BookBrief Logo
Need
Goodreads ratings
3.77 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"Need" Summary

A high school student gets caught up in a dangerous app that grants users their deepest desires, but at a deadly cost.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A high school student gets caught up in a dangerous app that grants users their deepest desires, but at a deadly cost.

Introduction

"Need" is a gripping young adult thriller written by Joelle Charbonneau. Published in 2015, this novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey as they explore the dark side of social media and the consequences of fulfilling one's deepest desires. With its thought-provoking themes and well-developed characters, "Need" is a captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Brief Synopsis

The story is set in the small town of Nottawa, where a mysterious social networking site called "Need" has taken over the lives of its residents. "Need" promises to fulfill any desire, no matter how big or small, but at a price. The catch is that in order for your wish to be granted, you must fulfill someone else's request.

Main Characters:

Character NameDescription
Kaylee DunhamA high school student and the protagonist of the story. She is determined to uncover the dark secrets behind "Need".
Nate EllingtonKaylee's best friend who joins her in her quest to expose the truth.
Ethan QuinnA mysterious newcomer to Nottawa who seems to know more about "Need" than he lets on.
SydneyA popular girl at school who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of "Need".

Plot Overview

Chapter 1-3: The story begins with Kaylee Dunham, a high school student in Nottawa, discovering the existence of "Need", a secretive social networking site that promises to fulfill any desire. Intrigued, Kaylee signs up and is immediately drawn into the addictive world of "Need".

Chapter 4-6: As Kaylee delves deeper into the site, she realizes that the desires being fulfilled often come at a high cost. She witnesses the consequences of these fulfilled wishes and becomes determined to expose the truth behind "Need".

Chapter 7-9: Kaylee enlists the help of her best friend Nate to investigate the origins of "Need". Together, they uncover a series of disturbing events and suspicious connections within the town of Nottawa.

Chapter 10-12: The duo's investigation leads them to Ethan Quinn, a mysterious newcomer who seems to have a personal vendetta against "Need". Ethan joins forces with Kaylee and Nate, and together they form a plan to take down the dangerous social networking site.

Chapter 13-15: As the group works to unravel the secrets of "Need", they discover that the site's true purpose is far darker than they ever imagined. They find themselves caught in a web of deceit, manipulation, and danger as they race against time to save themselves and the residents of Nottawa.

Main Events

  1. Kaylee discovers "Need" and becomes intrigued by its promises.
  2. Kaylee witnesses the negative consequences of fulfilled wishes on "Need".
  3. Kaylee and Nate team up to investigate the origins of "Need".
  4. Ethan Quinn joins Kaylee and Nate in their quest to expose the truth behind "Need".
  5. The group uncovers disturbing events and connections within Nottawa.
  6. The true purpose of "Need" is revealed, and the group finds themselves in grave danger.
  7. Kaylee, Nate, and Ethan work together to bring down "Need" and save themselves and the town.

Themes and Insights

1. The Dark Side of Social Media

"Need" explores the dangerous implications of social media and the obsession with fulfilling one's desires. It raises questions about the lengths people are willing to go to in order to achieve what they want and the consequences of such actions.

2. Power and Control

The novel delves into the themes of power and control, highlighting how easily individuals can become manipulated by external forces. It explores the idea that the desire for power can blind people to the ethical implications of their actions.

3. Friendship and Loyalty

The strong bond between Kaylee and Nate is a central theme in the story. Their unwavering loyalty to each other drives them to uncover the truth behind "Need" and protect the people they care about.

Reader's Takeaway

"Need" is a thrilling read that raises important questions about the impact of social media on society. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers to be mindful of the consequences that may arise when desires are fulfilled at any cost. The well-developed characters and fast-paced plot make for an engaging reading experience that will leave readers contemplating the power of technology and the importance of genuine human connection.

Conclusion

"Need" by Joelle Charbonneau is a captivating young adult thriller that explores the dark side of social media and the consequences of fulfilling one's deepest desires. With its thought-provoking themes, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot, this novel is sure to keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Through its exploration of power, control, and loyalty, "Need" offers valuable insights into the impact of technology on society. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or interested in the social implications of technology, "Need" is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

Need FAQ

  1. What is the book 'Need' about?

    The book 'Need' is a young adult thriller about a social networking site called Need, where users can post anonymously to ask for anything they need. However, the requests become increasingly sinister and dangerous, leading the main character, Kaylee, to uncover the dark secrets behind the site.

  2. Who is the author of 'Need'?

    The author of 'Need' is Joelle Charbonneau.

  3. Is 'Need' part of a series?

    Yes, 'Need' is the first book in a trilogy. The other books in the series are 'Want' and 'Now'.

  4. What genre is 'Need'?

    'Need' is a young adult thriller.

  5. Is 'Need' appropriate for all ages?

    While 'Need' is targeted towards young adults, it may contain themes and content that are more suitable for older readers. Parents or guardians are advised to review the book before allowing younger readers to read it.

  6. Where can I purchase 'Need'?

    'Need' is available for purchase at major book retailers, both online and in physical stores. It can also be found as an e-book or audiobook.

  7. Are there any movie adaptations of 'Need'?

    As of now, there is no movie adaptation of 'Need'.

  8. What are some other books by Joelle Charbonneau?

    Some other books by Joelle Charbonneau include 'The Testing' trilogy and 'Dividing Eden' duology.

  9. Can I read 'Need' as a standalone book or do I need to read the entire series?

    'Need' can be read as a standalone book, but reading the entire series will provide a more complete story arc and character development.

  10. Is 'Need' available in other languages?

    The availability of 'Need' in other languages may vary depending on the country and publisher. It is recommended to check with local bookstores or online retailers for translations.