A review by katietotallybooked
When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This YA book focuses on female friendships, and more specifically, female friendship breakups, and that is just one relationship experience that I don't think gets enough representation in fiction. Plus, it was really enjoyable and well written. The audio narrator was great too. As I'm just getting back into reading YA, I appreciated this as a nice YA contemporary to get in to.
It also does feature a romantic relationship, but I am so impressed by the backseat that relationship took. I think that was an intentional choice by the author and I commend them for it. And, the book doesn't end with Cleo & Layla becoming friends again, which I also appreciated because sometimes friendships do end and both parties move on.
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This is definitely a book about friendship that I will share as a recommendation with YA readers. I also plan on reading more by Ashley Woodfolk. 

 
Themes & Representation:
  • Grief
  • Parental Divorce
  • Bullying & Rumour Spreading
  • Father-Daughter Relationships
  • Bangladeshi / Islamic culture
  • LGBTQIA+
 
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