Book Review: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
There’s something undeniably gripping about a story that takes a familiar premise and spins it into something both enchanting and haunting. When I stumbled across Needy Little Things, the debut novel by Channelle Desamours, I was immediately drawn in by its intriguing premise: a teenage girl who can sense the needs of those around her before they even articulate them. Little did I know, this would lead me on a journey filled with suspense, heartbreak, and unexpected moments of profound reflection.
At its core, Needy Little Things introduces us to 17-year-old Sariyah Bryant, a relatable heroine whose extraordinary ability feels both like a gift and a curse. From the moment Sariyah pulls her trusty “Santa bag” filled with everyday essentials—like gum and hairbrushes—I felt a connection to her intentions; after all, who doesn’t want to be the one who helps? However, the narrative quickly twists into a darker reality when Sariyah’s friend Deja goes missing during a music festival, echoing the haunting disappearance of Sariyah’s best friend five years prior.
What truly resonated with me throughout the pages was the emotional weight of the novel’s themes: the deep-rooted anxiety surrounding missing persons, the biases that plague media portrayals, and the often-overlooked challenges of mental health and socioeconomic struggles. Desamours masterfully weaves these heavy topics into the narrative seamlessly, allowing readers to confront their own perceptions and biases in a world where so many voices are silenced.
The pacing of Needy Little Things kept me on my toes—slow-burning, yet fraught with an ever-present tension that made it hard to put down. I found myself hanging onto every word, backed by Desamours’ beautiful prose that brims with emotion and insight. One haunting line, “Pepper spray. Pepper spray. Pepper spray,” repeated in Sariyah’s mind, sent chills down my spine, encapsulating the terror of a friend in crisis and the urgency of her mission.
What sets this novel apart is how Sariyah’s ability, while unique, creates barriers as much as it creates connections. Her psychic premonitions are both a gift she revels in and a weight she struggles to bear. The moral dilemmas she faces—how to ethically use her abilities in a world brimming with complexity—are thoughtfully examined, inviting readers to reflect on their own responsibilities toward others.
As I turned the final page, I couldn’t help but hope this was just the beginning. Channelle Desamours has not only captured a compelling teenage narrative but has also painted a rich tapestry of human experience that feels relevant and necessary. I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Sariyah and her vibrant entourage.
For anyone drawn to captivating mysteries steeped in emotional depth—especially those who appreciate a blend of the supernatural and the significant—Needy Little Things is a must-read. It’s a powerful debut that will stay with you long after the last sentence, inviting you to reflect on your own needs and connections in this chaotic world. I found myself both haunted and uplifted, and I believe others will too.