| Title | : | The Wishing Game |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0593598830 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780593598832 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published May 30, 2023 |
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
. . . You might just get it.
The Wishing Game Reviews
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4.5⭐ ( rounded up..can't stop thinking about this one!)
“I want to live on a magical island with my favorite author and be his sidekick……”
Who wouldn’t want that? Twenty-six-year-old Lucy Hart, remembers the time she ran away from home at the age of thirteen to meet Jack Masterson, a famous children’s book author whose Clock Island series captured the hearts and imagination of generations of readers. She did meet the author, though her plans to stay with him didn’t quite pan out. The series remains her favorite and she shares that love with seven-year-old Christopher a student of hers, recently orphaned and now in foster care. Lucy carries the pain of an unhappy childhood and cares deeply for Christopher. She dreams of becoming his foster parent and eventually adopting him. However, her meager income as a teacher’s aide and less than suitable living arrangements make her an unsuitable candidate for the same. When her favorite author invites her to participate in a contest to win the only copy of his new manuscript, written after an almost six-year hiatus, Lucy jumps at the opportunity to visit Clock Island, Masterson's private island in Maine that is modeled after the setting for his books. Not only is she excited to meet her favorite author once again but winning the contest would greatly improve Lucy’s financial situation and thus, her chances of being approved as a guardian for Christopher.
“What did the kids in the books have to do to get their wishes? First, they had to make a wish. Then they had to get to Clock Island. After that, they answered riddles or played strange games. Then they had to face their fears.”
On Clock Island, Lucy meets her co-contestants – three others like herself who had once run away from unhappy situations at home when they were children to meet “The Mastermind” who they believed had the power to make their wishes come true. Now as adults, they are back at Clock Island and they all have their reasons for wanting to with the contest. Lucy also meets Hugo Reese again, the illustrator for the series. Jack’s contest consists of a series of games and riddles and ultimately just like the characters in his books, a special challenge wherein they would have to face their fears. But news of Jack Masterson’s new book is making waves and there are scheming lawyers, book collectors and publishers to get their hands on that coveted manuscript. Lucy has a lot on her plate –dodging shady people with their shadier offers, her dynamic with Hugo, the stress of winning the contest and securing a future for Christopher and herself- and it’s not going to be an easy ride.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a beautiful story. Remember Willy Wonka? Instead of a chocolate factory, here get to have a look at Masterson's “writing factory” fully equipped with a huge collection of typewriters and his raven, Thurl Ravenscroft,also his “co-writer”. The narrative is shared for the most part from Lucy’s perspective and a few chapters from that of Hugo with excepts from one of the Clock Island books interspersed throughout the narrative. Jack Masterson is a quirky character with a heart of gold. Lucy Hart is endearing and I was invested in her story from the very beginning. Her journey is one of catharsis and growth. The dynamics between the Jack and Hugo and Lucy and Christopher - the friendship, concern and empathy and sense of family will touch your heart. Christopher did seem a bit mature for his age but his reservations can be explained by the trauma he has endured. I also liked that the author also looks at the potential perils involved when impressionable minds are influenced to embark on risky ventures. Some moments will break your heart and others will have your heart singing with joy. Overall this a lovely story that touches on themes of family, childhood, loss, kindness, love and sacrifice.
As an introvert who grew up with her nose always in a book (Enid Blyton books, The Trixie Belden series, and The Chronicles of Narnia were among my favorite childhood series) and an adult who struggles to keep from squealing with excitement every time she visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disney World (I read the Harry Potter books when I was well into my twenties), I was captivated by this story and the idea of Clock Island as the reclusive author’s not—so—humble abode. Meg Shaffer does a brilliant job of highlighting the role that books play in the lives of children (and adults) and the refuge they provide and in doing so reinforces the fact that books remain your constant companion through the darkest of times. Though not fantasy per se, this story is magical in its own way. Read this book with your heart and you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks to author Meg Shaffer, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it … it changes us.” -
I wish, I wish, I wish the game of life could be this simple, this beautiful, and this rewarding. A feel-good book that has an abundance of adorable and generous hearted people, endless good deeds, and expressions of kindness that would just melt your heart. What more could you wish for?
Yes you have that too – a game of riddles at the heart of the story which Lucy must solve to win the chance to adopt Christopher, a young orphaned boy who loves her so much in return.
The Plot
Yep, Christopher loves Lucy, the teaching assistant at his school, and Lucy the teaching assistant at Christopher’s school wants to adopt him.
Lucy enters a book competition for the chance to win a life changing sum of money that will enable her to convince the authorities that she is a sensible guardian and has the means to take care of this adorable little boy.
The author of the book also wants a family, and his assistant, Hugo, wants a woman in his life – not just any woman – but Lucy.
You can see where this is all going?
Review and Comments
Very predictable, gorgeous though and emotionally satisfying because everyone ends up happy in this wishing game.
I love these stories once in a while where the obvious outcome doesn’t take away from the story and people are actually really nice. Some of the storyline was too far-fetched if you ask me though and the people were toooooo nice!!!!
“The only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one is listening because someone always is…”
Cute, adorable but predictable. -
Just when I was starting to doubt I’d get a second 5-star read this year, Meg Shaffer delivered the answer to my wish - the book version of a big, warm hug aptly titled The Wishing Game!
Lucy is a 26-year-old kindergarten teacher’s aide with little savings, no car, and three roommates, who - more than anything in the world - wants to adopt Christopher, a young student living with a foster family after losing his parents. Their bond is strong, but Lucy has just been told it’s unlikely she’ll ever qualify to adopt him. She’s preparing to tell him this when hope arrives in the form of a little blue envelope. She recognizes who it’s from since she received one just like it thirteen years ago.
Across the country, on a whimsical clock-shaped island off the coast of Maine, renowned children’s book author Jack Masterson, whose Clock Island series has been loved by millions has come out of a mysterious five-year silence to announce a contest that four lucky invitees will participate in for the rights to a brand new, singular copy of his newest Clock Island book. Those invitations were sent out in … you guessed it … little blue envelopes.
Does that premise sound familiar? It should. It takes inspiration from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where five children competed for Mr. Wonka’s chocolate factory. The similarities end there, though. Contestants Lucy, Andre, Melanie and Dustin had all written to Jack as children hoping that, like The Mastermind character in his books, he could fix their painful home or school situations. As adults now, they’ve overcome their childhoods, but each needs the money that selling the rights to Jack’s book would bring.
