Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

I can see why everyone is comparing this to Gossip Girl or The Clique, but this is much more self aware and interesting

Everyone’s likable (mostly) while also all being unlikable. Had to read this in bits and pieces because the secondhand uncomfortableness was incredibly strong at times

3.5 stars.

I loved the premise of this book and it started out like a very promising read. I loved how the author used a lot of stereotypes to portray racism and privilege. It started going down for me at around 60%, I just felt like it started to become predictable and the ending felt very flat. I wished the author had taken a few more risks with this one.

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the advanced reader copy.

I often love a "rich people's problem" book and am a fan of campus novels, so I thought TO HAVE AND HAVE MORE would be right up my alley. The characters were sufficiently messy and complex, but about halfway through it became clear that the story wasn't really headed anywhere. Emery and Lilah develop a tentative friendship as outsiders, racially, but the story itself plateaus and lost steam.

This book has been described as a boarding school Gossip Girl, and it definitely has those vibes but also is more nuanced and smarter than the Gossip Girl series (but truly no shade to the Gossip Girl series, those books are absolutely iconic). Set in 2007, this book follows Emery, a freshman at an incredibly elite boarding school - Derrymore - for the wealthiest of the wealthy. She is adopted but does not identify strongly with her Korean heritage, and she does not view herself as different from her white wealthy classmates. Her understanding of her place at school is challenged when she meets Lilah, a Taiwanese student who, in Emery's eyes, is stereotypically Asian and tries to glom onto her in the name of Asian sisterhood.

This book was really interesting. I appreciated how all the characters acted like actual teenagers - they were petty, cliquey, and selfish, and their emotions were all over the place. Sanibel perfectly captured the strange combination of disdain, contempt, protection, kinship, and competitiveness Emery felt for Lilah, and their friendship so mirrored teenage girl friendships where you simultaneously are obsessed with each other but also want to have the upper hand. This book probably also resonated for me because it was set in 2007, when I was in middle school, so the way high school operated then made sense to me and felt familiar.

The way Sanibel tackled microaggressions and passive racism also felt so spot-on. Emery cozying up to whiteness and proclaiming she wasn't like other Asian girls felt so true to how someone in her position, especially at a grossly wealthy school like Derrymore, would try to protect herself from her peers' judgment and racism and also really try to believe she wasn't any different than her classmates. The juxtaposition between her and Lilah was endlessly fascinating. Lilah never tried not to be perceived as Asian, but Derrymore would never have let her anyway; having parents that were not as wealthy as her peers' gave her less proximity to whiteness, and she fit in in the ways that would have shielded her.

This book also does such a good job of showing how rich people truly can get away with everything, and the spoken and unspoken mores that keep other people feeling othered. Sanibel really captured how rich communities police outsiders and interlocutors, and the ending was pitch-perfect in its depiction of the moral compromises you have to make if you want access to all the benefits.

This book is also just wickedly fun and well-paced. I liked it a lot!

Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

To Have and Have More is a fun contemporary fiction about two girls in a private school that go from "I don't even know and like you" to friends, and then "we are rivals once again, do not speak with me." In other words, this book really takes Gossip Girl with tones of Asian Americans (first generation and adopted by caucasian). The FMC who is an Asian adopted by a rich caucasian family has to deal with the fact she is neither "White enough" nor "Asian enough." She does her best to shirk the societal pressures and expectations that her rich world has set for her by trying to find a "real" friendship with this first generation Chinese American, who comes from less financial security and privilege. After they become friends, the privileged FMC realizes that she is being outshone by her first generation peer, and it is NOT the dynamic she expected.

The first third to half of the book is a bit slow and full of character uncertainty. The rest of the book was bit faster paced and improved character and plot development. This book and the adopted Korean character resonated personally as I am an adopted Korean by a caucasian family (though born in the United States). Some of her thoughts and indecisiveness felt very similar, and the same sentiments of not being White and interacting with those very racial comments that seem "harmless" but really aren't.

