Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay - OPTIONAL

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay, 288 pages. Penguin, 2024. $19. 

Language: R (32 swears 13 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 (beatings, racist attacks, death) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Four generations of Filipino men examine their relationship with their fathers. Francisco (1929) immigrated at 14 to California for a better life and to help his family back home. Emil (1965) is Francisco's son. Living in Stockton California, he rarely sees his father who is a labor organizer. Chris (1983) lives in Denver, and his father - Emil - is strict, making him quit the football team because of one missed assignment. Making up that assignment, an essay about his ancestry, changes his perspective about the Philippines. Enzo (2020) is living in Philadelphia when COVID fears bring his grandfather Emil to live with them. Chris and Emil still have a rocky relationship, but Enzo tries to connect with the grandfather he never knew. 

A fascinating story, I loved learning along with Chris about the history of the Philippines, particularly the Marcos years. Although all the boys are teenagers, I wonder if Everything We Never Had would be a better read for adults, reflecting on their own father/son relationships. The characters are Filipino American 

Lisa Librarian