As all four gather at Clock Island, in Jack’s impressively large home, they also meet his assistant and illustrator of his books - a 34-year-old world-weary, sarcastic, but completely lovable Brit, Hugo, who’s been watching over Jack during his hard drinking writing exile. Hugo remembers Lucy as the thirteen-year-old girl who tried to run away to Clock Island once. She remembers how cute he was. I loved their fun, sweet interactions now that they’re both adults!
After days of Jack’s games and maddening riddles, whose wish will come true? That’s for you to read and find out! I did enjoy the (mostly) supportive nature between the contestants, and I love how things came together in the end. It was a little piece of perfection! There were some heavy themes like childhood trauma, parental neglect, alcoholism, bullying, running away and all forms of abuse, but it was never heavy-handed or depressing. Rather this story is a love letter to the power of books to change a reader’s life and is so kind-hearted in its approach.
The books that stand out to me and end up as my year-end favorite always have this in common: They make my heart happy. Plain and simple. Jack, Hugo, Lucy and Christopher all stole my heart and made this a new one for my favorites shelf. If you like whimsical books about books, found family, a bit of magical realism, romance (and great pet names like Vince Purraldi, Billie Pawliday, Darles Chickens, and Thurl Ravenscroft), I highly recommend this wonderful, well-written debut! Oh, and may I add ... best cover ever. 😍
★★★★★ ❤
Thanks to Random House Publishing - Ballantine, NetGalley and author Meg Shaffer for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published May 30, 2023. -
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a Book About Books!
When Lucy Hart was a child, she found the love she lacked at home in books and her favorites were from the Clock Island series by children's author Jack Masterson.
Lucy was so taken by these books that at age thirteen she ran away to Clock Island with the dream of living with her favorite author.
Thirteen years later...
Jack Masterson reappears to announce he's written a new book in the Clock Island series and will hold a contest on his private island where four hand-picked readers will compete to win the only copy, the manuscript.
At age twenty-six, Lucy has a different dream now. When she's about to give up hope, she receives a blue envelope with news she'll be traveling to Clock Island as one of the four readers chosen to compete in the competition.
This could be Lucy's chance of making her dream of a better future come true...
My initial thought about The Wishing Game? It was slow and written for a younger reader and audience. My hope was the pace would pick-up and the writing would age-up as the story progressed.
That's exactly what happens beginning with Part Three. The pace picks up, the story gets meatier, and becomes verifiably Women's Fiction through the remainder of the story.
The Magical Realism was a bit sparse but the magic of the story and the island was definitely thick and mysterious. It has a great mix of characters but the story primarily focuses on Lucy, Jack, and Hugo who is Jack's illustrator and his right-hand for just about everything.
The island and the Clock Island books feel like characters, too. This story stirs fond memories of those fun childhood experiences with books that lead your imagination into delightful free-fall.
I recommend The Wishing Game to readers who enjoy a little magic, a little romance, and a little bit of YA in a Women's Fiction Book about Books!
3.75 stars rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Meg Shaffer for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review. -
3.5
Jack “the mastermind” Masterson is the reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author who wrote a series of books about the Magical, Mysterious “Clock Island”.
It’s been years since he has published anything new, but he suddenly resurfaces with a brand-new book AND a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change one winner’s life.
But, there is a catch-only four people will be invited to compete to win the “one and only” copy of the book, worth enough money to change a life forever.
Lucy Hart, once a child who found solace in his books, and dreamed of being the author’s “sidekick”, knows that as a teacher’s assistant, she doesn’t have enough money to adopt the orphaned boy that she tutors-but winning the competition would allow her to do so.
Can she find a way to be invited?
That seven year old boy, Christopher, has also found comfort from the “Clock Island series” which Lucy reads to him.
The two play what they call, “The Wishing Game” often.
He WISHES to be her son.
And, she WISHES to be his new mother.
So when her invitation arrives, he screamed. And, she screamed.
“When you gotta scream, you gotta scream”!
Lucy heads to Clock Island, and Jack’s “writing factory” to play his games, and solve his RIDDLES with her eyes on the prize-you have to be brave for wishes to come true!
From the opening dedication to “Charlie, and all of us still looking for our golden tickets” to the author’s acknowledgement page, thanking Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka for taking over her brain in third grade-the book is VERY reminiscent of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and Jack Masterson is VERY reminiscent of Willy Wonka himself.
You could call this a “reimagining” or a “homage” to the Classic but with books in place of chocolate, but BE AWARE, I felt it read like YA even though the characters are adults, and it hasn’t been tagged as such.
If you are young, or young at heart, you can pick up this charming book NOW!
I think a hardcover with this GORGEOUS COVER ART, would look wonderful on my shelf.
A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW-be sure to watch for their “always amazing” reviews!
Thank You to Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review! -
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Megan Whalen at Random House-Ballantine, and Meg Shaffer for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 5.30!**
Hold your breath. Make a wish. Count to three...
Charming, whimsical, and heartfelt, this magical journey will take you out of the real world and deep into a land of Pure Imagination...and I'm not sure I've returned home just yet!
All teachers feel a certain amount of love for their students, but 26 year old Kindergarten teacher Lucy Hart is on another level with one special child, Christopher Lamb. Christopher lost his parents tragically, and Lucy briefly got the chance to step in as his mom...and her heart never left. Living with two roommates and a strained financial situation, however, is holding her back from being able to adopt Christopher officially and wear the title of Mom for good. Despite this, the two share a magical bond, brought together by their love of wishes and magic, and also one special set of books: The Clock Island series, written by Jack Masterson.
One day, Lucy shares a secret with Christopher; many years ago, she wrote a letter to Masterson, begging to be his sidekick (after her own parents left her unseen and unheard for too long) and Lucy actually VISITED Clock Island and knows that it is indeed real. More surprising still, Masterson has chosen THIS time to come out of reclusive retirement and hold a contest: the winner will receive the one and ONLY copy of the newest installment of the Clock Island series...worth SIX FIGURES, easily.