I would recommend To Have and Have More to those who enjoyed Gossip Girl, and kind of thrive on that elite private school theme. 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and 8th Note Press for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting to socials.

An unforgiving reality check on the differences between those born to moneyed privilege and those pulled into their orbit through circumstance. It's not only a "how do I fit in", it's a "do I really belong" type of story. Two young women thrown into friendship by their skin color and how they manage to live through their youth to become more than the sum of their surroundings.

The Clique + microaggressions

An elite private school satire, with an additional layer of racism and interracial adoption. I loved the character dynamics and explorations of identity and privilege. This is a great debut - fast-paced and funny, but not without substance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC!

Emery, an adopted Chinese baby, has grown up amidst privilege. As a teenager, she attends Derrymore Academy. Lilah Chang, a fellow student, seems to epitomize every Asian stereotype that Emery has been pushing against. When they begin to develop a friendship, both girls change in unexpected ways.

This novel wasn’t really for me. I found Emery to be very unlikeable, despite her growth and maturity during the book. I didn’t think there was much of a plot - it was more of a teenage coming of age story. Despite my criticisms, I think many will enjoy this novel. The book was well written, and the characters were well developed and rounded. Therefore, I am rating it a 4 out of 5.

Thank you NetGalley, Zander-8th Note Press and Sanibel for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of To Have and Have More.
I found this story to be well written with developed characters which I found to be unlikeable. It explores privilege, friendship and prejudice specifically geared toward young adults in a private school setting.
There is a great deal of drama which is only solved through money or “who you know”. I found that this whole story is comparable to our political environment today. It’s a sad world we live in if this is how we teach our children to solve their problems. I guess I am not a good candidate to judge this book. As a retired teacher I know there needs to be rules with consequences. I guess that is not important anymore.

Sanibel’s writing is sharp, darkly witty, and emotionally nuanced. She captures the psychological toll of being an outsider, the weight of familial expectations, and the painful contradictions of trying to belong in a world that was never built for you. This isn’t just a story about race or class—it’s about the messy, complicated, and very human desire to be seen.

I found a sharply observed, emotionally layered exploration of race, identity, and privilege that stayed with me long after I finished. Set against the hyper-privileged backdrop of Derrymore Academy, the story follows the evolving and often uneasy friendship between two Asian American girls: Emery and Lilah. Emery is a Korean girl adopted by wealthy white parents who has long distanced herself from her heritage. She identifies as white, rejects anything Korean, and uses her privilege as a shield against racism. Lilah, by contrast, is a brilliant but insecure middle-class Chinese American student, the daughter of immigrants who have high hopes for her academic success.

Their worlds shouldn’t intersect—Emery floats comfortably among the elite, while Lilah feels like an outsider both socially and economically. But a shared spot on the tennis team and a racially charged school-wide incident—“Hug An Asian Day”—bring them together in unexpected ways. But then the power dynamics in their relationship remain tangled. Emery, for all her emotional growth, still benefits from a system that rewards her wealth and whiteness. As Lilah begins to find her voice and sense of self, Emery struggles with feelings of jealousy, entitlement, and loss of control.

This is where the novel truly shines—in its unflinching portrayal of how friendship can be both intimate and transactional, how identity can be both liberating and deeply uncomfortable, and how privilege doesn’t disappear just because someone becomes aware of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the early copy and the opportunity to share my thoughts!

Sanibel's writing is sharp enough to cut and the juxtaposition of the characters works extremely well. This all felt like a conversation being overheard in the best way. I can't wait to see what she does next.

To Have and Have More – Sanibel
A sharp, satirical take on ambition, privilege, and the never-ending hunger for more. Sanibel crafts a biting yet entertaining narrative that exposes the excesses of wealth and the consequences of chasing an insatiable dream. The characters are flawed yet compelling, and the prose is both witty and insightful. Whether you love stories about the ultra-rich or enjoy social commentaries wrapped in humor, this novel delivers both in spades.

