Everything You Ever Wanted (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains frank discussions of modern dating, sexual encounters, and intimacy between Elena and her Earth-side partners as well as fellow colonists. While not erotica, there are several scenes featuring descriptions of sexual intercourse and nudity, consistent with literary fiction for adults. In London, Elena engages in casual hookups described with a sense of emotional numbness. Later, on Phobos, physical relationships are complicated by the lack of privacy and the psychological strain of their mission…

Physical violence is minimal, though there are brief moments of self-harm or the consideration of suicide throughout Elena's journey. The 'violence' is primarily psychological, focusing on the character's internal distress and the harsh conditions of her new environment on a distant planet. There is a tense scene where the reality of their isolation leads to a physical shoving match between the astronauts. Additionally, the lack of medical resources on Phobos creates a sense of physical peril that looms over the…

Strong language is present throughout, including uses of the f-word and other profanities used to describe the protagonist's frustration with corporate life and her mental state. Characters use expletives in dialogue to express anger, boredom, or casual disregard for social norms. The workplace chapters are particularly dense with cynical office jargon interspersed with sharp profanity. In the isolation of the Phobos colony, the language remains gritty as tensions between the small crew escalate. There are also…

Social drinking and occasional drug use (such as MDMA) occur as the protagonist attempts to escape her reality in London before her departure. Elena uses alcohol as a coping mechanism for her social anxiety and professional dissatisfaction, frequently drinking wine alone or at parties. The description of drug culture in the first half of the book is detailed, focusing on the sensory highs and the crushing 'comedowns' that exacerbate her depression. On the Phobos mission, the absence of these substances becomes a…

Major themes include clinical depression, the performative nature of social media, the emptiness of corporate culture, family estrangement, and the ethical implications of a permanent, televised space colony. The narrative is heavily driven by Elena's existential dread and her desire to escape a life she finds meaningless. The book examines how modern society prioritizes appearances over genuine well-being, specifically through Elena’s job and the Phobos project. Readers should be prepared for a deep dive into the…