Book Review: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
It’s not every day that a book grabs my attention with a premise both peculiar and poignant. When I stumbled across Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours, I felt an irresistible pull. The idea of a 17-year-old girl who senses others’ needs before they even realize them struck me as a fascinating metaphor for the human condition—how often do we find ourselves longing for connection, only to be unaware of what we truly seek? Desamours’ debut does not disappoint; it dives deep into the complexities of need, friendship, and the chilling realities of youth.
At the center of the story is Sariyah Bryant, a girl grappling with her extraordinary ability. This talented protagonist carries a red duffel bag—her “Santa bag”—a treasure chest of everyday items ready to soothe the unspoken wants of those around her. It’s a beautiful image that sets the tone for the story: we are all "Needy Little Things," after all, yearning for comfort and understanding in a tumultuous world. The narrative takes a thrilling turn when the urgent, silent plea of her friend Deja turns into a nightmare as Deja vanishes at a music festival. This echoes Sariyah’s haunting past, where her best friend Tessa disappeared years ago, layering a chilling backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
Desamours weaves a skillful blend of supernatural elements with stark reality. Sariyah’s paranormal insights manifest a unique blend of empowerment and burden—it’s both her gift and a source of isolation. The emotional toll of her ability, the moral dilemmas it brings, and the deep-rooted themes of race and societal bias towards missing children create a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engrossing. I appreciated how Desamours illustrated the complexities of grief, fear, and the quest for truth amid uncertainty.
The elegance of Desamours’ writing deserves a spotlight of its own. Her prose is vividly immersive, with each line resonating profoundly, casting a spell that compelled me to linger over every page. Lines like “Pepper spray. Pepper spray. Pepper spray.” echo in my mind, masterfully illustrating the panic and urgency of the moment. The pacing, though at times slow-burning, serves to heighten a sense of unease, with twists that left me holding my breath and gripping my Kindle tightly.
What struck me most was how every character is imbued with realism. They come with their quirks, flaws, and heartfelt backstories, making their motivations relatable. I found myself emotionally investing in their journeys, hoping alongside Sariyah, Malcolm, and Jude as they navigated this treacherous path to uncover the truth.
As I turned the last page, I realized I was not ready to let go of Sariyah and her world. While the book stands strong as a standalone, it has all the hallmarks of something more substantial. I sincerely hope this is just the beginning of a series because there’s so much more to unravel here.
Needy Little Things is a beautifully crafted tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate nuanced characters, rich emotional landscapes, and the exploration of pressing social issues. If you enjoy a blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and heartfelt connection, this book is undoubtedly for you. Channelle Desamours has left a lasting impression on me with her debut, and I’m eagerly awaiting her next literary adventure!
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