All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin Book Review
Author Emily Giffin explores wealth, lies, and consent in a story of two Nashville families.
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Emily Giffin is an author with whose work I have a complex relationship. I think she's an amazing storyteller and that she has a knack for compelling dialogue and "smart lady soap opera" fiction. I often can't wait to read her books and have them delivered via Amazon Prime on the day of publication. I devour each new book in a day or so. I can't put Ms. Giffin's books down. And yet I often find myself highly conflicted. Something a character says doesn't hit me right, or a plot point seems... not quite right.
I preordered Ms. Giffin's latest, All We Ever Wanted, as soon as I learned that it was set in Nashville. Now y'all know that Nashville is my happy place. I travel there as frequently as possible to recharge my creative batteries. I especially love the neighborhoods in the southern/ southwestern end of town; several of the main characters live in this area, in the exclusive Belle Meade neighborhood. I've made many fun trips to the East Nashville area for meals and festivals and events; this neighborhood plays a prominent role in the work as well. So, I kind of braced myself. Ms. Giffin grew up in suburban Illinois, practiced law in NYC and wrote in London before settling in Atlanta with her husband and kids. I always wonder if she has a bit of disdain for the South; the main character in Love the One You're With -- an otherwise highly compelling novel -- seemed to delight in subtly disparaging the South in a way that made me cringe. So, when I picked up a novel set in my favorite city by an author whom I know to be a compelling storyteller, I still had guarded expectations.
Let me just start off by saying that, from a storytelling perspective, All We Ever Wanted is fantastic. The book tells the story of two Nashville families, the Volpes and the Brownings. The wealthy Brownings, Kirk, Nina, and their son Finch, are firmly ensconced in Nashville's elite Belle Meade circles, while single father and carpenter Tom Volpe raises his daughter Lyla in a blue collar East Nashville setting. Finch and Lyla are classmates at a prestigious private school; their worlds are changed forever when a drunken photo of Lyla is posted to Finn's social media. The story is a fast-paced and heart-wrenching story of parental guilt, hidden secrets, and long-ago pain. Nina finds her small-town morals at to be at odds with her husband's desire to protect their son's Princeton admission at any cost, and she begins to address a long-suppressed assault that has impacted her entire adult life. Tom must confront his own class biases and the scars left by his tumultuous relationship with Lyla's mother, an alcoholic who abandoned them when Lyla was a toddler. This story plays out as every mother's nightmare: "How did my little baby become this person?" becomes "Is my child a psychopath?" in fairly short order. The work forces readers to think about the impact of class and privilege, the slippery slope between alcohol use and abuse, and the often-terrifying landscape of sexual consent and assault. It's a timely, nuanced, and tight narrative about the damage we can inflict on others and on ourselves, and it's a fantastic pool read.
And yet -- y'all knew there'd be a yet -- there were problems. Readers, I think I have to confess to y'all that the problem was with me and not with the book. I couldn't get past weird little details like "You send your kids to single sex-high schools like MBA or Harpeth if you live in Nashville" or "Nobody splits a glass of wine at Husk" or "A Methodist cop who's lived his entire life in Bristol would never drive home after drinking even a single beer." I didn't love the broad-sweeping message that you're kind of inherently vapid and materialistic if you live in Belle Meade and that you're in touch with core values if you hail from East Nashville; I've definitely met plenty whofolks who defy each of these stereotypes. And yet, as a writer and a serious reader, I know better than to allow myself to get mired in these little details. I know that if I set a novel anywhere other than the places I've lived -- Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, or the holler -- I couldn't pass this test. If I set a piece of fiction, the author of this work could likely find just as many nitpicking details that I got wrong. Ms. Giffin has been painstaking in her research of the city. So many things seem perfectly right, like pastries from Sweet 16th, which makes the best red velvet cake in East Nashville, or possibly anywhere in the world. Ultimately, she gets more "Luke Bryant popups in the Gulch" and "Buying jeans at Imogene + Willie" stories right than wrong, these little details make me sound like a pedantic malcontent, and the book is the best piece of chick lit that's been published so far in 2018.
I recommend All We Ever Wanted for anyone who loves Big Little Lies, Something Borrowed, or the early seasons of Nashville. Please chime in if you've read the book and have an opinion on the story, or if you've ever found yourself derailed by an author's tiny missteps in regard to locale and local customs!
Our Stay at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville
Review of Midtown Nashville boutique hotel.
