Everything We Never Had

A parent would reach for this book when their teenage son seems to be drifting away or when family history feels like a taboo subject rather than a source of pride. It is a profound exploration of how trauma and expectations are passed down from father to son across four generations of a Filipino American family. Through the perspectives of Francisco, Emil, Chris, and Enzo, the novel examines the heavy burden of masculinity, the pain of assimilation, and the quiet courage it takes to break cycles of emotional distance. While it deals with mature themes like systemic racism and anxiety, it offers a hopeful roadmap for reconciliation, making it an ideal choice for families looking to bridge the generational divide and understand the roots of their own family dynamics.