All your perfects (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains several descriptive sex scenes, primarily in the 'Then' timeline, which detail physical arousal, anatomical contact, and heavy breathing. These scenes highlight the passionate beginnings of Quinn and Graham's relationship, contrasting with the mechanical and often painful 'procreation sex' in the 'Now' timeline. In the present-day chapters, intimacy is often depicted as a source of stress or a reminder of infertility, making the scenes emotionally heavy. A significant plot point involves Graham…

Physical violence is minimal throughout the novel, as the primary conflict is psychological and emotional. The most notable instance occurs when Graham, overwhelmed by years of marital tension and secrets, punches a wall in a fit of rage, leading to a tense confrontation. Aside from this outburst, the story includes a scene where Quinn discovers her former fiancé and Graham's former girlfriend in an act of betrayal, which causes significant emotional trauma but no physical harm. Minor injuries are mentioned in…

Frequent uses of strong profanity occur throughout the book, including 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' and various other mild expletives used in dialogue and internal monologue. The profanity is often clustered in chapters where the 'Now' timeline depicts the breakdown of communication, with characters using harsh language to express deep-seated resentment. During heated arguments, Graham and Quinn use words like 'damn,' 'hell,' and 'ass' to punctuate their frustration. Even in the more romantic 'Then' sections…

Alcohol consumption is a recurring element, often used as a social lubricant in the past or a coping mechanism in the present. During their initial meeting, Quinn and Graham share wine and Chinese food, while later chapters depict them using alcohol to numb the pain of another failed fertility treatment. Graham frequently turns to beer or wine during the evenings to deal with the silence in his home, and Quinn occasionally drinks to the point of light intoxication. There are scenes set in bars where secondary…

Heavy themes include infertility and the psychological trauma of multiple miscarriages, which are described through Quinn's deep sense of inadequacy and 'brokenness.' The story explores the strain of clinical sexual intimacy, where sex is scheduled for conception rather than pleasure, leading to the decay of the couple's bond. Infidelity, betrayal, and the toxic impact of long-term secrets are central to the plot as the couple nears a divorce. The narrative also touches on the grief of losing the future one…