Lucy knows that this book is her one and only shot at having the money to make her dream of motherhood come true, and she is determined to win. But when she arrives at Clock Island, her competitors possess equal resolve. Another familiar face also greets Lucy: that of Jack Masterson's Clock Island illustrator, Hugo, a slightly gruff but shockingly handsome Brit who has Lucy swooning (to herself, of course). With the stakes ever higher and Masterson's riddles becoming maddening, will Lucy's wish FINALLY come true? Or will all her future plans vanish like the rabbit in the magician's hat?
With homages, things can go one of two ways: the result can feel like a rip off of the source material....OR, in the case of The Wishing Game, they can serve as a springboard for an equally iconic, memorable, and magical experience in storytelling. Shaffer lovingly dedicates this book to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and the world Dahl created, by extension) and at first glance, this might seem like a series of repeated plot points. Eccentric genius of his craft disappears, and after a long hiatus runs a contest to let others into his personal sanctum, winner receives glory and of course, the BEST prize imaginable. And sure, this framework is present here, and Shaffer doesn't necessarily shy from it.
What she does is even better. Shaffer leans into the parallel, but at the same time, forges her own unique path, rife with gentle nods to some of fiction's most beloved and timeless childhood tales. There is a certain indescribable magic in childhood: the world is big and endless, and ANYTHING can happen. As we grow, our worldview tends to get smaller, and we lose so much of this focus to the forced structure of society and the pressure to 'get things done.' But in this story, all of our adult characters (and ALL of them are adults, save for Christopher!) are the ones examining and overcoming the same fears first born in childhood.
There are HEAVY topics explored in this one: everything from child abandonment, allegations of kidnapping, and the foster care system...and yet, as deep as this one goes, it has a certain buoyancy and whimsy that keeps even the darkest moments from feeling like a shadow. Part of this is due to the complex and LOVABLE characters Shaffer has created. Everyone from our MC Lucy to the mysterious Jack Masterson to the sensitive and multilayered illustrator Hugo shines, and as a reader, you can't help but be drawn to them. Though Masterson strays from the over-the-top silliness of Wonka, he has just enough of a grin in his words and a twinkle in his eyes to keep everyone guessing, and his 'writing factory' is the stuff of every bibliophile's dream (complete with Bird In Residence, Thurl Ravenscroft!)
Though I am emotional to the core, I rarely find a read that makes me laugh OR cry...and this one handily did both. Multiple times. This is the sort of book that once you MANAGE to put it down, you will not be able to stop thinking about it. I actually told myself to slow down MULTIPLE times while reading because I was just aching to savor it. Much like childhood, once you realize how magical it can actually be, it's just about gone. There's just something about the books you read at a young age that stirs something inside you, no matter how many years it's been, and I feel the same way about books like Charlotte's Web: I enjoyed it at 8 and would still enjoy it at 80. The Wishing Game has this same sort of transcendent, ethereal quality: it shines in 2023 and will STILL shine in 2123...and beyond.
One of my favorite reads of this year, and perhaps even the past few, The Wishing Game reminded me of the dedication at the beginning of the film adaptation of the Wizard of Oz: "For nearly forty years this story has given faithful service to the Young in Heart; and Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion. To those of you who have been faithful to it in return ...and to the Young in Heart ...we dedicate this picture."
And if this book is any indication of the future Shaffer has in store, she could just be the next effortlessly timeless writer we have ALL been waiting to find...somewhere at the end of the rainbow. 🌈
5 stars -
♥️🙌🏼♥️ 4.5* For those of you who grew up loving Willy Wonka's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory with hope you could win the "Golden Ticket" to help change a winner's life than this one is for you! Who hasn't wanted to meet their favorite author and live out their childhood dream through a book? Everything spilled out as mythical but yet it was strangely real-life fantasy...if you can tie it all together. Jack Masterson is the author of The Clock Island series. A few incidences have occurred in his life which have put him in hiding and not writing anymore. His illustrator Hugo, a very handsome man, is tired of the isolation and being a companion watching over Jack for reasons that will appear near the end of the book.
When Jack decides to write another book for the series, he also decides to have a contest so a winner will be able to make his/her life better. This is when 26 year old Lucy Hart comes into focus. Her life has been one of neglect and she spends her days as a teacher's aide to help other children. One particular 7 year old boy, Christopher, has lost his parents and was placed into foster care. Lucy wants to adopt him, but was not approved due to lack of funds and a home for him. She enters the contest because The Clock Series helped her through life and she has read them to Christopher to help him. She had run away from home to Clock Island when she was 13 years old hoping she could live there with the author and knows everything about the books.
There are so many awakenings in the book! Each character has suffered a loss and lack of stability. With four potential winners chosen to come to the island for the contest, you will have so many moments of anticipation and hope for Lucy.
This was a fun heartfelt book and sometimes tearful due to the plight each character has suffered, but the competition is about to begin. Do not miss out on your "Wish"!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC in exchange for my review! -
“However small the chance might be of striking lucky, the chance was there.” - Ronald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Jack Masterson, the author of the beloved Clock Island series, quit writing years ago without explanation. He had a huge fan base and children would write to him telling him their wishes. His beloved books were missed by all, but now he has a new book coming out! Imagine the excitement felt by fans worldwide when they learned about the new book. But there is a catch, isn't there always a catch? He is holding a contest at his home on the real clock island, and he is inviting a select few to participate. The winner will receive the one and only copy of the book!!!! woohoo.
Lucy has loved the Clock Island series since she was eight years old. She even ran away once to Masterson's house on Clock Island hoping to be his sidekick. She has never lost her love of reading and works as a teacher's aide and wants nothing more than to adopt seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who became an orphan after tragedy.
Back on Clock Island, Lucy meets Jack Masterson and his assistant, Hugo. She also meets the other contestants, and the competition begins. Not only are they competition against each other, they must contend with a lurking attorney who wants to bribe contestants to sell the book to his client if they win.
This was such a delightful book full of beautiful passages. I hung on to the words and as I was drawn into the story. I have been a bookworm since childhood and loved how the author showed the characters’ love of books and how books take readers on journeys and have impacts on their lives. I also loved the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feel. I watch Gene Wilder version every year.
Reading this book was like a big warm hug. The book touches on family and what makes a family, love, wishes, generosity, kindness, books, facing your fears, dreams and finding your home. It was lovely, moving and thought provoking. I loved the characters and their backstories. There was so much heart in this book.
