Genre: Contemporary, YA,

Publication Date: January 5th 2017 by Walker Books

Format: Purchased paperback, (from Waterstones – I remember buying it on a whim, what a good decision that was!)

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.

(from goodreads.com)

This book is hands down one of my favourites of this year. I devoured it. It was refreshing, unique, well-written and just downright wonderful. Heartbreaking too, but brilliant.

Wing Jones is just a fabulous character. She isn’t perfect but then nobody is; she wasn’t your generic, blonde, slim, rich girl with flawless skin and features. (Nothing wrong with that but please we need variety and representation of other cultures / races). She’s not happy with her looks but she’s happy in other aspects of her life, and honestly it was brilliant to see, because she seemed like a normal person.

I also loved the contrast between her grandmothers and the aspects of their different cultures that continually shone throughout the novel. It was so interesting having two completely different cultures come together and so unique – I’ve noticed that mixed race characters in YA often tend to have a white parent, so it was refreshing to see a character that didn’t.

The plot was heartbreaking but equally uplifting, and there is a super strong focus on family. Thankfully a lot of YA now has veered towards a positive focus on families of all kinds, but I think this one takes the crown as in a way, it is entirely about family. Of course there are friendships and a bit of romance etc in here, but family is number one and I absolutely loved it.

It is also a book about running, and not only that, but a female running. I don’t think I’ve read a book where the female does sport and is also super good at it. I love running (nowhere near as much as Wing though), so personally I felt I could relate a little bit to her, or simply just understand why she enjoys it. It made me want to tie on my own trainers and go out for a run; it made me feel as though I could.

I’m struggling to find anymore to say about this book without overusing the same adjectives so I’ll leave it here: this book is amazing and you should definitely read it soon.

Also Katherine Webber is the sweetest person and I was so pumped to be her first YALC signing and I still haven’t got over my excitement. Her trainers on day 3 of YALC were also amazing. Just saying. (They match the cover).

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars.