Right book, wrong reader. I don't have much else to say. I think The Need is a smart, unexpected book that blends genres and arrives at something unique that I can see working for plenty of readers who are willing to embrace a bit of weirdness. I just don't like books about motherhood, and at the end of the day, that's what this book is. The science fiction/speculative element is only there to enhance the main character's anxieties about juggling motherhood with her career, and if that's a theme that usually makes you reach for a book, by all means, give this one a try; I unfortunately was just bored senseless.

The Need definitely took me somewhere I was not expecting to go. The synopsis is a little misleading (at least it was to me), and I was not expecting the story I ended up reading. I flew threw the first third of the book as each chapter ending left me wanting more. The chapters were also short and concise which I love. I started to lose some interest about halfway through, and then the second half of the book I was definitely making myself pick up the book just to see how it ended. I would definitely recommend the book, but only if you are in the mood for a deeper read in which you have to dissect and contemplate. I was definitely in the mood for a lighter read, so it was just not the right time.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Her debut novel, The Beautiful Bureaucrat, is on my list of all-time faves; I was SO EXCITED to hear of this new release and it will likely be one of my favorites for the year. Helen Phillips is not for everyone - you need to enjoy speculative/dystopian fiction (think The Handmaid’s Tale) - but her writing is incredible and she always leaves me with my mouth hanging open. Now, I have to wait and hope she’s working on something else!

Despite all the hyper and glowing reviews I had read prior to requesting, this was a miss for me. Maybe because I don't have children (and the idea is abhorrent) but all the lines about children, breastfeeding, tantrums, and the like turned me off. I usually love speculative fiction and domestic horror, but the hyper focus on children and feeding couldn't be overcome.

Entertaining and creepy. A very intriguing cover which was what initially piqued my interest I jumped right in to it. Not only is the cover art strangely mesmerising and a little bit creepy, but the story contained within its pages is even more compelling. For once in a long time, the artwork reflects or hints towards the ominous atmosphere that builds up and surrounds you with each new turning of the page. Looking forward to more from Helen Phillips.

I can not say I "enjoyed" The Need. What I can say is that it was a roller coaster of a read. I read the synopsis, and thought I was headed for a psychological thriller. As I read further, I thought maybe a little SciFi. Then I settled on fantasy, perhaps magical realism. The Need defies categorization. I will say that Helen Phillips kept me reading! Her characters were complex and compelling. The story itself twists and turns and the focus changes rapidly, which made the pacing seem choppy. Upon finishing the book, my first thought was "Who can I talk to about The Need?" That indicates to me that it might make an excellent book discussion selection. I went with 3.5 because I am still confused by the ending.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

This book was strange and not at all what I expected after reading the cover blurb. The story is haunting on several levels, from its realistic portrayal of motherhood to other things I can't say because this book is practically impossible to describe without spoiling. If you enjoy pondering something out of the box without getting all the answers, this book is for you!

This is such a dark/fun look at life as a mother/wife/family and all the drudgery/resentment that it brings.

What a weird book. But it did keep me interested and turning the pages so I can't bash it too much. Although I do have one spoiler-y (adult) complaint...



Why did the author keep fading to black when it came to sex/intimacy between Molly and Moll? She gave plenty of details about sex with the husband. Why not between the women? Sex with another person who knows all your fantasies, likes and dislikes, erogenous zones... It would've been really hot. I'm disappointed that Phillips left the readers hanging in that regard.

I had seen and heard a lot of buzz around this book prior to publication. Having read it, I think it will be a polarizing title but will work very well for the right reader. It didn't appeal to me as there was far too much about parenting, a topic I am not interested in. For those who can get past this, Phillips does a great job of combining everyday mundane tasks with a surreal, inventive plot.

I read this book some time ago, but I’m still not sure what to say about it! This was different than any book I have ever read before. I’m not sure if it’s classified as science fiction, but it certainly a take out of the ordinary. However, it is basically story about the depths of a mother’s love. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to review this book before publication.

I really thought I would like this book. I expected to like this book. Why didn’t I?

The main reason was I didn’t know what the heck was going on for about 85% of it. Mol/Molly clearly is flawed. She has two precious children, Viv who is 4 years old and Ben who is a baby. Ms. Phillips simply wore me out with the lactating references in almost every short chapter. There are ways to take care of that. Does the word "pad" ring any bell at all? I didn’t see the need. Okay, you have a baby, who is walking BTW, and you’re a proponent of breastfeeding. I get it.

