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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book had such an interesting premise (and a beautiful cover) so I couldn't resist. It's hard to believe this is Chanelle's debut novel because she writes like a pro. Sariyah is easily a favorite and likable character but she's surrounded by friends and family that are easy to love as well. Lots of social and racial issues addressed in this story, which is one of the reasons I read so many different types of books. If the only perspective you ever view life through is your own, how can you empathize and how can you grow?
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I genuinely want to touch upon the main theme of the book without revealing too much, as this is an experience you need to have for yourself. The way the unequal efforts for minority victims were explored was done beautifully. The book raises awareness about this issue in such a distinctive and unforgettable manner. I appreciate when authors approach serious topics with creativity, as it often leaves a lasting impact—and this one is certainly unforgettable.
What particularly resonated with me was the author's deep dive into her family dynamics. It was a bit heartbreaking to witness their struggles, and Sariyah had to mature far too quickly. Yet, she was such a remarkable sister and daughter. I just wanted to embrace her and say, "You're doing an amazing job, sweetie!"
I found Sariyah to be an intriguing character, though I think having her ability would drive me crazy. It would undoubtedly be a significant distraction from concentrating on anything else. Following the friends as they investigated what happened to their companion was an enjoyable experience.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The narrator of the audiobook is wonderful!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Racism, Kidnapping
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Stalking, Murder
4.25 ⭐️
Sariyah is a seventeen-year-old girl who has the gift (or curse?) of being able to hear other people's “needs.” These needs are on repeat in her mind, unless they are fulfilled, or the person is out of her reach. From years of experience, Sariyah learned to keep a bag full of random items, like gum or a pencil, to give to people to fulfill their needs. But when her best friend, Deja, goes missing shortly after Sariyah fulfilled her need, she starts to feel as though her ability is more of a burden than a blessing.
Knowing from past experiences that the police won’t put in the effort to find yet another missing black girl, Sariyah, along with her friends Malcom and Jude, take the lead in the investigation. But as Sariyah delves deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she realizes that even those nearest to her are keeping secrets.
Yes, I did read 61% of the book in one afternoon, and yes, I probably should have been studying for exams, but it was so good! Although the page count was low(ish), Desamours was able to tackle so many topics at once, without slacking on any of them.
Social justice, friendship, dealing with trauma, racism, romance, family dynamics, personal responsibility… all of these were prominent in the book, and all were executed well!
What I really liked is how she was able to blend all those themes with magical realism, and how the characters were well-written. I feel like all of the characters felt real, which shows the skill that she had to create relatable characters in her debut novel.
What a gripping, unputdownable debut! I can’t wait to read more from Desamours, especially (hopefully) the sequel! I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great mystery book that has relatable characters and a well-thought-out plot.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Read my review on my blog, here:
https://theinkboundreader.wordpress.com/2025/01/30/needy-little-things-a-need-to-read-ya-debut/
Sariyah is a seventeen-year-old girl who has the gift (or curse?) of being able to hear other people's “needs.” These needs are on repeat in her mind, unless they are fulfilled, or the person is out of her reach. From years of experience, Sariyah learned to keep a bag full of random items, like gum or a pencil, to give to people to fulfill their needs. But when her best friend, Deja, goes missing shortly after Sariyah fulfilled her need, she starts to feel as though her ability is more of a burden than a blessing.
Knowing from past experiences that the police won’t put in the effort to find yet another missing black girl, Sariyah, along with her friends Malcom and Jude, take the lead in the investigation. But as Sariyah delves deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she realizes that even those nearest to her are keeping secrets.
Yes, I did read 61% of the book in one afternoon, and yes, I probably should have been studying for exams, but it was so good! Although the page count was low(ish), Desamours was able to tackle so many topics at once, without slacking on any of them.
Social justice, friendship, dealing with trauma, racism, romance, family dynamics, personal responsibility… all of these were prominent in the book, and all were executed well!
What I really liked is how she was able to blend all those themes with magical realism, and how the characters were well-written. I feel like all of the characters felt real, which shows the skill that she had to create relatable characters in her debut novel.
What a gripping, unputdownable debut! I can’t wait to read more from Desamours, especially (hopefully) the sequel! I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great mystery book that has relatable characters and a well-thought-out plot.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Read my review on my blog, here:
https://theinkboundreader.wordpress.com/2025/01/30/needy-little-things-a-need-to-read-ya-debut/