A review by gillian_barbieri
Wanting by Claire Jia

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Wanting is one of the best books I have read this year. The novel is told from multiple perspectives and deals with the main themes of self-acceptance, class, and, of course, wanting. Throughout the story I found myself conflicted in who I was rooting for. All characters had excellent story arcs, forcing readers to ask themselves the question of if it is better to want to change the past and present want more from the present or if one should choose to accept decisions you have made, even if they have led to an “average” mundane life. The only aspect that prevented me from rating this 5 starts was that the writing in the first part, especially related to influencer culture, felt a bit unrefined, but I think the author found her stride in Parts 2 and 3. I am very eager to see what Claire Jia does next in her literary career. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Reader Copy.