Title: Wing Jones
Author: Katherine Webber
First published January 5, 2017
378 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781406369090 (ISBN10: 1406369098)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
For readers who loved Jandy Nelson and Friday Night Lights, comes a heartfelt and inspiring YA novel about family, love, and the power of determination. Wing Jones is a 15-year-old girl who has always felt like she didn’t quite fit in between her two cultures – her grandmother from China and her grandmother from Ghana.
But when tragedy strikes her family, Wing discovers a hidden talent for running that could change everything. As she trains for a big race, Wing realizes that her speed could bring her family the financial help they desperately need, but it could also cost her the one thing she truly wants.
With a relatable protagonist and a powerful message, Wing Jones is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story of hope and resilience.
About the Author
Born in 1987 in Southern California, Katherine Webber has lived in various places such as Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Atlanta. Currently, she resides in London with her husband, Kevin, and their young daughter.
Along with writing YA books, she collaborates with Kevin to co-write young fiction under the pen name Katie Tsang.
Katherine pursued Comparative Literature at the University of California, Davis, and Chinese language and literature at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has worked in different fields like international translation, technology startup, and reading charity.
At present, she is a full-time writer.
Katherine loves to explore new things and seek adventures, whether in books or real life. She has already visited 45 countries and finds delight in traveling, reading books, and dining out.
Editoral Review
Katherine Webbers debut novel Wing Jones is a touching and powerful story about family, friendship, and finding oneself amidst difficult circumstances. Published on January 5, 2017, Wing Jones is a young adult novel with elements of magical realism, set in suburban Atlanta in the 1990s.
The story follows the eponymous protagonist, Wing, a biracial teenager who feels like she doesnt quite fit in anywhere. Her father is African-American and her mother is Chinese, and she is often caught between their cultures.
To add to her struggles, her brother Marcus, a star football player, causes a devastating accident while driving under the influence, and Wing becomes the familys scapegoat. She turns to running as a way to cope with her stress and sadness, and discovers a talent she never knew she had.
Webber weaves a compelling narrative, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of family dynamics. The magical realism elements are subtle and add an enchanting quality to the story without overpowering the realism of the setting and characters.
The supporting cast of characters, including Wings best friend Aaron and Marcus girlfriend Eliza, are well-developed and bring depth to the story. One of the notable strengths of the book is its vivid descriptions of Atlanta in the 1990s, which provide a rich cultural and historical context.
Webber captures the music, fashion, and social issues of the time with authentic detail, and highlights the racial tensions and inequalities that still persist today. While Wing Jones is an overall enjoyable read, it does have some weaknesses.
The pacing of the story is slow at times, and some plot points feel predictable or forced. Additionally, some readers may find the ending to be too neat and tidy, almost bordering on clich.
Overall, Wing Jones is a worthwhile read that will resonate with anyone who has felt lost or alone. It is a moving coming-of-age story that balances heartbreak and hope.
For fans of young adult literature and stories about family and friendship, Wing Jones is a must-read. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