Well written, moving, and hard to put down.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
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"The only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one’s listening because someone somewhere always is.”
I loved this book so much, it was such a beautiful story about how books can change the reader and I am a firm believer that books help people young and old. This book will resonate with Harry Potter fans (which I am not) who enjoyed that series as a kid (my kid did)...They'll have lots in common with Lucy and her love of The Clock Island books.
Many reviews have said this is more young adult fare but I didn't find it so. There is magic, romance and a difficult foster-to-adopt situation. Lucy also deals with having a limited income, so she does her job as a teaching assistant and supplements her income with her knitted scarves on Esty. I found those subjects a little too adult for this to be kids' fiction but I think kids could enjoy it too. Parts of this book broke my heart but it is ultimately a joyful story.
This was a truly unique book, even though it has remnants of Willy Wonka, but with the kids coming back as adults! I loved the characters, it sucked me in right away and I read it in a couple of sittings making this book perfect for readers young and old.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. -
In a Nutshell: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ without the “wonkiness”. [Pun intended.] I loved this book almost till the end. A sweet and beautiful read that will warm the cockles of your heart despite some sappy elements.
Story Synopsis:Six years ago came the last book in the long-running Clock Island series. Since then, children’s book author Jack Masterson has stayed reclusive. Until now, when he has announced a brand-new Clock Island book and a special competition, offering the winner a mind-blowing prize.
Lucy Hart has always been a huge fan of the Clock Island series and of its author. As a teacher’s aide, the twenty-six year old shares her love of reading with her little charges, especially with seven year old Christopher, an orphaned child who loves his teacher more than anyone else. Lucy dreams of adopting Christopher, but her financial situation doesn’t allow her to fulfil her dream.
Masterson’s competition seems like a dream come true, and all Lucy has to do is to win his competition. But as we all know, dreams go hand in hand with perils.
The story comes to us in the limited third person perspective of mostly of Lucy and Hugo, Jack’s illustrator.
Bookish Yays:
😍 Though the story was quite straightforward and almost predictable, it was very tough to keep aside. The plot is a nice combination of emotional and heartwarming.
😍 As readers, what do we most love? Books! And when there are books about books, hallelujah! I simply loved the role books played in this plot, right from alleviating fears to providing imaginary escapes from tough situations to simply spreading joy and laughter. There were even some chapters that were written as “excerpts” from Jack’s Clock Island books. These were the perfect addition to the story. All the bookish elements were a bibliophile’s delight.
😍 While I love the premise of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate factory’, Willy Wonka wasn’t really my favourite character. So imagine a similar premise, where you get a ‘golden ticket’ to Clock Island, and weirdo Wonka is replaced by the masterful maverick Masterson. I simply loved Jack’s character – he was the lynchpin of the plot in so many ways. Because we don’t hear from his character directly, he gets maximum attention from us and just as the children in the book, we hang on to his every word.
😍 The remaining characters too were as goody-goody as expected in this plot. Lucy, though a tad too impulsive and impractical, had a heart of gold. Christopher is one of the cutest child characters I have ever read. I wish I could just hop into the book and hug him tight! And what can I say about Hugo Reese! The typical romantic coconut – hard exterior, soft interior. First time ever I saw a lead character with arm tattoos! The secondary characters are mostly cookie-cutter, but a few of them still make their presence felt.
😍 The titular ‘wishing game’ refers to multiple things in the plot, one of which is the game that Lucy and the other three contestants have to play to win Jack’s prize. I enjoyed this game as well, with the riddles adding to the fun element.
😍 Through Christopher’s story, we also get a look at the foster care system. Though the author has deliberately focussed only on hopeful elements, the book still offers a touching, albeit somewhat saddening glimpse of a system overloaded with needy children looking for care and love.
😍 There are several other dark and depressing themes, but most of these are mentioned in passing, thereby keeping the impact on the lighter side. This works well for the plot because the positive vibes would otherwise have been killed by the sombre elements.
😍 Clock Island is not just the name of the book series but also a location. And man, what a location it is! Right from the rooms in the main house to its various clock spots, the whole island seems like the perfect spot to live in. To top it all, the book has a map of the island at the start!
😍 While there are hints of attraction in the story, romance never takes centre stage, which remains firmly focussed on the personal development of the characters. This always works to my benefit as I hate insta-attraction stories.
Bookish Nays:
😔 One particular writing choice towards the end disappointed me. That development simply wasn’t needed, and it felt like a satisfactory track had been purposely manipulated to heighten the emotional shock. Cutting off that part from the book wouldn’t have made any difference, or rather, would have improved the book.
😔 Certain elements in Lucy’s backstory also felt farfetched. Her reason for staying away from certain people wasn’t convincing. The big reveal in her arc reminded me of a Jodi Picoult book—not revealing the name here as it is akin to a spoiler—but it didn’t come across realistically in this story.
😔 Just as in the Roald Dahl book, you know who will be the winner. So the proceedings are somewhat guessable. Then again, this genre thrives on a guaranteed HEA, and the HEA is delivered to our satisfaction. But a small part of me wishes it had explored the boundaries of predictability and even gone beyond.
All in all, this was one of those books where you know how things will go but you still can't stop reading. The fast pacing also helped. Especially considering that this was a debut work, the author has handled it quite well.
For most of the book, I was accompanied by my Shoulder Angel and my Shoulder Devil. Angel was going all gooey-eyed, laughing and crying along with the candy-sweet plot developments while Devil was rolling his (her?) eyes at the improbability of the mushiness and the predictability. Angel and I decided to ignore Devil and relish the read with all our heart. But the final couple of chapters proved Devil correct as the emotional manipulation went a step too far with the introduction of the unnecessary plot point. Thereafter, Devil convinced me to lower my rating to 4 stars even though Angel was comfortably perched on the 4.5 stars mark. 4.25 is a way of keeping them both happy.
Recommended to those who would love to read a touching found-family style story with plenty of fun and emotional moments.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Wishing Game”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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This was a buddy read with Srivalli, and our good streak continues, thankfully. Both of us had similar feelings about the book. Do check out her review as well.
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“Tick-tock. Welcome to the Clock.”