Annie Lindberg's "Redberry"
Nashville has changed so much recently, y'all. When we lived in the Music City a decade ago, it still had a small-town feel. These days, there's so much new construction and a big city energy, but it's still as charming and Southern as ever. A couple of weeks ago, when Bob and I had some appointments in Nashville, we chose a new hotel in Midtown, one of the areas that's changed the most over the past couple of years. The Kimpton Aertson did not disappoint! It was elegant, comfortable, and provided the perfect night's sleep!
The Aertson, a boutique hotel named for an ancestor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, is adjacent to the north end of Vanderbilt University's campus and an easy walking distance from Hattie B's Hot Chicken and The Patterson House. The location is great for experiencing Nashville in so many ways -- from traditional Music Row-and-Hot Chicken tourism to visiting college campuses at Belmont, Vandy, and Lipscomb to taking in the sites of 12 South, including Draper James. It made a perfect home base as we ran errands, took appointments, ate, and shopped in the area!
The hotel itself is simply lovely! Artistic nods included artist Annie Lindberg's mixed media installation "Redberry", a web of pink and orange threads, wallpapered bedroom ceilings that resemble frescos, and a huge, elegant bathroom with glass doors and white subway tile. A wallpapered wall in the bathroom mimicked the blueprints for the nearby Tennessee Capitol building, providing a nice nod to the hotel's Nashville locale without overindulging in the prevalent Music City Kitch prevalent in so many nearby hotels.
The exercise room was roomy and well-equipped, allowing Bob and me to both log in a good workout. The treadmills and ellipticals were excellent, as were the thick exercise mats and the plentiful free weights. The real star of the hotel, though, was our actual bedroom. The bed was a perfect firmness, and the down comforter and pillows were so luxurious. Every detail was so thoughtful and convenient, from the USB charging ports on both nightstands to the Jawbone Mini Jambox speaker for smartphone pairing. Our 6th floor room overlooked Broadway, providing a fun view of traffic and campus.
Delightful special touches included a dog-friendly policy (Max and Sophie want to tag along next time!), hyper-local Frothy Monkey coffee in the lobby at morning, and a cocktail hour there in the evening, and a text-for-valet service. I hope to take in the Woodhouse Spa, the Henley Restaurant, and the rooftop bar and pool on future visits!
As I enjoyed the hour "gained" by visiting the Central Time Zone, I read a line from Nashville native author Ann Patchett in her collection of essays, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage: "My memory can only separate hotels int three categories: those that are disgusting, those that are very nice, and those that may have been Hyatts." Thanks so much to the Kimpton Aertson for staying in the price range of a hotel that may have been a Hyatt while providing a stay that placed it firmly in the very nice hotel category!
The HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville
We all love to shop locally whenever possible, but there's something so fun about taking a trip to a different city to find unique sources for holiday gifts. Last week, my beau and I made a quick trip to Nashville. He had a conference to attend, and I had some Christmas shopping to tackle. My shopping expedition had two rules: find some unique presents, and stay far, far away from the tourist mayhem at Opryland. With those rules in mind, I've created the HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville.
For the Prepster:
Vineyard Vines is always a fun place to start! The bright, preppy prints draw you in, and you're likely to hear an upbeat Jimmy Buffett Christmas Carol playing in the background! (Hill Center Green Hills 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 105 Nashville, Tennessee 37215)
For the College Student:
Every time I walk in Bink's Outfitters, I'm equally jealous and relieved that this store didn't exist during my sorority girl days. With their amazing selection of Hunter boots, Yeti Coolers, The North Face, and all the other things that you "really really need" for barn dances and field parties, I'd have spent all my time and money there. Hopefully, you can show more restraint whilst shopping for the college kid or outdoorsy person on your list. (Hill Center Green Hills 4017 Hillsboro Pike Suite 304, Nashville, TN 37215)
For the Southern Belle:
Draper James is, of course, Reese Witherspoon's new lifestyle brand. The flagship store in Reese's hometown of Nashville is simply adorable, featuring clothing, accessories, and small gifts with a sassy, feminine flair. The sales associates are so friendly and helpful, and they offer you a cup of sweet tea when you enter the store! (2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)
For the Hipster:
Just down the street from Draper James are two simply enchanting local stores that will fulfill your favorite hipster's requirements for simple, well-made, unique, and thought-provoking items. White's Mercantile, owned by Hank Williams Jr's daughter Holly, is a fabulous, dog-friendly general store chock-full of amazing, quirky dry goods. (2908 12th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37204)
Imogene and Willie is known for high-end denim, but also features unique clothing, gifts, and more. Founded by Henderson, KY natives Carrie and Matt Eddmenson in an old filling station, Imogene + Willie offers unique, hip presents for the coolest people on your shopping list.(2908 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204)
For Just About Everyone:
If you have to go to the mall for holiday shopping, you might as well go to a really, really good mall. The Mall at Green Hills features a fabulous mix of mall standards like Macy's and Williams-Sonoma and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. Nordstrom alone is worth the trip.
