All You Can Ever Know” by Nicole Chung is a deep memoir about family, identity, and the search for belonging. Nicole Chung was born in Korea, and was then adopted by a white family in Oregon. While she grew up, she was told a simple story about how she

was adopted, but when she got older, she decided that she wanted to learn more about her roots, as well as her birth family. The book shares the experiences Nicole had during her school years as a mixed-race adoptee (someone raised by parents of different races). In her book, she writes sincerely and honestly about the obstacles she faced, which included feeling different from her family and dealing with racism as well. Chung also mentions that her adoptive family’s “colour-blind” approach made it more difficult for her to understand her own identity.

As an adult, Nicole decides to find her birth family. This search guides her to reconnect with her biological father and sister. The memoir displays the complex feelings involved in meeting birth relatives and learning about family secrets. Chung’s writing is emotional and clear, helping her readers feel her struggles and joys.

This memoir is a good read for anyone who is interested in family, adoption, or identity. It teaches valuable lessons about comprehending and accepting differences. Nicole Chung’s story is inspiring, as it shows how gaining more knowledge about your past can help you understand yourself better. “All You Can Ever Know” is a heartfelt, touching, honest, and powerful story about family connections and finding where you as an individual belong.