How I wish Clock Island existed in the real world, outside the pages of Meg Shaffer’s debut novel, The Wishing Game. I’d be on my way to Maine right about now, just so I could see it with my own eyes. My boys would be in tow; my husband, too … his complaints and all.
I grew up loving Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the original movie starring Gene Wilder, and later also loved Roald Dahl’s classic book upon which the movie is based. Which is why it doesn’t surprise me in the least that I adored Shaffer’s whimsical tale of a magical contest on a fairy tale island and the woman, Lucy, who wants to win the prize more than anything.
At its core, the novel is a simple, heartwarming story, one filled with lovable characters and fun riddles and games. There’s some light romance to it, too, and it has loads of feel-good moments involving friendship and found family.
But I wanted a touch more from it. Greater depth, richer characterization, and smoother dialogue, especially coming from the secondary characters. Some of the conversations in the story are rather stilted.
And is it just me, or does Lucy’s relationship with the child, Christopher, feel a bit odd? Their closeness and how they talked about Lucy being his mom seemed borderline inappropriate, especially in a school setting. I don’t know – perhaps I need to adjust the way I see it.
Still, a magical book, The Wishing Game. The nostalgia of it, the coziness of it. It’s like a big bookish hug from your best friend. -
Lovely book. A book lover's homage to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
This was just a feel good story for me from start to finish. This is not a deep contemplative tale, it's a simple story of love, found family, and forgiveness.
Jack Masterson is the beloved author of the Clock Island children's book series. He actually lives on Clock Island, right off the coast of Maine. Yet, for some reason, he has not written a book in six years. Lucy is a kindergarten aide with dreams to adopt seven-year-old Christopher. Unfortunately, a series of poor choices has left her deep in debt sharing an apartment with college students. When she was a child, due to her own family struggles, Lucy ran away to Clock Island and met Jack. News is released that he has written a new novel and has sent out invitations to four people to participate in a game in order to win rights to the book. Lucy receives one of these invitations and sets out on an adventure to claim what she wishes for most--the ability to have a family.
I enjoyed getting to know Jack, Hugo (his illustrator), Lucy, Christopher, and the rest of the characters. They each have their own struggles and heartache, and the ending is a lovely testament to power of love and friendship. Implausible, yes, but don't we all need a good fairy tale ending sometimes?
There are many nods to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and each one brought a smile of recognition to my face. There are games and riddles that the characters have to figure out and I totally enjoyed trying to figure them out myself. The book is whimsical, yes, but there is some depth here. Lucy had been through a lot, and I appreciated how she embraced growth and forgiveness when it was offered to her, even though she was fearful of being hurt again.
If you enjoy books about books, filled with fun and adventure, look no further than this delightful debut. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. -
Lucy, a 26 yr old teachers aide, has a wildly inappropriate relationship with a 7 yr old foster kid, calling herself his “mother”, and promising him she will adopt him once she saves up enough money from babysitting and knitting (huh?!?!)
Oh and she hugs and kisses him, buys him gifts and plans on spending the weekend with him.
This is the kind of behavior that would get someone fired or arrested. Never mind the emotional damage of making promises she can’t possibly keep to an already traumatized kid.
She has no money, no car, credit card debt and shares an apt with roommates who are just as irresponsible as her. One scene, which was supposed to be funny (but was not) involves her pothead roommate who doesn’t take care of basic hygiene needs.
She resents her sister for getting more attention than her when they were kids. Never mind that her sister was severely ill. Grow up, or see a therapist.
I know it’s fiction, but this is too much for me and except for the creepy themes, it reads very YA.
Does the world really need an adult Willie Wonka? No it does not. I’m not even sure we need a children’s Willie Wonka, a story I find creepy. I don’t find it or this charming in the least. -
What if you could live in the world of your favorite childhood series? Which one would it be? For Lucy this dream is coming true just in time to give her a chance to adopt a boy and rescue him from foster care. This multi-layered new release is set on Clock Island. The author of the series holds a contest for four adults who have been super fans of his books. One thing I enjoyed was trying to solve the riddles in the challenges. That being said, I though author Jack Masterson was too manipulative. While I really loved Hugo Reese, the illustrator, and was rooting for Lucy to win the contest and adopt Christopher. Does she win? You will have to read the book and find out. 😉
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So heartwarming and magical. It’s a nod to Charlie and the chocolate factory and it shows. Amazing characters and the romance didn’t few forced and gah Clock Island, please take me there Immediately.
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When you gotta scream, you gotta scream. From the very first page, I already knew this book was going to be too short, and that I would soon be wishing it would never end. You won’t want to put it down either, and you’ll be screaming for more pages!
Lucy is an extremely broke kindergarten teacher’s aide. She forms a bond with one of her students, who is in foster care after his parents’ deaths. She would do anything in the world to be able to adopt Christopher, but after two years of trying, it appears impossible. Enter Clock Island. Lucy receives a letter from the author of the bestselling children’s series to visit Clock Island herself. Her invitation includes the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to win the one and only copy of the newest Clock Island book. Lucy’s wheels begin to turn. Can she win the book and sell the rights to a publisher for a pretty penny, all so that she can finally adopt and support Christopher?
It is so rare to find a book that appeals to so many different audiences. The Wishing Game is a true gem. It reminded me so much of the stories that made me fall in love with reading in the first place, and I found myself wanting to revisit The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Clock Island was a truly magical place. I simply will not be able to get over this book. If it does not win Book of the Month’s BOTY, I will be shocked. I already want to read it again. 😩 I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the plot, I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5/5, Fiction)
*If you don't want to read my review, just know this, this book left me feeling like: 🥹🥹🥹. If you also want to feel like that, then you should pick it up!
This book is magical. If you're open to all things whimsical and wonderful with some real-world bits mixed in, this is the book for you.
Years ago, famous and reclusive author Jack Masterson stopped writing his wildly popular children's books to the shock of the world. Suddenly, he resurfaces with a brand new book and a life-changing competition set on the remote island off the coast of Maine that he lives on. So far, this might sound like the premise of a thriller (lol) but let me assure you this is a heartwarming, life-affirming story. Lucy Hart is a huge fan of Jack Masterson's work and relied on his magical stories to get her through a rough childhood. Now, she's 26 and working as a teacher's aide. Her greatest dream is to adopt Christopher, a 7-year-old orphan who was once her student and now the child she tutors and spends all her free time with. Unfortunately, becoming a family seems impossible, given Lucy's financial situation. Lucy has exhausted every option available to make her dreams a reality. She is on the brink of giving up before she learns she's one of the 4 contestants chosen to participate in Jack's life-changing contest.
