Review: Want by Stephanie Lawton

If you want vampires and werewolves, faeries, fallen angels or zombies, you won’t find them here. I know a real-life monster.

Julianne (Juli)’s only wish is to get into New England Conservatory. When her old piano teacher has stroke and his job is transferred to his nephew, Juli thinks that this is a sign. Her new piano teacher, Isaac, is graduated from New England Conservatory. Isaac doesn’t show any emotional feeling at first, but as they spend more time together, he starts to smile and talk more about his past to Juli. But they can’t ever be couple because Isaac is ten years older than her, thus their environment won’t ever accept them. Especially Juli’s mother.

I constantly feel bad for Juli. She is broken, almost beyond repair. Because of her mother, Juli has low self-respect and she is defensive with everyone. And her involvement with Isaac doesn’t help. At first, I thought Isaac would be the one who saved Juli. But then I realize that Isaac is just as broken as his student. Their relationship… it’s not the healthy kind. It’s I-want-you-I-need-you-let’s-die-together-to-escape kind. Somehow their relationship keeps remind me of Wuthering Heights. Fury, possessiveness, fierce love, artistic needs, and things flying. Not a good combination.

I’m not a fan of Isaac. He’s hot one moment and cold the next second. Sometimes he yelled at Juli and he has tendency to run away when things get uncomfortable. I think Juli and Isaac fall in love because they are similar. Way too similar. Together, they shatter each other to bits and pieces.

I like this book because the characters are very real. I was not smitten with Isaac but his friend Dave definitely earned a special place in my heart. Dave is amazing and I love how much he cares for Isaac and Juli. I’m so glad that there is someone who deeply cares about Juli, because seems like everyone else in the story is busy with their own problem. Dave is the light and hope for Juli. It makes me think that sometimes, what you want and what you really need is different.

Want is recommended to fans of mature YA. The story is very emotional and I found myself crying in some parts. The ending, though not perfect, is great and believable. If you’re ever in need of something emotional, heart-wrenching, and realistic, then this is the book for you!

He says much, much more through the piano than he ever does with his spare words. Perhaps this is why he never wants to play for me; he knows I’ll sense whatever it is he doesn’t want to let out. It’s true—there’s something he’s hiding behind the teacher’s critiques and praise.

I leave my body then, transported into the world of heartbreak he creates with his fingertips. I’m suspended in air just like the dust motes, not even aware of breath or heartbeat. For once, I feel…whole? Whatever this is, I want to hold onto it as long as I can.

 Website * Goodreads * Inkspell Publishing * Barnes and Noble

I rate this book: 

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Many thanks to Stephanie and Enchanted book tour! :)