The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Strong, Lynn Steger. Want. Henry Holt and Company, 2020.

Lynn Steger Strong's novel Want is a first person narrative that traces Elizabeth's struggle to confront the source of her unhappiness. Elizabeth's perpetually distracted state of mind and internal restlessness inspire the narrative's fragmented form. The following summary follows a linear structure.

Elizabeth grows up in Florida, and is raised by two wealthy and successful lawyers. Though her parents show interest in her academics, their love feels contingent upon Elizabeth's achievements. In college, she grows tired of their manipulations, and insists that she no longer wants their money. When she is a teenager, however, she takes advantage of her privileged upbringing. She even prefers to spend time at her best friend Sasha's home, though Sasha does not have money or a large house.

Over the years, the two girls grow increasingly close. Elizabeth learns to rely upon Sasha for a sense of stability and balance. After high school, they attend college together in Boston. Though their undergraduate experience is largely defined by all the time they spend together, it is also the period when Elizabeth begins recognizing how different she and Sasha are. Sasha is more beautiful, and receives unrelenting attention from men. So when Sasha begins dating, Elizabeth grows jealous. Meanwhile, she retreats further into herself, barely able to leave her apartment. One night she calls Sasha from a bridge, alluding to suicide. When Sasha invokes the help of Elizabeth's parents, Elizabeth feels betrayed, and their friendship temporarily fades.

Their relationship is later restored when they travel to Taiwan together. While there, however, Sasha becomes pregnant, and decides to return home. Needing space, Elizabeth decides to stay overseas. Thirty-eight weeks into Sasha's pregnancy, she loses the baby. In the weeks and months following, Elizabeth struggles to know how to support her friend. Elizabeth is still in graduate school, and is feeling more stable, having married and started a family. Eventually she stops talking to Sasha altogether.

In the narrative present, Elizabeth is 34, living in Brooklyn with her husband, and daughters, and working two teaching jobs. She runs every morning to remain sane. Her job at a local charter school grants her little more than added anxiety. Though she loves her students, she hates the system. She then begins leaving school early almost every afternoon, reveling in the freedom of wandering the city or sitting in coffee shops and reading.

Around the same time, she develops a friendship with a Chilean writer who visits the grad class she teaches. The two establish weekly outings, and rapidly grow close. Elizabeth begins relying on this new friendship, and is more honest and open with her than anyone else. She even tells her when Sasha texts saying she is pregnant again. Still feeling guilty for having abandoned her friend years prior, Elizabeth is afraid of contacting Sasha. When Sasha continues texting Elizabeth about how much motherhood terrifies her, Elizabeth finally asks her how she can help.

Sasha comes to New York and stays with Elizabeth and her family for a few days. During her visit, Elizabeth realizes all of the things she wants to tell Sasha. Instead of pouring out all of these feelings, however, she sits quietly with Sasha, realizing her need.

Not long later, Elizabeth and her husband discover that the owner of their building is turning it into condos. They have to buy their apartment or move out. Disinterested leaving the city, Elizabeth abandons her pride and asks her parents for a loan.

Shortly after moving into their new space, Elizabeth and her husband host a part for their youngest daughter. During the party, Elizabeth's mother compliments her on the event, and her daughter's beauty.