This book is a love letter to storytelling. It's bursting with lovable characters, full of heartstring-pulling plots, sprinkled with hope, and finished off with a heap of magic. As an added bonus, I found myself googling a few words sprinkled throughout this book and, once learning their meaning, thinking to myself, "I need to use that word in my everyday life." Stumbling across a new word felt like getting an Oreo-filled spoonful of cookies and cream ice cream.
Simply put, I had the most marvelous time getting lost in this story. I will be pushing it into the hands of many of my friends.
You come here for the beach reads, and this is simply that—a book that makes you feel good. I would be shocked if this wasn't in my top 5 for the year. -
This is not only one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time, but one of the most personal for so many reasons.
I can now add this book to my favorites of all time. I sobbed like a baby and will protect this story and its characters at all costs. What a magical experience. -
2.5 Stars, rounding up
Great premise, but execution didn't really work for me.
Jack Masterson is a famous children's series book writer about the Clock Island books. He lives on Clock Island and Lucy Hart as a 13 year old girl runs away from home to Clock Island to try to become the Mastermind's sidekick. Fast forward 20 years later, and Jack hasn't written a new book and starts a challenge for the winner to win the only copy of his latest installment in the Clock Island series. He invites four adults that had previously escaped to Clock Island that are all in desperate need of something.
The challenges and riddles started out cool and interesting and quickly lost their luster. There were a few threads that I found extremely hard to believe, and I didn't really love the idea that the illustrator, Hugo Reese was interested in a 13 year old girl that comes back in her early 20s and that's the love story that we really didn't need, gave me minor ick vibes. I also really couldn't get behind Lucy being completely obsessed with this foster child, Christopher. The other thread that really bothered me was Lucy's family- her parents essentially throwing her out because they were obsessed with the health of her sister, Angie? This was a cutesy read that didn't really have any depth, even though the author tried to throw a spaghetti pot of "hard topics" at the wall, none of them stuck.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review -
I was sucked in by this book's Perfect Premise--mega-famous reclusive island-dwelling children's book author invites four people to his island off the coast of Maine to compete for the only copy of the long awaited new book in his classic series--but I stayed for its heartwarming, page-turning story of found family and love triumphing over indifference. So good!
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This was a beautiful book. It had tones from Willy Wonka, but it was some how even more beautiful. The writing was great and I really loved the excerpts from the fictional books from the story. Lucy achieved a dream as a child, she made it to Clock Island, the setting for her favorite series of books. Her dream was short lived and despite her favorite author telling her she would be ok, her life has limped along. She desperately wants to adopt a little boy who lost both of his parents, but she doesn’t have the resources to be considered (this was a bit exaggerated, I work in child welfare and we would work hard to make a kinship placement with a safe and appropriate adult work). When she receives a letter from that author inviting her to come to play a game and to have a chance to win a copy of a new Clock Island book, the only copy to do with as the winner wants. Knowing this is her only chance she goes determined to win.
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✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“The only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one’s listening because someone somewhere always is.”
Right after I completed The Wishing Game, I had this sudden strong urge to burst into song - to sing as loudly as I could the lyrics of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing'. Meg Shaffer's debut novel left me with this intense hopeful feeling that your dreams can be achieved, if you just 'hold onto that feeling' - 'if you wish upon a star, you'll find your dreams will come true' - all these insane emotions thrummed in my chest of happiness, of affection, of acceptance, of being loved - a whirlwind of feels and appreciation that even a simple wish from whoever it was from, could be granted in the most unique of ways. 🩷🩷🩷
“Writing that book changed my life. Reading it changed yours. And all of us, I think, are hoping one of my books will change our lives again. The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it…it changes us.”
I'll try not to go too much into the details, but let me start with the things that I did notice. And this is not criticism, this is actually something I appreciate - the simplicity in the writing style. It was very easy to read - nothing overly outlandish, very clear and distinctive in successfully achieving the emotions it wanted to convey. While some might feel it as a problem, I think it's actually a strong point that this book could be enjoyed by readers of any age. 😊 Because this book speaks to those who may have had childhoods that weren't that ideal or parents that were not the best kind - and for anyone who is struggling - at whatever age - to know that they are not alone - this book can give them hope - make them feel that there is someone who will be there to listen to them.
“You are going to be even better than fine. You are going to be loved like you deserve to be loved. And you are going to have a very magical life (if you want it; feel free to say no, as magic always comes with a price).”
Some may say this is Lucy's story - some may even say Hugo is the heart of this novel - but to me, it was Jack Masterson - the Mastermind - the one whose past and future story connected all the characters and brought them together. The man who has lived a life of sadness, loneliness, and pain - not only of his own, but the countless children's lives that his works have changed. 😢
And then to have that desire to help those in need - to try to whatever capability he had to aid them - if there is only so much that he could do to the voices that reached him the most - I am actually very much curious and interested in reading a bit of this story from his perspective, and even a bit about the life that led him here - the trials that made him who he was and the origin behind the stories of Clock Island. There were still so many layers to his being that was yet to be explored and intrigued me...
“When I told you,” Hugo said, biting off the end of each word, “to start plotting again, I meant in your books.”
And there came that laugh again, the-devil’s-at-the-back-door-and- nobody-remembered-to-lock-it laugh.
“You know what they say, my boy…be careful what you wish for.”
Ms.Shaffer created a character - that while his reach may be a bit too far-fetched and impossible to believe - too grandiose in his optimism - I still believed that he genuinely cared for these children's well-being - even if it was a select few - he remembered them - clung to this hope that he could have the rare chance to help them - to show them that there is still someone out there - regardless of what age you are - you are all worth someone's time and help. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“Sometimes the thing we want most in the world is the thing we’re most afraid of. And the thing we’re most afraid of is often the thing we most want. What do you want most in the world?”
A few nit-picks that I did have with the story, however, were with the shifts between Lucy's walk down memory lane and the present time could have been a bit more balanced; the transitions involving those scenes were not so very handled, in my opinion, but it's such a small nit-pick, I couldn't let it sway my interest in the rest of the novel.
