If you haven't heard about this book yet, I'm guessing you haven't been on social media much (or you don't follow the same people as me on twitter!) because it is all I have heard about this year. Everyone has been raving about it, so I was really scared to read it in case I didn't share their love or get the hype. Admittedly, I was initially enticed by the beauty of the book. No, I'm not a fan of trainers, but ombre sprayed-edged pages? Um yes please! The blurb told me very little and as most of what I had heard about the book was from twitter I had gleaned little from 140 character offerings. Thankfully, when I finally took the plunge and began 'Wing Jones', I was able to sigh with relief, because I too am a fan!
So, Wing is the youngest of two children in the Jones family. She lives with her Chinese grandmother and mother, her African grandmother and her older brother Marcus. They have a close relationship as a family unit and the grandmothers are a perfect duo to bring the often much-needed comedy relief. The family were devastated seven years ago by the death of Wing's dad when on duty as a local police officer, and financially they're just about getting by, so as a character, Wing already seems like a bit of an underdog that the reader wants to see come good. Add to that, her half-Chinese, half-African heritage and you have a teenager who is socially insecure to say the least. The same cannot be said for her brother Marcus, but then as a jock he is pretty much secure in his high school social hierarchy placement. He is a likeable character and a great big brother, never seem to feel like Wing is 'tagging along' when she joins him and his girlfriend and best friend.
As the blurb says, a life-changing event causes turmoil for Wing, but it also leads her to discover her talent for running. I'm not an athlete – never have been and probably never will be – that being said, Webber's writing of Wing running was intoxicating enough to have even me contemplating reaching for my trainers. Ultimately, the books leads towards an all important race for Wing. For me, even until the last seconds of the race, it was not clear whether or not she would win – life doesn't always give a fairytale ending, and Wing definitely knows this. Consequently Webber had me sucked in to Wing's world until the very last pages and I can totally understand why everyone has been raving about this brilliant debut. Now all I need to do is summarise this in 140 characters!!

Great debut YA Novel.
Really enjoyed it. Good characters and the story gets you emotionally invested.

Wow! what a beautiful story.
What I love more about this book was the bond WJ had with her brother growing up. I read in many books how sisters/brother feel outshine but their sibling success, but WJ looked up to her brother.

Another thing I loved about this book was her grandmothers, boy they were a joy ride, they cracked me up so much. Granny Dee and LaoLao bicker like an old married couple. They have this weird love and hate friendship. They are like best friends who have arguments and are competitive with each other but at the end they walk away holding hands like nothing can break their bond.

If one thing I really dislike is bullying, so at one point of reading this book I wanted to throw some punches. Is sad that because one mistake one family member makes the rest has to pay for it. WJ had to endure it all, but thanks to running, her tight bond and love of her family; and Aaron she felt less alone and stressed.

One thing that was just weird for me was the Lioness and dragon. Why do they pop up? I understand is a culture thing but when did she start seeing them. Why? Was it because she felt alone. If they didn't speak how can they guide her.

Overall a great read.

Wing Jones
Series: None
Author: Katherine Webber
Published January 5th 2017 by Walker Books

Goodreads Synopsis
Jandy Nelson meets Friday Night Lights: a sweeping story about love and family from an exceptional new voice in YA. With a grandmother from China and another from Ghana, fifteen-year-old Wing Jones is often caught between worlds. But when tragedy strikes, Wing discovers a talent for running she never knew she had. Wing's speed could bring her family everything it needs. It could also stop Wing getting the one thing she wants.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

This was one of the 2017 debuts that I'd been interested in for ages, and when I was able to review a copy, I jumped at the chance. Wing Jones is about the main character, Wing, who has to deal with her brother being in a coma, and she does so by running. For years, she has struggled to find her identity, as her grandparents are from China and Ghana, and she's never really fit, within school. When she discovers her ability to run, and do it well, she finds herself relying on it, to take her mind off the tradegy her family is facing.

Firstly, I found the writing in this book perfect for the content. From the first page, you were drawn into the environment and era, and I could easily picture what I was reading about. Set in 1990s Atlanta, Webber doesn't gloss over the social issues facing Wing, and her family. They're struggling to earn and save enough money to live, and when they have to pay for more and more medical bills, it makes the problem even harder. Wing finds herself thinking that she's their only hope, and with her running ability, she could help if she can find a scholarship, or sponsorship.

There's also some romance in this book, which I did enjoy, but I much preferred the running aspect of the book. It was swoony at times, but I wasn't as invested in the romance as I would have liked to be. The ending was also a bit 'meh', and just ended, when I felt there needed to be a bit more tied up, but that's what I've found with many contemporary books.

All in all, this was a debut worth waiting for, and I look forward to reading more from Webber in the future.

This was very lovely! What a delightful and compelling read! Beautiful writing, thoroughly engaging and realistic characters, and very unforgettable story. I'm definitely recommending it!