Reader's Report: "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything"

When it comes to the Fine Arts, I am an incredible critical person.
I go see a ballet performance and think, "Really? THAT's your best pirouette?"
I go to a school play and judge the backdrop, "That's the best sun that your art teacher could come up with?"
I read a book and judge, "You can get this piece of crap published but an editor won't call me back?"

I had moments like this while I was reading Janelle Brown's "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything".
When I went to visit my local library, I saw a cover that was familiar from my days at B&N. I decided to pick it up and scratch off another book from my incredibly long wish list of books.

Now, let me preface this review by saying that there's a chance I'm biased when it comes to this book. There were many, many similarities between "AWEWWE" and "The Weird Sisters" which I had just finished reading two days beforehand:

--An unexpected pregnancy
--A family who had lost their love and was trying desperately to put the pieces back together
--A sister in debt
--A father misunderstood


We all know how much I loved "The Weird Sisters" and to find it's second-rate cousin was not a pleasant experience.

Through this book, I discovered the real meaning of "a beach read." I had heard that category title plenty, but never understood. Yes, it's a light and fluffy tale that is superficial at best, but is still enjoyable. However, it's new meaning is "A book that you won't cry if the waves wash it away, because you can guess the ending anyhow. If the wind catches a few pages, you won't be missing anything."

Overall, I give it two out of five stars.

This was Ms. Brown's first novel and it shows. I see potential in her, however, here is my biggest concern...

Don't write what you don't know.

I don't think that Ms. Brown has a sister. I also don't know when the last time she stepped into a reputable church was. The bond of sisterhood and the seeking of religious truths are two of the biggest themes in the book. Neither of which Ms. Brown seems to be a decent source.
It's one thing to write about a medical procedure after consulting a surgeon on the proper steps to completion. It's another to write about two of our lives most sacred bonds without a first-hand account. I also don't think it's fair to take the Bible and tweak it to fit your agenda. It says what it says for a reason...and Ms. Brown, what you think it says, is incorrect. Read it from cover to cover before you start passing judgment.

If you're heading on vacation and see a discount copy of this on the shelf, feel free to pick it up. If you're looking for something to swallow you whole by the fire this holiday season, don't waste your time.