At the beginning of the story, it is made known that Lydia, the middle daughter in the family, had died by drowning in the town’s lake. In her book, Ng creates the Lee family, which consists of Lydia, Marilyn, James, Nathan, and Hannah. Perfect for young adults ages 13 and up.Everything I Never Told You author, Celeste Ng, is a Chinese-American writer and novelist who has used her writing as a way of showing the world what was like being a first-generation Chinese-American and a woman in the 60’s and 70’s (Lamy). Superbly written and an absolutely absorbing read, this is the type of book that will make a non-book lover want to read more books. Her older brother is especially hurt by his parents' special treatment of Lydia, and, even though he knows it isn't her fault, he begins to resent her for it. Her older brother and younger sister often times end up neglected, lost in the shadow of the star child, Lydia. Lydia is not the only one affected by her parents' expectations. All Lydia's father wants is for her to be the popular kid he could never be growing up, while Lydia's mother, who is Caucasian, never understood the need to fit in, and wants Lydia to excel in school and to one day be a doctor. Each member of the Lee family is incredibly flawed and struggling in his or her own way, and this book delves deeply into the hardships that minorities are forced to face every day in a predominantly white neighborhood. Ng has crafted extremely human characters. Everything I Never Told You has a rich plot that will keep readers glued to the edge of their seats until they reach the last page. She explores depression, social anxiety, and suicide. Ng tackles some very heavy subjects in this stunning debut novel. How could their perfect daughter, and beloved sister, be dead? What was she doing in the lake late at night, alone, when she did not know how to swim? The Lee family is forced to look back and analyze what could have possibly happened. But their picture-perfect family facade begins to crumble when Lydia's body is found at the bottom of the lake in their neighborhood. Marilyn and James Lee have placed all of their hopes and personal aspirations on the shoulders of their middle child, Lydia. The Lees project the image of a perfect, happy family. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng follows a Chinese-American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio.
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