Happy Shopping, y'all! Where do you shop for your holiday gifts?
Day Trip to Nashville!
Must-see attractions for a quick road trip to Nashville
Nashville is an easy day trip from most any corner of Kentucky. Six hours from the farthest corners of Eastern Kentucky and less than three from most parts of the Commonweath, Nashville offers a unique brand of glitz and Southern hospitality. My beau and I have been known to head down to NashVegas for the day to take in a quick appointment or a bite of hot chicken!
Nashville-style hot chicken
Where to stay:
The Hermitage Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown, is one of my very favorite places to stay. The rooms are luxurious (the bathrooms are huge and outright decadent!), and you'll be within walking distance of anything you could hope to visit.
Where to go:
No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Broadway. The Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Hatch Show Print, and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop are must-sees for music fans.
Provence
Where to get breakfast:
Nashville is home to my very favorite breakfast spots in the world. The Loveless Cafe has the best biscuits and hash brown casserole you'll ever eat. The Pancake Pantry makes these sweet potato pancakes that are simply amazing. And the Donut Den serves apple fritters that you'll actually dream about. (Don't forget to stop by the Colbert-famous Parnassus Books in the same shopping center as Donut Den!)
Image via Spirit of Nashville
What to do:
Whether your day trip includes an event at Vanderbilt or LP Field, a shopping trip to the Green Hills Mall and the West End boutiques, or a show at the Bridgestone Arena, there's always something to do in Nashville!
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
What to eat:
I recommend a trip to the funky 12 South neighborhood for Brooklyn-style pizza at Mafiaoza's and gourmet popsicles at Las Paletas for a low-key dinner. Other must-visits are Provence Breads & Cafe (pick up some Dancing Goats coffee beans for the road), Noshville Deli(Order the Silver Dollar Potato Cakes), Bread & Company, (You can bring me a gallon or two of fruit tea, please!), and Hattie B's Hot Chicken!
Nashville is one of my very favorite cities. I love that there's always something to do. I adore that you may just see a celeb in the mall or at the next table, and that nobody makes a thing of it. The country-club-meets-honkytonk vibe is fun and original. I can't wait to take my next road trip there!
The Cats Fans' Guide to Breakfast in Nashville
Good Morning, Big Blue Nation!
Whether you were out too late in the Gulch or SoBro celebrating the Wildcats' win or simply enjoying the other SEC games at Bridgestone Arena, chances are, you had an exciting night. Now, you sure could use some breakfast. Here are a few of my Music City favorites.
If you don't want to move your car, 417 Union is the way to go. We discovered this little gem during one of the Cats' Music City Bowl appearances. It's open at 7, you can probably walk there from your hotel, and you'll get a good, hearty meal without a huge crowd or a lot of pretension. Think: a really good version of your hometown diner.
If you want to drive all the way across town, the Loveless Cafe is calling your name. There's a reason that this motel-turned-diner is a quintessential Nashville Must-See. The food is, quite simply, that good. Try to rustle up a party of four for the all-you-can-eat breakfast, and don't miss the biscuits, country ham, or hash brown casserole!
If you want to stand in line with Vandy students, tourists, and everybody else under the sun, don't miss the Pancake Pantry. The food is fantastic, don't get me wrong. I particularly love the French toast and the sweet potato pancakes. But, weekend lines often reach Disney World proportions, and you may just miss the game while you're waiting on your carb fix.
If you want to have a great brunch experience, walk across the street from Pancake Pantry to Provence. There, you'll find amazing food, an unbelievable dessert selection, and the best cup of coffee in town. (Always, always order the Dancing Goats coffee. I could write a love sonnet to that blend.)
If you want to feel artsy, head over to East Nashville's Marche Artisan Foods. The food is incredible. The atmosphere is laid-back. And even the simplest fare -- a PB&J or a cup of hot chocolate -- is transformed into a work of art.
Finally, if you want to make me extra jealous, make plans for Sunday Chicken & Waffles at Hattie B's. The hot chicken is amazing, and I hear that, on Sundays, they serve it up with waffles and PBR. You really can't miss that.
Enjoy your breakfast and your visit to NashVegas! Go Cats!!