s reluctant attitude in their marriage, there were problems festering way before the birth of their children. These problems develop into mom leaving but then coming back in the earlier years and dad having an affair with his teacher assistant after the death of their daughter. After Lydia’s death, we learn of her older brother, Nath’s, frustration over her being the golden child and Lydia’s friendship with their neighbor Jack. Nath detests Jack but Jack secretly is in love with Nath. When Lydia tries to initiate a romantic connection with Jack, she is rejected and learns of his interest for Jack. This along with the pressure of becoming successful, distaste from Nath, and problems with her parents, push her into the idea that she has had enough. She decides to row herself in a boat to the middle of a lake a step off, knowing she couldn’t swim. This realization to her family is hurtful but in turn brings them closer together as a loving family.

Commentary: From the beginning, Lydia is as much of a mystery to the reader’s as she is to her family.  The reader learns more about Lydia and her family as the plot thickens and includes flashbacks throughout the story. This gives the reader insight to information that is not freely given by any of the other characters. The theme of this book understands that there is true danger in keeping your silence and never voicing how you feel. Because Lydia kept her feelings of overwhelming pressure, family turmoil, and rejection to herself, she was not able to handle her feelings in a more helpful way. The plot of this story is truly unpredictable and you cannot expect what is going to happen next. It keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat throughout the story.

Connection: Land of Loving and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique and The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez