Review of A Sharp Endless Need by Mac Crane
I am overflowing with excitement to share my thoughts on A Sharp Endless Need by Mac Crane—a book that has not only captured my heart but has also left an indelible mark on my very being. I can hardly contain myself as I write this review, and my gratitude goes to Random House, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for enabling me to dive into this advanced digital copy. Trust me when I say this is one you’ll want to preorder—it’s out on May 13, 2025, and I already have it lined up in three different formats!
From the very first page, I felt a magnetic pull toward Crane’s beautifully crafted prose. The way she captures the essence of lesbian longing is extraordinary; it transcends mere words, resonating in my body long after I put the book down. It’s challenging to articulate the depths of my affection for this story and its characters, but I’ll give it a shot.
At its core, A Sharp Endless Need is about the complexities of identity, love, and the poignant grief associated with growing up. Our protagonist, Mack, is a rising sports star grappling with the sudden loss of her father, leaving her family in chaos and debt. It’s a stark reminder that even the figures we look up to as pillars of strength are only human—vulnerable, flawed, and complex. This theme of “sonder,” realizing that everyone has their own struggles just like we do, weaves beautifully throughout the narrative.
Then enters Liv, the new transfer student whose immediate connection with Mack on the basketball court ignites a passionate and deeply intense bond. Their moments together are palpable; you can almost feel the heat radiating off the pages. I found myself drawn to their relationship, even as Liv’s insufferable boyfriend lurks in the background, a constant reminder of the complications of young love.
Crane’s exploration of indecision during youth is especially poignant. It encapsulates that perfect limbo where dreams collide with responsibilities—a magical yet terrifying space that many of us know all too well. The basketball scenes, far from being mere sports writing, are metaphorical explorations of aspiration and the struggle for self-identity. The prose feels like poetry, lyrical and flowing, making every turning page a delight.
One of the most striking elements for me was Crane’s unflinching portrayal of themes like homophobia—both internalized and societal. Her characters are raw and relatable, capturing the turmoil of understanding one’s self not just as an athlete but as a person navigating the complexities of love, sexuality, and gender. I found myself reflecting on my own experiences, almost feeling immortal in that beautifully captured moment of indecision.
In summary, this is a book that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the weight of longing or the pain of loss. It’s a love letter to youth and the wild, tumultuous journey of self-discovery. If you’ve ever loved a teammate or wrestled with who you are, this novel will surely touch your heart as it did mine. I can’t stress enough that this might just be my favorite book of all time.
For those in search of a heartfelt, thought-provoking read filled with beautiful prose, A Sharp Endless Need is it. I highly recommend it to anyone open to experiencing the intricacies of love and life through a beautifully rendered queer lens. Happy reading!