ARC Review To Have and Have More by Sanibel

Publication Date: April 15/25

At first, I thought l this might be another “mean girls” story about privilege and I wasn’t sure this would resonate with me. But as Sanibel skillfully layered in issues like interracial adoption, racism, casual racism, micro aggressions, belonging, and the feeling of being an outsider, I found myself connecting to this story.

The story offers a deep dive into the complex world of privilege and hierarchy at Derrymore Academy, a prestigious boarding school. It revolves around the unlikely friendship between Emery, a Korean girl adopted by wealthy white parents, who shuns her Korean identity and all things Asian; and Lilah, a brilliant but insecure middle-class Chinese American student who is fascinated but overwhelmed by the wealth surrounding her.

Emery identifies as white, and has tried to shield herself from racism by distancing herself from anything that may highlight
her Asian background. However her worldview is shattered once she becomes aware of the stereotypes, micro aggressions and offensive remarks and questions surrounding her. Once her eyes are opened, she can’t return to her previous state of ignorance, but she also doesn’t feel comfortable embracing being Korean. This raises a compelling question, who is she now?

Lilah is a passionate student, who struggles under the weight of her parents high expectations for her to achieve academically, as a way to honor the sacrifices they made for her by immigrating. Without the privilege of wealth, she feels out of place and inadequate at Derrymore, and does not have the social status to be friends with Emery. However, their shared role on the tennis team brings them together, and their bond solidifies after the racist “Hug An Asian Day”.

Their friendship is a complicated one, marked by an imbalance of power and status, with Emery playing the role of benevolent friend smoothing a path for Lilah. Through Lilah’s family, Emery is exposed to her first authentic experience of Asian culture, including a memorable trip to Taiwan where they celebrate her adoption day.

As Emery’s friendship with Lilah deepens, she is forced to confront her privilege, and what losing her culture may have cost her. She starts questioning the superficiality of her previous friendships. However, as the balance of power shifts and Lilah begins to step into her own identity, eclipsing Emery. Emery’s jealousy, entitlement and privilege reassert itself. Ultimately proving that you can buy your way out of anything.

This is a dark, witty exploration of the privileged world of boarding schools through the lens of Asian students. At it’s core, it’s a thought provoking examination of friendship, identity, privilege and integrity with a honest portrayal of how identity and status can shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the early copy of this book and the opportunity to provide honest feedback.

this satirical, drama-filled YA-ish book was such a compulsive read! i was drawn to the two vastly different main characters and how they navigated their worlds. perfect for anyone looking to indulge in some fun, teen drama. like many other readers, i found the second half of the book to be more my speed: faster paced, wittier, snarkier, more provoking. i wish these elements were more present throughout the entirety of the novel, but overall i enjoyed this read!
thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

Gossip Girl but make it Asian American.

This was a good throwback to the days when Gossip Girl was popular. Fellow Millennials, iykyk.

The tone is matter of fact at times, with a bit of snark and introspection to pepper the narrative. I really liked the two FMCs, Emery and Lilah. They were both great foils to each other and provided a good contrast between the ultra-rich and the middle class at an elite boarding school. Can money really buy happiness? Does hard work lead to success, or is it all about the connections you have?

I won't lie. The first half of this book was standard fare high school drama. It wasn't really all too gripping, and I was desperately trying to find the satirical bent. I wanted more snark, in an "xoxo Gossip Girl" kind of way. The narration threw in bits and pieces of this, but it wasn't enough to whet my appetite.

The second half was miles better, since the story started to focus a lot more on Emery and Lilah's friendship, as Lilah helped Emery lean into her Asian heritage. It felt very true to life. (I'm saying this as a 1.5 gen Asian American who knows Asian American adoptees with white parents.) And even more true to life, the twist at the end regarding their friendship felt very real.