The first 15% of the book was good. After that, it fell to pieces. I felt absolutely no kinship, dislike or affection for any of the characters, largely because they were never really developed.

And the ending? I have whiplash, it ended so abruptly.

So, the question remained in my mind was Molly simply insane, was she dead, were the children dead, did the elusive husband, David even exist? I never figured it out. Big letdown.

I do, however, want to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a uniquely different book on the complexities of a working mother with a touch of the supernatural.

Molly is the mother of two, a precocious four year old daughter and a baby boy. She also works full-time as a paleobotanist in nearby dig site. One evening she is traumatized by a masked intruder in her home and this sets the stage for a very strange and tense story that will leave the reader either loving this book or pulling their hair out while wondering "What the heck did I just read".

I thoroughly enjoyed this very well-written book. The first chapter gave me goosebumps because it was so creepy and sinister, so there was no way I was putting this book down until I found out "Why is all this happening?" . Helen Phillips captured the antics and actions of the children flawlessly and I had to laugh at many of the fun moments of the children which helped to break the tension and made the book relatable to most moms. This book really shows the struggles and hardships of a working mother trying to excel in her career as well as a being mom. My heart goes out to all the moms who have to return to work way too soon because it is financially necessary.
This is a speculative fiction and only the reader will discover what this book brings out in themselves.

I want to thank the publisher Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific novel!

I highly recommend this gripping and unusual novel to any reader who would enjoy something very different from their normal reading and I have give this story 4 Mind Boggling 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!

If you saw Us earlier this year and wanted more of that kind of narrative, this book more than fills that void. Molly, a mother of a five-year-old and a toddler, spends much of her time at home while her husband is on the road as a musician. Things go bump one night, and she's confronted with a duplicate of herself named Moll.

The beginning opens up in curious terror. The kind of terror where things aren't quite right, but you also know that this character is a bit hyper-attentive because she has two young children to take care of and manage a career. The story then goes further, allowing the reader space to meet Molly's coworkers, see what her relationship with her husband is like, how the babysitter fits in, and what her children are like. This book is short but covers so much ground and remains focused on Molly and her difficulties with day-to-day.

I would not describe this book as a thriller, but it's an interesting speculative exploration of motherhood and all the trappings of its duality.

Very strange! I liked it a lot, and it was very scary. Which is exactly what motherhood seems like. Why do these reviews need to be 100 characters long? Have I hit it yet...

One of the creepiest books to come along recently, this tense portrait of a woman spiraling into insanity and nearly crippled by fear will keep you on the edge of your seat to the last, somewhat confusing chapter I couldn't put it down and couldn't wait to finish it!

4.5/5 stars for The Need by Helen Phillips.

The Need by Helen Phillips explores the fears and desires that make a mother vulnerable in such a complex and alarming way that I guarantee you will devour this read! With a mix of thriller, horror and some science fiction feels, The Need, completely captures the relationships and sometimes stressful dynamics of motherhood.

I went into this one blind and I am so happy that I did. I was not expecting the level of weirdness that Helen Phillips provided, but I was so grateful that she did! This is a completely unique and complex story that I think reader’s will either love or hate. Luckily for me, I loved it! The character development was sublime- my favorite character being the young daughter, Viv. I thought that she was witty and entertaining- adding some pizzazz to this otherwise tensely atmospheric novel.

I do think that this is a book that deserves to be read, digested, and discussed with others. I would definitely recommend this for a group read. If I wasn’t able to see what my other bookish friends thought, I think I would have missed some important nuances throughout.

All in all, I really think if you enjoy science fiction mixed with suspense and horror that you will enjoy The Need by Helen Phillips!

On man, where to start....

This was not the book for me. Confused nearly the entire time. What seemed like a good suspenseful thriller turned out to be a bit of a let down. So lost, so puzzled, so sorry it didn't live up to the hype I had going in.

Man this book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! Phillips is a masterful storyteller and knows how to weave a tale. I loved the character of Viv, she was something else!
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and to
NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had to DNF this one due to some personal triggers relating to motherhood (I should have known based on the premise), but that was my fault and nothing negative about the author or story. What I read was well-written and interesting and I’m sure many people will love this book.