Everything You Ever Wanted

A Memoir

By: Jillian Lauren

Narrated by: Jillian Lauren

In her younger years, Jillian Lauren was a college dropout, a drug addict, and an international concubine in the Prince of Brunei's harem, an experience she immortalized in her best-selling memoir, Some Girls. In her 30s, Jillian's most radical act is learning the steadying power of love when she and her rock star husband adopt an Ethiopian child with special needs. After Jillian loses a close friend to drugs, she herself is saved by her fierce, bold love for her son as she fights to make him - and herself - feel safe and at home in the world.

Exploring complex ideas of identity and reinvention, Everything You Ever Wanted is a must-listen for everyone, especially every mother, who has ever hoped for a second act in life.

©2015 Jillian Lauren (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Lauren's writing is brave and honest, and she calls out hypocrisy wherever she sees it and shines a light on the challenges faced during the adoption process." ( Kirkus)

I was humbled by reading this book.

What did you like best about this story?

I was not expecting to be so educated and humbled by reading this book, but that is exactly what I was. I admire this woman and her story. Her courage and persistence. When they say never judge a book by its cover, never judge a child by their behavior, there is ALWAYS so much more to their story.

It takes a village

Her candor. As an educator and parent, it was real and raw. Top 10 of my favorite audiobooks this year.

Authentic

I set out to find a book on adoption that was authentic. I listened to sample after sample of audible books and this one stopped me short because the voice was so authentic. Hate her or love her, roll your eyes, tear up. Whatever your feelings you will have them for this book because Jillian is incredibly authentic. Excellent.

Great for adoptive families

As an adoptive mama it’s so great to find a book that makes you feel you’re not alone. Raw & honest. Also great application for others struggling with adoption trauma.

Brilliant.

This is the best book I've read (heard) all year. Jillian, adopted herself, tells her family's story in a refreshingly honest way. From what it's like to struggle to conceive, to the agonizing wait for her son, to the struggles they faced as he started to express himself--you will find yourself rooting for Tariku and his parents. I am an adopted kid, she gets this right on every level.

Unexpected and so appreciated

I can’t say enough about this book so I won’t even try. As a foster mom, I’m about to recommend this book to just about everyone I know.

Awesome author

I've read all her books so far and love listening to her voice it is very soothing. She is an amazing writer

The most amazing book I’ve ever read

I loved this book so much. So raw and real. This is a must read. I read it twice just in case I missed something.