47 pages • 1 hour read
When You Were Everything
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Book Brief
389
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2020
YA
12-18 years
HL820L
Super Short Summary
When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk follows protagonist Cleo Baker as she reflects on her dissolved high school friendship with Layla Hassan. The narrative alternates between Cleo’s past and present, highlighting how her memories shape her evolving identity amidst numerous life changes and new relationships. This young adult novel addresses themes of friendship, change, and personal growth. Descriptions of bullying, exclusion, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression appear in the book.
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
4,704 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk receives praise for its realistic portrayal of friendship breakups, offering depth in its emotional exploration. Readers appreciate the compelling narrative and character development. Criticisms focus on pacing issues and occasional predictability. Overall, it's a resonant and relatable read on personal growth through relationships.
Who Should Read When You Were Everything?
Readers who enjoy When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk likely appreciate emotionally resonant YA fiction that explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell may also find this book appealing for its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters.
4,704 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Layla Hassan
Layla Hassan
Cleo’s former best friend who starts to distance herself after joining a new group of friends called the Chorus Girls, influencing both her own and Cleo’s journey of personal growth.
Dominic (“Dom”) Grey
Dominic (“Dom”) Grey
A supportive and thoughtful friend to Cleo, who develops a close bond with her after moving back to New York and working at his grandparents' diner while dealing with his own family dynamics.
Cliff Baker and Naomi Bell
Cliff Baker and Naomi Bell
Cleo’s parents, whose changing relationship with each other and with Cleo prompts her to reflect on her own connections and understandings of family dynamics.
Sloane Sorenson
Sloane Sorenson
A new student at Chisholm Charter who becomes an antagonist in Cleo’s life by befriending Layla and causing tension and conflict within Cleo’s social circle.
389
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2020
YA
12-18 years
HL820L
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