Overall, I had a decent time. But I wish it really leaned into the ridiculousness and absurdity of a satirical novel, one where I could snort out loud and share one-liners and particular details with a close friend so we could reminisce about our time in high school or college surrounded by rich kids.

Thank you to 8th Note Press and NetGalley for this arc.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

While this read more as a YA novel, I still very much enjoyed it. Set at an expensive prep school this shows the differences between the rich and middle class. Racisim, and how it is or isn't dealt with by both Emery (Korean born adopted as a baby into a wealthy white family) and Lilah (Taiwanese middle class), is a large part of this story. Their lives, and the way they deal with the microaggressions are vastly different.

Friendship and culture also come into play. Emery and Lilah do form a close bond but at the end it all falls apart. I had an internal debate about who was in the wrong- and really they both were.

This was a quick but insightful read and I look forward to more from this author in the future!

To Have and Have More submerges the reader into the priviledged world of private boarding schools. It touches upon themes of class, race, prejudice, and how different rules apply to those with wealth. Sanibel really nails the adolescent world of academia and teenage drama. It's clear this is a world she is quite familiar with.
While this book is at times funny and cringey, there were also moments I felt uncomfortable and even angry at seeing the different rules that apply to the wealthy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and I was totally sucked into the world Derrymore Academy and all of it's drama.
This book reads more like a YA novel, this is a not a criticism, but an observation. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes some fun teen drama.
Thanks to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the ARC of this book.

Sanibel’s To Have and Have More is a sharp, darkly funny debut that examines race, privilege, and identity through the lens of an elite private school. Emery, a Korean girl adopted into a wealthy white family, navigates the absurdities of Derrymore Academy, where casual wealth masks deeper issues. Her dynamic with Lilah, a Chinese-American student desperate to fit in, is fascinating—filled with tension, mutual curiosity, and uncomfortable truths. Their fragile friendship offers a complex exploration of the ways privilege both connects and divides.

The writing is witty, blending incisive social commentary with moments of humor that highlight the ridiculousness of excess—like sweet sixteens under tents or braces-free Mediterranean vacations. Yet beneath the humor lies a bold critique of power and consequences, showing how privilege shields certain actions from accountability. Sanibel’s storytelling is equal parts engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers reflecting long after the final page. A must-read for those drawn to stories that balance depth with dark humor

Thank you to Net Galley and 8th Note Press for the ARC. This was such a great, fast paced, thrilling read. The author's voice is perfect for this kind of satire, while the racism, microagressions, and toxic behavior are uncomfortable and quite real, something about the author's voice makes this such a compulsive read. I really enjoyed reading about female friendships, the different family cultures, the privileges of being rich, the backstabbing and complexities of teenage life, this book was so well written.

This book was SO well done. I devoured the last half of it and couldn't get enough.

I loved the academia setting, the backstabbing, the fake friends, and the teenage angst. Reading almost like a YA but delivered in the best possible way, To Have and Have More would be a phenomenal book club choice.

From page one the casual racism had me cringing and while there were more than a few times I was uncomfortable, it felt good to embrace that discomfort. It gave me the merest glimpse into what so many individuals must face every day. It was eye opening and enlightening and Sanibel really nailed the delivery.

Emery and Lilah are such stellar characters. I think we've all known a Lilah and Emery at some points in our lives, and maybe in some ways, we're like them. Maybe we desperately wanted to fit in, or fit in but felt like a shell of our real selves, whoever that might be. Sanibel pushed the envelope in making us think inwardly, while keeping the focus on well-developed and complex characters.

I think what I loved most about this book is it throws away your standard arc. You expect one thing to happen and maybe it sort of does, but then it goes in an entirely different direction. I loved how everything played out. It all just felt so real. Sanibel, did you live this?!

If this book isn't on your radar, it needs to be. It's quick, it's witty, it's uncomfortable, a little bit shocking, and a whole lot brave. Don't miss it!

Thank you to 8th Note Press for the copy. Very highly recommend.