Also, a part of me, didn't really buy into the instant chemistry between Lucy and Hugo - I understand that Meg Shaffer wished for us to leave with this hopeful promising message that all of Lucy's problems could be solved with one visit to Clock Island, but I would have been more than happy and satisfied if there wasn't any attraction between the two. But, then the romantic in me argues that Jack also hoped to help Hugo find his happiness - a motive for staying or leaving the island - then I do understand why it was necessary for Lucy and Hugo to have that intimate connection - even without their meeting in the past.
All the characters were delightful with their own special characteristics and personalities that somehow, inadvertently connected them all with their own bouts with their traumatic childhoods and painful pasts. Lucy and Hugo and Christopher each brought something different to the narrative - not so much unique, but a certain heart to it - something that made you want to protect them - for them to achieve contentment - to be able to face the fears that they've been shouldering. 🥺 As beautiful and moving, Lucy and Christopher's relationship was, I felt more inclined towards Hugo - and how he had been brought into Jack's world - how he ended up here, his thoughts on the game, his feelings for Lucy.
And then for us to see, in such a subtle but loved manner, in which Jack approached all these little contexts - his hope to lead them out of the tunnel and into the light; that fierce protective desire to be there for them - that innocent claim to just care for the other person was so very well-expressed in the writing, so heart-felt and very hopeful and understanding, that it made reading it a truly warm and pleasant experience. 💕💕
“What can’t be touched, tasted, or held but can be broken?”
— A promise.—” -
I recommend books often but it's rare for me to beg people to read a book. The Wishing Game is a must read for any book lover. It perfectly captures how reading is instrumental in our lives and if you place the right book in a child's hands, a story and characters they connect with, it can be a game changer. Please read this book. It's a beautiful story.
Jack Masterson is the author of a best selling children's series but hasn't come out with a new book in a long time. That is until now. He offering a unique competition in which the prize is something that could change the winner's life.
Twenty-six year old, Lucy Hart, is a teacher's aide and a big fan of Masterson's Clock Island series. Her dream is to adopt her former student and now orphan, 7 year old Christopher but her money situation is extremely tight at the moment. Being a contestant in her favorite author's competition might help her financial situation in a big way.
This was one of those hand to the heart type reads in which I'm alternating between smiling and crying throughout this lovely story. Reading is a positive outlet for so many of us, whether you are a child or an adult. You can pick up a book and just escape into a different world and forget about your troubles for awhile. The story really struck a chord in me and brought back fond memories of all those books and authors and the value they have brought to my life.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for providing an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion. -
This book will go down as one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. This book is just so fun. Yes it pays homage to Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, another great book, in that there are 4 people competing for the only copy of the final book of a famous children’s author. The Mastermind tells them there will be games and challenges. Oh my gosh I couldn’t wait. I seriously felt like a kid waiting to be thrown the first riddle or game. The creativeness it took to imagine this book - I want to know what the author’s office looked like - were there drawings of the island? Clocks all over depicting the “right” time. I want to see this in film as a movie. This book has it all - such a great plot, so darn creative, the riddles and puzzles are so smart, yet created with kids in mind, the sadness, the happiness. I’m telling you this book is fascinating and fantastic. I wanted to race through it to see what happened but at the same time I never wanted it to end. Please can there be a sequel? A million thanks to NetGalley and Meg Shaffer and Random House Publishing for the early ARC and for allowing me to go back in time when I was a kid who only wanted to escape to every place in every book I read. This book is a winner!
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Did Lucy's wish come true? She needs a very big wish to come true.
Lucy had met Jack Masterson, children's author, who lived on Clock Island when she was a young girl.
Lucy and three other contestants are called back to the Clock House for a game to win his latest and last book.
Will a contest on the famous Clock Island with the famous Jack Masterson and with the prize of Jack’s last book worth six figures if you sell it save her so she can have enough money and a suitable life to adopt Christopher?
The house and the game Jack had for them on Clock Island was very clever, and the book was a magical one filled with books, love, hope, and lovable characters.
THE WISHING GAME is a different read that at times was a bit odd, but you will love Lucy and Christopher and their journey to become a family.
In the beginning, I was curious about the plot, but soon enough you will be part of the warm feelings flowing from the characters and will be rooting for Lucy to achieve her life-long dream of winning the contest and becoming a mother.
A sweet, uplifting read that also addresses the difficulties of the child foster program. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. -
In The Wishing Game, Lucy is living with three roommates on the meager salary of a teachers aide. She's estranged from her family but cares deeply about Christopher, a boy who's parents passed away when he was a student in her class. Together they share a love for a 60 volume kids book Lucy read as a kid.
When the author announces he's written one more book, he invites four people to his island to compete for the book. Lucy gets to compete in hopes of making enough money off the book to adopt Christopher.
I was rooting for Lucy and Christopher right away in chapter one, but quickly lost it. Lucy doesn't foster Christopher, so their time together is limited to seeing each other a little bit after school. Despite this, Lucy seems to have this strong desire to adopt Christopher and constantly calls herself his mother. Which I found really odd.
Despite making very little money, not owning a car or a house, being only 26 years old, and living with three other roommates, Lucy thinks she's fit to adopt Christopher. Which...I just couldn't get behind. The social worker has to remind Lucy that he needs more than love, but someone who can drive him to the hospital if he gets sick, and a room of his own as opposed to sleeping on her floor with her roommates.
Which are some solid points. Lucy still doesn't believe that she wouldn't be a good mom.
Then we get to the competition, (more than halfway through the book) marketed as a Willy Wonka like adventure and contest on a mysterious island. Sounds promising? Well, they solve some riddles and play a game of monopoly. And that's pretty much it. It's not even a really detailed intense game of Monopoly, it's described and overwith in about a paragraph. (And no, it's not a game similar to Monopoly, it is literally the hasbro branded Monopoly board game).
To say the least, a wonderful pitch with an execution that left me really disappointed.
There were a few other things that didn't sit right with me, like our love line characters first meeting when he was 25 and she was 13. Or all of the small pointless subplots that cloud the story but don't have anything to add to it.
Thank you Random house for sending me an ARC copy for an honest review -
" This book is dedicated to Charlie and to all of us who are still waiting for our golden tickets."
I finished this book last night and I've had an extremely busy day today and just now have a few moments to write this review. I've written and re written this review in my head a few times already and nothing comes out right to describe just how much I enjoyed this amazing and enchantingly uplifting story!! Ever have a book fall into your hands and heart at just the right time? I have many times and this is one of those times.
I went into this book blind and I think sometimes that's the best way to read a book, no other opinions but your own. I've read such wonderful reviews after I read it and am so glad that so many people liked it too!
Lucy and Christopher are the main characters. Lucy is a teachers assistant at the school Christopher attends. Christopher is such an amazing little 7 year old boy who is shuffled from one foster family to another. Lucy loves Christopher and Christopher loves Lucy. Lucy wants to adopt him and be his Mom. Only she is broke and needs the money to adopt him. A famous children's writer named Jack writes Clock Island books which are a hit! Kids, including Lucy, who read them as a child, and Christopher love them. Jack stopped writing for 6 years. Why? No one really knows. All of a sudden he started writing again and holds a contest to win his new book. There's a catch...you have to solve a riddle and if you answer correctly, you get a chance to go to Clock Island in Maine for a week to play Jacks game. Only 4 people know the answer and Lucy is one of them. If she wins, she can sell the book and be very rich and use the money to adopt Christopher!! It's her only chance. Talk about pressure!!
Jack's game is not easy to win. I had so much fun trying to figure out his riddles to win this game! Does Lucy win? Or does one of the other contestants win? Time is running out. I absolutely loved this book! It had me laughing out loud at times and crying at other times.. keep the Kleenex handy for this adventure! I quarantine you are in for a rollercoaster of emotions! I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every second reading it. It's a fast read that I read in a few days!! If this isn't on your reading list, please add it, you won't regret it!! " Tick Tock. Welcome to the clock" Have fun and enjoy this amazing and enchanting story of loss, love and courage to have the strength not to give up!! -
I'm really perplexed by the rave reviews this novel is receiving...
I picked it as my Book of the Month primarily because it mentioned Maine, but also because the premise was promising: a beloved children's book author comes out of semi-retirement to write one last book and invites his four most ardent fans to compete for a chance to win the only copy of it. One of these fans, Lucy, is now a 26-year-old kindergarten teacher's aide living in poverty: she has 3 college-aged roommates who frequently smoke and drink, no car, loads of debt, and a kind-of unhealthy obsession with adopting one of her former students, a 7-year-old orphan named Christopher. Despite being told by social services that she is not in any position to foster or adopt any child (and it's true - she's really not; she laments at length about how she doesn't have the money for a $15 gift for Christopher, let alone money to feed, clothe, transport, or take care of him), she continues to call herself his mother and insist that his current foster family where he is fed and clothed and looked after is not as good as living with her would be. And in a big ole cringefest to teachers everywhere, she frequently hugs, kisses, and touches Christopher when they are alone together at school; nothing sexual happens, but still, no teacher in their right mind would put themselves in a situation like that today. Anyway, she is determined to win this contest and sell the book to the highest bidder so that she can finally put all of her haters to shame and adopt Christopher.
This book was just so... boring. I didn't really care about any of the characters. Lucy was whiny and immature and incredibly traumatized by her childhood. I don't want to minimize the pain of parental neglect, but her parents neglected her as they focused their attention on their sick older child. Lucy went to stay with her grandparents, and it somehow ballooned into this whole "nobody loves me and my childhood was the worst ever and it was totally my sick older sister's fault" thing that didn't seem believable to me. When Lucy and her sister finally interacted, there was no tension, no heat, no real conflict; it felt like they were both reading a script. I just didn't care. Lucy needs therapy.
The children's author Jack was supposed to be endearing, I think, but he came across as creepy to me. He was a gay man who wanted to be a father at a time when that wasn't a possibility, so I have a lot of sympathy for him, but the fact that so many children wrote letters to him about how miserable their lives were and he wrote them all back saying how he would be a better father to them than their own parents and how he wished they'd all come live with him? Ick.
The romance was meh but was made worse by the fact that the two characters met once before, when she was only 13 and he was in his mid-20s. Nothing happened then, other than her having a bit of a crush on this cute guy, but still. We also learn that this female character had a lengthy and abusive relationship with a man in his late 30s when she was in her late teens-early 20s. Both of these "romances," put in the context of all of the inappropriate interactions between children and adults in this book, feel icky at best.
Then there's the game itself, which didn't come in until at least halfway through the book. It was boring. The few games that were actually described were riddles easily solved by one of the characters. The rest of the games were just named in passing without any scenes. I thought this book was going to be all about the game, but it was really all about emotional trauma and believing in the power of your dreams and facing your fears and blah blah blah.
The writing overall is juvenile and simplistic. While this is not a problem in and of itself, this is also apparently NOT a YA novel, which makes the writing a problem for me. The whole thing needs more revision, more eyes on it, and more development before it will be ready for adult audiences, or it needs to be revised and rebranded for young adults. It just didn't work for me. 1.5 stars. -
What a gem of a read. I smiled most of the way through, except for the parts that made me teary. I loved the whimsical clock island, the found family, and the nods to the Chocolate Factory.
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THE WISHING GAME by Meg Shaffer is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will enchant readers from start to finish. The story revolves around Lucy Hart, a young woman who finds solace in books, particularly the Clock Island series by the reclusive author Jack Masterson. When Jack resurfaces with a brand-new book and a contest, Lucy's life takes an unexpected turn. Meg Shaffer's writing is beautifully captivating, filled with passages that resonate with book lovers. The author effectively portrays the transformative power of books, taking readers on a journey where characters' lives are shaped by their love for reading. The book exudes a charming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibe, which adds to its whimsical appeal. The exploration of themes like family, love, wishes, and finding one's home is done with depth and grace. The characters are well-developed, and their backstories add layers of complexity and emotion to the narrative. Reading THE WISHING GAME feels like being enveloped in a warm hug. It touches the heart, evokes introspection, and leaves a lasting impact. Meg Shaffer's debut novel is a celebration of the power of literature and the profound connections it fosters. If you're seeking a moving, thought-provoking read filled with heart and charm, look no further than THE WISHING GAME.
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